Latest news with #Dreamtimeatthe'G
West Australian
29-07-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
GEORGIE PARKER: Damien Hardwick's AFL legacy grows at Suns as Clarkson's wanes at North
Legacy is everything in the AFL. Clubs, player and coaches all pride themselves on it, and we have two coaches in the box seat to solidify their spot as the best we've had; Damien Hardwick and Alastair Clarkson. Hardwick's Gold Coast Suns delivered a demolition job on Brisbane in the QClash, and suddenly (I assume) much to the AFL's relief, the years of patience and promise are finally paying off. It's one win, sure, but the Suns are on their way to making finals for the first time and are putting their hand up as a team to watch on the verge of something special. Hardwick has brought a ruthless edge, relevancy and even a sense of desirability to a club long known for under performing when it counts. Premierships are hard to come by, and by no means do I think the Suns will win one this year, but when success does come he won't just be remembered as the architect of Richmond's dynasty. He'll be known as the man who made the Suns matter. Contrast that with Clarkson at North Melbourne. The four-time premiership mastermind was supposed to bring hope, structure and progress. But after almost two seasons, the Roos look no closer to anything resembling success. Is it the list? Is it fitness? Is it their mindset? Or, this feels almost sacrilegious to say given who I'm writing about, is it the coaching? Right now, the direction is clear. If Dimma's Suns keep climbing, his legacy will stretch far beyond Tigerland. But if Clarkson can't get North out of the doldrums, the legacy that once looked unquestionable will always carry an asterisk. The fixture debate has, once again, dominated the footy news cycle this week. Friday night blunders, overlapping match times, and prime-time-quality games being shoved into time slots usually reserved for the VFL. But to me, there's a deeper issue here, one that goes beyond bounce down times, broadcast bias, and it's slowly strangling the growth of the game's smaller clubs. The big clubs, Collingwood, Carlton and Essendon, dominate the free-to-air schedule. That's not a conspiracy; it's the AFL and its broadcasters chasing the biggest audience and advertising return. But look at the facts: Essendon, a team that hasn't won a final in over 20 years, leads the league with 12 prime-time games. Carlton, with more wooden spoons (five) than finals appearances (two) since 2000, follows closely with 1 1. Collingwood (at least a genuine contender) sits third with 10. I get it. Money talks. Broadcasters are footing the bill, and they want a say. But the trade-off is hurting the competition. The clubs that get seen more, get supported more strongly. More screen time means more sponsorship, more kids in jumpers, more members, more marquee matches. And in turn, more pull in recruiting players who want to play on the biggest stage. Think ANZAC Day, Dreamtime at the 'G, King's Birthday, these are all games that kids grow up dreaming about. Meanwhile, smaller clubs, often stuck behind paywalls or buried in overlapping time slots are struggling just to get noticed, let alone attract players without paying massive overs for them. This cycle feeds itself. The more invisible a club becomes, the harder it is to grow. It mirrors the same challenges women's sports have faced for decades: if you can't see it, you can't support it. Maybe that's part of the reason why Collingwood has twice the number of members of North Melbourne, a team often playing in front of a three-quarters-empty Marvel Stadium with barely a free-to-air slot in sight. Look, I'm not naive. I understand how the world works. But there's got to be a better balance. Because if the AFL keeps handing the spotlight to the same few clubs, then the rest will never get a look in, and we need them to if want the league to maintain (or find again) the competitiveness that we desperately crave.
7NEWS
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Fans call for Briggs to be given AFL grand final entertainment after epic Dreamtime at the ‘G performance
AFL fans on social media are almost universally calling for Indigenous Australian rapper Briggs to be courted for this year's grand final pre-game entertainment after an epic Dreamtime at the 'G performance. Briggs performed three songs alongside longtime friend and Aussie rock legend, Paul Kelly, as well as his band, in what was an expanded pre-game entertainment that also acknowledged some Indigenous elders and past Indigenous AFL champions. The performance went for around 20 minutes and included traditional Aboriginal dance and rituals, ahead of Richmond and Essendon's annual clash. It was showered with love from fans watching at home, and prompted the suggestion that Briggs take centre stage before the grand final. 'Briggs, Brother, that #DreamtimeAtTheG performance was fire. Better than any GF performance, ever,' one fan said. 'They should just have Briggs as Grand Final entertainment, that was great #afldeadly,' another added. Channel 7's Jason Richardson said the performance was a perfect advertisement for a night grand final. ' 'Briggs night AFL GF …. yes please,' he said. There were a host of others who agreed. 'How good Briggs, could feel the power and pride.' 'Let's give Briggs the GF show. That was better than anything we've had on GF day. Spectacular.' 'When we have Australian musicians, black and white, singing together at the G, It's wild. Briggs and PK bringing it. This is the best performance I think I've seen at the football. So good.' 'Briggs > every grand final performer.' 'Briggs absolutely bangs!' 'I've seen enough, Briggs/A.B Original should do the GF.' Players from both sides entered the ground shortly after the entertainment, where they lined up for the traditional Dreamtime dance on the wing. Half-way through the moving cultural performance, players came together as one, locking arms side by side.
Sydney Morning Herald
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
AFL 2025 LIVE updates: Essendon, Richmond prepare for Dreamtime at the 'G
Loading Go to latest 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. 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. First Bounce Countdown | Didgeridoo played by Lachie Hill Lachie Hill, proud Yorta Yorta man and lifelong Bomber's supporter, will be playing the Didgeridoo as the clock counts down to the first bounce for Dreamtime at the 'G. 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.
The Age
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
AFL 2025 LIVE updates: Essendon Bombers, Richmond Tigers prepare for Dreamtime at the G
Go to latest 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. 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. First Bounce Countdown | Didgeridoo played by Lachie Hill Lachie Hill, proud Yorta Yorta man and lifelong Bomber's supporter, will be playing the Didgeridoo as the clock counts down to the first bounce for Dreamtime at the 'G. 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.
