When the media spotlight has drifted from Princes Park this week, Essendon has been in sharp focus.

Dreamtime at the G’ and Dustin Fletcher’s 400^th game make for a significant week on the Bomber calendar and Willie Rioli Snr has been there to experience it all.

Rioli is the Coach of the Tiwi Bombers in the Northern Territory Football League.

He has been given a front row seat to Essendon’s build-up for the match against Richmond. 

“There’s a lot of things to take in but it has been very enjoyable,” Rioli said.

“There are definitely things I can take out of this and take back to my boys on the Tiwis.”

Essendon’s coach exchange program provides opportunities for indigenous coaches to enhance their professional development.

Rioli has been involved in training sessions, coaches meetings, match review sessions and selection meetings.

“It’s a way to give something back to indigenous organisations,” Essendon’s Aboriginal Programs and Welfare Coordinator Matthew Whelan said. 

“He’ll be sitting in the Coaches box at Dreamtime at the G’ which will be fantastic.

“He’ll get to experience what it’s like to be in the cut and thrust of the AFL world.” 

From training drills to communication with players, Rioli hopes his time at Essendon will help him create a more professional environment for his players back home.

His time at Essendon coincides with Indigenous Round; a week he said instills a great sense of pride.        

“It means a lot.  Being a Tiwi person and an Indigenous person of Australia – it’s a great thing that the AFL recognises us.

“It’s amazing how big this week has become.”