Essendon will kick off its 2014 campaign this Friday night in a huge opening game against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
After an intense pre-season under new coach Mark Thompson, the Bombers will be bolstered by the recruit of Paul Chapman who looks set to don the red sash officially for the first time since arriving at the club in November.
But the night will celebrate the achievements of Essendon legend Dustin Fletcher, who will line up for his 379th career game breaking the club’s all-time games record, surpassing Simon Madden’s previous record.
Essendon v North Melbourne
Friday 21 March
Etihad Stadium at 7.50pm
Gates Open
Public gates will be open from 5.45pm.
Ticketing
Friday night’s match is classified as A-Reserved so all supporters who attend the game must have a reserved seat.
TV Broadcast Guide
Melbourne – Channel 7 at 7.30pm (live), Fox Footy at 7.30pm (live)
Adelaide – Channel 7 at 7.00pm (live), Fox Footy at 7.00pm (live)
Perth – 7mate at 4.30pm (live), Fox Footy at 4.30pm (live)
Sydney – 7mate at 7.30pm (live), Fox Footy at 7.30pm (live)
Brisbane – 7mate at 6.30pm (live), Fox Footy at 6.30pm (live)
VIC/SA/WA regional markets have broadly the same telecast times as the state capital city, except where specified. TAS & NT have broadly the same telecast times as VIC.
Radio Guide
Melbourne – Triple M, 3AW, SEN, ABC774, Grandstand Digital
Adelaide – Triple M, ABC891, Grandstand Digital, FIVEaa
Perth – Triple M Digital, ABC720, Grandstand Digital, 6PR
Sydney – ABC630
Brisbane – ABC936
Canberra – ABC103.9
Hobart – HeartFM, ABC936
Darwin – ABC105.7
Regional – KROCK, NIRS, Crocmedia
Dustin Fletcher – Celebrating A Legend
Essendon veteran Dustin Fletcher will play his 379th career game for the Bombers this Friday night, surpassing Simon Madden to become the all time games record holder for the club. Make sure you mark this incredible achievement and celebrate with Fletch by securing your piece of history from the Bomber Shop. Visit bombershop.com.au to purchase online now as well as bid for match worn items and Fletch memorabilia via the clubs online auctions. There will also be Bomber Shop representatives roaming the concourse of Etihad Stadium selling exclusive Fletch379 limited edition pins for $15.
Milestones
If selected, both Patrick Ryder and Jake Carlisle will also reach significant career milestones on Friday night against North Melbourne. Ryder will celebrate 150 games in the red and black, while Carlisle will line up for his 50th game.
The Bomber Shop
Shop direct with the club at Etihad Stadium and visit the Bomber Shop van on the Southern Cross Footbridge prior to the game or Beyond Sport located on Level 1 Aisle 1 open throughout the whole game. You’ll be able to check out club exclusive items and a heap of match day accessories. Alternatively shop online at www.bombershop.com.au.
Membership
Come and visit the friendly Member Services staff who will be located at the Membership marquee outside Gate 5 from 5.30pm. They’ll be happy to assist with any Membership sales and enquiries.
Don the Sash and join as an Essendon member in 2014. Adult memberships start at only $50, and all memberships come with exclusive members-only weekly emails from the coaches, delivered directly to your email inbox. Visit membership.essendonfc.com.au or call 1300 46 26 62 (during business hours) for details.
Bully Zero Foundation
Essendon Football Club is a proud partner of the Bully Zero Australia Foundation, coinciding with the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence on Friday 21 March. The mission of Bully Zero Australia Foundation is to provide genuine and enduring care for bullying victims and their families. More details about this important initiative will be communicated throughout the week. Essendon coaches and officials will wear orange pins in support of the Bully Zero Australia Foundation on Friday night.
Live Online Coverage
Twitter
To follow all the action live via Twitter with full commentary, stats and scores, visit: www.twitter.com/EssendonLive
Use the #DonTheSash hashtag to participate in the conversation, and use the #Fletch379 hashtag to send your well wishes to legend Dustin Fletcher on ahead of his milestone game.
Facebook
To get regular updates throughout the game on Facebook visit www.facebook.com/Essendon.
