Essendon and Territory icon Michael Long to again lead the Long Walk in the lead-up to this week’s AFL Dreamtime Game

The Long Walk’s association with the AFL’s Dreamtime Game set to continue with Michael Long to lead the 18th edition through the city of Perth

Michael Long and the iconic Long Walk has moved west to Perth for the staging of the 2021 AFL Dreamtime Game. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

THE 18th edition of the Long Walk enters new territory this weekend when two-time Essendon premiership player Michael Long leads a big contingent of past players, indigenous organisations, politicians and fans in Perth.

The Saturday afternoon walk from Perth’s Victoria Gardens to Optus Stadium will be led by Long and former Essendon teammate Gavin Wanganeen.

The walkers will leave Perth’s Victoria Gardens for the walk along the Swan River and across the Matagarup Bridge to Optus Oval in time for the 5.40pm first bounce of the Essendon-Richmond round 12 AFL Dreamtime Game

Long is rapt to get the iconic walk happening again after a month of COVID-19 restrictions on air travel and the league having to reschedule AFL fixtures away from pandemic affected Melbourne threw some doubt on the project.

“Given the COVID that is happening in Melbourne it’s really exciting to be able to participate in the Long Walk in Perth for the first time,’’ the 1993 Norm Smith medallist said.

“The AFL has contacted all the past indigenous players of both clubs to invite them to the walk and that’s important because the celebrations are about them.

“And Uncle Sid (Jackson) gets an opportunity to celebrate his contribution to the game, a great man an done of our early indigenous players at league level.

“Gavin Wanganeen is joining us and we’ve been in contact with the Wirrpanda and Polly Farmer Foundations here in Perth along with several other Aboriginal organisations.’’

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan. the Federal indigenous Minister Ken Wyatt and Federal politician Pat Dodson will also be present for the 4km walk.

“We’re glad it’s happening because it’s one of our major events and we love being part of the footy and celebrating our past champions and their achievements across the national game,’’ Long said.