The current student at the Essendon Education Academy received news he had ‘always dreamed of’ being asked to play his Yidaki (didgeridoo) in front of an expected crowd of 80,000 at the ‘G.

Dreamtime | A ‘dream come true’

Hear from Lachie Hill, a proud Yorta Yorta man and student at the Essendon Education Academy, as he shares his reaction to finding out he’ll be playing the didgeridoo ahead of the 2025 Dreamtime at the ‘G clash.

“It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a toddler,” Lachlan said.“It’s not the fact that I am performing there, but the fact that I get to do it in front of 100,000, representing my culture, my family and ancestors.”

For Lachlan, this moment is more than just a performance – it’s a milestone in his journey to make a positive impact on the lives of Aboriginal children through the power of his Yidaki.

“I’m a Yorta Yorta man from the Shepparton area,” he said.“My uncles taught me how to play when I was about nine or ten.”“It was just something I liked doing, but, I didn’t really get the hang of it until COVID.”

“From there, I learned more and now I’m out here performing at schools, aged care facilities, smoking ceremonies, lots of small gigs that have brought me to here.”

The opportunity to play at the ‘G for Dreamtime came about in an unexpected way, with Lachlan only finding out a week beforehand.

Performing at Essendon’s internal Dreamtime event, he captured the attention of players and staff alike with a stirring performance on the Yidaki.

From there, the decision to include him in the main event was an easy one — and an opportunity that’s left him both humbled and thrilled.

“I got a tap on the shoulder, saying ‘Hey mate, we love it, would you like to play Dreamtime at the ‘G?’” he said.“I was like, woah.”“It took me a while to let it sink in. It still mind-boggles me, I can’t believe it.”“I am forever grateful for this opportunity.”The Dreamtime pre-game performance will commence at 7:00pm, with the first bounce at 7:45pm