Sunday’s match between the Essendon Football Club and the Western Bulldogs will mark the 20^th anniversary of the EJ Whitten Cup, the perpetual trophy contested annually between the two Clubs.

The cup was named in honour of the 321-game Bulldogs legend, whose career spanned 19 years and included playing in the Club’s 1954 VFL premiership team.

In season 2015, the cup will be presented by Bulldogs Legend Doug Hawkins to the winning captain, in the changerooms of the victorious side, after the final siren.

First contested in 1995, the Bombers hold an advantage on the historical ledger having claimed the prized silverware on 13 occasions, with the Bulldogs having won the trophy on five occasions, with one draw back in 2002.

The cup has been played for at alternate home games between Essendon and Western Bulldogs since 1995 with Essendon home games in odd years and Bulldogs in even years.

It has been played for in seasons where there has been only one game irrespective of which club hosted the game.

The two-handled silver cup on a wooden base is currently in the keeping of the Essendon Football Club, with the Bombers having won the past six encounters between the two clubs.

Since the game has been played under the roof of Etihad Stadium, the Bulldogs have won eight  and drawn one of the 23 matches between the two sides at the venue.

The Bulldogs last won the trophy in 2009, with then skipper Brad Johnson holding the cup aloft after a 33-point victory in front of 47,120 in Round 16 of that season.

Johnson had 30 disposals and Mitch Hahn kicking five goals.

2015 also marks the 20^th anniversary of the passing of Ted Whitten, after his battle with prostate cancer.