Collaboration and creativity were core focuses for Lucas Waddleton (a Tyerrernotepanner student from Northern Tasmania) and Lawson Richards (a non-Indigenous student) when creating Essendon’s 2025 Dreamtime guernsey.

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.

As part of the program this year, the students completed a workshop based on Dreamtime at the G and had the opportunity to design the 2025 Indigenous Guernsey.

Waddleton and Richards knew they’d relish the opportunity to create something memorable together.

“It was fun to work on the guernsey together and see it come to life. We wanted to create something special that had strong meaning and that’s exactly what we did,” Richards said.

“When we found out our guernsey design had been chosen, I couldn’t believe it. We both felt extremely proud and excited, and so did our families,” Waddleton said.

Essendon's Indigenous Guernsey will take centre stage during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round (SDNR) of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, which spans Rounds 10-11 (May 15–25).

00:20

The Bombers will face the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium in Round 10, before participating in the 21st Dreamtime at the ‘G match against Richmond in Round 11. This year's SDNR is particularly significant, marking the 10th anniversary of the round being named in honour of Sir Doug Nicholls, a milestone that will be acknowledged throughout the celebrations.

2025’s design represents the unity of indigenous and non-indigenous people coming together. Further to that, the gum tree signifies a family tree where the circles represent different groups of people who become connected at a gathering place of humans and animals.

Gum trees and leaves are integral in First Nations Cultures as they are used in Ceremony and for medicinal purposes, also a connection point to the Taylors Lakes area where several gum trees grow on Wurundjeri Country.

Additionally, the bird footprints symbolise the presence of both animals and nature, ultimately showing all walks of life coming together.

“I’m very proud of Lucas and Lawson and I love their design.  It’s meaningful and represents what Dreamtime and The Long Walk is all about – unity, community, and connection. 

“It is a wonderful opportunity provided by the Club and the students feel a great sense of pride to represent Essendon FC in such a significant occasion” - Executive GM, The Long Walk and Indigenous Affairs, Leanne Brooke

The Essendon 2025 Dreamtime guernsey is available to purchase here.