From Ben Cousins to Chris Judd, West Coast great Andrew Embley played with some of the AFL’s best throughout his stellar 250-game career.

Yet, 13 years after he officially hung up the boots, he gets the chance to hit lace out one of the greatest to ever grace a football field in Lance “Buddy” Franklin, later this month.

The two will team up for the All-Stars against Victoria in the Legends Game at Marvel Stadium on Thursday, August 27 to raise money for prostate cancer.

Embley has been a regular contributor for the charity match, and alongside several stars including Franklin, former St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt, Brownlow medallist Jason Akermanis and fellow Norm Smith medallist Cyril Rioli, he will be part of the team looking to go back-to-back against the ‘Big V’.

They will be coached by Channel 7’s Kane Cornes and captained by Hawks great and Brownlow medallist Shane Crawford.

The 2006 premiership hero said to play alongside former rival turned friend in Adelaide champion Andrew McLeod again and Franklin for the first time would be a highlight.

“Andrew McLeod is someone who I looked up to. He looks like he could still be playing AFL. He’s a genuine freak, and we had such great battles with Adelaide over a long period of time,” Embley told The West Australian.

“He is one I’ve always loved catching up with when we get over there. Then there’s guys like Dane Swan and Nick Riewoldt. Buddy Franklin is going to put on the boots this year, so it will be a thrill to be able to say I’ve played alongside him.

“They’re always great games to be a part of, and everyone is in a good mood. We’re raising awareness and funds for a good cause, so to be a part of the night and run around and have a kick and contribute personally in a small way is something I look forward to doing.”

Embley has also revealed the unique preparation that he will undertake to ensure he gets through the game injury-free.

“I’ve had the same theory heading into all these games, and that is if you train, if you go for a kick there’s every chance you will injure yourself, and you won’t be able to play on the night,” he said.

“I am going to take it very easy in regards to my preparation leading into it. The first time I will kick the footy hopefully be sometime in the first quarter if I get a kick. And the last time I kicked a football was probably 12 months ago when I played in the same game.”

Victoria will be coached by former Geelong skipper Joel Selwood, while one-time Brisbane and Carlton forward Brendan Fevola has been announced as the captain.

Three-time Norm Smith medallist Dustin Martin will headline the team that will also feature dual Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett Jnr as well as Dane Swan, Tom Mitchell, Brett Deledio, Travis Cloke and Daisy Thomas.