Dan Sultan will headline entertainment ahead of Sir Doug Nicholls Round's marquee annual spectacle Dreamtime at the 'G.
The Eastern Arrernte and Gurindji man and Deadly Awards, Australian Independent Record Awards and ARIA winner will be joined by Jem Cassar-Daley in front of a packed MCG Crowd.
Emerging talents Ricky Neil Jr, DENNI, Nidala and DRIFTING CLOUDS will also feature in the pre-match entertainment.
Spine-tingling showcases of dance, music and recognition of First Nations culture and impact on football drop the lights and set the scene each year ahead of Richmond and Essendon's annual fixture.
Djrri Djrr Wurundjeri women's dance group, Zoe Brown-Holten will also perform on the night.
"I'm so excited to be a part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round Dreamtime at the 'G in 2026. Any opportunity for celebration of First Nations achievement and excellence across so many areas is something that is very close to my heart," Sultan said.
"To be given the opportunity of honouring Uncle Doug Nicholls' legacy in Sir Doug Nicholls Round is very special.
"Sir Doug Nicholls Round is an event that celebrates some of the greatest athletes of all time in the greatest sport of all time. Like Uncle Doug Nicholls, they have shown true excellence and by doing so have made things better for those who have come after them, both in their chosen field and for society as a whole.
"I am very proud to be performing alongside some incredible First Nations talent and that all the work being performed has been created and crafted by First Nations Artists."
Sultan has previously performed as part of Bombers' great Michael Long's The Long Walk, the procession from Birrarung Marr to the 'G ahead of the match.
"I've seen countless powerful examples of Blak Excellence from a lot of different walks of life" added Sultan, who was born only a few blocks away from the ground which he says holds a special place in his heart," he said.
In recent years, major names in Australian hip hop Briggs, who's gone back-to-back in 2024 and 2025, 3%, BARKAA and Kobie Dee have taken to the centre of the ground for pre-match entertainment.
Sultan, modern rock royalty and seven-time ARIA winner, released his seventh record — a self titled release in 2023, and Live at Tubowgule earlier this year.
"Sir Doug Nicholls Round & Dreamtime at the 'G is a glorious celebration for all. A powerful space for an open and grateful heart, mind and spirit. From a football tragic to a fan of the arts (I fall under both of these categories GO SAINTS!). I am proud and thankful to be welcomed into this wonderful celebration," Sultan said.
Richmond and Essendon run out for Dreamtime at the 'G on Friday night in the second week of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
