Discover the triumphant return of the E.J. Whitten Legends Game (now Four ’N Twenty Legends Game) on Aug 28, 2025, at Marvel Stadium. Featuring Gary Ablett Jr. & Cyril Rioli, raising funds for prostate cancer
🏉 The Return of the E.J. Whitten Legends Game: A Legendary Night for Footy and a Cause
When you think of Australian Rules Football, a few names immediately come to mind — and Ted “E.J.” Whitten is always among them. A true Victorian hero, Whitten was known as “Mr. Football” for good reason: he wasn’t just a player, he was a symbol of the sport’s spirit — passion, loyalty, rivalry, and community.
But the E.J. Whitten Legends Game is more than a tribute match for an AFL great — it’s a cause-driven celebration, a night that mixes sporting nostalgia with a mission to fight prostate cancer, which claims the lives of far too many Aussie men every year. In 2025, after years away from the field, the iconic charity event is finally making its comeback — bigger, bolder, and more meaningful than ever.
So, what is the E.J. Whitten Legends Game? Where is it happening this year? Who’s playing? Why does it matter, and how can fans be part of it? Let’s break it all down — so you can mark your calendar, grab your mates, and get ready for a footy night that’s all heart.
⚡ What Exactly is the E.J. Whitten Legends Game?
The E.J. Whitten Legends Game began in 1996, one year after Ted Whitten lost his battle with prostate cancer. His family and supporters wanted to honour his legacy in the best way they knew how: through the game he loved. The idea was simple but brilliant — bring back AFL greats, let them relive old rivalries, and use the ticket sales and donations to fund prostate cancer research and awareness.
But this isn’t your average footy game. The Legends Game is part match, part entertainment spectacle. Over the years, the event has featured retired AFL stars, cult heroes, local footy identities, and even celebrities and comedians donning guernseys for a good laugh and a good cause.
To keep it fun and fast, the game is played under modified rules called Superules — which reduce the physicality and keep it light-hearted. There are fewer tackles, more goals, comedic stunts, and crowd-pleasing antics. It’s a night where footy skills and showmanship collide, all wrapped in nostalgic banter and locker-room laughs.
🗓️ Where and When is the 2025 Legends Game Happening?
In 2025, the E.J. Whitten Legends Game makes its long-awaited comeback on Thursday, 28 August, right in the heart of Melbourne — the spiritual home of Aussie Rules Football.
The venue? The world-class Marvel Stadium, a place that’s hosted countless memorable moments and grand final qualifiers. This year, it transforms into a celebration zone for legends, fans, and families alike.
The game kicks off at 7:30 pm AEST, but the party starts well before that — with pre-game entertainment, appearances from past players, and plenty of food and drink options for a fun, family-friendly night.
If you can’t make it to the stadium, don’t worry — you won’t miss out. The entire match will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and streamed on 7plus, so you can tune in from your couch, your local pub, or even your phone on the go.
🏟️ Who’s Playing — And What’s New in 2025?
One of the biggest reasons the Legends Game is trending this year is because of the names attached to it. After a six-year break, organisers knew they had to bring back heavy hitters to make the return worth the wait. And they didn’t disappoint.
Gary Ablett Jr., one of the most loved and respected players of the modern AFL era, has confirmed he’ll pull on the boots to lead the Victoria side. His silky skills and humble personality have made him a fan favourite across generations.
Lining up on the other side is Cyril Rioli, a master of footy magic whose highlight reels still get replayed every season. He’ll captain the All-Stars team — a squad made up of ex-players from outside Victoria and celebrities with a competitive streak.
The coaches’ box is just as star-studded. Former champions like Luke Hodge, Tim Watson, Nick Riewoldt, and Shane Crawford will share their on-field wisdom and old-school pranks. Expect hilarious on-field interviews, tongue-in-cheek commentary, and moments where the legends remind us they’ve “still got it.”
💙 Why is the E.J. Whitten Legends Game So Important?
Sure, it’s fun to watch your old heroes pull the boots back on. But at its core, the Legends Game exists for a reason much bigger than footy — it saves lives.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Aussie men, with about one in five facing a diagnosis in their lifetime. Early detection is vital, but too many men ignore the warning signs or delay check-ups.
The E.J. Whitten Foundation and its partners have raised millions for prostate cancer research, awareness, and support services. This year, the game returns with a new name — the Four ’N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer — thanks to a major partnership with Australia’s iconic pie brand. The money raised will support the Australian Prostate Centre, which does life-changing work to detect and treat prostate cancer early.
When you buy a ticket, tune in, or even share a post about the Legends Game, you’re helping spark conversations about men’s health. You’re reminding your mates, your dad, your brother, your partner — get tested, talk to your GP, don’t put it off.
🔥 How Can Fans Get Involved?
1️⃣ Buy Tickets Early
Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster, with prices designed to keep it accessible for families. Membership pre-sales kicked off on July 17, and the general sale opened the very next day. Whether you’re a die-hard footy fan or just want a night of fun for a cause, this is the match you don’t want to miss.
2️⃣ Tune in and Cheer Loud
If you can’t make it to Marvel Stadium, grab your scarf, settle in on the couch, and catch the action live on Channel 7 and 7plus. Don’t forget to jump on social media and join the conversation using hashtags like #LegendsGame, #EJWhittenGame, and #ProstateCancerAwareness.
3️⃣ Spread the Word
Help keep E.J. Whitten’s mission alive by encouraging your mates to watch, share, and talk about the game and the cause behind it. Post a throwback pic of your favourite footy legend or share a link to donate directly to the Australian Prostate Centre.
⚙️ What Makes This Year Different — and Better
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the Legends Game into hiatus. Some even feared it might never return. But 2025 shows that great ideas never truly die — they evolve. The new format aims to be more inclusive and fan-focused than ever, with a fresh injection of humour, rivalries, and genuine good vibes.
Expect a few surprises too — whispers hint at celebrity cameos, surprise “ring-ins” during the quarters, fan competitions, and half-time entertainment to keep the atmosphere buzzing all night.
Most importantly, this comeback is designed to reignite the community’s passion for footy’s roots — mateship, rivalry, and giving back. At a time when big-money professional sport can feel disconnected from everyday fans, the Legends Game is a beautiful reminder that sport is at its best when it unites people for a cause.
🎯 Final Whistle: Be Part of a Night That Matters
Whether you’re a lifelong AFL nut or just someone who loves a good cause, the E.J. Whitten Legends Game is your chance to watch icons take the field, relive classic moments, and help tackle a disease that touches so many families.
So grab your guernsey, call up your mates, book those seats, and get ready to cheer. Because when footy legends lace up their boots again, it’s not just about nostalgia — it’s about making tomorrow healthier for every Aussie bloke.
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