Essendon will open its 2008 NAB Cup campaign with a clash against the Western Bulldogs in the
Darwin heat.
 
The Bombers and the Dogs meet at TIO Stadium on Friday, 15th February at 7:40pm (local time).
 
Essendon inflicted the first ever defeat on the Indigenous All-stars in Darwin earlier this year and have played in the tropical heat on many occasions.
 
A packed house is expected at the game and will give the Bombers plenty of support, especially if Darwin boy, Alwyn Davey, lines up for Essendon.
 
The winner of the Darwin game will play the winner of the Kangaroos v Brisbane clash at Telstra Dome on Friday 22nd February at 7:40pm.
 
The winner of that match will play on the 29th February (further details to be confirmed) for a place in the NAB Cup Grand Final on 8th March.