Versatile star Paddy Ryder will be the face of this week’s annual ‘Clash for Cancer’ match when the side faces Hawthorn in a blockbuster at Etihad Stadium.

Essendon will continue its support in the important fight against cancer, originating when the club decided to take a stand in respect of premiership player Adam Ramanauskas who was diagnosed with cancer whilst playing for the Bombers in 2003.

In partnership with the Cancer Council’s Call To Arms campaign, all funds raised will go towards Cancer Council’s ongoing research, prevention and support programs that target cancer in men – a disease that affects one in two men by the age of 85.

Paddy is leading the charge on this year’s Call To Arms campaign. The annual campaign asks sporting clubs of all levels to choose a match during their season, wear yellow and raise funds for the Cancer Council. Supporters can donate to Paddy’s fundraising page as he strives to reach his target of $50,000.

Essendon will face Hawthorn in a top-of-the-table clash on Friday night, with all Bombers supporters urged to fill the cauldron with red and black.

People can register their club, sponsor a team or Paddy or donate at www.calltoarms.com.au/paddy.

Over $720,000 has been raised in Victoria since the event began in 2006.

Key statistics as follows:

  • Excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, the most common cancers facing men in Australia are prostate, bowel, melanoma and lung cancer.
  • Prostate cancer is more common in men than breast cancer is in women.
  • The survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent in the past two decades.
  • Whilst cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Victorian men, around one third of all cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices such as reducing alcohol intake, not smoking, exercising, and eating healthily, along with regular check-ups.

Click here to sponsor Paddy for the Call To Arms campaign.