Cyril Rioli and Gary Ablett Jnr the first announced for Legends Game

Cyril Rioli and Gary Ablett Jnr will make their return to footy as the No.1 draft picks for the Legends Game for Prostate Cancer.

Under coach Shane Crawford and captain Nick Riewoldt, Hawthorn legend Rioli will be the biggest name for the All Star team.

Geelong and Gold Coast great Ablett will play for the Vics who will be coached by Tim Watson and captained by Luke Hodge.

Discussing his No 1 pick, Crawford said: "We thought we might go with Kane Cornes when they said Ablett Jnr so we could tag him.

"Our number one pick, we want to have fun, we've gone the ultimate 'No. 1 bums on seats player'. A player with one of the all time great highlight reels in the history of the games and that is Cyril Rioli."

This year marks 30 years since the passing of one of the game’s greats from prostate cancer - E.J. Whitten - a true legend of Australian football. Now, with a new wave of legends taking the field the Legend’s Game proudly carries the legacy of E.J. to help raise awareness and vital funds for prostate cancer.

The big name for the Vics was a no brainer according to Hoge and Watson.

"We spoke long about this but it was simple," the captain said. "I played with this bloke in primary school and if we have him on our side we will have to do less so the two-time Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett Jnr will be our No 1 pick.

"He’s looking as fit as his playing days.

"Fans want to see the great man back out on the field. The Master is in as pick one for Vics.

"The gameplan will be ‘just give it to Gaz.”

Plagued by injuries in recent months, Hodge said he would take a sideline approach to the match.

"I’m a bit nervous," he said.

"Last time I played a game of football I had a compound fracture. I’m going to stay as wide from the contest as I can. I retired as Covid came so I jumped at the chance.

"I tore a hamstring about 10 weeks ago so that’s the main one (concern).

"I won’t be sprinting, no contested possession and no tackling."

Set to take place on Thursday, August 28 at Marvel Stadium, the event will be broadcast live from 7pm AEST on 7 and 7plus Sport, with the first bounce scheduled for 7.30pm.

SEN CEO, Craig Hutchison, said his organisation was proud to play a part in supporting such an important cause and iconic match.

"We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Australian Prostate Centre to bring back one of the most cherished nights on the footy calendar. With the support of the AFL, the Seven Network and our production team at Rainmaker, we’re set to deliver a spectacular event that entertains and inspires.

“We are blown away by the support of so many legends, and to have champions like Cyril Rioli and Gary Ablett Jnr committing to play speaks volumes for the hearts of so many greats keen to make a difference for this incredible cause.

“There’s some amazing further player announcements to come in coming weeks.”

TICKETS AND DONATIONS

AFL and Club members this Thursday, July 17 at 9am, with general public sales live 24 hours later on Friday, July 18.

Buy Tickets: Head to Ticketmaster to secure your seat for a night of footy and fundraising.

Donate: Visit legendsgame.com.au to support RULE Prostate Cancer and help fund life-saving care and research.