Tiger picks right day to make his debut
05 May 2006
Herald Sun
Jon Anderson
WHEN Kevin Sheedy dreams, he often gets results, whether it be an annual 90,000-plus to the Anzac Day clash or an extended interchange bench.
His most recent vision is to see the Dreamtime at the 'G clash between Essendon and Richmond draw a crowd akin to Anzac Day.
Yesterday Sheedy, Richmond coach Terry Wallace and two indigenous stars of the 1980s and 1990s, Michael Long and Phil Egan, gathered to promote the Dreamtime game.
The Sheedy-inspired concept is in only its second year and, while 90,000 is unrealistic tomorrow night, he knows it's just around the corner.
"A lot of thought and a lot of time has gone into it and we will make sure it works. The history is right with the Tigers at Punt Rd and Essendon having started in the Jolimont paddock," Sheedy said.
"And the two clubs' colours capture the yellow, red and black of the Aboriginal flag. Plus Maurice Rioli at Richmond and Michael Long with Essendon were players who showed what could be done, players who opened the door for more indigenous footballers.
"It provides a wonderful opportunity to show where this country has come from. George Bracken, a marvellous boxer from the early 1960s, was one of my idols, Lionel Rose, Cathy Freeman . . . and, sorry, Michael (Long) of course.
"There's no doubt we missed a lot of potential players in the VFL in the early days. Port Power showed us in the last quarter of a Grand Final what indigenous players can do.
"As far as I'm concerned they can come and dance at the MCG any time."
Wallace endorsed Sheedy's comments. He also announced the debut of No. 8 draft pick from last year, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, as well as Dean Polo, from Gippsland Power.
Wallace couldn't think of a more appropriate debut game for Oakley-Nicholls, an 18-year-old 189cm excitement machine.
"He's exciting and like most of our indigenous boys he plays with freedom. They have no fear and play the game naturally," Wallace said.
For Oakley-Nicholls it's a dream come true, something he thought of constantly when growing up in Perth.
"I was hoping to get a crack this year and maybe get a few senior games under my belt. I play wing, half-back, midfield, but really I'm just glad to be on an oval where I can express myself," Oakley-Nicholls said.
"I've always been a footy boy. We would play all year in Perth. I don't get cricket, it's just too boring and slow. We have to be able to move.
"When I first came to Richmond, it helped me a lot knowing there were two indigenous players in Andrew (Krakouer) and Richard (Tambling) here. We always lock on to each other and I hung around them all the time. Then I slowly started getting used to the other boys."
Oakley-Nicholls, who is doing a personal training course, lives in Preston with his mum, who came over to provide support.
Pre-match entertainment may feature a Corroboree in the centre with the lights turned off. Paul Kelly, Christine Anu, Peter Garrett, Renee Geyer and Kutcha Edwards will sing.
Fans can join the launch of The Long Walk 2006. Walkers will meet at Birrarung Marr from 3pm and walk across William Barak Bridge to the MCG.
For more information go to thelongwalk.com.au.
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