AFL live: Debut Don praised by Scott as Michael Long opens Dreamtime at the ’G

Neither side has made a late change. Ben Hobbs (Essendon) and Maurice Rioli jnr (Richmond) are the subs.

Essendon debutante Angus Clarke is clearly a favourite of the Bombers players and coaches judging from the reaction to his elevation to the senior team tonight.

The 18-year-old has won over coach Brad Scott who explained why Clarke put a smile on the faces of his teammates.

“He just makes you laugh,” Scott told Fox Footy.

“He’s a guy who loves life and had to work so hard to get his opportunity. He’s from Mason Redman territory in country South Australia.

“He’s such a hard worker, it was a matter of when, not if, he would come into our side but I said to our coaches that when we bring him in, I want him to be able to stay in.”

AFL great Shaun Burgoyne has challenged more state coaches to identify and train more Indigenous players from their early teenage years in a bid to have more players drafted to the AFL.

One of ongoing issues in the AFL is the dwindling number of Indigenous players on AFL lists, something Burgoyne said needed to change.

“It always comes back to the pathways with the kids 12, 13 and 14-year-old kids, having them selected [for junior representative teams] and putting that training into them,” Burgoyne told Fox Footy pregame.

“That way you don’t get to their 18th year and there are no kids to draft – if you get them in early, then you’ve had them in the elite talent pathways whether that is Western Australia, South Australia or Victoria – if you have had them in the pathways then come draft time, you have more players to pick from.”

Misting rain and the scent of burning eucalyptus hangs in the air as hundreds of walkers set off from the Birrarung Marr hilltop for the Long Walk to the MCG.

Victorian opposition leader Brad Battin led the procession alongside Michael Long, the former footballer whose walk to Canberra inspired the annual awareness-raising event at the MCG.

Long-time Dreamtime attendees, sisters Lisa McKenna and Karen Christie, walked arm-in-arm in their Richmond scarves and said it was an overwhelming moment for them after discovering, following their mother’s death, that they had Indigenous heritage.

“Everyone gets involved in it, which is really, really special, and I think it’s really good for the Indigenous community to know that they’ve got so much support,” McKenna said.

Asked about their team’s prospects, the siblings were guarded.

“It doesn’t matter who wins, really, but it’s a great night. You’ve just gotta embrace what it’s for,” Christie said.

McKenna said: “May the best team win”.

Richmond are hoping a conservative approach through the VFL will help premiership midfielder Dion Prestia finally overcome his tortured run with soft-tissue injuries.

Instead of returning in the Tigers’ Dreamtime clash with Essendon at the MCG tonight, Prestia will make his comeback in Frankston when he plays two quarters against the Bombers’ VFL side.

After being restricted to 13 games last year, the 32-year-old is yet to play a game this season following an Achilles injury.

But Richmond coach Adem Yze believes the club has learnt valuable lessons on how to manage their star veteran.

“There always is, with the talent he’s got and the leadership he provides,” Yze said of the temptation to bring Prestia straight back into the AFL.

“Last year, you could see how important he was when he came in and we probably did it the wrong way and he missed six weeks. We’ve got to learn from that.

“If he gets through, he’ll be available the week after.

“We’re playing the long game with him.

“I’m not sure the last time he’s played VFL, but he’s bought into that.”

During Prestia’s absence, the triple-premiership player has taken a great interest in mentoring Tigers young guns Sam Lalor and Josh Smillie.

The rebuilding Richmond have defied grim pre-season predictions to already win three games this year.

Despite Essendon coming off a 91-point smashing at the hands of the Western Bulldogs last Saturday night, the Bombers will start as warm favourites to beat the Tigers.

Richmond will be without captain Toby Nankervis (managed), veteran forward Tom Lynch (concussion), star defender Noah Balta (court-imposed curfew) and former best-and-fairest winner Jayden Short (calf).

Samson Ryan is back to take on ruck duties, with Maurice Rioli jnr and Campbell Gray also recalled.

“We’re going to be a really young side, on a big stage, which is an awesome opportunity,” Yze said.

“I sat in the forward line meeting, and it felt like I was in a creche.

“It’s hard to fill Lynchy’s shoes … they’ve just got to share the load.

“They’re young, but it will be exciting.”

Essendon’s Jade Gresham and Matt Guelfi are back from injuries and hard-running teen defender Angus Clarke will debut on the big stage.

Dylan Shiel, Saad El-Hawli and Archer Day-Wicks have been dropped.

AAP

G’day everyone and welcome to our live blog for tonight’s match between Essendon and Richmond for Dreamtime at the ’G.

I’m Roy Ward and I’ll be tapping the keys as we follow all the major moments and post-game reactions from tonight’s match.

Please enjoy the hours to come.