- Dreamtime at Maali to bring the iconic Richmond v Essendon AFL fixture to Optus Stadium during NAIDOC Week in 2027 and 2028
- 2027 Australian Football Hall of Fame to be held in WA for first time
- Major events form part of the Cook Labor Government’s economic diversification strategy, driving visitation and supporting local jobs and businesses
Western Australia will take centre stage in Australian football in July 2027, with the iconic Dreamtime fixture and Australian Football Hall of Fame confirmed for Perth.
Headlining the program will be ‘Dreamtime at Maali’, bringing the Richmond Football Club and Essendon Football Club clash to Optus Stadium during NAIDOC Week for an initial two-year deal in 2027 and 2028.
Named in recognition of Western Australia’s iconic black swan and its significance in Aboriginal culture, Dreamtime at Maali will unite elite football with a celebration of Aboriginal culture, storytelling, and contribution to the game.
A centrepiece of the program will be The Long Walk, one of Australian sport’s most significant celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and contribution.
Bringing participants together ahead of the match at Optus Stadium, The Long Walk will provide a powerful expression of reconciliation, respect, and unity while creating opportunities for locals and visitors to connect with Aboriginal culture through community-led activities and experiences.
The nationally broadcast Toyota AFL Premiership Round 16 match is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Western Australia, generating significant national attention and providing a major drawcard for interstate travel during the winter months.
Dreamtime at Maali will anchor a wider program of sporting and cultural activity across Perth, extending the impact beyond a single match and creating more opportunities for visitors to experience Western Australia.
The program will feature additional AFL matches, fan and community events, and cultural celebrations, showcasing football from grassroot to elite level strengthening Perth’s reputation as a major events destination.
Adding to the July program, the prestigious 2027 Australian Football Hall of Fame will be held in Western Australia for the first time on Tuesday, 6 July.
The annual event honours the individuals who have shaped Australian Football, with more than 700 guests, including AFL and club leaders, current and former players, and Hall of Fame members expected to attend.
The Hall of Fame program will be supported by a series of high-level football industry events, bringing key decision-makers from across the league to Perth, creating opportunities for business engagement.
The broader program will also complement Western Australia’s growing calendar of major sporting events, with the 2027 AFL Origin set to take place at Optus Stadium on Saturday, 27 February 2027, providing another major drawcard for interstate visitors earlier in the year.
By bringing together elite sport, Aboriginal culture, community participation, and major industry gatherings, the 2027 Dreamtime at Maali program will deliver a range of opportunities for local businesses and communities to benefit from increased visitation.
Securing major events like Dreamtime at Maali, the Australian Football Hall of Fame, and AFL Origin form part of the Cook Labor Government’s economic diversification strategy, attracting visitors to Western Australia, growing the State’s tourism and events calendar, and supporting local jobs and businesses.
Find out more at afl.com.au
As stated by Premier and Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister Roger Cook:
“Dreamtime at Maali will headline an unmissable weekend of AFL action in Perth, giving footy fans another fantastic reason to visit our State in 2027.
“Together with the Australian Football Hall of Fame being held in Western Australia for the first time, Dreamtime will make Perth the centre of attention for AFL fans and showcase our State to audiences across the country.
“Major events bring visitors to our State, support our hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues, and create opportunities for local jobs and businesses, which is why we continue to invest in a strong events calendar that fosters a vibrant visitor economy.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Dreamtime is an incredible fixture on the AFL calendar, and bringing it to Optus Stadium is a fantastic opportunity for Western Australian fans.
“Hosting the match during NAIDOC Week provides a fitting stage to celebrate Aboriginal culture and recognise the significant contribution Aboriginal players and communities have made to Australian football.
“From young players at local clubs to lifelong supporters, this is a chance for people to come together, enjoy great football, and celebrate what makes our game so special.
“Welcoming the Australian Football Hall of Fame event to WA for the first time will be a special way to honour the people who have shaped the game.”
