BIG-name AFL players are backing the TAC Cup this season as the competition celebrates an 18-year partnership between the Transport Accident Commission and AFL Victoria.
Geelong's Gary Ablett Jr, Sam Mitchell from Hawthorn and Carlton's ruckman Matthew Kreuzer feature in the TAC's latest advertising campaign that targets the learner-driver generation.
All three players came through the TAC Cup into the draft.
Minister for the TAC Tim Holding will join the three players at Visy Park on Sunday to celebrate the 18th year of the TAC Cup and launch the advertising campaign.
The boys are backing the message "120 hours: experiences not excuses" which all TAC Cup players will embrace during the year as part of the partnership.
They'll register their driving hours and create road safety commercials with their communities.
The TAC Cup liaison also means all eligible 2009 players now have their learners' permits and will encourage each other to get plenty of practice on the roads, just as they do in training and on the field.
It will be a big first weekend around the grounds with two double headers to get the season under way.
Bendigo is the place to be for the season opener when four of the country teams meet at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
The local Pioneers and Geelong's Falcons start the action at 10.30am and last year's premiers, the Murray Bushrangers, will face up to North Ballarat at 1pm.
Meanwhile, in the east of the state, Gippsland Power will take on the Dandenong Stingrays in Morwell and the Western Jets will see what the NSW ACT Rams can bring from across the border.
The Gold Coast and Eastern Ranges will be at Carrara on Saturday night.
The rest of the city teams will meet on Sunday for another double-header at Visy Park.
The Northern Knights and the Calder Cannons take the morning slot followed by the Sandringham Dragons and Oakleigh Chargers at 2pm.
With several of last year's TAC Cup standouts already making their AFL debut, all eyes will be on the grounds for the next crop of Victorian talent.
Find out more about your team's next game at www.taccup.com.au
