Clash For Cancer 2008

Call To Arms 2008 culminated on Saturday 2nd August with the Clash For Cancer Aussie rules match between Essendon and Melbourne. The MCG was abuzz with excitement, with the enthusiastic crowd cheering along cancer campaigner and Essendon player Adam Ramanauskas and fellow players.

The Cancer Council Victoria, supported by Essendon Football Club and with some very special help from the MCC made their presence felt by selling slapbands outside the ground before the game. An army of almost a hundred volunteers turned up to ensure most of the crowd had a chance to buy a yellow slapband, with proceeds going towards fighting cancer in men. After a rush of frantic ‘slapbanding', the yellow army had sold over $15,000 worth of slapbands!

Exhausted, volunteers retreated to the safety of the stadium to watch the match take place. But not before a special treat! Mascots from some friendly corporate supporters had turned up to face off in the annual Clash For Cancer Corporate Mascot Race!

Entrants from Sumo Salad, Armor All, Sensis and M&M's lined up at the start for their one chance at glory, with the winner taking home the prestigious Clash For Cancer Cup.

After some dubious tactics from Sumo Salad's entrant, the field opened up for M&M's Miss Green, who showed a clean set of heels to be first over the finish line!

All in all it was a great day, raising over $40,000 (including a number of generous donations from guests at a special Essendon Clash For Cancer Chairman's Function) to help us tackle cancer in men. The day ended on a high with Essendon having a thrilling win, holding out a fast-finishing Melbourne side to win by 16 points. Matthew Lloyd starred, kicking eight goals and taking what may prove to be mark of the year.

Thanks to everybody who helped out on the day to make 2008's Clash For Cancer such a resounding success!