High-profile AFL match to put Darwin in the spotlight

Representatives from the Gold Coast SUNS visited the Top End today to officially launch the 2021 Darwin match, which will form part of the prestigious Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The Gold Coast SUNS will face off against Hawthorn at TIO Stadium in Round 11, with thousands of AFL supporters expected to travel from across the Territory and interstate for the match.

Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said the high-profile clash with Hawthorn was a result of the club’s partnership with the Northern Territory Government.

“This game is going to be huge – we can’t wait to get to Darwin and showcase the SUNS exciting, young list against a big Victorian club like Hawthorn,” he said.

“Last year we played our first Darwin game in Sir Doug Nicholls Round and it worked so well we asked the AFL to do it again. There’s potential to build our Darwin game into an annual AFL show-piece clash during Sir Doug Nicholls Round.”

AFLNT CEO Stu Totham said tickets to last year’s SUNS game at TIO Stadium were in high demand, selling out in a matter of minutes and he expects the same interest this year.

“Territorians love their footy and we can’t wait to host the SUNS again in front of a sell-out crowd, especially during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round,” he said.

“AFLNT are thrilled to continue our partnership with the SUNS into the 2021 AFL season and to collaborate on developing pathways to show off our Territory talent. We know the Territory produces some amazing players and to provide the opportunity for them to learn and participate in SUNS programs is really exciting.”

“I want to thank the Northern Territory Government for their continued support with this four-year partnership. As we head into the second year, I am looking forward to the great outcomes we’ll see across Territory footy talent, participation and game development here in Darwin.”

Due to COVID-19, the exact day and time for the Round 11 clash has not yet been announced. Tickets will go on sale when further game details are confirmed.

To guarantee entry to the game, fans can sign up for a Territory SUN membership by visiting www.goldcoastfc.com.au/membership.