GWS and Essendon players will share the spotlight with Kevin Sheedy in Friday night's NAB challenge game, as they celebrate the massive impact he has had on both clubs.
Players from both teams will form a guard of honour at Sydney's Spotless Stadium, for one of the great characters and advocates of the game, who is about to move from one club to the other.
Sheedy, who won four premierships with the Bombers in a memorable 27-year tenure as coach, returns to Essendon next week in the newly created role of general manager, commercial development and innovation
For the last five years he has put his inimitable stamp on the Giants in their formative years, first as a coach and then in off field roles.
He's their first life member and also has the their best and fairest medal named after him.
"He's had a massive impact on the club," Giants midfielder Tomas Bugg told AAP.
"I don't think the club would be anywhere near where it is at the moment, without him."
Barracking for Essendon as a kid, Bugg was delighted to take his first steps as an AFL player under the iconic coach.
"I was excited and so was my family that I was going to be able to play under the coach that I'd been watching ever since I started watching football," Bugg said.
"I really appreciated the time I got to spend with `Sheeds,' and I definitely learnt a lot."
While much has been made of the understrength nature of the Bombers and their need for top up players, they will still have some heavy artillery to fire at GWS in the first Friday night match at Spotless Stadium.
Brendon Goddard, Joe Daniher and David Zaharakis will each have their first hitout of the year, as will new recruits Adam Cooney and James Gwilt.
"We can only play what's put out there and Essendon have brought in some good players," Bugg said.
"We're definitely not going to take them lightly this week."
GWS bring in Shane Mumford, Heath Shaw, Adam Treloar and Devon Smith, while Rhys Palmer and James Stewart will also make a first appearance of the year, after overcoming minor injuries.
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