The AFL has today released the full fixture for Rounds One to Nine of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season which will see men’s elite football return to the Northern Territory following an interrupted 2021 season as a result of the ongoing pandemic.
Matchups and venues for Round 10 to 23 were also released today with dates and times for those matches to be released following the commencement of the premiership season.
See the full 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture here.
For the first time since 2020, AFL football returns to the Northern Territory for three matches during the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season with the Gold Coast SUNS to host back-to-back matches at TIO Stadium in Darwin against Hawthorn and North Melbourne during Round 11 and 12, respectively, before Melbourne host Port Adelaide at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs during Round 18.
Head of AFLNT Sam Gibson said it is going to be an awesome season for Territory footy fans who can experience three games live in their backyard.
"With thanks to the NT Government, the AFL, Gold Coast SUNS and Melbourne Football Club's we have some action-packed footy months to look forward to next year,” he said.
"We also know there are plenty of Gold Coast SUNS and Melbourne fans who have turned up in past years to see their teams battle it out here in the NT and are hanging to see them run out again in the flesh.”
Northern Territory Government Minister for Major Events Natasha Fyles said it’s great news the Territory will be hosting three AFL games next year, especially during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
“With the Gold Coast SUNS playing back-to-back games in Darwin for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity for interstate fans to enjoy an extended Territory holiday and some of the unique experiences on offer here,” she said.
“Meanwhile, footy fans in the Red Centre will get to witness the Premiership winners in action, which is an incredible opportunity.”
AFL Executive General Manager of Clubs and Broadcasting Travis Auld said the initial block of the fixture was constructed with the primary aim to achieve a strong start to the season with a series of key Thursday and Friday night matches to build momentum into the early part of the season.
“We begin season 2022 with a renewed level of confidence – taking the learnings of the previous year and focusing on delivering fans another blockbuster schedule of matches,” Auld said.
“For supporters it is a chance to get back to doing what we all love, going to the footy with our family and friends.
“On the field, it feels like we are in for another unpredictable season.
“The competitiveness and the ability for any team to win on any day gave us great confidence in the spread of marquee timeslots to begin the season.
Auld said that while everyone involved in the game was looking forward to the return of the AFL season the league would continue to monitor the ongoing pandemic.
“We will continue to remain diligent and will always be led by respective Governments and health authorities on the right advice, ensuring the health and wellbeing of everyone remains the key priority.
“The success of the last two seasons has shown us is that if we are disciplined with our protocols and willing to be flexible where required, we will keep footy going.
“Football is more than a game, it is about bringing people together and reconnecting families, friends and fans – whether that is at a match, at someone’s home or at a venue to watch and cheer on their clubs.”
For the latest ticketing information, follow AFL Northern Territory or keep an eye out on the AFL Northern Territory website.
Fans can support the SUNS and secure tickets prior to them being on sale by purchasing a Territory SUN ‘reserved’ or ‘general admission’ membership here. Memberships are available for access to one or both games at TIO Stadium in 2022.