Essendon great Michael Long has pulled out of the Long Walk to Dreamtime at the 'G on Saturday because of ill health but insists the event will still leave a "powerful" imprint.
The Bombers confirmed on Thursday that Long would not attend, leaving former players Gavin Wanganeen, Derek Kickett and Che Cockatoo-Collins, coaching great Kevin Sheedy, club chairman Lindsay Tanner, Olympian Nova Peris, AFL chairman Richard Goyder and AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan as among those leading the walk from Federation Square to the MCG.
Michael Long will not be at the Long Walk because of ill health.
Photo: Vince Caligiuri
The walk precedes the clash between Richmond at the resurgent Bombers.
“The amount of indigenous and non-indigenous leaders, football fans and members of the community who have committed to walking together on Saturday night will be really powerful and demonstrates we are heading in the right direction as a nation,” Long said.
“I am disappointed I cant be there in person, but the Long Walk is not about me, its about continuing the conversation about how we can improve the everyday lives, education and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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“This is a great week where Indigenous culture and community is front and centre. Well have more than 20,000 walkers make their way from Federation Square to the Dreamtime at the G and it will all be capped off with what should be a great game of footy.”
Peris said the significance of the night was not lost on anyone.
"The work Michael Long, Kevin Sheedy and the Essendon Football Club have done to grow the Long Walk and the Dreamtime at the G is incredible,” she said.
"The walk and the match means so much to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, not only does it celebrate our proud culture, but it inspires our young people.
"The Long Walk is a powerful experience. To have more than 20,000 people walk together to say we care about creating better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is incredible.”
Festivities begin at Federation Square at 2pm, with the Long Walk to the MCG from 5.30pm.
Jon Pierik is a sports writer with The Age, focusing primarily on AFL football, cricket and basketball. He has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.
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