Michael Long wants every AFL club involved in annual ‘Long Walk’ movement

Michael Long has issued an open invitation to every AFL club to become part of the annual ‘Long Walk’ as his impact on football and indigenous Australia was hailed.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MAY 25: Michael Long leads the Long Walk ahead of the round 11 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 25, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Essendon great and Indigenous trailblazer Michael Long has issued an open invitation to every AFL club to take part in The Long Walk next year as Jake Stringer and Dustin Martin lit up the Dreamtime stage before 79,359 fans at the MCG.

It came as the Bombers and the Tigers fought out a classic 20th instalment of the ‘Dreamtime’ at the ‘G’ clash, belying the respective ladder positions of both sides.

On a night when Stringer booted four goals in his 200th AFL game and Martin turned back the clock with three goals in a trademark imperious performance, it was Essendon who prevailed by 12 points.

Special scenes during the Long Walk. Picture: Tony Gough

But it took the Bombers the best part of four quarters to shake off an undermanned but gallant Richmond.

Twenty years after deciding to walk to Canberra to seek a better social outcome for the Indigenous community, Long was back at the MCG on Saturday night, leading a march that he started back in 2004 in an effort to promote reconciliation and respect.

“We are going to grow this,” Long said as he walked through Yarra Park on his way into the MCG. “We are going to grow it with all the clubs. We want all the (AFL) clubs involved.”

“That is the power of football. That’s why we have come here, to celebrate the Dreamtime, to celebrate the players, but also most importantly to celebrate what our community has done.”

“This isn’t just about Essendon and Richmond; we invite all the clubs to participate. I know they (the clubs) are playing at certain times, but this is a great opportunity to come here.”

Long conceded his disappointment in the result at last year’s Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, but urged Australians to keep fighting for change.

“Last year we had one of the greatest chances to move forward as a nation (with the referendum), and we missed that,” he said.

“But we can’t give up. We hope one day that when we do leave this earth, we leave it in a better place for the next generations.”

Michael Long outside the MCG Picture: Tony Gough

Long, now 54, was joined on the walk by AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon, Bombers president David Barham, Essendon chief executive Craig Vozzo as well as Indigenous leaders and rank and file footy fans.

It was followed by a host of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers who turned on a spectacular pre-match celebration.

Barham said Long was “a genuine Australian hero” who had made an enormous contribution to the country.

“Not many people can start a movement like this,” Barham said.

“He didn’t do it with his words, he did it with his actions. He didn’t do it by jumping up and down, he decided to do something and people just fell in behind him.

“I’ve heard his son talk about it … he (Long) just got up and said: ‘I’ve had enough of this, I am going to get up and start walking (to Canberra)’.

Michael Long leading the Long Walk inside the MCG. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I am proud of this footy club (Essendon). There are a couple of people - Kevin Sheedy, Michael Long and Neale Daniher - who have had strong links to this footy club who have made enormous social change in this country.”

Andrew Dillion said the game was lucky to have someone like Long associated with it.

“There is a serenity about him and a deepness of thought,” Dillion said. “He is a magnificent leader … he is a great person.

“In a footy sphere, it really reflects on us in a positive way. He has been so courageous in the stance he has taken. We are so lucky to have him.”

Former Richmond player Shane Edwards during the walk. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon during the walk. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Long famously decided to walk to Canberra one Sunday morning in late November 2004, determined to meet then Prime Minister John Howard in an effort to get a better outcome for Indigenous Australians.

With blistering feet and backed by a small support team, Long walked more than 350km from Melbourne to Albury before Mr Howard agreed to a meeting, which allowed him to drive the remaining distance to Canberra.

The meeting did not yield the result Long had wanted, but it started a movement that continues to this day, with the former Bombers star eager to keep fighting for change.

“You wouldn’t have thought this was possible 20 years ago, it was more spontaneous around what was happening in the nation at the time,” he said.

“But the people have supported us. It hasn’t been easy. We have had our ups and downs, but the cause of bringing football and The Long Walk, and our education programs together has hopefully complemented what the AFL has tried to do with Indigenous Round.

“I have to commend what the AFL has done in supporting us.”

Originally published as Michael Long wants every AFL club involved in annual ‘Long Walk’ movement