A select group of young Indigenous footballers has sampled Essendon’s training facility ahead of the Dreamtime at the ‘G clash this Saturday.

The players are part of the Rio Tinto Footy Means Business program – an initiative that provides participants with exposure to the elite environment of an AFL program. 

Former Geelong and Essendon player Mathew Stokes is guiding the players through the week, culminating in a curtain raiser ahead of the Bombers match on Saturday.

“It’s a program put together for kids aged between 18 and 24 who probably missed out on the chance to get drafted but we want to create opportunities for work and education,” Stokes said.

“We use footy as a vehicle to get them here but it’s more to do with opportunities for life.

“We’ve only had one guy here who has played on the MCG, so obviously they’re really excited to do that.”

The players had the opportunity to hear from Essendon great Michael Long. 

The two-time premiership player expressed the importance of not just relying on football to set up your life.

“What he’s done not only on the playing field, but off it, is the reason why the Indigenous round is so important,” Stokes said.

“It’s about respecting the guys who came before us and were able to create an atmosphere and environment now where Aboriginal players can come into footy clubs and not feel discriminated against.

“They just feel safe and people like Longy, Nicky Winmar, the Krakouer boys who went through an era where racism was just a way of life – for them to go through that gave the opportunity to people like myself to be able to come and play footy and enjoy it.”

Stokes played 11 games for the Bombers last year after ten seasons and two premierships with the Cats. 

He concedes he was torn when his two former sides met earlier this month, but said he has been keeping a close eye on the Bombers progress.

“They’re doing really well and I’m really proud of the group,” Stokes said. 

“I was only here for a short time but to see them come out the end of it, see them enjoy their footy and see them go out there without the weight of everything else is really great to watch.”