Fans savage EJ Whitten Legends match on social media

It’s raised almost $1 million for prostate cancer research, but footy fans have failed to see the lighter side of the EJ Whitten Legends match, taking to social media to slam it, but do we need to lighten up? HAVE YOUR SAY

Jimmy Bartel celebrates a long bomb early. Pic: AAP

The social media reaction was, perhaps predictably, rather brutal.

After all, pleasing footy fans can be a tough caper.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE FAN REACTION

Only time will tell if that ‘feedback’ will be enough for the AFL to again tinker with the format of the EJ Whitten Legends Game.

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Brent Harvey and Glen Jakovich come to blows — and have a laugh — during Friday night’s EJ Whitten Legends Game. Pic: Getty Images

The League earlier this year announced it was changing things up, not only by moving the match from Marvel Stadium — its previous home since 2003 — to the rectangular AAMI Park, but also adopting the controversial AFLX-style format.

The result? Plenty of goals, just a smattering of fans — and a flurry of online outrage.

It wasn’t the best footy we’ve seen this year, despite the epic scoring which saw final scores tied on 275 and a three-kicks-each shootout required to determine the winner (Jarrad Waite eventually sealed the win for the Vics).

But then again, it wasn’t supposed to be superb footy. It was entertainment — for a cause.

The EJ Whitten match, played in honour of the legendary Bulldog and proud Victorian who lost his battle with prostate cancer in 1995, is designed to increase awareness about men’s health — and particularly prostate cancer.

On the eve of the AFL finals, and in the spirit of the night, former greats of the game — and some lesser-known celebrities — hammed it up for the Channel 7 cameras.

Crowley and Aker got in a tussle before the game 🤣#EJWhittenLegendsGame pic.twitter.com/fu6ioeR2nu

— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 30, 2019

It came complete with coverage of the tongue-in-cheek pre-match addresses from Victorian coach Dermott Brereton and his All Stars counterpart, Wayne Carey.

Fans didn’t seem amused.

When the footy started, some viewers weren’t sure what they were watching. Maybe some at the ground weren’t sure, either.

Jimmy Bartel slotted a long goal early. Pic: AAP

Others turned off, suggesting the AFL had disrespected the great ‘EJ’ by employing such a concept for the annual fixture.

Do we all need to lighten up a bit?

That was certainly the sentiment from a few.

There were plenty of vacant seats at AAMI Park. Pic: Getty Images

“Guys it’s charity footy, don’t have a go at it, nothing’s serious here ... just enjoy it,” one viewer wrote.

For fans lucky enough to have teams involved, September and the AFL Finals are coming.

For others, it’s onto the trade period and 2020.

But on Friday night full-on footy took a back seat. And maybe we can live with that for a night.

Guys it’s charity footy, don’t have a go at it, nothing’s serious here lol. Just enjoy it 🤣 #afl #ejx #ejwhitten #EJWhittenLegendsGame

— Plonker ⚫️⚪️ (@PiesFanatic2004) August 30, 2019

Pants-off Friday? Campbell Brown thought so. Pic: Getty Images

Matthew Richardson got among the goals. Pic: Getty Images

* You can donate to the EJ Whitten Foundation by texting ‘LEGEND’ to 0480 055 600 or by visiting the website here.

Suddenly Meat Loaf in 2011 seems like good entertainment #EJWhittenLegendsGame

— Rohanct (@RohanCT) August 30, 2019

This #EJWhittenLegendsGame is a massive massive fail.

Congratulations on another @AFL disaster.

EJ would be embarrassed.

— Nic Fogarty (@fogdog_79) August 30, 2019

This is a insult to EJ Whitten #EJWhittenLegendsGame

— bobby (@bob29305) August 30, 2019

This game is like a car crash you just can’t look away! #EJWhittenLegendsGame #AFL

— ✖️caitlin✖️ (@caitieebabees) August 30, 2019

How bad is this? A fantastic way to kill a great concept. #EJWhittenLegendsGame

— Jarad Marsh (@jarad_marsh) August 30, 2019

I'd rather watch Gold Coast than #EJWhittenLegendsGame

— stublogs (@stublogs) August 30, 2019

What have they done.....They have totally ruined this spectacle and spirit of playing the legends game. #EJWhittenLegendsGame #joke

— Jason Coad (@lions_veteran7) August 30, 2019

I've been looking blankly at my phone for the past 5 minutes, trying to articulate how bad this #EJWhittenLegendsGame is.

I've got nothing.

— Rob (@rlgriffingws) August 30, 2019

You know the crowd is bored when the Mexican Wave starts! #EJWhittenLegendsGame

— Shelleyâš“ (@wheresshelly) August 30, 2019

Not minding the AFLX style for the #EJWhittenLegendsGame for something different. Bit of fun, I think the regular format had gotten a bit style. It’s a bit of fun.

— Dan (@danza109) August 30, 2019

Originally published as Fans savage EJ Whitten Legends match on social media