The annual Dreamtime at the ‘G blockbuster between Essendon and Richmond will take centre stage on Saturday night as part of the 2019 AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The iconic match celebrates the incredible impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made on our game.  

The Long Walk

In 2019, Essendon Football Club will celebrate 15 years of The Long Walk. A charity inspired by Essendon champion Michael Long’s walk to Canberra, The Long Walk aims to get the lives of Indigenous people back on the national agenda.

Prior to the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G clash between Essendon and Richmond, Federation Square will play host to the annual The Long Walk celebrations with a variety of sporting and cultural activities prior to the walk, which will depart at approximately 5:30pm to the MCG.

2019 Dreamtime Guernsey

This year’s vibrant jumper was designed by artist Merryn Apma Atkinson, an original participant in the inaugural Long Walk in 2004.

The jumper honours Michael Long and his fellow walkers on the 15th anniversary of the famous journey.

Yiooken Award

The Yiooken Award will be awarded to the player judged best on ground in the match on Saturday night.

Dreamtime triple header

Prior to the blockbuster clash at the MCG, the VFL and VFLW Bombers will also take on Richmond at Punt Road Oval.

The VFLW side will kick off the proceedings at 12pm before the VFL team clashes with the Tigers from 2:30pm, with gates opening at 11:30am. It’s free entry, so don’t forget to throw your support behind the Bombers!

Indigenous Hip Hop Projects

If you’re heading to the MCG this weekend, be sure to check out the awesome performances from the Indigenous Hip Hop Projects.

Since 2005, IHHP has been reaching out to young Indigenous people in remote, regional and urban communities across the country.

They will be dancing up a storm and getting you game ready all thanks to our partner EnergyAustralia this weekend between Gate 1 and Gate 2, with roaming GIF photobooths and mini footy giveaways for the young ones!

Key timings

3:30pm – MCG gates open

4.00pm – Curtain raiser Rio Tinto Cup commences

5.25pm – Curtain raiser concludes

5:30pm – The Long Walk departs Federation Square

6:30pm – The Long Walk enters MCG arena

6:45pm – Dreamtime at the ‘G cultural presentation

7:04pm – Essendon enters

7:15pm – Pre-game ceremony commences

7:23pm – Coin toss

7:25pm – Game commences

Make sure not to get in early for the pre-game ceremony at the MCG. (Image: AFL Photos)

Pre-game entertainment

Indigenous artists Baker Boy, Thelma Plum and Yirrmal will all perform on stage at the MCG on Saturday.

Membership

Member Services will be located at the gate 3 ticketing window at the MCG and will be open from 3:30pm until quarter time for membership sales, collections and enquiries.

Tickets

Essendon members with away reserved seat access can scan in. Essendon members with away general admission access are encouraged to upgrade to a reserved seat HERE as general admission seating will be limited.

Tickets are available to purchase through Ticketek.

Online coverage

Essendon fans keep across the club’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts for inner-sanctum access and comprehensive match-day coverage. You can also join the conversation on Twitter by using the official hashtag for this match – #AFLTigersDons

Twitter

@EssendonFC

#AFLTigersDons

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/EssendonFC

Instagram

@essendonfc

Broadcast

VIC

Channel Seven from 7:00pm

Fox Footy from 7:00pm

NSW

7 Mate from 7:20pm

Fox Footy from 7:20pm

SA

Fox Footy from 6:50pm

ACT

7 Mate from 7:00pm

Fox Footy from 7:20pm

QLD

Fox Footy from 7:20pm

NT

Channel Seven from 6:30pm

Fox Footy from 6:50pm

WA

7 Mate from 5:00pm

Fox Footy from 5:20pm