Essendon will mark a significant moment in the Club’s Comeback Story with a march to the MCG ahead of the round one blockbuster against Hawthorn.

Members and fans will congregate at Birrarung Marr before descending on the MCG in unison.

Club Legend Kevin Sheedy and a number of former players, including premiership players, will take part.

“We’ve been waiting for a long time for this moment and finally its arrived,” Sheedy said.

“We’ve had a tough period but our fans have been unbelievably loyal and together we’re marching towards a new era for our Club.

“The momentum started with the march last year and there is no reason why we shouldn’t continue it.

“We’re playing Hawthorn and that means it’s going to be on. It’s war. Essendon and Hawthorn have been going at it for decades.

“We had 15,000 march last year and we want to make this even bigger to show the rest of the competition we are a force.

“Essendon members and fans across the country haven’t waivered and this will further showcase the strength of our Club.”

A bumper crowd is expected for the match that will see the returning players take to the field.

It’s the first time since 2012 Essendon will play a home and away match unencumbered by off-field events.

The march is expected to become a regular tradition for Essendon’s first home game at the MCG each season.

Further initiatives for the game, including special member recognition and a new pre-game ceremony, will be revealed in the lead-up to the match.

For more on how you can secure a ticket to the game, click here.