Each year the AFL curates a Spotify playlist celebrating Sir Doug Nicholls Round, highlighting some incredible Indigenous musical acts. You might also hear some of these songs played before a match during the round.
Find this years Spotify playlist below, or check out some of our past years playlists!
THE AFL is pleased to announce that multifaceted Australian artist and popular rapper Briggs will headline a host of talented First Nations artists as part of the pre-match entertainment supported by Coles, ahead of the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G match on Friday May 23.
Briggs – a proud Yorta Yorta/Wurundjeri man - has been a house-hold name for more than a decade, making his mark as one of the country’s most diverse talents in media, music and comedy.
Briggs will be joined by one of Australia’s best up-and-coming hip hop artists Barkaa, exciting new Australian hip hop voice Kobie Dee, and hard-core punk metal band BIG NOTER who has toured extensively across Australia and Europe headlining shows and supporting international artists for more than 15 years.
The highly anticipated pre-match entertainment will also feature a world-class lighting show, and include performances from Wurundjeri female dance group Djirri Djirri and performers from the Wulumbarra, Koorie Youth Will Shake Spear, and Wurundjeri Kulin dance groups who will delight fans both at match and on screen.
Having performed as part of the stellar line up in the 2024 Dreamtime at the ‘G entertainment, Briggs said he was looking forward to returning to the MCG to perform in front of a packed stadium.
“I can't wait to celebrate 10 years of Sir Doug Nicholls Round. The Uncle Doug Round, the Dreamtime game, celebrating the Indigenous players and their contribution to the game over the last 100 plus years, and the celebration of 10 years of Bad Apple's music, platforming Indigenous artists,” Briggs said.
“I know the whole community looks forward to this game and not just black fellas, it's a great example of what our kids can aspire to be as artists, as footballers, and anything else they want to be. From home to the MCG, from the smallest stage to the biggest stage. See you on the night.”
Following the pre-match entertainment, the Dreamtime at the ‘G match will begin with a Welcome to Country conducted by proud Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jnr, before members from the Richmond and Essendon Football Clubs will perform a Dreamtime ceremony dance prior to the opening bounce.
Coles, as a proud partner of the AFL will support this year's Dreamtime pre-match entertainment, further strengthening its partnership with Mushroom Group’s First Nations pathway program. The pre-match ceremony will spotlight talented participants including Birren and Kaybee, accompanied by Canisha & The Terrifying Lows.
Coles Head of Sponsorships and Events, Carmel Horvath said, “Coles is incredibly proud to support the Dreamtime at the ‘G match once again. It's wonderful to witness the progression of talented First Nations artists and performers. Seeing their growth over the years has been truly inspiring, and we are honoured to contribute to their continuing journey and success.”
AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial Bec Haagsma said there would be something for fans both at match and tuning into the broadcast to enjoy.
“The AFL is proud to have a host of wonderfully talented First Nations artists and performers join us at the MCG for the annual Dreamtime match as we celebrate the tenth year of Sir Doug Nicholls Round,” Ms Haagsma said.
“The combination of dance, music and word-class lightshow is set to be an outstanding showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture that I’m excited for fans to experience firsthand both at match and via their screens.
“The AFL is thrilled to have our long-term partner Coles supporting the entertainment for Dreamtime at the ‘G. This further underpins their support of Indigenous performers, in addition to their partnership with Mushroom’s First Nations Pathways Program, which supports young aspiring Indigenous musicians with invaluable experience and mentorship.”
To support this year’s celebrations, AFL partner AAMI will provide more than 7,000 tickets to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and community organisations to enjoy the Dreamtime at the ‘G experience as part of the AFL’s Community Ticketing Program.
"AAMI is pleased to once again be able to support the community ticketing scheme in 2025 and extend access to the Dreamtime of the G game to more AFL First Nations fans. The event is an important date in the AFL calendar and one that should be experienced and enjoyed by our First Nations Communities,” said Mim Haysom, AAMI’s Executive General Manager, Brand and Customer Experience.
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
KEY TIMINGS:
6.10pm: The Long Walk
7.00pm: Pre-match entertainment commences featuring Briggs, Big Noter, Kobie Dee, Barkaa, Djirri Djirri and Wulumbarra, Koorie Youth Will Shake Spear and Wurundjeri Kulin dance groups, Birren and Kaybee, accompanied by Canisha & The Terrifying Lows and Welcome to Country conducted by Uncle Colin Hunter Jnr
7.15pm: Pre-match entertainment concludes
7.34pm: Dreamtime Ceremony performance by Essendon and Richmond Football Clubs
7.38pm: Coin Toss
7.40pm: Match Start
Post game: Presentation of Yiooken Trophy
