The annual AFL’s indigenous celebration Dreamtime Game set for Darwin if talks are successful

A DREAMTIME game in Darwin would be the culmination of 40 years of co-operation between Territory football and the Essendon and Richmond football clubs

Michael Long will again lead the Long Walk if the annual Dreamtime game between Essendon and Richmond comes to Darwin.

A DREAMTIME game in Darwin would be the culmination of 40 years of co-operation between Territory football and the Essendon and Richmond football clubs.

That was Long Walk co-ordinator and 190-game Bomber Michael Long’s reaction this week to the very real possibility the annual game that recognises the contribution of indigenous players to Australian football will be transferred to the Top End.

Alice Springs’s Traeger Park was originally put forward as a venue for the feature game in the Sir Doug Nichols round.

But the NT News understands Darwin’s TIO Stadium on a Saturday night is now the preferred option for a Dreamtime Game in the far north.

Long is hoping ongoing talks between NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner and AFL boss Gillon McLachlan on Darwin hosting the AFL blockbuster are successful.

“That’s where we are at right now, waiting for the Gunner government’s negotiations with Gill on trying to get the game in the Territory,’’ Long said last night.

“Things are changing pretty quickly with crowds starting to go back to the footy, so it’s looming as a great opportunity for the Territory to hold the game.’’

The Long Walk will be part of any Darwin celebrations, in conjunction with other indigenous cultural activity under the umbrella of the Northern Land Council.

“We would invite other cultures to participate as well,’’ Long said. “It’s a big part of who we are in Darwin and the unique mix of races and cultures we have.

“The people we went to school with, played footy with and generally grew up with, have contributed to life and sport up here and deserve to be part of the celebrations.’’

Indigenous dancers will also be part of the “Dreamtime at the T’’ game, that will be played as part of the rounds six to nine draw being finalised by the AFL.

Long said Essendon and Richmond had several close ties to the Territory, including several recruits from the Top End and Central Australia who had made their way to the both clubs as part of their dream to play at an elite level.

“Obviously there was Maurice (Rioli) in his time at Richmond and now Daniel Rioli, who have had big impacts on the footy landscape up here and the same at Essendon with its strong Territory connections,’’ Long said.

“If we can pull this off it would be fantastic for the Territory and the AFL, so lets hope the talks between the NT Government and Gill McLachlan are successful.’’