Every opportunity to play AFL footy is something to savour, but Dreamtime at the 'G is particularly special, Maurice Rioli Jr says.

Injury has likely ruled the Tigers small forward out of Friday's match, but he still feels the annual showpiece stands as a chance to bring representation and celebration to the game.

He'll still be there to support his team, Rioli told reporters on Wednesday.

"It's a game that you always want to play, but every AFL game you play is pretty amazing to be a part of," he said.

"This one's pretty special, because (it's) Indigenous around, and obviously you want to go out and showcase where you're from, and your mob, your talent.

"Every now and then you'll see a glimpse of someone doing an Indigenous dance or something like that, so it's pretty special."

He said it also pays tribute to past players who "led the way, that made it easier for us".

Yesterday, the AFLW's Dreamtime match was confirmed to return to Darwin for the third straight season later this year.

Rioli added he's "frustrated" by the injury hiccup all but certain to keep him out of the match.

"Maurice is going really well. We said last week that he'd be available around Round 11 to 12, and hinted he'd be closer to Round 12, and I'd say that's the case. We'd not expect him to play this week, but hopefully available for selection next weekend," Tigers high performance manager Ben Serpell updated earlier this week.

Rioli is looking ahead to next week.

"Would love to play in this game," he said.

Palawa forward Rhyan Mansell is also ruled out of the contest with injury.

Essendon's Jade Gresham has his fingers crossed on being selected for Friday night.

He's been plying his trade in the VFL during patches of 2026.

"It's one you pencil in at the start of the year as an Indigenous person. It's more than footy...It's something you can come out and represent your culture and your family."

Gresham is hopeful of earning a spot in the senior side after Thursday's main session.

Both Gresham and Rioli gave their thoughts on recent concerns regarding the number of First Nations players at the elite level.

"We need to do a lot in the industry and get it back up," Gresham said. "There's a lot of talent out there, and I think we're only scratching the surface...I think we can do a lot more as an industry".

Gresham believes a dedicated list spot, which has been flagged in recently as a potential measure in addition to the league's First Nations Strategy, could be "massive" and something most clubs would support.

The return of programs he took part in leading into his draft year could also be looked at to produce more AFL and AFLW players, Gresham added.

"Keep investing in the talent, the young generation," Rioli said, adding ensuring a safe, supportive environment at clubs and in the system is key.

In the lead up to the first bounce on Friday night, The Long Walk Naarm returns to Birrarung Marr overlooking the Yarra a short trip from the MCG.

A family-friendly festival, including performance and speeches, kicks off the afternoon ahead of the precession down to the game.

Later in the year, Richmond and Essendon will meet again in the Top End for the AFLW Dreamtime fixture, confirmed on Tuesday.

TIO Stadium in Darwin will host the fixture during the AFLW's Indigenous Round on August 30.

"Dreamtime in Darwin has become a significant occasion, and we feel privileged to play a role in celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on such an important stage. The connection between Essendon and the Northern Territory is extremely important to our Club, so to return for a third consecutive year is very special to us," Bombers chief executive Tim Roberts said.

AFL Northern Territory head Sam Gibson said: "It's more than just a game - it's a celebration of culture, identity and community, and something we're incredibly proud to host.

"The support from the local community over the past two years has been outstanding, and we look forward to building on that again in 2026," Gibson added.