NFL holds opening division game in Melbourne featuring indigenous welcoming ceremony
Fox News • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 11:16 AM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
The NFL hosted its first regular season game in Melbourne, Australia, this week at the MCG. The event included a pre-game welcoming ceremony featuring a traditional leaf ritual performed by Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin. This appearance was part of an indigenous land acknowledgement ceremony held prior to the division rivalry matchup. The league scheduled the game for the first week of the season, requiring two teams to travel to Australia. The event marks the latest effort by the NFL to expand its international presence for the regular season schedule.
- •The NFL held its first Melbourne game at the MCG.
- •Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin performed a traditional leaf ritual.
- •The pre-game ceremony included an indigenous land acknowledgement.
- •Two teams traveled 16 hours to compete in a division rivalry game.
- 11:16 AMFox News — NFL allows stolen land acknowledgement disguised as a welcoming ceremony before Australia game - Fox News
"Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin's leaf ritual and 60,000-year indigenous stolen land acknowledgement preceded the NFL's first Melbourne game at the MCG.
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