AFL Northern Territory in partnership with the City of Darwins Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim today announced the Bombing of Darwin Day Commemorative Round at TIO Stadium on Saturday 18 February.
"There's quite a significant connection between football and the Bombing of Darwin," said the Lord Mayor.
"The bombs may have stopped the NTFL, but they didn't stop football being played. In fact, football thrived during the War. Military teams played Territory locals, such as the railway workers. Football was part of many people's wartime experience in the Territory.
"After the war football played a critical role in re-engaging the community by giving them a sense of home and normalcy.
"The Bombing of Darwin Day Commemorative Round is a great way to use football to respect honour and remember such a significant part of Northern Australia's history."
AFLNT CEO Michael Solomon said the upcoming round was one not to be missed.
"AFLNT is privileged to partner with City of Darwin for such a historic occasion," Mr Solomon said.
"The Bombing of Darwin Day Round will serve as a reminder to our fans and the wider community of the great sacrifices made 75 years ago by our forefathers and daughters.
"Football in the NT continues to be the fabric of society because of the strong past in which it thrives off."
There will be lots of action on the day with FREE entry for the public between 3.30pm and 5.00pm. Defence Force Members who present their ID at the gate will receive free entry all day.
There will be free face painting from 3.00pm to 6.00pm and a NORFORCE military display all afternoon.
Be there at 4.00pm to support Darwin's little AFL Auskick legends as they take on NORFORCE on the main oval in a short pre-match game.
A Veteran will be given the opportunity to present the Player of the Match with a special 75th anniversary commemorative football.
"I encourage everyone to come down to TIO Stadium on Saturday and to The Cenotaph on Sunday morning at 9.30am on The Esplanade," the Lord Mayor said.
For more information relating to the Bombing of Darwin Day as commemorated by the City of Darwin, click here.