AFL Masters spirit returns as Darwin hosts 42nd national carnival

Darwin will welcome the AFL Masters National Carnival this weekend, marking its first return to the city in more than a decade. The 42^nd edition of the event will bring four days of competitive Masters football to the Top End from 28 September to 4 October.

More than 2,500 players and supporters from across Australia are expected to take part, with 59 teams representing every State and Territory. Players aged from 35 through to 72 will compete across men’s and women’s divisions, with the Northern Territory fielding sides in the majority of competitions.

The three-round competition will be played at The Gardens, TIO, and Nightcliff Ovals. A highlight of the program will be the Indigenous All Stars v Allies men’s and women’s matches on Friday, 3 October, played ahead of the NTFL season opener.

The Carnival will provide plenty of action both on and off the field. Away from the game, players and supporters can enjoy a full schedule of social activities, including the annual Golf Classic, a High Tea at The Cinema Collective and ‘Get Wet Monday’—a program of water activities at the Darwin Waterfront’s Aqua Park and Wave Lagoon. The festivities will culminate with a Gala Dinner at the Darwin Convention Centre on Saturday, 4 October, featuring awards, and AFL Masters celebration.

“AFL Masters brings together players from a range of ages to engage in safe but full contact games of AFL with a focus on footy for fun,” said AFL Masters Inc. President, Dean Wallington. “With a full program of 92 games across 4 playing days, the players and their families will have plenty of time to explore Darwin and the surrounds either before, during or after the carnival.

The AFL Masters National Carnival is proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government.

All matches are free to attend, and every game will be broadcast on KommunityTV. For more details, match schedules and tickets visit aflmasterscarnival.teamapp.com