For too long, prostate cancer has been a silent killer of our fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, sons and friends.

While one in five Australian men will be diagnosed with the disease, even more will go undetected before it is too late to intervene.

“Almost 3500 men die of prostate cancer each year in Australia,” urologist and one of the world’s leading prostate specialists Professor Tony Costello, AM, said.

The AFL has supported the Breast Cancer Network Australia and the Pink Lady Match, which has done a brilliant job highlighting the importance of awareness and raising funds to tackle this disease.

And now Professor Costello and his team at the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre are keen to use a similar model to promote the plight of men in our community.

It will start in this round with the top of the table North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs match being promoted as #clash4prostate to help raise awareness and funds.

“Aside from the Ted Whitten Legends Game, this is the first time we’ve been able link with the AFL on the most important cancer for men and we’re incredibly grateful to North Melbourne for partnering with us, as well as the Western Bulldogs and AFL for their support,” Professor Costello said.

Former Bulldogs captain, Luke Darcy, who turned 40 last year recalls fondly the legend that was former Bulldog premiership hero, Ted Whitten who tragically died of prostate cancer in 1995, aged 62.

“My first job at the club was driving the great EJ Whitten around, who had played with my dad, and what a great initiation into Melbourne with Mr Football himself.

“To think he could still be here with a simple test, it’s just a tragedy. I’m now at the age where I need to get checked and I urge every man 40 and over to do the same.”

For more information on the work of the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre visit www.prostatecancerresearch.org.au