ON THE surface, they appear to have little in common. She is a third-generation white Australian who has based her life on a European tradition of classical music. He is a former AFL star whose stance on racial vilification in sport was a catalyst for a shift in the national sentiment.

But a chance meeting at Melbourne’s Opera at the Markets revealed that solo flautist Jane Rutter and Essendon legend Michael Long shared more than just a love for music.

Rutter suggested she play a flute obligato over Long’s guitar and voice rendition of Walk with Me, helping him to keep time by signalling the downbeat. The spontaneous duet sparked an instant friendship that has led to Rutter’s involvement in the Long Walk, including performing as part of indigenous culture celebrations in Federation Square on Saturday.

Rutter says the notion of working together and “helping your mates out” during the duet prompted a recognition that the two shared similar philosophies about the power of sport and music.

“For me, my music’s all about integration,” Rutter says.

“I think music gives a sort of divine integration and it’s a chance to be really connected on a lot of different levels. And I think really good sport does the same thing.

“You’re using your body and your brain and physicality and your emotional strength.”

Despite having a limited knowledge of Long’s achievements in football, Rutter says his political views and leadership qualities are an inspiration.

“I really admire him. I think he’s an incredible human being,” she says.

 “He’s just such a leader and he doesn’t make a fuss. He has a quiet, powerful leadership strength about him.

“Anyone who makes a stand for justice and freedom of expression and honesty and equality – to me that’s just a given, so I just think he’s amazing.”

Long’s journey started publicly at the MCG Anzac Day match in 1995. Following an on-field incident involving Collingwood’s Damien Monkhorst, Long asserted that there was no room for discrimination in sport by reporting a racist remark directed at him. His stance led to the development of the AFL’s racial and religious vilification code, setting a benchmark for sports and communities around the nation.

Long unwittingly became not only an advocate for indigenous Australians, but for other cultural groups finding their place in society.

“They may share the same issues,” he says.

“It’s something individually I was going through but never really thought about how it would have a rippling effect to other cultures and how it would impact.

“Sport is one way of bridging so many different things or issues we may face.

“Even though we might follow a certain team, within that certain team there might be an indigenous player or an Italian player or an Islamic player. I think there’s a bit more understanding and respect.”

In 2004, Long walked from Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra to highlight the issues affecting his people – an act prompted by his anger over Prime Minister John Howard’s reluctance to apologise for the suffering resulting from the stolen generations.

Symbolic walks in Melbourne have taken place since to raise awareness and understanding of the needs of indigenous communities.

This year for the first time people from the stolen generations will lead the Long Walk from Federation Square to the MCG ahead of the Dreamtime at the ’G match between Essendon and Richmond.

For Long – whose parents were both part of the stolen generations to be brought up in Catholic missions on the Tiwi Islands – Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s apology has strengthened his resolve for a positive future.

“It’s taken the 97th Cabinet to make this announcement. There was a bit of ‘finally, someone’s taken responsibility’,” Long says of the emotions felt on the day.

“It takes strong leadership to do that and Kevin Rudd’s done that. And maybe it’s a sign of a government that will listen, and we need to be responsible as well to change the things that we’ve got to change.”

As for the power of sport to bring about change, Long’s experience has made him a firm believer.

“I think that’s the power of sport and football players being looked up to as heroes,” he says.

 “Football’s such a powerful tool.

“What it’s done is it’s educated a nation. It’s educated the nation not just about the person wearing their jumper, but about their culture and history.”

Round nine is the AFL’s Indigenous Round, highlighting the relationship between the game and Indigenous Australia. This year’s round features a number of events, culminating in the Long Walk and the annual Dreamtime at the 'G game between Essendon and Richmond on Saturday night. Click here for full coverage.