7.50pmRioli, Mansell join pregame danceBy Richmond players Maurice Rioli and Rhyan Mansell put on the white paint and joined the pregame dance at the Dreamtime tonight.Rioli is from the Tiwi Islands and Mansell is a proud Palawa man with cultural roots to North-Eastern Tasmania.The game is now underway.7.43pm‘Very positive’: Jackson rapt as Dockers build formBy Luke Jackson knows how good it feels when an AFL team hits its premiership sweet spot and he’s daring to dream what might be possible at Fremantle.While stressing the season is not even at halfway, the star Dockers ruckman is rapt with how they are progressing.Luke Jackson of the Dockers celebrates after scoring a goal in round 10.Getty ImagesFremantle will go into Friday night’s home game against St Kilda boasting a nine-game winning streak, which has equalled the club record.Jackson, who played a crucial role in Melbourne’s drought-breaking 2021 grand-final win, is one of three premiership players at Fremantle.7.30pmWatch: Michael Long on why he loves EssendonBy Essendon great Michael Long has given the Dons an emotional pre-game talk explaining why he loves the club that gave him his chance at AFL football.“[In] 1995, this club pushed the [anti] racial vilification [issue]; it changed the game for people, Indigenous people, all cultures, the Essendon Football Club – that’s why I love this club, that’s why I always come back,” Long told the players.7.25pmWatch: Some highlights from the ceremonyBy Dan Sultan, Jem Cassar-Daley, and First Nations Pathway Program artists led the musical performances during the pregame ceremony. First bounce is set for 7.45pm AEST.7.18pmDockers cop Serong blow as new club record loomsBy Collingwood have loaded up with stars for Scott Pendlebury’s special day, but Fremantle have lost gun midfielder Caleb Serong for their date with destiny.In other notable round 11 team news, Essendon recalled Ben McKay for their ‘Dreamtime at the G’ clash with Richmond, while Carlton lost All-Australian defender Jacob Weitering due to calf tightness.Dockers star Caleb Serong.AFL PhotosThe Dockers have the chance to post a new club-record 10th straight win when they face Ross Lyon’s St Kilda in Perth on Friday night.Already missing concussed midfielder Hayden Young, Fremantle were dealt another big blow when Serong was cut down by a calf strain, with early whispers suggesting he will miss two to three weeks.7.15pm‘Magic’ McLean honouredBy Michael “Magic” McLean was honoured during the pre-game ceremony, which is continuing at present with Dan Sultan leading the musical section.7.11pmMichael Long makes his long walkBy Essendon great Michael Long has completed his Long Walk with a number of fans and dignitaries, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.He also spoke to the Bombers in the rooms pre-game, and received a No.13 Dreamtime guernsey from skipper Andrew McGrath.Michael Long and Andrew McGrath of the Bombers embrace.AFL PhotosLong addresses the Essendon players.AFL Photos7.01pmTonight’s scheduleBy Courtesy of Richmond, here is tonight’s schedule for the pre-game ceremony:Bombers president Andrew Welsh, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, and Essendon legend Michael Long take part in the Long Walk tonight.Getty ImagesThe Long Walk Leaving Birrarung Marr hilltop at 5.30pm, entering the MCG at 6.15pmWelcome to Country – 7:02pmWith Wurundjeri elder, Uncle Colin Hunter jnr.Pre-match entertainment – 7:04pmWith Dan Sultan, Jem Cassar-Daley, and First Nations Pathway Program artists.Ball presentation – 7.23pmThe Dreamtime at the ’G Sherrin football will be presented by Wirra Thorpe – Great, great-granddaughter of Sir Doug Nicholls.Richmond enters MCG - 7.28pmThe Tigers will be joined by Mitchell Taylor (grandson of Michael Mitchell) and Kade Williams (nephew of Michael Mitchell) when entering the MCG.Dreamtime Ceremony Dance – 7:38pmA decade on from the inaugural Laguntas pre-game dance, tonight’s performance marks 10 years of cultural expression, growth and leadership within the Richmond Football Club.First performed in support of Adam Goodes, it has grown into a powerful symbol of unity, resilience and pride across the AFL landscape.This year’s dance reflects the journey from boys to men, their deep connection to Country, and their development through the Korin Gamadji Institute. Bringing together original performers and current participants, it honours legacy while showcasing the strength of cultural knowledge being carried forward.6.53pm‘Finals-like’: Desperate Tigers pump up the Dreamtime clashBy Richmond coach Adem Yze is telling his players to treat their ‘Dreamtime at the ‘G’ clash like a final as he plots a path to greatness for the young group.The Tigers (1-9) sit last on the ladder and earlier this week released an injury list featuring a whopping 18 players.Dejected Tigers after another loss and a mounting injury list.Getty ImagesWith Richmond in the midst of a huge rebuild, finals football is unlikely to be on the table for at least a few more years.But Yze is excited about the sheer amount of young talent at his disposal, and he wants to use tonight’s match against Essendon as an important building block in their development.6.38pmDons’ footy boss is still preaching the planBy Roy WardEssendon’s football department still believe the Bombers can turn their young playing list into a winning side despite the club’s ongoing struggles.Essendon football general manager Daniel McPherson still believes in the strategy the club has taken, despite reports that the club board was closely watching developments and their 1-9 record.Brad Scott’s side is 1-9 for the 2026 season.Getty Images“It’s no skin off our nose, we have nothing to do with that sort of thing, and it’s way above us,” McPherson told Kayo Sports.“We are business as usual at the moment, and whatever else goes on outside of that is beyond our control.1 of 2