In 2011 TIO Stadium will again host two Toyota AFL Premiership Season games after the AFL released to 2011 season fixture today.
“After successful events in 2010, AFLNT are excited to be able host three of the AFL’s emerging sides back to the Northern Territory in 2011,” said AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley.
The Territory will get its first taste of AFL Premiership action in Round 10 when Richmond take on Port Adelaide at 8.10pm on Saturday May 28.
“Richmond are a side with a large historical supporter base in the NT, this stems back to the days of Maurice Rioli and now the link continues with up and coming NT youngster Troy Taylor,
“The Tigers are one of those teams that really starting to reap the rewards of draft selections and a stable list and will be an exciting club in 2011.”
After taking a one point thriller in 2010, Melbourne will return to take on Port Adelaide in Round 17 at 8.10pm on Saturday July 16.
“This game last year was an epic and with host of NT stars in their team including the illusive excitement machine Liam Jurrah, we are hoping all of our NT greats will make it back to TIO Stadium,” said Frawley.
“We also extend a welcome return to Port Adelaide who are the away side for both games, with local boys such as Daniel Motlop, Marlon Motlop and Tom Logan all in the mix we hope that we can see them in full flight.”
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton said it was another stellar year for the AFL in the Territory.
“Territorians love their footy, and the NT Government is proud to bring more AFL than ever before to sports fans in Darwin and Alice Springs.
“Our 5 year deal with the AFL is forging the Territory as a permanent fixture on the AFL landscape, building world-class facilities and creating pathways for our talented juniors.
"2011 promises more local heroes playing top class footy on our 2 great stadiums of TIO and Traeger Park - I cant wait."
TIO Stadium will see further AFL action and excitement in 2011 with the Qantas AFL Indigenous All Stars Game in the first week of February.
A week later Centralians will get their fix too with the annual NAB Challenge Match in mid-February.