We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Custodians on whose Country we are based. We acknowledge their ongoing connection to Country and pay respect to their Elders, past and present.

We extend that acknowledgement and respect to all First Nations peoples throughout Australia.

Essendon’s 2025 Dreamtime guernsey, designed by school students Lucas Waddleton (a Tyerrernotepanner student from Northern Tasmania) and Lawson Richards (a non-Indigenous student) through The Long Walk program, celebrates unity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Inspired by community, culture, and nature, the design brings powerful symbolism to life for the Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The duo’s powerful design came to life through Ganbu Gulin (‘One Mob’ in Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language), a The Long Walk school program delivered at Taylors Lakes Secondary College. A key focus of the program is to bring First Nation students together, connect students to community and culture and raise awareness across the broader school community.