Territory Secures AFL Games For Three More Years

The Northern Territory is guaranteed to host 9 AFL Games under a new 3 year agreement signed today by the Northern Territory Government, the AFL, the Western Bulldogs and the AFLNT.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Kon Vatskalis said the $300,000 a year deal will ensure the Western Bulldogs continue to play AFL Premiership home-games in Darwin, in addition to NAB Pre-Season matches.

“I am delighted that elite AFL footy will continue to be played in the Territory,” Minister Vatskalis said.

“Alice Springs will also maintain its love affair with AFL footy, with the continuation of Pre-Season ‘Challenge’ Matches each year.

“The continued support shown by the AFL for games in the Territory is a strong indicator that the longterm future presence of elite footy looks bright.”

Western Bulldogs Chief Executive Campbell Rose said the LeasePlan Western Bulldogs were delighted to continue their partnership with the Northern Territory by playing one AFL home and away match in Darwin each year for the next three years.

“Over the past three years we have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with Territorians and look forward to continuing our successful community work in Darwin,” Mr Rose Said.

“To date our community work has included numerous remote community visits, local Darwin community visits to schools, hospitals, prisons and nursing homes and conducted NAB AFL Auskick Clinics with thousands of local children.

“The Bulldogs are committed to developing the mighty red, white and blue in the Territory and look forward to returning next year to the biggest and loudest crowd to date, at TIO Stadium Marrara.

“This deal signals our ongoing commitment to the region and the people of the Northern Territory and we thank the Northern Territory Government and the AFL for assisting us in achieving our goals.”

AFL Chief Operating Officer Ben Buckley said the AFL is determined to retain an ongoing presence in the Territory were delighted that the NT government had continued to support the growth of the game.

"We are very grateful for their ongoing support of Australian football and also that of Territorians who are passionate football supporters,” Mr Buckley said.

"The AFL is the only sporting competition in Australia with a regular-season presence in every state and territory in the country. Beyond that, we also take matches across Australia as part of the NAB Cup and the NAB Regional Challenge as part of our charter in growing the game in all parts of the country.”

AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley said AFLNT were very grateful that the Northern Territory Government, the AFL and the Western Bulldogs have agreed to a new 3 year agreement to bring live AFL football to Darwin and Alice Springs.

Northern Territory Government Contact: Kieran Phillips 0438 272 839

AFL Contact: Patrick Keane 03 96431925