Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Dustin Martin and Cyril Rioli headline the confirmed starters for the 2026 Four’N Twenty Legends Game for prostate cancer.
Following its hugely successful return in 2025, which attracted more than 31,000 fans to Marvel Stadium, raised over $1 million for the Australian Prostate Centre and became one of the biggest AFL television audiences of the year, the Legends Game is back for another unforgettable night of football and fundraising.
The blockbuster game will be played on Thursday, August 27 at Marvel Stadium and broadcast live nationally from 7pm AEST on Seven and 7plus Sport, with the first bounce scheduled for 7.30pm. The match broadcast will again be produced by SEN’s television production arm, Rainmaker, and delivered in collaboration with Ballpark Entertainment.
Featuring past greats, fan favourites and some of football’s biggest personalities, the State of Origin clash between Victoria and the All Stars will once again celebrate the best of Australian rules football while raising awareness and vital funds for prostate cancer.
Headlining the first player announcements is Martin, who will pull on the Big V guernsey in what is set to be one of the most anticipated appearances in Legends Game history.
Meanwhile, the All Stars have secured the return of Rioli, who was named Player of the Match in 2025 following a dazzling best-on-ground performance that included one of the highlights of the night with a stunning torpedo goal from long range.
The AFL great had the crowd on their feet when he launched a torpedo from inside the square right on the half-time siren.
Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with one in five men estimated to be diagnosed during their lifetime. Funds raised through the Legends Game will support patient care and life-saving research through the Australian Prostate Centre, one of Australia’s leading integrated prostate cancer treatment, support and research facility.
The Australian Prostate Centre is a world-class prostate cancer hub that brings together leading specialists in diagnosis, treatment, support and collaborative research, transforming outcomes for Australian men and their families while advancing research that will save lives for generations to come.
Geelong great Joel Selwood will coach Victoria, while Channel 7 footy expert Kane Cornes will coach the All Stars.
The All Stars will once again be led by Shane Crawford, who returns to the field after helping guide the side from the coaches’ box during last year’s successful revival of the match. Victoria will be led by Brendan Fevola, who returns to the field to captain the Big V after lining up in last year’s match.
Mark Harrison, CEO of the Australian Prostate Centre, said the organisation was excited to once again partner with the football community to drive awareness and funding for a disease that affects thousands of Australian families every year.
“The Four’N Twenty Legends Game is much more than a football match. It is one of the most important awareness and fundraising events for prostate cancer in Australia,” Harrison said.
“Every ticket purchased, every donation made and every person who tunes in helps us continue delivering world-class patient care and funding vital research through the Australian Prostate Centre.
“One in five Australian men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. These are our fathers, grandfathers, brothers, husbands, sons and mates- the legends in our lives. We are incredibly grateful to SEN, Seven, Four’N Twenty and the football community for once again rallying behind this cause.”
SEN CEO Craig Hutchison said the return of the Legends Game in 2026 builds on the momentum created by last year’s remarkable comeback.
“The response to the return of the Four’N Twenty Legends Game last year exceeded all expectations,” Hutchison said.
“To see more than 31,000 fans fill Marvel Stadium, over $1 million raised for the Australian Prostate Centre and millions of Australians tune in was a powerful reminder of how much this game means to the football public.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dustin Martin to the Victorian team. Dustin is one of the greatest players of the modern era and his involvement will generate enormous excitement among football fans.
“We’re also delighted to have Cyril Rioli return after his brilliant performance last year and to see Shane Crawford return to the field.
“There are some incredible names still to be announced and we look forward to sharing more player signings in the weeks ahead.”
Seven’s head of AFL and sport innovation Gary O’Keeffe said the event had quickly re-established itself as one of the highlights of the football calendar.
“The return of the Legends Game delivered outstanding results for Seven in 2025 and reminded Australians why this event holds such a special place in the sporting landscape,” he said.
“We’re excited to once again bring the action live and free to viewers around the country and showcase some of the biggest names in football supporting a truly worthy cause.”
Marvel Stadium General Manager Scott Fitzgerald said the venue was proud to host the event once again.
“The atmosphere at Marvel Stadium last year was incredible and demonstrated the strength of support for both the Legends Game and the Australian Prostate Centre,” Fitzgerald said.
“We look forward to welcoming fans back for another entertaining night that raises awareness, generates vital funding and celebrates some of football’s greatest personalities.”
Tickets for the 2026 Four’N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer are on sale now via Ticketmaster. Fans can also show their support by donating directly at legendsgame.com.au.
