The third annual game will see students battle it our for the Brian Lenton shield and will include a traditional welcome to country before the game kicks off.

St Mary’s coach Oliver Neader told The Namoi Valley Independent the game was based on the dreamtime AFL game played every year between Richmond and Essendon. 

“It’s a really good chance for all of the students from both schools to have fun and celebrate NAIDOC Week,” Mr Neader said.

“Originally the concept of the game was to introduce the game of Aussie Rules to our young people, to get them involved and this year it seemed like a great opportunity to incorporate it into both schools NAIDOC Week celebrations.

“It should be a great day with Winaga-Li performing before the game through the welcome to country, and the Kamilaroi medal up for grabs as well for the best player on the ground.”

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Gunnedah High School coach Sam Proudfoot said students from across all year levels would take part in the game.

“Initially we were hoping to have a couple of different games for the different year levels but due to numbers and availability, we settled on just the one game,” Mr Proudfoot said.

“I think this will be a really memorable day for the students, as part of our rewards program at school, students will be able to come down and cheer on their classmates which should be a thrill as well.”

Mr Proudfoot said the game was a highlight of a stacked NAIDOC Week for both schools.

“Our Aboriginal Education Officers (AEO)s have done a terrific job in putting together some great stuff for NAIDOC Week this year,” he said.

“I think both schools have celebrations ranging from sports to arts and crafts and everything in between on four out of the five days next week which is great.

“It really promises to be a great week, there has been a bit of banter surrounding the game too so it should be the perfect way to cap off the week.”

The game kicks off at Wolseley Oval at 1.30pm on July 7.