AFL Ambassador and indigenous leader
Midfielder Nathan Lovett-Murray addressed his seven fellow Indigenous teammates on the significance of Mr Rudd's apology before they watched the opening of federal Parliament together on television, before training.
Young players Alwyn Davey and Leroy Jetta later said the day was a great one for their people.
"It means a lot to the people involved, the stolen generation, so it's a great day for us," Jetta said.
Essendon coach Matthew Knights said he delighted in working with Aboriginal players because of their ability and rapport.
"They express themselves both on and off the field, to watch them play is exhilarating at times and will do wonders for our club this year," Knights said.
"Off-field, to spend time with these guys ... they've got fabulous hearts, they enjoy having a good time and a laugh.
"They're really close with each other's families. To see Alwyn's twin boys running around, and to see Leroy and (teammate) Courtney Dempsey having a kick with them or mucking around, I really admire how close they are with each other's families.
"We can learn a lot from that."
The AFL estimates almost 170 Aborigines have played at the game's highest level, while about 10 per cent of all current listed players are indigenous.
