The Territory Labor Government’s partnership with the AFL will see three big games of AFL played in the Territory in 2020.
Darwin’s new home team, the Gold Coast SUNS, will take on St Kilda at TIO Stadium in Darwin on 13 June.
In Alice Springs, the Melbourne Demons will take on the Adelaide Crows on Sunday 17 May at TIO Traegar Park, while in the AFLW, Melbourne will face off against Carlton on Saturday 14 March.
A range of community activities and fan activations will be held around all games, with details to be announced at a later date.
AFL is the biggest participation sport in the Territory.
Bringing big games here is part of the NT Government’s commitment to creating vibrant communities and giving Territorians access to premium sporting events and driving visitation to the Territory.
The games are part of a new agreement between the Territory Labor Government and the AFL which will see the Gold Coast SUNS playing in Darwin and the Melbourne Demons in Alice Springs for the next four years.
Under the deal, the SUNS will also run talent academy camps in Darwin, which will provide greater opportunities for local players to be listed on their AFLW team once up and running.
As noted by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
“Territorians love their footy and the Territory Labor Government loves bringing big games to the Territory.
“Footy is more than just a game here; it’s also an important way to keep kids on a positive path and supports strong and vibrant communities. The spinoffs for the economy and local jobs through visitation to the NT are also significant.
“The new deal with the SUNS and the Demons will also support AFLNT’s new player pathways plan, which will focus on uncovering and developing talent right across the Territory and ultimately get Territory talent on AFL and AFLW lists.
“This is an exciting new chapter in Territory football.”
