Tigers, Bombers live the Dream

RICHARD Tambling compared it to a grand final and Paddy Ryder said it was bigger than Anzac Day.

At Wednesday's Dreamtime at the 'G launch, the enthusiasm from the opposing indigenous players was palpable.

"It's the game I look forward to the most during the year. It's like a final for us, so I'm really looking forward to it," said Tambling, who has featured in every Dreamtime match since 2005.

"I've been lucky enough that my body has held up for all five, and it's just amazing to get out there in the atmosphere that it brings.

"It's bigger than anything I've ever been involved in.

"It's very important within the indigenous community and the past players really look forward to this game, and I'm sure everyone either sits in front of their TV or actually comes to the game."

Ryder, who recently won the Anzac Day medal for his role in Essendon's win over Collingwood, said Dreamtime was the most important game of the year for him.

"It means a lot. It's an exciting game in place from the AFL, and for the Richmond and Essendon footy clubs to have a game that's there for all the Aboriginal people is just fantastic to be involved in," he said.

"To me, being an Aboriginal person, I rate this higher than Anzac Day.

"I'm a proud Aboriginal person and to be involved in this game is wonderful."

Former Richmond player Phil Egan said it was important to recognise how far indigenous representation at AFL level had come since his playing days in the 1980s.

"The most important thing that's going on in the current time is [the themed round] gives all our kids in our communities a lot of help so their real dreams can be achieved," he said.

"When we came through, there were very low numbers and I was lucky enough to have Maurice [Rioli] and enjoy his company at the club, and Nicky [Winmar] and Michael Mitchell as well.

"With very low numbers it was very difficult, but now the numbers have grown and that's to the wonderful efforts of Michael [Long] and Nicky and the racial vilification code coming in.

"There's no coincidence our numbers have increased. I'd love to see the same numbers reflected in the under 18 competition."

Former Essendon player Dean Rioli said he remained involved in the development of young Aboriginal players following his 2006 retirement.

"I bump into Paddy and Alwyn Davey, and Nathan Lovett-Murray is someone I've had a lot to do with," he said.

"Richard Tambling comes over often and we catch up, and I enjoy watching football. I'm out of the Essendon circle in that I'm not there every day and doing the Essendon thing, but now I'm enjoying watching Hawthorn play because Cyril [Rioli] is there.

"I only watch football when the indigenous boys play. I'm a bit biased, but it's a lot more enjoyable."

Tambling, 22, said he always tried to put in a special performance for the important game.

"Andy Krakouer took the spotlight off me in the first year; he played very well," he said.

"Last year the club tried to back me and Terry said, 'Go and play in the middle', and I started the game off very well and then the body gave way with about five minutes left in the first quarter and fatigue set in, and I was on the bench getting rubbed after that."

Ryder said the Bombers would be ready for a tenacious Richmond outfit, considering the off-field circus surrounding Terry Wallace's future that dominated news on Tuesday.

"We'll be ready for them to come out firing. It will be a tough game with what's going on, and the boys will be willing to come out and play their hearts out for the coach."