Albany-raised performer Jarrad Inman set to play AFL’s Dreamtime at the ‘G as part of big Indigenous line-up

Albany-raised performer Jarrad Inman is set to perform alongside a top line-up of Indigenous talent as part of the MCG’s pre-match entertainment for the Sir Doug Nicholls Round on Friday.

Inman, who performs under the stage name Ricky Neil Jr, is set to take to the stage on Friday night under the lights of the Melbourne Cricket Ground as part of Dreamtime at the ‘G.

A line-up of emerging and award-winning Indigenous artists have been brought together to entertain the crowds ahead of Richmond and Essendon’s round 11 clash, headlined by Dan Sultan, with indie pop up-and-comer Jem Cassar-Daley joining him on stage.

The Sir Doug Nicholls Round is themed Strengthened by First Nations. Moments. Connections. Stories, and this year’s pre-match entertainment is also focusing on emerging artists through Mushroom Group’s First Nations pathways program.

Inman will be joined by three other young Indigenous artists who are part of the program and hail from regions all around Australia.

DENNI, Nidala, and Drifting Clouds will all have their time in the spotlight.

Their performances will be followed by a light show accompanied by Wurundjeri dance group Djrri Djrri, and the voices of Dunghutti-Gomeroi woman Zoe Brown-Holten and Tjapukai and Kalkadoon man David Biondi-Odo.

“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,”AFL executive general manager of customer and commercial Bec 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.”

Wurundjeri elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr will deliver the welcome to country before the coin toss and bounce down at 7.45pm.