Courtesy of Richmond, here is tonight’s schedule for the pre-game ceremony:
Bombers president Andrew Welsh, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, and Essendon legend Michael Long take part in the Long Walk tonight.Getty Images
The Long Walk
Leaving Birrarung Marr hilltop at 5.30pm, entering the MCG at 6.15pm
Welcome to Country – 7:02pm
With Wurundjeri elder, Uncle Colin Hunter jnr.
Pre-match entertainment – 7:04pm
With Dan Sultan, Jem Cassar-Daley, and First Nations Pathway Program artists.
Ball presentation – 7.23pm
The Dreamtime at the ’G Sherrin football will be presented by Wirra Thorpe – Great, great-granddaughter of Sir Doug Nicholls.
Richmond enters MCG – 7.28pm
The Tigers will be joined by Mitchell Taylor (grandson of Michael Mitchell) and Kade Williams (nephew of Michael Mitchell) when entering the MCG.
Dreamtime Ceremony Dance – 7:38pm
A decade on from the inaugural Laguntas pre-game dance, tonight’s performance marks 10 years of cultural expression, growth and leadership within the Richmond Football Club.
First performed in support of Adam Goodes, it has grown into a powerful symbol of unity, resilience and pride across the AFL landscape.
This year’s dance reflects the journey from boys to men, their deep connection to Country, and their development through the Korin Gamadji Institute. Bringing together original performers and current participants, it honours legacy while showcasing the strength of cultural knowledge being carried forward.