Dreamtime

Dreamtime, Essendon and Richmond slug it out. The Indigenous round, is a special round for all Aboriginal players, their chance to shine and deliver. Recently, I have become involved in a student Reconciliation group. I have helped promote Reconciliation Week and learnt so much about a side of Australia I barely knew.

Aboriginals have not been recognised in the constitution! Reconciliation Week helps spread the word about Aboriginal reconciliation. With the Dreamtime match so close to Reconciliation Week; this match will help promote the week. The traditional gum leaf welcoming is a key part of the Dreamtime match. I missed the pre-match entertainment which was a pity. The players after collecting a gum leaf, split into their positions.

Paddy Ryder opened the Dreamtime game with some sensational marking and kicking at goal. Three goals in the first ten minutes and Davey snagged one too. Richmond didn’t beat Sydney for nothing though as they came back with a notable Grigg bomb. Deledio was playing well and Martin was on fire. Essendon lead though by twelve points at quarter time.

The second quarter was all Essendon. Stanton and Watson were excellent, especially Stanton in the final minute. After he missed a sitter, he spoiled the kick in then kicked a goal from the throw in. This shows how much he has improved this season. For the Tigers, Deledio was good and Cotchin was getting better. One of the most peculiar moments happened in the Tigers 50. Nahas marked 40 metres out, He kicked it straight to Carlisle on the mark. Carlisle then kicked it to Martin. Martin made no mistake. The only sore point of the quarter was Dylan Grimes a young defender from Richmond got a hamstring injury and got subbed off. Richmond kicked two goals six and was left to rue inaccuracy. Essendon built their lead. As is the custom with the night game, I had to go to bed at half time.  It was so annoying because I missed a cracking half of footy.

Richmond in the last quarter took the lead via a Cotchin goal. What had happened to the Essendon outfit before half time? Have Richmond improved so much that they can beat Essendon? Then the indigenous players shone. Lovett-Murray snapped a goal and Davey sealed it. Brett Deledio won the Yiooken award for best on ground. Essendon’s tough draw comes to an end next round when they verse GWS. Finally we can afford to rest Fletcher who got injured in the third quarter. Richmond on the other hand has to face the Hawks next Saturday.

Reconciliation Week is in week seven of the school term. I hope you can support this special week and be reminded of the special effect Aboriginals have in Australia – especially their football skills.

Comments

  1. Phil Dimitriadis says

    Fantastic report Max. It’s great that you are learning about the importance of indigenous cultures and the role they play in our history and in our future. Well done :)

  2. Great report, Max. You must have gone to bed pretty happy with a 6 goal lead. Did you watch a replay of the last half?

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