The Lawler Labor Government is bringing bigger and better events to the Territory, with an agreement signed today with the AFL to host the AFLW Dreamtime game in the Territory for the first time on Saturday, 26 October 2024.
Celebrating the contribution Indigenous players have made to the AFL, the Darwin Dreamtime match between the Essendon Bombers and Richmond Tigers will be played during the AFLW's Indigenous Round.
Attracting major sporting events like this supports local business, provides work opportunities for Territorians and inspires young athletes.
While in Darwin the Essendon Bombers and Richmond Tigers will undertake activities to engage with the community.
Securing the Dreamtime match for Darwin builds on the work of the AFL Taskforce following the release of the Northern Territory Strategic Business Case for the NT's own AFL team.
The Taskforce identified attracting more AFL matches to the NT and building on the economic and social benefit of hosting AFL matches will help solidify our case for an AFL team based in the NT.
The AFLW match will bring together some of the best women footballers in the country to engage with fans and participants, inspiring young girls who dream of being part of the AFLW.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:
"Territorians love their footy and there's nowhere in Australia better to host the AFLW Dreamtime game than at TIO Stadium in Darwin.
"The Northern Territory is home to the largest population of the oldest continuous cultures on the planet and this Dreamtime match will play an important role in celebrating this rich cultural heritage.
"Hosting games like the AFLW Dreamtime match is not only great for sport in the Territory, but also for our economy and to show the NT as tourism destination to a national television audience.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport Kate Worden:
"The Northern Territory has the highest participation rates per capita of women in AFL and this match will provide the opportunity to showcase the Territory's passion for AFLW on the national stage.
"Hosting this game builds on the work of the AFL Taskforce and allows the Territory to demonstrate we can host major sporting events.
"The Territory has produced some of the best indigenous footballers to play the game. It is fitting the Dreamtime game will return to Darwin.
Quote attributable to AFL CEO Andrew Dillon:
"Dreamtime at the G is always a special occasion on the AFL calendar, so to now have the Essendon and Richmond AFLW teams continue that tradition and celebrate AFLW Indigenous Round in the Top End is a fantastic initiative, and I'm sure will be a great event for the clubs and the community.
"I would like to thank the Northern Territory Government for their support of the match which I have no doubt will be a great celebration for both teams and local fans."
Quotes attributable to AFL Northern Territory Chairman Sean Bowden:
"In 2020, Darwin captured national attention with the Men's Dreamtime game, delivering a truly remarkable spectacle.
"Today, almost 40% of registered football players in the NT are women and girls, double the national average. The passion our female footballers show here truly highlights their love for the game, and this Dreamtime Game will spread that enthusiasm across Australia. First and foremost, the game is recognition of that passion and love of the game.
"The continued investment and support from the Northern Territory Government has been a pivotal role in enhancing football in the NT, serving as a catalyst for deeper engagement and participation across the Territory.
Northern Territory Government
