Essendon’s final match of the season is all about saying thank-you to the key threads that have made up the sash in 2016.
In a season like no other, the support of the Bombers members has been incredible.
57,566 people have signed up this year, and in the lead up to and on game-day, the players and coaches want to show their gratitude.
They have organised a special thank-you message to members, and members who’ve attended every home and away game will be in the running to win exciting prizes and inner sanctum experiences.
Kids under 15 will be admitted to the game free of charge and every child will receive a free movie ticket.
Sherrin footballs will be given away throughout the match, including after every Essendon goal.
The Club will hold its final Open Training session of the season on Friday with photo and autograph opportunities for those in attendance.
The game against the Blues will also mark the final appearance for the Club’s 2016 recruits.
Despite limited preparation, all ten have represented the Club throughout the season.
“They’ve all been outstanding,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold.
“It hasn’t gone perfectly for a lot of them … a couple of serious injuries with hamstrings to Simpkin, Crowley, Stokes, Jamar, Grima – they’ve all had fairly significant injuries by trying to get themselves up to assist the Club.
“But the way that they’ve fought through all that and continued to add value has been outstanding."
When the final siren sounds on Saturday all players, coaches, the Chairman, the CEO and Club Legend Kevin Sheedy will meet in the middle of the MCG.
The ten recruits will then lead the group towards the cheer squad to say thank you.
Players and coaches will then disperse to all points of the ground to hand out footballs to the fans.
This week is all about celebrating the loyalty, passion and resilience that has made Essendon the most successful Club in the game’s history.
