It will be a case of a top-of-the-table clash tonight when Essendon and Hawthorn do battle at Etihad Stadium.

The Bombers, who sit second on the ladder, will go in as underdogs in the eighth annual ‘Clash for Cancer’ match, but will be looking to cause a major upset against the first placed Hawks.
 
The last time the two teams met, in Round 18, 2012, Hawthorn 27.18 (180) d Essendon 12.14 (86) at Etihad Stadium.

Essendon v Hawthorn
Friday 26 July
Etihad Stadium at 7.50pm

Gates Open
Public gates will be open from 5.45pm.

Ticketing
No public tickets remain available for this match.  Members with entry entitlements must upgrade to a reserved seat through Ticketmaster. Visit your nearest outlet, ticketmaster.com.au or call 1300 136 122 for further details.

TV Broadcast Guide
Melbourne – Channel Seven 7.30pm (live), Fox Footy 7.30pm (live)
Adelaide – Channel Seven 7.00pm (live), Fox Footy 7.00pm (live)
Perth – 7mate 5.30pm (live), Fox Footy 5.30pm (live)
Sydney – 7mate 7.30pm (live), Fox Footy 7.30pm (live)
Brisbane – 7mate 7.30pm (live), Fox Footy 7.30pm (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, AABC891, Grandstand Digital, FIVEaa
Perth –  ABC720, Grandstand Digital, 6PR
Sydney – ABC630, NIRS
Brisbane – ABC936, NIRS
Canberra –  ABC103.9
Hobart – ABC936, HobartFM
Darwin – ABC105.7, NIRS
Regional – NIRS, Crocmedia, KRock

Clash For Cancer
Essendon will continue its support in the important fight against cancer this Friday night when the side takes on Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium. The concept originated when the club decided to take a stand in honour of premiership player Adam Ramanauskas who was diagnosed with cancer whilst playing for the Bombers in 2003, and again in 2006.

Essendon will wear its signature ‘Clash for Cancer’ guernsey, with the yellow armband on the left side of the jumper paying tribute to Ramanauskas and all Australian men fighting the brave battle against cancer. Versatile Essendon star Paddy Ryder is spearheading the club’s Clash for Cancer charge this year with all funds raised going towards Cancer Council Victoria’s ongoing research, prevention and support programs specifically for cancer in men - a disease that affects 1 in 2 men by the age of 85. To donate, or to sponsor Paddy visit www.calltoarms.com.au/paddy or call 1300 65 65 85.

Guernsey Auction

The players’ match-worn Clash for Cancer guernseys from Friday night’s match will be signed and auctioned online via the club’s website. All proceeds will go towards the Cancer Council Victoria. Click here to start bidding.

Clash for Cancer Mascots
In a bid to brighten the lives of young Australians touched by cancer, 22 children from cancer charity ‘Challenge’ will walk out with the players on Friday night. ‘Challenge’ is a not-for-profit organisation that provides daily support for children and families living with cancer from the time of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

The Bomber Shop
Shop direct with the club at Etihad and visit the Bomber Shop van on the Southern Cross Footbridge before the game, merchandise outlet inside Gate 7, or Beyond Sport located on Level 1 Aisle 1 open throughout the whole game. You’ll be able to check out club exclusive products including Clash for Cancer Tees and Caps, Skeeta headbands as well as plenty of match day accessories. Visit bombershop.com.au to view our full range, as well as bid for official player signed match-worn Clash for Cancer guernseys, live now via Bomber Shop Auctions. All proceeds from the auctions will be donated to the Cancer Council.

Membership
Come and visit the friendly Member Services staff at the Membership marquee which will be located outside Gate 5 from 5.50pm on Friday night. We’re now well past 55,000 members in 2013! If you’re not yet a member, it’s not too late to be counted and join. Adult memberships start at only $50 (juniors from $25), and all memberships come with access to member presale weeks 1-3 finals when Essendon is participating. Make sure you do Whatever It Takes to support your club by getting your membership today. Visit membership.essendonfc.com.au or call 1300 46 26 62 for details.

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 #godons hash tag to participate in the conversation.

Facebook
To get regular updates throughout the game on Facebook visit www.facebook.com/Essendon.