Dreamtime heads west as Dons, Tigers celebrate Indigenous ties

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Essendon and Richmond will hold a second annual Dreamtime Indigenous-themed AFL match in Perth from 2027, in addition to their traditional Dreamtime game at the MCG in Melbourne. This expansion, backed by a partnership with Tourism Western Australia and Indigenous community groups, aims to deepen cultural engagement and broaden the celebration of Aboriginal heritage beyond Victoria.

Essendon and Richmond football clubs will take their annual Dreamtime Indigenous celebration match to Perth for the next two AFL seasons, expanding the event beyond its traditional Melbourne venue. The clubs will continue to face off in the established Dreamtime at the 'G game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in round 9, while launching a second Indigenous-themed match in round 16 in Western Australia from 2027. This new fixture will be known as Dreamtime at Maali, using the Noongar word for “black swan.”

The two-year agreement with Tourism Western Australia marks the first time the Dreamtime game will be held outside Melbourne since its inception more than two decades ago. Both clubs anticipate strong attendance, referencing their previous Perth clash in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, which drew a sellout crowd of 55,656 spectators. The AFL is expected to announce the updated 2027 fixture schedule officially in the coming days.

Richmond will serve as the designated home team for the MCG Dreamtime match on May 14, 2027, while Essendon will host the inaugural Dreamtime at Maali game in Perth, coinciding with NAIDOC week during Victoria’s school holidays in July. The teams will alternate hosting rights for these matches in 2028. While the clubs will benefit from a confidential financial arrangement with the Western Australian government, their schedules will require additional interstate travel and one fewer home game at the MCG each season during the agreement.

The decision to relocate one Dreamtime game follows extensive consultations with Indigenous community organizations. Both clubs plan to deepen their engagement through Indigenous programs and school visits in Perth ahead of the Dreamtime at Maali events, underscoring a commitment to cultural connection and education.

Essendon chief executive Tim Roberts emphasized the significance of the Dreamtime match to the club’s identity. He noted the event honors the rich heritage and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, families, and communities integral to Essendon’s history. Roberts also highlighted the club’s history of innovation, recalling that former coach Kevin Sheedy initiated the Dreamtime game more than 20 years ago.

Richmond chief executive Shane Dunne described the expansion as a remarkable opportunity, linking it to the club’s role in establishing the original Dreamtime at the 'G. The annual Dreamtime at the 'G fixture has evolved into a cornerstone event on the AFL calendar, including the broader Sir Doug Nicholls Round and related activities.

The week surrounding the matches will also feature events such as The Long Walk, a campaign launched in 2004 by former player Michael Long to raise awareness of Indigenous issues. This addition further reinforces the enduring significance of the Dreamtime celebrations as a platform for recognition, education, and community connection in Australian rules football.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.