Footy fans in the Northern Territory will have more opportunities to watch AFL matches in their own backyard as the AFL announces a new agreement with Northern Territory Major Events that will see three games per season played in the NT for the next three years.
The new agreement, which spans from 2024-2026, will see the Gold Coast SUNS play two matches in Darwin and Melbourne play one game in Alice Springs, each season.
In the 2024 Toyota Premiership Season, Darwin will host the Gold Coast SUNS at TIO Stadium for back- to-back matches when they take on North Melbourne on Saturday night (11 May) in Round 9 followed by Geelong on Thursday night (16 May) in Round 10 to launch Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Alice Springs will see AFL action in Round 12 when Melbourne play Fremantle at TIO Traeger Park on Sunday afternoon (2 June).
Melbourne have had a long association with the Northern Territory, having played in Darwin from 2010- 2013 as well as playing matches in Alice Springs since 2014, while the Gold Coast SUNS played their first match for premiership points in Darwin in 2020.
Clubs will also connect with the community and take part in local engagement and game development activities when they visit the region, taking the opportunity to experience and highlight the best of the Territory’s tourism offerings.
AFL Executive General Manager Finance, Clubs and Infrastructure, Matthew Chun, said the new agreement was exciting news for both locals and interstate footy fans.
“Darwin and Alice Springs are wonderful places to play and watch footy and we are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Northern Territory Major Events that will see us play in the Territory consistently over the next three years,” said Mr Chun.
“Not only is this a fantastic opportunity for local fans to enjoy AFL games in their own backyard, but the matches also provide interstate fans a chance to escape the winter months and travel to the Territory to experience the best of what the Top End has to offer.”
Northern Territory Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles said: “The Territory Labor Government is making the Territory the best place for footy, festivals and fun.
“Some of Australia’s finest AFL players have come from the Territory. Continuing our partnership with the AFL provides an avenue for Territorians to see elite sport in action without having to travel interstate, while also inspiring our next generation of footy stars.
“Meanwhile, many die-hard fans will travel interstate to watch their team play in the Territory. There are more reasons than ever for SUNS fans to head to Darwin, with the Territory’s biggest music festival, BASSINTHEGRASS, taking place just after their second game here.”
Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said: “We are thrilled to once again have the opportunity to host back-to-back home games at TIO Stadium in Darwin for the next three years.
“The NT has become our second home and we have taken pride in our ability to make Darwin a fortress where we play some of our best football.
“Territorians will have the chance to witness some of their homegrown heroes live in action at TIO Stadium. Whether it’s a dazzling Malcolm Rosas Jnr goal, Joel Jeffrey’s freakish athleticism, Ben Long’s signature toughness or Lloyd Johnston’s blistering speed, there will be plenty for the home crowd to cheer.”
Melbourne Football Club CEO, Gary Pert said: “The Heart of the Nation match is one we’re incredibly proud to be part of.
“We have been visiting Alice Springs for a decade now, and as a club, have developed such a strong connection to the region. We consider Traeger Park a home away from home, and our players love nothing more than when they get the opportunity to play there.
“We are looking forward to building on our meaningful relationships further in 2024, once again giving back and immersing ourselves in the local community. We can’t wait to bring our great game back to the Red Centre and give local fans another opportunity to see and meet their heroes.”
Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking said: “We welcome the opportunity to play for Premiership points in Darwin for the first time in the Club’s history and are excited to be part of the match up against the Gold Coast Suns that opens the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round.”
Tickets for all three matches will go on sale in the New Year.
The AFL will release the full 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture later this week, including match times for the Northern Territory fixtures.
North Melbourne CEO Jen Watt said: “In 2022, we were lucky enough to play at TIO Stadium for Premiership points and we’re thrilled to be returning to Larrakia Country to play in front of the Darwin community next season.”
Fremantle Dockers CEO Simon Garlick said: "This is a fixture that we’re really excited about. To play Melbourne in the heart of the Northern Territory will be something special for our players and our staff."
