Now in its third year, the Optus Challenge Cup provides an indication of early pre-season form for two of the Australian Football League's oldest rivals.

The Carlton Blues will be keen to maintain their hold on the Cup, having won it for the last two years. Collingwood, with a number of changes including new President Eddie Maguire, will see them keen to impress and take the coveted trophy.

The match will commence after a toss of the coin by special guest and Australian icon Cathy Freeman. Cathy, who is sponsored by Optus, will also present the Cup to the winning team before heading to Canberra to compete in the Optus Grand Prix Athletics - her first competitive race since her foot injury prior to the Commonwealth Games last year.

There will be pre-match and half time entertainment which will involve supporters making the evening fixture an ideal start to the promising 1999 'footy' season.

Cable & Wireless Optus is firmly committed to Australia's home grown national football code and is pleased that proceeds from this annual event go to the National Heart Foundation.

The action begins at Optus Oval in Melbourne at 6.00pm on Friday 5 February.

For more information:
Alison Shier, Sponsorship Executive
Cable & Wireless Optus
Mobile: 0411 101 800

Stephen Woodhill, National Media Manager
Phone: 02 9342 7846
Mobile: 0413 318 455