Triple footy fun for the Territory

In exciting news for footy fans, three AFL matches will take place in the Northern Territory next year, with Darwin set to host a doubleheader of Gold Coast SUNS action in the Top End, and Alice Springs welcoming the Melbourne Football Club to the Red Centre.

The Gold Coast SUNS will play the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium on Saturday, May 27 at 6.55pm as part of Round 11, followed by a match against the Adelaide Crows the following weekend on Saturday, June 3 at 7pm in Round 12.

The Melbourne Demons will take on GWS Giants at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs in Round 16, on the first weekend of July, with final details to be determined at a later date.

The games are part of the Northern Territory Government’s partnership with the AFL, which sees regular matches played in the Top End and the Red Centre each year.

Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Office, Mark Evans, said it was great that the club was once again returning to the Northern Territory to play two fixtures at TIO Stadium.

“It was a fantastic experience getting back to Darwin in 2022 for the first time in two years and I know our players, coaches and staff will be circling these matches in the calendar again in 2023.”

Evans said the partnership between the Gold Coast SUNS and Darwin is a significant one for the club from player development and community engagement perspectives.

“With seven players with links to the Northern Territory now on our AFL list and an ever-growing number of players from the region coming through our development pathways, two matches at TIO Stadium provides the opportunity for young Territorians to aspire to follow in their footsteps.

“With our playing squad to remain in Darwin in-between fixtures, we’re looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the local community away from the football field as well.”

Melbourne Demons CEO, Gary Pert, said all their players and staff look forward to this game and to experiencing everything that the Northern Territory and Alice Springs has to offer.

“We see TIO Traeger Park as a home ground away from home, while it also provides us with a great opportunity to connect with the local community and bring the AFL competition to the heart of the nation.

“We are extremely proud of the community work we have conducted in Alice Springs and surrounding communities over a long period of time.”

Tickets will go on sale in the new year. To find out when, follow Northern Territory Major Events Company or AFL NT on Facebook, or visit www.ntmajorevents.com.au or www.aflnt.com.au