The Geelong and Essendon football clubs officially launched the 2016 Powercor Country Program at the MCG on Monday evening.
Cats President Colin Carter and Bombers CEO Xavier Campbell, together with footy legend Kevin Sheedy and current players Tom Hawkins and Joe Daniher, were present at the launch.
An exciting new initiative for both clubs, the Powercor Country Program incorporates:
* Regional community engagement activities
* An annual NAB Challenge game between the clubs at a regional venue
* An annual Country Game between the clubs at the MCG, which will be feature a Country Festival in Yarra Park
Sheedy, who came up with the idea, said: “The Country Game was born out of a very simple concept: celebrating the great people who keep our country going.
"There are a lot of people in the country, nation-wide, who need to be thanked, particularly during what has recently been a very difficult time for our farmers.
"It’s not only about farming, it’s about country people. There are about 8.5 million people that don’t live in the main cities of Australia."
Geelong President Colin Carter said the inaugural Powercor Country Program is an opportunity to give back to country communities who give us so much.
"The opportunity to come together with the Essendon Football Club and play in the Country Game will help to raise awareness of the issues facing the regional and rural communities of Australia,” Carter said.
"Our rural and regional communities are a most important part of our country, and we hope the Powercor Country Program initiative gives people an insight into what happens on the land, in particular the financial pressures faced by our farmers in times of drought.
"We really look forward to the opportunity to thank, recognise and give back to our great game’s country members and fans."
The Powercor Country Program ambassadors Tom Hawkins and Joe Daniher were on hand at Monday's launch to share their personal connections to Australia’s country communities and excitement for the inaugural game later this year.
Hawkins, who grew up in Finley in the New South Wales Riverina, said: “The local football club is often the heartbeat of country towns, so this game will a great way for city and country football fans to come together and celebrate."
Daniher added: "We’re fortunate to be part of this fantastic initiative. We hope it is something the AFL and all football fans can celebrate for many years to come."
The clubs will play their first NAB Challenge game under the Powercor Country Program banner at Shepparton on Saturday afternoon.
They will play their first premiership season Country Game on a Saturday afternoon at the MCG in round four.
