Essendon’s trip to the Northern Territory had a significant impact on local youth according to the Club’s Aboriginal Programs and Welfare Coordinator Matthew Whelan.

Courtenay Dempsey, Shaun Edwards and Jake Long travelled to a number of communities across the Top End, visiting schools and local football clubs.

“You can just see their faces, their smiles,” Whelan said. 

“They know they’re AFL players and I think they can see these boys were where they are not too long ago, so their dreams aren’t out of reach.”

The Essendon trio immersed themselves in the local communities, not only offering advice to young people but also engaging with them on a more relaxed level. 

“It gives inspiration to the kids.  Footy is a religion for them,” Whelan said.

“It’s the history of Michael Long – the legacy he’s left on the AFL and the Essendon Football Club.

“They came out of their shell.  They didn’t say boo to us at the start but once we start playing games with them they couldn’t stop taking photos and asking questions, it was fantastic.”