AFL

3 hours ago

Legends Game: $1.1m raised, huge crowd and monster TV ratings

By SEN

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Sports Entertainment Network (SEN), in partnership with the Australian Prostate Centre, is proud to celebrate the resounding success of last night’s Four’N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer, which saw a crowd of 29,040 pack Marvel Stadium and helped raise more than $1.1 million for clinical treatments, allied health support and research collaborations at the Australian Prostate Centre.

The event’s broadcast across the Seven Network dominated viewing on Thursday night, and was the highest-reaching program of the night across Australian television. The game recorded the third biggest AFL audience of the year, with more than 2.38 million Australians tuning in on Seven and 7plus Sport; a 3% increase from last year's match.

The match had an average national total TV audience of 881,000, as well as 7AFL's highest-rating streaming audience for the season with 189,000; a 51% increase year-on-year.

AFL superstars such as Dustin Martin, Lance 'Buddy' Franklin and Gary Ablett Jr thrilled the 29,000-plus crowd at Marvel Stadium, while global stars Ruel and Scotty James showcased the spirit of the event by adjusting overseas commitments to take part in support of prostate cancer awareness.

The game itself delivered a fittingly entertaining spectacle, with Victoria overturning an early deficit to defeat the All Stars, 162 to 137, in a high-scoring showdown. Dustin Martin starred in his Legends Game debut, booting six goals to be named AIA Man of the Match, while Buddy Franklin wound back the clock with a breathtaking eight-goal performance for the All Stars. Gary Ablett Jr. reminded fans of his brilliance with a trademark super goal, while Ruel and Scotty James both hit the scoreboard to the delight of the crowd as coaches Joel Selwood and Kane Cornes led their respective sides in another memorable chapter of the Four'N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer.

The match was made possible by Four’N Twenty and an army of corporate partners who innovated in broadcast, venue and social, with initiatives including the Westfiled Game Day Style Tunnel pre-game, and State Transport Mascot Race at half time.

Fans in-venue were also treated to a spectacular pre-game entertainment lineup, with Amy Shark performing live, while the NFL also brought flag football to Marvel Stadium for the first time, giving families and younger audiences a glimpse of one of the world's fastest-growing sports ahead of the NFL's historic Melbourne game next month. The pre-game showcase featured personalities including Ben Graham, Josh Jenkins, Heath Shaw, Steve Gilham and Ryan Hoffman, along with Australian Men's National Flag Football representatives.

SEN Chief Executive, Craig Hutchison, said the 2026 Four'N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer had exceeded all expectations, delivering a record result for the Australian Prostate Centre while creating an unforgettable night of sport and entertainment.

“To see more than 29,000 fans at Marvel Stadium, 2.38 million Australians tune in on Seven and 7plus, and more than $1.1 million raised for the Australian Prostate Centre is an extraordinary outcome and one we are incredibly proud of,” Hutchison said.

“We thank Four'N Twenty for their unwavering support as naming rights partner, along with Marvel Stadium and the Victorian Government, whose significant contributions have helped drive vital funding for clinical treatments, allied health programs and research collaborations at the Australian Prostate Centre.

“We’re also enormously grateful to the players, performers, broadcasters and partners who came together to support the cause. To see legends of the game such as Dustin Martin, Lance 'Buddy' Franklin and Gary Ablett Jr sharing the field, alongside the likes of Ruel and Scotty James - individuals who sit atop their own respective industries and have given up their time for the cause - speaks to the passion and generosity that sits at the heart of this match.

“Most importantly, the funds raised will make a genuine difference to Australians and their families impacted by prostate cancer, and that's what this event is all about.”

CEO of the Australian Prostate Centre, Mark Harrison, said events like the Four'N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer help raise awareness of the cause, while also giving fans the opportunity to see their heroes in action again.

"We are proud to partner again with SEN in raising awareness and vital funds for prostate cancer research collaborations, treatment and care through the Four'N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer, and thank them for their ongoing support.

"Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian men, with 1 in 5 diagnosed in their lifetime. We know that awareness, early action and ongoing research save lives and events like tonight's game help drive this.

"It was great to see the legends of the game take the field again in support of our community's everyday legends, the grandfathers, dads, husbands, brothers and mates. We thank every player for their commitment to the cause.

"Thank you to the Seven Network for broadcasting the game to 2.38 million people across Australia, and to all our partners who helped bring the Legends Game to life and raise awareness and funds for the Australian Prostate Centre."

Seven Network’s Head of AFL and Sport Innovation, Gary O’Keeffe, said:

“The Four’N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer was a very special match, and we were proud and honoured to bring it to all Australians and to help raise money for prostate cancer research.

“Following its highly successful return in 2025 after a six year hiatus, this year’s Legends Game brought together the football community to celebrate the game’s past and to get behind a cause that affects thousands of Australian families each year.

“Three of the greatest to ever play the game in Dustin Martin, Gary Ablett Jr and Buddy Franklin put on a show combining for 18 goals, and were part of an incredible line-up of footy legends who gave fans an exciting and entertaining match. It was only fitting Dusty returned to the field with a best on ground performance, lighting up the field every time he touched the ball."

Fans can continue to support the cause by donating at legendsgame.com.au.

Thanks to the 2026 Four’N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer partners: Four’N Twenty, Bunnings, Tyrepower, Kia Tasman, CBUS, PepsiCo (Smiths), AIA, Kubota, Henley (TIACS), Liquorland, Westfield, Pepperstone, Chemist Warehouse, DiDi, Rheem, Experience Gold Coast, Monarch, Everthing Fleet, State Transport, Thryv, Tangerine, Ozito, Disney+, Imar, Bendix, Racing Victoria, Penrite, Deakin, Crust, Grunt, World360, Good Drinks, KenoGo, Metricon, Depend, Kaboodle, Tasman Butchers, Yellow Fin, Narva, Struddy’s, Sherrin, Victor Sports, Colgate, Altr, pay.com.au.

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