A 15-year long tradition will head north when Essendon hosts Richmond in a 'Dreamtime in Darwin' blockbuster at TIO Stadium on August 22.
The AFL today revealed the fixture for Sig Doug Nicholls Round, which will see the Bombers and Tigers again take centre stage in the round's showpiece event under Saturday night lights.
Born in 2005, the annual Dreamtime at the 'G game was set to be played for the 16th time this season, but takes on a different look as a result of Victoria's COVID-19 situation.
It will have huge significance being played in Darwin, given Essendon's long-standing connection with the Northern Territory through the Tiwi Islands.
Located 80km north of Darwin across the Arafura Sea, the remote Tiwi Islands have produced some of Essendon's and Richmond's greatest players in Michael Long and Maurice Rioli, and is also the birthplace of star forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti.
As a result, the Bombers and Tigers have huge support in the Top End in what promises to make for a stunning spectacle.
Essendon members based in the Northern Territory will receive information via email a week before the match to access the member pre-sale.
SIR DOUG NICHOLLS ROUND
Essendon v Richmond
Dreamtime in Darwin
TIO Stadium
7:40pm AEST, Saturday August 22
