Top End scores massive AFL match

Territory footy fans are in for a treat with the Gold Coast SUNS set to take on the Melbourne Demons at TIO Stadium in Darwin on 24 July 2021.

The game was scheduled to take place interstate, but has been moved to the Northern Territory due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Gold Coast SUNS CEO Mark Evans said he was thrilled to confirm the SUNS will play in a primetime fixture against the Melbourne Demons.

“While the match will be an away game for us, we feel very much at home at TIO Stadium having played games there for the last 10 years,” added Melbourne Football Club CEO Gary Pert.

AFL NT CEO Stuart Totham thanked the Gold Coast SUNS, the Northern Territory Government and AFL for working together to ensure Territory footy fans have the opportunity to watch elite games live in their backyard this year after COVID-19 interruptions.

“Territorians have an awesome AFL blockbuster game in just two weeks to look forward to; we will see a Melbourne Demons team at the peak of their powers and an improving Gold Coast Suns, and we hope the Darwin community will get amongst it, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the show,” he said.

This is a massive coup for Territory footy fans who missed out on seeing their AFL heroes play live when the Territory’s two scheduled AFL games were moved interstate earlier this year due to COVID-19.

The game forms part of the Northern Territory Government’s partnership with the AFL, which has seen the Gold Coast Suns play regularly in the Top End, while the Melbourne Demons traditionally play a game in the Red Centre.

Tickets for general public and club members will be available online on Wednesday 14 July via https://premier.ticketek.com.au/.