AFL Northern Territory today launched the ‘Dreamtime in Darwin’ match between Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns on Saturday 19 May at TIO Stadium.
As part of AFL Indigenous Round celebrations, the match at the home of NT footy will showcase the very best of sporting and entertainment talent in front of a national media audience and expectant crowd in attendance.
AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley said the match was a great advertisement for the rich history of Territory football and the significant amounts of time and resources that are being invested across the Top End to offer unique opportunities in sport and education to young Territorians.
"We are once again delighted to be hosting the first of two Toyota AFL Premiership matches at TIO Stadium," said Frawley.
"We have branded this the ‘Dreamtime in Darwin’ clash to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made to sport, entertainment and society in the Territory and indeed Australia wide,"
"The match will characterise everything that is wonderful about the Territory footy story".
Frawley dismissed suggestions that the injury concerns surrounding Brownlow Medalist Gary Ablett would deter local fans from attending the match.
"It would be fantastic to have Gary Ablett take to the TIO Stadium turf and the latest reports suggest he is a good chance to play," Frawley added.
"Both teams will feature Brownlow Medalists, multiple All-Australians, club champion winners and Rising Star nominees and with Territory boys Zephaniah Skinner, Nathan Djerrkura, Liam Patrick and Stephen May added to the mix, this match has piqued the interest of many Territory footy fans".
"Local children will be taking part in a symbolic ‘Long Walk’ before the match, free public transport has been made available courtesy of the Northern Territory Government and there will be plenty of fun for the kids on the night,"
"What we are offering is a complete family friendly atmosphere and an experience that is uniquely Territory".
The match commences at 7:10pm (ACST) with gates opening at 5:10pm and pre-match entertainment on offer from 5:40pm.
The Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns match is proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government. This weekend’s game between the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast Suns is part of a five-year agreement between the Territory Government and the AFL.
The match is also presented by Coles Supermarkets – proudly supporting AFL in the Territory.
ENDS…
For further information and general media enquiries please contact:
Josh Sampson
AFLNT Commercial Operations Coordinator
(08) 8980 4813
0438 714 897