Football operations manager, Paul Hamilton, says that Essendon supports the AFL’s decision to change Friday night’s match from TIO Stadium in Darwin to the Telstra Dome.

The change is being made to assist with fund-raising for people affected by the Victorian fires.

“The AFL has decided to make this change to assist in the fire relief effort and Essendon fully supports this move,” Hamilton said.

“While we were looking forward to playing in front of our loyal supporters in Darwin, we are proud to assist in the fund-raising efforts to help thousands of Victorians affected by this horrible disaster.

“Werealise some of our supporters will be negatively impacted by the change but, given the exceptional circumstances, we believe our fans willunderstand the AFL’s decision.

“Everyone has been touched by the events of the past few days and we hope this game will help lift people’s spirits and raise money for those who need it most.”

Hamilton said that Essendon is currently developing a number of other options to assist fund-raising efforts including collecting donations at the Windy Hill family day on February 22.
 
Donations to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund can be made by ringing 1800 811 700 or by visiting http://www.redcross.org.au/
 

AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said the game will be televised livenationally on Foxtel's Fox Sports 1 andthroughout Victoria on the Seven Network at 8.30pm.

“We will announce other measures in the days and weeks to come but this NAB Cup Bushfire Appeal game will enable both the competing clubs and also players from all AFL clubs to offer an avenue for football fans to show their support for local communities hit hardest by the bushfires,"" Mr Demetriou said.

“It doesn’t matter who people barrack for, we want all football supporters to join as one to support this game and to support those communities who are trying to deal with the loss of friends, family and neighbours.

“From a more immediate point of view, our players and clubs are urging all of their supporters to give money and blood to assist the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.”

Mr Demetriou also thanked competition partner NAB, broadcasters Foxtel, Fox Sports and Channel Seven and for their support of this initiative, and the support of Telstra Dome to host the match.

Foxtel Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Kim Williams said his network was delighted to support this move.

""Foxtel absolutely supports the AFL's initiative to move the Western Bulldogs-Essendon match from Darwin to Melbourne as part of its support for the Victorian Government's Bushfire Appeal.
 
""We have today worked with the AFL and its other broadcast partner the Seven Network so that in addition to the game being broadcast live andnationally on FOXTEL's FOX Sports 1, it will also be able to be broadcast on the Seven Network in Victoria.""

Channel Seven Melbourne General Manager Lewis Martinsaid they encouraged everyone to support this match.

 
“Communities and families across Victoria have been devastated by these bushfires. Our thoughts are with all those people affected and we offer our encouragement and support to all those volunteers and firefighters who have fought hard to save communities, families and property.
 
“We encourage everyone to get behind the Victorian Bushfire Appeal through this special NAB Cup match on Friday night,” said Mr Martin
 
Essendon members and supporters can donate to the Victoria Bushfire Relief Fund at any NAB Branch, or if you are registered for NAB internet banking you can donate via 'Pay Anyone'.
 

·         Victoria Bushfire Relief Fund

·         BSB: 082-001

·         Account: 860 046 797