Essendon coach Matthew Knights will lead a host of former AFL players coming out of retirement in order to raise funds for Bendigo's western region, which was ravaged by fire.
Knights will be joined by Bendigo Bombers coach Adrian Hickmott and former AFL stars Gary O'Donnell, Scott Camporeale and Ashley Prescott as the Bendigo Bombers host a Celebrity Football match as part of their Football Family Fun Day on Monday, March 9.
The fundraiser will see local football uniting behind a worthwhile cause in order to maximise fundraising for Bendigo's bushfire victims - 700 of whom were directly affected by Bendigo's 4km fire front which destroyed 333 hectares of land in the town's western suburbs.
Knights said the match was a cause worth donning the guernsey for and is confident about putting his skills on display despite seven years out of the game.
"I may be 38 but I still feel like a 22-year-old and after a couple of extra sessions in the gym, I think my skills will be as good as when I was captaining Richmond," Knights said.
"Our players will be there on the day so they had better have their notebooks out and taking notes on how the professionals tear up the turf.
"On a serious level though, it is a great cause to be involved in given all the people who were affected by the bushfires.
"Having coached the Bendigo Bombers for two years, I understand Essendon's close links with the area and it is really important that our club gets down there and lends its support. This is a great initiative of the Bendigo Bombers and it is important we support it.
"I really appreciate our players' willingness to be involved and am grateful they understand the impact they can have in the community at times such as these."
The celebrity game will kick off proceedings for the day before a junior game and a match between the Bendigo Bombers and the Bendigo Football League All-Stars.
In addition to the football games, there will be free entertainment and activities for children.
Bendigo Bushfire Appeal Fundraiser
When: Monday 9 March
Where: Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo
Time: Gates open at 2pm, 3pm - 3.50pm - Celebrity Game, 4pm - 4.50pm - Junior Game, 5pm - 7pm - Bendigo Bombers v Bendigo Football League All-Stars
Entry: Adults $10, free admission for children under 14
Last Modified on 26/02/2009 11:48