Essendon has this evening acknowledged the AFL’s announcement to relocate the upcoming Sir Doug Nicholls Round Dreamtime blockbuster against Richmond to Optus Stadium, with the match to commence at 7:40pm AEST on Saturday, June 5.

While it was clearly the club's preference to play the game at the traditional MCG venue, the uncertainty of the COVID-19 environment in Victoria has forced all parties to relocate the game to Perth.

The Dreamtime at the ‘G fixture is the hallmark of the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round and both clubs wanted to give the occasion the due recognition and respect it deserves.   

As such, the game’s relocation to Perth will allow both clubs to properly celebrate and acknowledge the power of the Dreamtime. Essendon’s Hall of Fame Legends Michael Long and Gavin Wanganeen will now lead a Perth-based Long Walk on to the Optus Stadium arena and the pre-game ceremony (COVID-19 protocols allowing) will take place in its full format.

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said that while it was disappointing to lose the game at the MCG, Optus Stadium was ready to host the blockbuster. 

“While we are disappointed to relocate this blockbuster game away from the MCG, and more importantly for our passionate members, we understand it is a responsible decision in light of the current situation in Victoria with the latest COVID-19 outbreak,” Campbell said.

“We know the West Australian community are sports-loving people and having one of the AFL’s marquee matches at Optus Stadium provides an important opportunity to celebrate the incredible contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have made to the game of Australian Football.  

“We’re also very excited to be hosting The Long Walk in Perth. This is one of the elements that make the Dreamtime fixture so impactful. Having both Michael Long and Gavin Wanganeen in Perth to lead the walk is a wonderful outcome and gives football supporters an opportunity to be part of what is an iconic event to raise awareness to improve and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and life opportunities.

“Last year taught us just how flexible we all need to be, and this is just another example of how unpredictable the season can be. What is important for our members to understand is that we don’t expect to be away from the MCG for long and we are looking forward to playing back in Melbourne front of our home crowd in round 14 after the bye round.

Essendon and Richmond have large contingents of supporters in Western Australia, and the clubs will be communicating in due course about how members based in WA can access the game.

With the Dreamtime at the ‘G game originally scheduled as an Essendon home game, Campbell said the club would look at the options for a replacement game or equivalent benefit for members.

“Clearly this is a big game for our Victorian-based members and the relocation of this game impacts them. We are currently working on a replacement game or benefit which we will have more information on in due course,” he said.

The Dreamtime game will be broadcast live on the Seven Network and Fox Footy and streamed live via Kayo.

Ticketing arrangements for the Dreamtime game will be advised on Monday.