Essendon v Richmond AFL Round 11: Live updates, SuperCoach scores, teams
Essendon and Richmond will push for the AFL to schedule next year's Dreamtime game a week earlier to ensure it remains at 'the pinnacle' of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Tigers chief executive Shane Dunne said both clubs were thrilled with the annual match moving to Friday night for the first time this season, but it would prefer it was held on the opening weekend of the round to commemorate
Last week, Richmond was the only AFL club not to wear its Indigenous guernsey as it decided to 'honour the tradition' of the Dreamtime game by saving it for the occasion.
The Tigers did the same when the game was fixtured on the second weekend last season, and it is understood the club gave heavy consideration to the decision in both years.
Essendon wore its Indigenous jumper against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night, but it was emblazoned with 'Dreamtime at the 'G' across the chest.
The AFL has run Sir Doug Nicholls Round over two weekends since 2019, with the Dreamtime game played on the first weekend in the non-Covid affected years until 2024.
'No matter when it's played, Dreamtime will always stand as the flagship game of Sir Doug Nicholls Round,' Dunne told the Herald Sun.
'We are incredibly proud of the significance it continues to hold – both culturally and within the broader community.
'Our top priority is ensuring the game is accessible to as many people as possible. We think it should always be on free-to-air television, and ideally positioned in the opening week of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.'
It's time for Dreamtime at the 'G 🖤ðŸ'›â�¤ï¸� pic.twitter.com/0UXlvWyj3y
— Richmond FC ðŸ�¯ (@Richmond_FC) May 22, 2025
A game fit for the biggest of stages.
Let’s rock the ‘G tonight, Bomber Army ðŸ'° pic.twitter.com/PDisyTfCaa
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) May 22, 2025
Essendon boss Craig Vozzo said the Bombers were 'extremely keen' for the match to return to the start of the round from next season.
'Friday night football commands a massive broadcast audience on Channel 7 and Fox Footy … it's crucial for Dreamtime at the G to reach as many Australian households as possible, as it's a powerful celebration of our proud Indigenous connection to the game,' Vozzo said.
'We're extremely keen for it to kick-off the fortnight of footy … the game deserves that place in our football calendar.
'Kevin Sheedy's vision for 'Dreamtime at the 'G' was revolutionary. He didn't just see a football match – together with Michael Long, they saw a powerful platform for reconciliation, a spectacle to celebrate Indigenous culture, and a terrific way to honour the immense contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to our great game.'
The Tigers said they were mindful that many Indigenous Victorians lived in regional areas, and would 'engage directly with community voices' to help people attend the game in future years.
Both clubs will have Indigenous players on the field after Essendon forward Jade Gresham overcame an adductor injury and Richmond pair Rhyan Mansell and Maurice Rioli were named to play.
It would have been Essendon's first time without selecting an Indigenous player in a Dreamtime game, while Richmond has regularly fielded five players in previous years.
'We believe this game continues to play a crucial role in promoting Indigenous participation,' Dunne said.
'More Indigenous players make our game better … we are a lesser sport without their involvement.
'But this isn't just about playing – it's about creating a sense of belonging and opportunity within the game.'
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