THE AFL’s ongoing commitment to First National engagement with Australian Rules Football has been strengthened, with two AFL matches to be broadcast in a traditional First Nations language during the 2026 Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

With support from Triple M, the AFL is delighted to extend its in language broadcast offering to Yolŋu Radio, ensuring the game is accessible to more First Nations people during the dedicated round. The broadcasts will reach six major communities and 12 homelands across Northeast Arnhem Land, as well as audiences in Darwin and Palmerston, allowing listeners to hear the game in Yolŋu Matha on Yolŋu Radio.

The Sir Doug Nicholls Round broadcasts will begin in Round 10, with Yolŋu Radio returning to call Friday night’s match in Darwin between the Gold Coast SUNS and Port Adelaide, before the commentary team travels to Melbourne to broadcast the annual Dreamtime at the ’G clash between Richmond and Essendon in Round 11.

A key community media outlet for Yolŋu people in Northeast Arnhem Land, the 2026 broadcast marks the fourth and fifth AFL match during Sir Doug Nicholls Round to be called in Yolŋu Matha on Yolŋu Radio.

In 2023, Yolŋu Radio made history when a female commentator first called the Dreamtime at the ’G match in language. Proud Milingimbi woman Sylvia Nulpinditj (surname pronounced Nool‑pun‑ditch) joined fellow broadcasters William Gumbula (Goom‑ba‑la), Baykali Ganambarr (Bay‑ka‑lee Gun‑am‑bar) and BJ Mununggurr (Mun‑oong‑grrr).

Gumbula will return in 2026 to call the Darwin match alongside veteran broadcaster Nulpinditj. William will lead the broadcast team alongside Mununggurr and first time commentator Gawukawu Denzal Gurruwiwi (Goo-roo-wi-wi) for the the Dreamtime at the G’.

Fans can tune into Yolŋu Radio on 88.9FM throughout Arnhem Land, Darwin and Palmerston and via the Official AFL App.

The in language broadcasts form part of the AFL’s ongoing year-round commitment to elevating First Nations voices and telling meaningful stories across platforms, which will be front and centre over the next two weeks of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The ongoing year round commitment also includes a new partnership with NITV to produce ‘Inside the Huddle’ in 2026, a weekly dedicated First Nations AFL show providing a national platform for Indigenous perspectives on the game, with episodes over the next two weeks to feature 2026 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Honouree Michael McLean and Port Adelaide star Sam Powell-Pepper.

The AFL also continues to work with National Indigenous Radio Service (NIRS), which is now produced in house at the AFL, which is supporting pathways for Indigenous media talent and ensuring AFL content reaches remote and regional communities across the country.

As announced last week, Melbourne International Film Festival’s Footy Shorts initiative will feature a dedicated First Nations story titled Invincible Spirit. Set in the heart of the Goulburn Murray, Invincible Spirit explores the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club as a modern‑day fortress of Yorta Yorta pride and a place of cultural healing where a community fights not just for premiership points, but for the safety of its children.

AFL General Manager First Nations and Inclusion Taryn Lee said expanding the availability of AFL games in First Nations languages plays an important part in connecting more communities to the game.

“Sir Doug Nicholls Round provides us the platform and is a focal point for players, clubs and people to tell their story, and we are really proud of the breadth of First Nations content across the AFL Digital Network and how it is reflected through a year‑round commitment to elevating Indigenous voices and perspectives,” Lee said.

“This work extends well beyond the dedicated two rounds, with ongoing investment in platforms, partnerships and programs that support First Nations creators, broadcasters and communities. This is showcased through the Inside the Huddle and NIRS partnerships and the valuable opportunities it provides for First Nations people to develop their broadcast and media skills with the long-term view to increase diversity across the media landscape.

“The AFL is proud to again partner with Yolŋu Radio to deliver two in language broadcasts during Sir Doug Nicholls Round, creating more opportunities for people to experience football in their own language.

“Language plays a vital role in culture, identity and connection, and supporting its continuation remains deeply important, as well as providing a national platform for First Nations broadcasters to share the game in language.

“I would also like to thank Yolŋu Radio for its ongoing contribution to the game, as well as Triple M for providing technical support across both broadcasts.

“By continuing to grow First Nations content across AFL platforms, we’re creating space for deeper understanding, stronger connection and meaningful representation throughout our great game.”

Yolŋu Radio & Creative Media co-djägamirr (manager) Will Porter said:

“This project highlights that First Nations languages and cultures are still thriving and are an intrinsic part of many people’s everyday lives,” Porter said.

“Aussie Rules is beloved in Arnhem Land, and Yolŋu Radio is thrilled to continue its work connecting remote communities to a national sporting moment. Sir Doug Nicholls Round celebrates First Nations excellence, which is exactly what people will hear when they tune into our broadcast.”

Over the next two weeks and throughout the year, the AFL Digital Network remains committed to telling powerful, authentic First Nations stories, which includes the most recent features with Melbourne forward Latrelle Pickett and his draft journey, and Adelaide star Izak Rankine’s exploration of his passion for music beyond football, while the 2026 Sir Doug Nicholls Round Honouree film will be launched this week ahead of the opening game of the round between Brisbane and Geelong on Thursday night.