Tonight the Western Bulldogs and Essendon will not only battle it out for the win, but also to secure the coveted EJ Whitten Cup.

The Cup was established in 1995 to recognize the contribution of Ted (E.J) Whitten to the Western Bulldogs (Footscray) Football Club. Ted was present for the inaugural match, but passed away later that year.

The Cup is presented only once a year when the Bulldogs take on Essendon.

Following the game there will be an on field presentation of the Cup to the Winning team.

So after the final siren tonight, we hope to see our boys bring home the Cup, which we have proudly held since 2006.

Ted Whitten played a remarkable 321 games for the Footscray (now Western Bulldogs) Football Club between 1951 and 1970.
 
Known as, "Mr Football", Ted Whitten was inducted to the AFL Hall of Fame in 1996 and was immediately elevated to Legend status.  He was also selected as Captain of the AFL Team of the Century.
 
Widely regarded by his contemporaries in the 1950's and 1960's as the greatest naturally talented player of his era, Ted lost his battle with prostate cancer in August 1995.

The Club’s home was also named after him, the ‘Whitten Oval’.

Want to learn more about the Legend Ted (E.J) Whitten and view his extraordinary statistics? Or take a look at the history of the E.J Whitten Cup? Click here to visit the FAQs page, ask a question and find out more about this Legend of the game.