THE RICHMOND and Essendon Football Clubs aren't known for being great mates on the field, but once a year, they unite for a common cause.

The teams have been part of some of the biggest on-field stoushes ever seen, but this week sees them joining to promote the Dreamtime at the 'G match, being held this Saturday night at the home of football.

Now in its fourth year, the match is the main feature of the AFL's Indigenous Round, which recognises the significant role the indigenous community has played in shaping the game.

There are currently 72 players on AFL lists recognised as indigenous – including eight at the Bombers – and around the country, 87,000 play the game in some form.

The Commonwealth Government is supporting the match again, using the occasion to highlight opportunities for corporate Australia to create employment and training opportunities for indigenous Australians.

'The Long Walk' is an integral part of the round, and the focus of the pre-game entertainment early afternoon at Federation Square. Then 1000 walkers will head for the MCG in time to see performers such as Kev Carmody and Paul Kelly provide pre-match entertainment.

Essendon champion Michael Long has been the public face of the Long Walk since its inception, and he spoke about it at a media conference held with Richmond and Essendon players and coaches.

"I suppose the Long Walk really is about unity," Long said. "If we can't bring people together talking about making a difference, a change, we couldn't do anything.

"Being part of the Dreamtime at the 'G, and Essendon and Richmond football clubs, and the connection with football, it's a great partnership that the Long Walk be a part of this."

Essendon coach Matthew Knights, who played 279 games for the Tigers, said being able to be part of the match was a great honour, and agreed with Long that football could promote unity across cultural and racial lines.

"It'll be a piece in the puzzle to be able to celebrate what indigenous players and indigenous people have done for our country and Australian Rules football," he said.

"I know Michael (Long) at Essendon had an ever-lasting effect – we've got eight indigenous players on our list at the moment – and we feel really proud as a club that we can provide those indigenous guys a home, a home they feel comfortable in.

"And even cross-cultural and races at Essendon Football Club – we've got Bachar Houli, who's a young Muslim boy.

"We just feel very proud as a club that we can have people from all different races and cultures and they feel very comfortable at our club."

Round nine is the AFL’s Indigenous Round, highlighting the relationship between the game and Indigenous Australia. This year’s round features a number of events, culminating in the Long Walk and the annual Dreamtime at the 'G game between Essendon and Richmond on Saturday night. Click here for full coverage.