Madden played 378 games – a club record broken by Dustin Fletcher this year – and kicked 575 goals during his 19-year career.

He was a dual premiership player, four-time club best and fairest, club captain, AFL Hall of Fame inductee, Essendon Team of the Century member and Norm Smith medallist.

Madden was three times All-Australian, three times Victorian captain and a runner-up for the 1988 Brownlow Medal.

He is now a director on the Essendon board.

Dimboola president Rob Pyers said having Madden as guest speaker for the supporters night – after having Tim Watson and Hugh Delahunty at season launches in recent years – would be a big boost.

“It should be a great night,” he said. 

“This is the first time for a number of years we’ve had someone like Simon Madden for this.

“We think someone of Simon’s ilk will draw a big crowd.”

Mr Pyers said the night was open to anyone interested in attending. “This is another good community social event for Dimboola,” he said. 

“We’re trying to show we’re more than just a country footy club, we want to be as professional as we can with the way we go about things.”

Tickets to the event at Dimboola Memorial Secondary College’s assembly hall are free for Golden Roo members, or $60 for non-members, which includes a three-course meal.

Mr Pyers said there would also be a sports memorabilia auction.

He said tickets could be purchased from the football club or Dimboola Mensland.