Essendon sends players on a “Rite of Passage” camp in Arnhem Land, Tiwi Islands

ESSENDON hopes it’s “Rite of Passage” camp in Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands teaches players some valuable life lessons while also connecting with the local community.

ESSENDON has a special connection with the Top End.

Maningrida, in West Arnhem Land, is in Essendon’s Next Generation Academy Zone and the visit included footy clinics, education sessions and a traditional welcome to country dance from the local students.

CHECK OUT PICTURES FROM ESSENDON’S RITE OF PASSAGE CAMP BELOW

Tiwi Islands native Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti said it was important to give back and it would also open the eyes of his young teammates to indigenous culture and the importance of football.

“The players will take a lot away from the whole experience,” McDonald-Tipungwuti told the club website.

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“For our young players to meet the kids, come out to the community, most of them haven’t been to a remote community before so it’s a good experience for them to see how it is and get out of their comfort zone and share their stories,” McDonald-Tipungwuti said.

“There are talented kids up here, hopefully they can develop more with Essendon being here. It’s good for us to come here and hopefully teach them and hopefully get a few more players in the AFL,” McDonald-Tipungwuti said.

“It’s good to come out and share our experience with them and encourage them, that if they want to back an AFL player, this is what they need to do.

Darcy Parish high fives a student at Maningrida. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Darcy Parish low fives a student at Maningrida. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Darcy Parish has lunch with school students at Maningrida in Arnhem Land. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Essendon's first to fourth-year players dance with students at Maningrida. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Essendon's first to fourth-year players dance with students at Maningrida. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Dylan Clarke with students at Maningrida as part of the club’s “Right of Passage” camp. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Adam Saad and Aaron Francis in Arnhem Land as part of the club’s ‘Right of Passage’ camp. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Andy McGrath with students from the Tiwi Islands. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Essendon's first to forth-year players spent a day on the Tiwi Islands. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Jake Long in the Tiwi Islands as part of Essendon’s "Right of Passage" camp. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Essendon's first to forth-year players spent the day with Tiwi Islands students. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Essendon's first to forth-year in the Tiwi Islands as part of the "Right of Passage" camp. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Adam Saad shows off his pace during Essendon’s visit to the Tiwi Islands. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR

Essendon's first to forth-year players spent the day on the Tiwi Islands. Picture: NATALIE MacGREGOR