ROUND ELEVEN  

Richmond v Essendon 

7:45pm (AEST),  Friday 22nd of May 2026    

Gates open from 5:30pm (MCC from 5:00pm)   

MCG, Melbourne – Wurundjeri    

SIR DOUG NICHOLLS ROUND   

Sir Doug Nicholls round celebrates and recognises Indigenous players, past and present and their influence on the game today. Essendon will be wearing the 2026 Dreamtime Guernsey on Friday at the ‘G, you can find more information on Essendon’s Dreamtime Guernsey here.   

Key timings

What's on?

The Long Walk Festival will be held at Birrarung Marr Hilltop from 2:30pm on Friday, 22 May. Be sure to stop by before the game and enjoy live performances, the Education Hub, food trucks, sporting and cultural activities, and merchandise. 

Richmond v Essendon tickets are available on Tickets are available via Ticketek and on gameday outside Gates 1 and 3.   

Essendon members have two ways to access the game on Friday.     

Members' physical membership cards have a barcode that will allow members to scan in at the turnstiles, however if members are yet to receive their card, or prefer the convenience of using a mobile device, they can log in to the official Essendon app using their membership details to access the mobile membership. 

More information on how to use your mobile membership can be found here. 

Any Essendon members who wish to reserve a seat can upgrade using  this link. Simply select ‘Club Members and Public Reserve’ from the drop-down menu and enter your 12-digit barcode to unlock discounted reserved seating options. 

Need assistance? Our friendly membership team will be available from 5:15pm at the Ticketek windows outside of Gate 3.    

If you’re not a member, it’s not too late to sign up for 2026. Simply signup/renew online and then login to the Essendon FC app to access your ticket. Further information on member benefits can be found here.         

Merchandise

Bombers fans can grab all the latest and greatest merchandise from the Bomber Shop, located externally at gates one, two and three. If you’re already inside the ground, you can grab your merchandise internally on level one at gates five and seven, on level two at gate six and level three at gate six. Don’t forget to show your physical or mobile membership card to get 10% off at all EFC merchandise outlets.    

Please note that you cannot use your membership voucher on gameday and it is only valid at the Bomber Shop at the NEC Hangar or online.    

There will only be limited accessibility parking options at the ‘G on Friday, so we recommend looking at alternative transportation methods. The stadium is only a short walk from both Jolimont and Richmond Stations. 

For Australian Disability Parking (ADP) permit holders, they can pre-book their parking via Ticketek, or access limited drive-up parking. Please see the MCG’s suggested alternative parking options here.    

Potential Disruptions  

Train Disruptions: 

Buses replace trains on the Williamstown and Werribee lines between North Melbourne, Newport and Williamstown from 11:30pm Friday 22 May to last train Sunday 24 May. 

Buses replace trains on the Sunbury Line between North Melbourne and Sunbury from 11:30pm Friday 22 May to last train Sunday 24 May. 

Buses replace trains on the Upfield Line between North Melbourne and Upfield from 11:30pm Friday 22 May to last train Sunday 24 May. 

Road disruptions: 

Elder Street, Greensborough closed in both directions between Greensborough Highway and Frensham Road from 9pm, Friday 8 May to 5am, Monday 1 June.  

Princes Highway at Clyde Road, Berwick closed in both directions from 10pm, Friday 22 May to 7am, Saturday 23 May also, 

No right turn from Clyde Road, Berwick onto Princes Freeway citybound entry ramp until late 2026.  

Bus route 514 will take an alternate route between Watsonia Station and Greensborough Station from 9pm, Friday 8 May to 5am, Wednesday 3 June.  

If you are unable to attend the match, you don’t have to miss the game, tune in on, 7mate, Fox Footy, Kayo, 7plus and Binge from 7:30pm to watch the Bombers take on the Tigers (based on Melbourne/VIC region). For more information on AFL broadcast or to check the time in your state, click here.