In light of the recent COVID-19 cases emerging in Victoria and advice from the Northern Territory Government Department of Health, AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) can confirm the 2021 Toyota AFL premiership season Sir Doug Nicholls Round 11 Darwin (29 May) Gold Coast SUNS and Hawthorn FC game will not go ahead. At this stage, the AFL has advised there has not been a decision if a replacement game will be played in Darwin this season.
Regarding the Sir Doug Nicholls Round 12 (4 June) Alice Springs Melbourne FC vs Brisbane Lions match, the AFL will continue to evaluate the situation before confirming the scheduling of any matches in Round 12 and beyond.
Head of AFLNT Stuart Totham said like all footy fans in the NT, the team at AFLNT is disappointed with the outcome.
“The AFLNT team has been looking forward to this for some time and has been working very hard in the background with the AFL and Gold Coast SUNS to launch the Sir Doug Nicholls Round and structure a fantastic community engagement program in the Territory over the next two weeks, so we’re all a bit gutted,” Totham said.
“The Sir Doug Nicholls Round is a wonderful time to acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture throughout our game AFLNT was thrilled to play host to two marquee games this year.”
“Public safety comes first and I want to thank the Northern Territory’s Chief Minister and Chief Medical Officers for all their patience and diligent work assessing the current situation in order to keep the Territory community safe.”
“AFLNT will continue to work with the AFL, health officials and Northern Territory Government on a solution to bring the AFL to the Territory this 2021 season.”
Gold Coast SUNS CEO Mark Evans said while the Club understands and respects the decision, they are disappointed they will not be able to host their second annual, Sir Doug Nicholls Round game in Darwin.
“Our Territory partnership means much more to us than just a game. We have had AFL and AFLW players and staff in town all week visiting schools and supporting local footy to help grow the game and promote healthy, active lifestyles,” Evans said.
“We will now work with all parties involved to find a way to play our annual Darwin fixture later in the year.”
Any further fixture changes or updates on the weekend’s games will be provided by AFL House.
Automatic refunds will be made available to anyone who has purchased tickets for these events. Tickets purchased by credit or debit card via Ticketek will be refunded in full including ticket insurance premium, patrons do not need to take any action. Patrons should allow approximately 60 days for the refund to appear in their account.
Updated information will be shared as soon as it is available.