Tigers pumped for Dreamtime at the G

Posted May 18, 2011 14:15:00

Richmond midfielder Matthew White is expecting a massive crowd and a big-game atmosphere for Saturday night's annual Dreamtime at the G fixture against Essendon.

White says the fact both teams are showing improved form after finishing in the bottom three in 2010 will add to the excitement at the MCG.

"It's one of the games that we really look forward to," he said.

"It's celebrating indigenous culture that we're trying to bring through the club.

"It's going to be great to get 90,000 people there to cheer us on.

"It makes it a lot better that both sides are on the up and up."

The Bombers under new coach James Hird have soared to third on the ladder after eight rounds with Richmond in 10th spot following last week's loss to Western Bulldogs.

"It's going to be a good clash between two big sides of Melbourne," White said.

White says the Bombers boasted a strong line-up despite having injured skipper Jobe Watson and suspended midfielder Heath Hocking on the sidelines.

"You can't underestimate Essendon at the moment," he said.

"There are two big players who are coming out of their side but they've got guys like (Brent) Prismall to come back in and he has shown form over the last few weeks at VFL level."

Former Tigers player Phil Egan says the death last Christmas of Richmond's 1982 Norm Smith medallist Maurice Rioli will add to the significance of the match, which is designed to celebrate indigenous culture.

"I remember sitting at a press conference and doing the same thing seven years ago with Michael (Long) and myself and there were probably three pressmen there and it has grown and developed," Egan said.

"We know that in our community there are kids going to bed with their football gear on on Monday night looking forward to running out on the MCG on Saturday night.

"It means a lot to our community right across the state."

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, melbourne-3000

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Dreamtime footy finds Kilburn

As part of the AFL's Indigenous Round of football this weekend, the local Kilburn SAAFL club will be hosting their own Dreamtime games on Saturday. Swapping the traditional black and white stripes for an Indigenous art inspired guernsey, the A-grade team will play this weekend's round of the amateur league in the celebratory jumpers.

The Dreamtime guernseys will feature designs from the local Northfield Primary School.

Life member and Kilburn club president Dale Agius said the concept was a good opportunity to break down barriers in the club and celebrate the Indigenous athletes in the teams.

It's the first time that a Dreamtime themed game has been planned for the South Australian Amateur Football League, taking several months for the idea to gain recognition and momentum.

"We thought it would be a good opportunity to build a bit of awareness around the Aboriginal people and the culture," Dale said.

For Indigenous players Scott Young, Douglas Smith and Jamin Tripp, the Dreamtime round will be a great opportunity to combine two very important parts of their lives.

"I'm getting goose-bumps already thinking about it," Kilburn A-Grade Indigenous player Jamin Tripp said.

"It will be good to represent all of the boys.

"I'm probably one of the older ones out there, so I will be leading by example," Jamin added.

The afternoon will include traditional dancing and music, with a welcome to country from Aunty Josie Agius and special appearance from AFL hall of fame legend Gavin Wanganeen.

Information on the local Kaurna people, heritage and beliefs will also be available for football fans to look through.

The Dreamtime game, Kilburn verses Pultney Grammar Football Club, will be played at the Kilburn Oval on Saturday, 21 May 2011, from 5:30pm.

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