Rain could not dampen the spirit of the prime minister, the Victorian premier and the thousands who joined them in walking with the AFL champion Michael Long to the MCG on Saturday evening.

Scott Morrison and Daniel Andrews took to a stage in Federation Square which also included the federal treasurer, the AFL CEO, Gillon McLachlan, the Essendon icon Kevin Sheedy, the Olympian and former senator Nova Peris, Aboriginal elders and other leading politicians.

But it was the man from Tiwi who received a hero’s welcome.

The emcee rattled off Long’s achievements: dual Essendon premiership player, best afield in a grand final, All Australian, fearless campaigner against racism.

While a punter in the crowd summed it up with a word. “Legend,” the man said.

The annual Long Walk To Dreamtime at the MCG this year marked 15 years since Long walked from Melbourne to Canberra to raise the plight of Indigenous Australians.

Addressing a crowd of hundreds in Federation Square on Saturday, Scott Morrison described that trek as “a walk of faith in Australia and Australians”.

“I’ve spoken many times about the promise of Australia over the last five or so weeks, having access to that fair go if you have a go,” he said. “Like Michael, I believe in that promise.”

Earlier the prime minister was heckled as he made his way through the crowd. “Hey ScoMo, where’s our treaty?”, one Indigenous man asked repeatedly.

It was a theme continued by the premier, who said he was proud Victoria had taken “profound steps towards Australia’s first treaty with Aboriginal people”.

Scott Morrison, Michael Long and Daniel Andrews during the annual Long Walk before the Dreamtime at the G clash between Essendon and Richmond. Photograph: Erik Anderson/AAP

“Treaty is important because without treaty there can be no reconciliation, there can be no recognition, there can be no justice and no self-determination,” Daniel Andrews said to applause from the crowd.

But from the man of the hour came a call for unity, with Long imploring Morrison to become captain of an Australian team which would put end to Aboriginal disadvantage.

“A captain we can believe in, a captain that will lead us into the future, a captain that will bring us all together,” he said.

As Long spoke, Morrison put his arm around the former footballer’s shoulder and the two then shook hands and embraced.

“How good’s Michael Long?” called a voice in the crowd.