ILLNESS will keep Essendon champion Michael Long from the traditional Long Walk before the Dreamtime at the 'G clash with Richmond on Saturday.

The walk from Federation Square to the MCG will be without the 1993 Norm Smith medallist, but former Bombers Derek Kickett and Gavin Wanganeen will be among those making the trek, along with Australian Football Hall of Fame legend Kevin Sheedy.

"I am disappointed I can't be there in person, but the Long Walk is not about me," Long told essendonfc.com.au.

"It's about continuing the conversation about how we can improve the everyday lives, education and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

"This is a great week where indigenous culture and community is front and centre, we'll have more than 20,000 walkers make their way from Federation Square to the Dreamtime at the 'G, and it will all be capped off with what should be a great game of footy."

The walk begins at 5.30pm, while festivities, including musical and cultural acts, will start from 2.00pm.

Dreamtime at the 'G and Long Walk running sheet

4.00pm Curtain-raiser Rio Tinto Cup commences

5.25pm Curtain-raiser concludes

6:10pm Long Walk arrives

6.20pm Sir Doug Nicholls Round ceremony commences

6.30pm Dreamtime at the 'G cultural performance, featuring the music of Spinifex Gum, Marliya of Gondwana Choirs, and internationally renowned indigenous rapper, Briggs

7.03pm Nathan Lovett-Murray Marngrook ball presentation to umpires

7.04pm Essendon FC enters

7.07pm Richmond FC enters

7.18pm Teams and umpires to be in position for Dreamtime dance

7:23pm Coin toss by Ngarra Murray, Sir Doug Nicholls' great-granddaughter

7.25pm Match starts