These legends are now celebrated as the indigenous players and ambassadors that helped shape Essendon into the diverse football club that it is today.
Michael Long came to Essendon in 1989. His high level of skill made him a crowd favourite and he played exciting football that captured the attention of all watching. Long managed 190 career games, along with titles of most courageous player in 1998, co-captain to James Hird in 1996 and premiership player in 2000. He is now immortalised in the Champions of Essendon, inducted in 2002. Long faced racial vilification on the field in 1995, from a Collingwood player during a game. Long’s accusation was backed by the club and other indigenous players in the league and showed his bravery and pride in his cultural background. Today, he is a proud indigenous ambassador for Essendon and is the name behind ‘The Long Walk’.
Although one of Port Adelaide’s most valuable players during the second half of his career, Gavin Wanganeen had an incredible start at Essendon between 1991 and 1996. Debuting with the team in 1991 he was one of the top footballers in the league at the time. He was awarded All Australian in 1992, 1993 and 1995 and won the Brownlow Medal in 1993. Gavin was a proud indigenous Australian and left a lasting legacy at Essendon and at Port Adelaide for indigenous players right across the league.
Originally from the Tiwi Islands, Dean Rioli had a football career marred with injury. From his debut in 1999, seven years with the club saw him just reach the 100 game milestone, as was Kevin Sheedy’s wish. Throughout his career he was renowned for finding space on ground and playing with a level of class above many of his competitors. A consistent player, he was part of the premiership team of 2001. His career was cut short by ongoing injuries but is still seen as one of the great indigenous players to have worn the Essendon colours.
