ESSENDON and Richmond have secured the annual Dreamtime at the 'G match for at least the next decade.
The clubs have committed to a 10-year agreement and have set out to grow the game through financial investment as well as producing a program of activities in the build up to the marquee fixture.
They have agreed to share the gate takings for the Dreamtime game, which is the centrepiece of Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round, as well as any return fixture.
Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said the game had become an important vehicle for highlighting the contributions of indigenous people to the AFL.
"The solidifying of this marquee match for the next decade provides us a great opportunity to further strengthen our relationship with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," Campbell told the club's website.
"Dreamtime at the 'G offers so many unique opportunities, but it also brings a sense of responsibility to reconciliation and as we begin this new long-term commitment, we are also looking forward to strengthening our existing partnerships with The Long Walk and the Tiwi Islands.”
Richmond counterpart Brendon Gale said both clubs had worked extremely hard to establish the game.
"It is now a key event on the AFL calendar and we wanted to reaffirm our commitment long-term," the Tigers CEO said.
"We are proud of what this game has become and this agreement with Essendon is an important commitment to the long-term growth of this game and all that it stands for."
Essendon and Richmond will meet for the 11th time in the Dreamtime at the 'G fixture when they lock horns at the MCG on Saturday night.
The Bombers hold an overall advantage, winning six games to the Tigers' five.
