THE AFL is proud to announce multi award-winning artist Dan Sultan will headline the Coles pre-match entertainment for Dreamtime at the ‘G, as part of the 2026 Sir Doug Nicholls Round on Friday May 22.
A proud Eastern Arrernte and Gurindgi man, Sultan has earned seven ARIA Awards and is one of Australia's most accomplished singer/songwriters and musicians.
Renowned for his powerful live performances and storytelling through music, including top hits such as Old Fitzroy and Under Your Skin, Sultan has supported the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Midnight Oil, and billed some of the country's largest music festivals.
Joining Sultan for the pre-match performance will be rising indie-pop artist Jem Cassar-Daley, a proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung woman whose powerful voice has quickly established her as one of Australia's most exciting emerging talents.
Reflecting Sir Doug Nicholls Round's enduring theme 'Strengthened by First Nations. Moments. Connections. Stories', the pre-match entertainment will celebrate the power of music and storytelling in bringing people together, honouring First Nations people on one of the game's biggest stages.
Supported by Coles, this year's pre-match entertainment will showcase emerging First Nations talent through Mushroom Group's First Nations pathway program, including Ricky Neil Jr, DENNI, Nidala and DRIFTING CLOUDS.
Fans can also expect a spectacular light show, alongside performances from Wurundjeri dance group Djrri Djrri, Dunghutti-Gomeroi woman Zoe Brown-Holten and Tjapukai and Kalkadoon man David Biondi-Odo.
\Following the pre-match entertainment, Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jnr will deliver the Welcome to Country, before Richmond and Essendon players unite for a Dreamtime ceremony dance ahead of the game.
Eastern Arrernte and Gurindji man, Dan Sultan said:
"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. To be given the opportunity of honouring Uncle Doug Nicholls’ legacy in Sir Doug Nicholls Round is very special," Sultan said.
"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.
"From first performing for Uncle Michael Long’s LONG WALK TO THE 'G years ago, to now be involved Dreamtime at the 'G for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, I’ve seen countless powerful examples of Blak Excellence from a lot of different walks of life. To continue to bear witness to this is a true honour. I was born a few blocks away from the MCG and it holds a special place in my spirit. I cannot wait to sing up on that incredible Country at such an important and exciting event.
"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."
AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial Bec Haagsma said:
"On behalf of the AFL, we look forward to welcoming an incredible line-up of First Nations artists and performers, to the centre of the MCG for Dreamtime at the 'G," Haagsma said.
"Sir Doug Nicholls Round continues to be one of the most meaningful moments on the AFL calendar, and this year’s pre-match entertainment will celebrate the powerful contribution of First Nations people through music, storytelling and culture on one of the game’s biggest stages.
"We're also excited to have long-term partner Coles supporting the entertainment and First Nations artists through Mushroom Group’s First Nations Pathways Program."
Coles Head of Sponsorships & Events Carmel Horvath said:
"Music has a unique way of bringing Australians together, and through our partnership with Mushroom Group, Coles is helping emerging First Nations artists share their stories with audiences across the country," Horvath said.
"Over the past four years, the First Nations Pathway Program has supported incredible young musicians, with their music now reaching millions of customers through Coles Radio in stores nationally.
"There’s something really special about seeing artists who have come through this program perform at Dreamtime at the 'G, which has become one of the most iconic events on our sporting calendar. This year, four rising First Nations artists have been selected to support the headline act, which is a reflection of the depth of talent coming through the program and the power of creating opportunities for the next generation."
The Dreamtime at the 'G match will be broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus and available via FOX FOOTY, Kayo and Binge from 7pm.Â
Dreamtime at the 'G key timings:
6.10pm:Â The Long Walk
7.00pm:Â Pre-match entertainment commencesÂ
7.15pm:Â Pre-match entertainment concludes
7.34pm:Â Dreamtime Ceremony performance by Richmond and Essendon Football Clubs
7.38pm:Â Coin Toss
7.45pm:Â Match Start
Post game:Â Presentation of Yiooken Trophy
Click here read bios on Dreamtime
