Johnny Ruffo hits the field for West Coast
The X-Factor Australia finallist and Dancing with the Stars winner will pull on a West Coast jumper for this year's Telethon Chris Mainwaring Legends Match
Ruffo, who finished third in Channel Seven’s The X Factor Australia in 2011, released his debut single earlier this year which peaked at number 14 on the ARIA singles charts.
He also went on take out the 2012 Dancing with the Stars title, beating the likes of Shannon Noll, Danielle Spencer and Erin McNaught.
And now the Balcatta-raised 23-year old is trying his hand at footy, all in the name of charity.
“I haven’t done much training yet for the game,” Ruffo admits.
“I might have to hit the gym and do a bit of running to catch up to the old boys.
“I’ve played football myself for 16-17 years, so hopefully I can get a few kicks on the day,” he said.
The 2012 Chris Mainwaring Legends Match for Telethon, presented by BHP Billiton, will this year see West Coast’s OWLS (Older Wiser Larger Slower) line up against the TOMcats (Tired Old Men) from the Geelong Football Club under lights at Patersons Stadium on Saturday, October 6.
The fifth year of this Telethon event coincides with the 20th anniversary of the 1992 grand final between West Coast and Geelong, which saw the Eagles claim their first premiership victory.
Past players from both teams from this historic grand final will be pulling on their boots again to go up against each other in the name of a great cause.
Geelong fans are in for a treat with Billy Brownless, Peter Riccardi, Barry Stoneham, Adrian Hickmott and Paul Couch just some of the club’s past stars signed up for the match.
The OWLS team will feature premiership heroes such as Dean Kemp, Peter Matera, Brett Heady, David Wirrpanda and Michael Braun.
More big names for both on and off the field will be announced in coming weeks.
Entry to the game is $15 for adults and $10 for youngsters under 16, while admission for children under six is free.
Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster outlets or by visiting ticketmaster.com.au or phoning 1300 135 915.
Fans purchasing online can further support Telethon by choosing the TICKETFAST option for print-at-home tickets.