Essendon is excited to bring back its Community Game in 2025 when they take on Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, 5 July. 

The Community Game is about more than football. It’s a chance to celebrate the people who make the Bombers special and welcome new and existing fans to the game we love, whilst encouraging everyone to feel a part of the Essendon Football Club and the footy community more broadly. 

The Bombers have a proud history that began in the heart of Essendon, continued through the iconic Windy Hill, and now thrives at the NEC Hangar in Melbourne’s north-west. 

The Club’s connection to its community has always been strong, and the Community Game is a way to honour that past while inviting more people to join the journey ahead. 

To help more people experience the game, thousands of free and discounted tickets will be shared through community networks, making it easier for fans (especially new ones) to attend.

To reflect the Club’s rich community tapestry of fans, schools, sporting clubs and venues, Essendon is taking opportunity to connect with different groups in the build-up to the game, including:

  • Essendon players Isaac Kako, Mason Redman, Luamon Lual, Alwyn Davey Jnr, Saad El-Hawli, Jayden Nguyen, Amy Gaylor, Bonnie Toogood and Brooke Walker taking part in a Next Generation Academy Come & Try event at Northern Saints FC in Fawkner.
  • Surprising a local school with an awesome price (keep an eye out for the winner)!
  • Pop-up snap & sign at Coles in Coburg North from 4pm on Wednesday, July 2.
  • Captain's run at the NEC Hangar with special guests from a local school. 

Make sure to get to the round 17 clash early to soak up the fun atmosphere alongside other members of our Bomber community. 

There is a FREE Bomber Kids zone outside Gate 7 from 10:45am, including activities, games, and giveaways.  

Get your tickets here and don’t forget kids aged 14 and under come FREE with a redeemed ticket as part of Kids Go Free Round. First bounce at 12:35pm.

For more information and to access FAQs around the game, click here, and for the round 17 gameday guide, click here.