The remote Tiwi Islands is a world away from Tullamarine, but for Essendon's newest players, a trip to the Indigenous community off the northern tip of Australia has become a foundation for its next crop of young guns.
The Bombers self-described 'rite of passage' pre-season camp is a chance for Essendon's younger players to share the deep connection between the Aboriginal communities and the football club.
Essendon travels to Bathurst Island every two years and has many leaders to thank for the close ties — former coach Kevin Sheedy long championed the rich talent in remote areas like the Tiwi Islands.
For most, the smoking ceremony on arrival is their first experience with Indigenous culture but for Jake Long it is a chance to reconnect.
The up-and-coming Bomber is following in the footsteps of his father, Michael Long, an Essendon champion and one of the Tiwi Islands' favourite sons.
"I haven't been here for probably two years now so it feels good to be back ... with the people," the 21-year-old said.
It is an eye-opening experience for his teammates, according to Long, one which has wider-reaching outcomes than football alone.
"Getting the boys out, seeing where their team mates are from, myself and Walla [Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti], just that cultural understanding," he said.
"[It helps the players with] life skills, really pushing them forward."
Earlier in the day the community attended a funeral, one of several in the past week alone, but despite the sadness having the beloved Bombers in town noticeably lifted their spirits.
"As a club we really want to connect with the community and make a difference," explained Harmit Singh, Essendon's academies manager.
"If we can build meaningful relationships the talent side will look after itself."
AFL scouting for talent on the Tiwis
Only days out from the much anticipated AFL draft, Mr Singh said the Bombers' were on the look out for the next Cyril Rioli.
"We're trying to develop talent within the region at a grassroots level but at the same time we look for off-field development opportunities with their leadership, healthy lifestyle [and] nutrition," Mr Singh said.
"At the end of that if some kids do show some draft talent they'll be opportunities for them to progress into AFL or AFLW."
The Bombers want to fast-track the development of women's football in the remote NT communities of Tiwi Islands and Maningrida, with aspirations to bring the expanding AFLW competition to the Tiwi Islands.
Essendon recently missed out an gaining an AFLW licence and will instead field a Victorian women's side next season, with the hope a chunk of its playing list will come from its academy zones Tiwi Islands and West Arnhem.
