AFL 2025 LIVE updates: Essendon, Richmond prepare for Dreamtime at the 'G
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Pinned post from 6.08pm
Pre-game schedule
The schedule for tonight's Dreamtime at the G events as per Essendon's media team.
Key Timings
3pm – The Long Walk Naarm Festival (Birrarung Marr Hilltop)
5.30pm – MCG gates open
5.30pm – The Long Walk to the MCG commences from Birrarung Marr
6.15pm – The Long Walkers enter the arena
7pm – Dreamtime Pre-Game performance begins
7.28pm – Essendon enters the field
7.35pm – Pre-Game ceremony
7.45pm – First bounce
Gift Exchange
Before the first bounce at Dreamtime at the 'G, Essendon and Richmond will both partake in a gift exchange. Our Dreamtime gift exchange is The Roo Skin; this will be the first time in our history the Roo Skin has been gifted for a Dreamtime at the 'G gift exchange. With assistance from Ricky Baldwin, a Gunai Kurnai artist, the Roo skin has been wood burned, and hand painted with Ochre from Lake Tyers State Park on Krauatungalung Country (Gunai Kurnai). Alwyn Davey, Jade Gresham and Jack Peris all contributed to the design and art on the skin, and t he meaning behind the gift runs deep with themes of protection, unity and heading into the match.
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6.34pm
Sisters share a special MCG moment
By Brittany Busch
Misting rain and the scent of burning eucalyptus hangs in the air as hundreds of walkers set off from the Birrarung Marr hilltop for the Long Walk to the MCG.
Victorian opposition leader Brad Battin led the procession alongside Michael Long, the former footballer whose walk to Canberra inspired the annual awareness-raising event at the MCG.
Long-time Dreamtime attendees, sisters Lisa McKenna and Karen Christie, walked arm in their Richmond scarves, and said it was an overwhelming moment for them after discovering they had Indigenous heritage following their mother's death.
'Everyone gets involved in it, which is really, really special. And I think it's really good for the Indigenous community to know that they've got so much support,' McKenna said.
Asked about their team's prospects, the siblings were guarded.
'It doesn't matter who wins, really, but it's a great night. You've just gotta embrace what it's for,' Christie said.
McKenna said: 'May the best team win'.
6.30pm
Richmond star to make rare VFL appearance
Richmond are hoping a conservative approach through the VFL will help premiership midfielder Dion Prestia finally overcome his tortured run with soft-tissue injuries.
Instead of returning in the Tigers' Dreamtime clash with Essendon at the MCG on Friday night, Prestia will make his comeback in Frankston when he plays two quarters against the Bombers' VFL side.
After being restricted to 13 games last year, the 32-year-old is yet to play a game this season following an achilles injury.
But Richmond coach Adem Yze believes the club has learnt valuable lessons on how to manage their star veteran.
'There always is, with the talent he's got and the leadership he provides,' Yze said of the temptation to bring Prestia straight back into the AFL.
'Last year, you could see how important he was when he came in and we probably did it the wrong way and he missed six weeks. We've got to learn from that.
'If he gets through, he'll be available the week after.
'We're playing the long game with him.
'I'm not sure the last time he's played VFL, but he's bought into that.'
During Prestia's absence, the triple premiership player has taken a great interest in mentoring Tigers young guns Sam Lalor and Josh Smillie.
Rebuilding Richmond have defied grim pre-season predictions to already win three games this year.
Despite Essendon coming off a 91-point smashing by Western Bulldogs last Saturday night, the Bombers will start as warm favourites to beat the Tigers.
Richmond will be without captain Toby Nankervis (managed), veteran forward Tom Lynch (concussion), star defender Noah Balta (court-imposed curfew) and former best-and-fairest winner Jayden Short (calf).
Samson Ryan is back to take on ruck duties, with Maurice Rioli Jnr and Campbell Gray also recalled.
'We're going to be a really young side, on a big stage, which is an awesome opportunity,' Yze said.
'I sat in the forward line meeting and it felt like I was in a creche.
'It's hard to fill Lynchy's shoes ... they've just got to share the load.
'They're young but it will be exciting.'
Essendon's Jade Gresham and Matt Guelfi are back from injuries and hard-running teen defender Angus Clarke will debut on the big stage.
Dylan Shiel, Saad El-Hawli and Archer Day-Wicks have been dropped.
AAP
6.08pm
Pre-game schedule
The schedule for tonight's Dreamtime at the G events as per Essendon's media team.
Key Timings
3pm – The Long Walk Naarm Festival (Birrarung Marr Hilltop)
5.30pm – MCG gates open
5.30pm – The Long Walk to the MCG commences from Birrarung Marr
6.15pm – The Long Walkers enter the arena
7pm – Dreamtime Pre-Game performance begins
7.28pm – Essendon enters the field
7.35pm – Pre-Game ceremony
7.45pm – First bounce
Gift Exchange
Before the first bounce at Dreamtime at the 'G, Essendon and Richmond will both partake in a gift exchange. Our Dreamtime gift exchange is The Roo Skin; this will be the first time in our history the Roo Skin has been gifted for a Dreamtime at the 'G gift exchange. With assistance from Ricky Baldwin, a Gunai Kurnai artist, the Roo skin has been wood burned, and hand painted with Ochre from Lake Tyers State Park on Krauatungalung Country (Gunai Kurnai). Alwyn Davey, Jade Gresham and Jack Peris all contributed to the design and art on the skin, and t he meaning behind the gift runs deep with themes of protection, unity and heading into the match.
Dance Ceremony | Will Shake Spears
Will Shake Spears began as a small group of Koori youth coming together to learn and carry culture.
Entertainment | Briggs
Adam Briggs, a Yorta Yorta man and passionate Dons supporter, is a prominent Indigenous Australian artist known for his work in hip-hop, comedy, and writing.
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