AFL world divided by Dreamtime ceremony at the MCG
The AFL’s Dreamtime at the ‘G opening ceremony fiercely divided opinion before the Bombers claimed a solid win over Richmond.
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The AFL put on a spectacular pre-match entertainment show ahead of the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G clash on Friday night, although it left those watching on deeply divided.
Essendon took the points on the night, withstanding a plucky Richmond side to record an 11.15 (81) to 8.10 (58) victory.
But an extended musical ceremony before the match was a huge talking point among footy fans.
Actor and rapper Adam Briggs, who goes by the stage name Senator Briggs, joined beloved Aussie performer Paul Kelly in a wide-ranging performance.
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The key fixture of the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls round, the match is held to recognise the vast Indigenous contributions to Australian Rules football.
A number of past and present Indigenous players were honoured as part of the ceremony, including Indigenous Team of the Century members Bill Dempsey and Syd Jackson and AFL Hall of Fame inductees Michael Long and Stephen Michael.
Watch part of the pre-match entertainment in the video player above
There was a Welcome to Country given by Uncle Colin Hunter Jr along with a number of musical acts and a performance from the Djirri Djirri Dance Group.
Many footy fans took to social media to praise the performance, which commenced about 50 minutes before the opening bounce, including actor and writer Rhys Muldoon.
“When we have Australian musicians, black and white, singing together at the G, it’s wild,” Muldoon wrote on X. “Briggs and PK bringing it.
“This is the best performance I think I’ve seen at the football. So good.”
X user Sara K said: “Elite Pre-game entertainment tonight. 10/10.”
Cody Winnell wrote: “Pre-game doesn’t get much better than this. Absolutely magnificent.”
Laga 33 said: “Loved every second of that. That’s the level of performance you love to see!!”
Damo SC offered: “Spine-tingling stuff.”
A number of fans compared the entertainment favourably with Katy Perry’s effort at last year’s grand final and some called for it to be replicated at this year’s decider.
Cameron Watt wrote: “Briggs brother, that #DreamtimeAtTheG performance was f**king fire.
“Better than any GF performance, ever.”
Clarky wrote “That was better than Katy Perry at the GF. ABSOLUTELY VIBES.”
There were, of course, plenty of negative reactions to the ceremony.
Welcome to Country has become an incredibly divisive issue in Australia, even finding its way into this year’s Federal Election campaigns.
But some of those watching on were more intent on discussing the extended use of rap music, more than the Welcome ceremony.
David McGuire tweeted: “This is extremely excruciatingly painfully boring pre-game entertainment.”
An account called Cptn Francis Young asked: “What is this crap? Since when did Aborigines do mindless rap?”
Stephanie Williams stated: “I don’t mean to be rude but the hell is with all the rap rubbish.”
One watching on said: “Whoever signed off that so called pre-game show should resign immediately.”
Another quipped: “I always find welcome to country is great opportunity to catch up on some knitting.”
Whatever the preference of those watching on, it was a spectacular opening to a game that draws one of the biggest crowds each AFL season.
On the field, the Bombers broke open a close game in the third quarter to move into the top eight early in round 11.
In another game beset by injuries this season, Essendon’s Sam Durham and Richmond’s No. 1 draft pick Sam Lalor both suffered hamstring concerns.
Originally published as AFL world divided by Dreamtime ceremony at the MCG
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