THERE are 71 indigenous footballers on AFL lists in 2007, representing 10 per cent of all players. Needless to say in a country where 2 per cent of the population is indigenous, it is an astonishing figure.

Even more so when you consider that when Michael Long, an inspiration to all Aboriginal footballers, came to Melbourne from Darwin in 1989 to carve out a glittering career with Essendon, there were only a dozen or so indigenous players in the league.

It is the reason why the AFL has declared this weekend's round of matches to be the indigenous round, and that Richmond and Essendon are playing their Dreamtime at the 'G match. As Long said, it is about "celebrating the contribution of indigenous players to the game, and showing how football can build bridges between cultures and a spirit of reconciliation".

Long will be there on Saturday, singing with Archie Roach, Iva Davies and Shane Howard after his Long Walk from Federation Square, celebrating and encouraging reconciliation. The Tiwi Islands will play the Rumbalara club, from Shepparton, in a curtain-raiser where Long predicted no flooding and plenty of attacking footy.

When he looks around at the changes, Long shakes his head and defers to Kevin Sheedy, sitting beside him yesterday at a promotion for Saturday's game. "This man on my left has made a huge contribution to that," said Long. "(He was) probably looking in places where you wouldn't look. It's flowed through to other clubs."

For his part, coach Sheedy still marvels at the skills and balance of indigenous players. "We were taught one way; somehow they seemed to be taught the other way."

There were 15 indigenous players drafted last year, a record, but Long predicts further growth. "It's only going to double. It's just a great opportunity across Australia."

Saturday promises to be a great night for Andrew Krakouer, the struggling Richmond forward who has made his way to his 100th AFL game. And for Jack Riewoldt, the Tasmanian who has been picked for his AFL debut and thus will run out in front of 70,000 people.

Riewoldt appreciated the irony that sitting next to him at yesterday's function was Krakouer, whose errant boot, by smashing into the face of Matthew Richardson in Adelaide last Friday, has led to his selection as the replacement key forward.

A journalist asked if he'd thanked Krakouer. "I wouldn't say I'd thanked him. Terry (Wallace) would probably rather have 'Richo' than myself. But obviously I've got my chance from that situation so I need to grab it with two hands."

Wallace compared Riewoldt's elevation with Richmond's promotion of another 19-year-old from Clarence fully 40 years ago. That man was Royce Hart.

For Riewoldt, it must be a surreal week, and he was fully engaged by the Kevin Sheedy Show yesterday. For example:

Riewoldt: "I'm pretty nervous at the moment. The game's obviously not till Saturday. I'm just trying not to play it in my head beforehand. Looking forward to it."

Sheedy: "It's a scary game, Jack, I'm telling you. There'll be 70,000 there, mate. You'll sweat all night before you get to the game!"

Meanwhile, Riewoldt sought advice from his cousin Nick, whom he describes as "pretty much like an older brother", this week. "He said: 'Just go out there and be yourself. Just play like you did when you were playing under 10s back in Tassie'."

The Tigers last night said the inclusion of Riewoldt would not preclude the selection of former Geelong forward Kent Kingsley, who kicked five goals in the VFL last weekend.

"We haven't had final selection, but I wouldn't rule Kent out yet. That's not to say he's playing, but the decision hasn't been made yet," Richmond football manager Paul Armstrong said.

With SAMANTHA LANE