Maningrida lies deep in the heart of the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land region.

The rough translation of the town’s name means ‘the place where the dreaming changed shape’.

The scenery on the local football ground certainly changed shape this week as some Essendon players and coaches who have made their names on the MCG, some 4,000 kilometres away, arrived in town.

Located about 500 kilometres east of Darwin, Maningrida is home to about 2,000 people.

West Arnhem is one of Essendon’s next Generation Academy regions.

Clubs have the opportunity to develop and promote the game in communities across the country.  

If a young player has AFL level talent, clubs can list that player in much the same way as father-son prospects are selected.

This week, Guy McKenna travelled north to Maningrida and the Tiwi Islands – which is also one of the Bombers Next Generation Academy zones.

“Such a small percentage of players get to the AFL level,” McKenna said.

“In a remote community like this it all helps building those foundations. 

“Also the off the field as well, through the community and the leadership programs that the Club and the AFL produce that is only going to help the community.” 

McKenna was joined by a group of Essendon players who trained with the locals and shared stories about their AFL journeys.

“They’re giving of their time in their break – for those boys to do that is fantastic and says a lot about them and what the Club has taught them in their journey,” McKenna said.