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The Northern Territory Government has secured 10 AFL matches in the Territory over the next five years as part of an $8 million deal.

 

Chief Minister Paul Henderson today said the $8 million deal would bring more teams and more matches to the Territory and includes more than $2 million for infrastructure upgrades.

 

“Aussie Rules is the Territory’s most popular sport and the Territory Government is proud to have secured more matches for Territory footy fans,” Mr Henderson said.

 

“This $8 million deal with the AFL is a strong vote of confidence in our first class facilities and will bring millions of dollars into our local economy.”

 

Key highlights of the $8 million deal, which runs from 2010 to 2014, include:

 

• Doubling the number of annual home and away matches in Darwin.
• The Western Bulldogs, Melbourne Demons and Richmond Tigers to rotate as the home team from 2010-2012. Port Adelaide will be the away team in each of these years.
• The 2013 and 2014 fixtures will be arranged after the introduction of the new Gold Coast and Western Sydney teams to the competition.
• More than $2 million to upgrade TIO Stadium and Traeger Park.
• 2011 Indigenous All Star match in Darwin.
• 2013 Indigenous All Star match in Alice Springs subject to facility upgrades.
• Annual pre-season NAB Challenge match played at Traeger Park.
• Community engagement including school, hospital and Indigenous community visits and junior clinics.

 

Sports Minister Karl Hampton said the $8 million deal would bring strong benefits to local AFL players and supporters.

 

“This $8 million deal will greatly benefit the local footy competitions through vital infrastructure upgrades at two of our most important facilities,” Mr Hampton said.

 

“TIO Stadium will get a new permanent toilet block, a new corporate area, office fit out and training lights on the second oval at TIO Stadium.

 

“Traeger Park will get new coach and media boxes as well as a new permanent toilet block with Alice Springs Town Council contributing $150,000 towards this cost.

 

“These upgrades will make viewing local competitions and official AFL matches even better well into the future.”

 

AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said he wished to thank the Northern Territory Government, on behalf of all levels of the game, for its commitment to Australian Rules Football.

 

“The AFL has been committed to taking our competition to all parts of Australia and we are delighted that this agreement secures 10 AFL premiership matches at TIO Stadium at Marrara for the next five years,” Mr Demetriou said.

 

“On behalf of the AFL, our clubs and all football supporters, I wish to thank Chief Minister Paul Henderson and Minister Karl Hampton for their efforts in securing this agreement.

 

“Over the last decade, the numbers of outstanding young NT players making their way to AFL clubs has continued to climb steadily, following in the footsteps of the likes of Andrew McLeod and Aaron Davey, and these games will continue to inspire young Territorians to chase their dreams.

 

“The Western Bulldogs and Melbourne will both play Port Adelaide in 2010 with a match also to be scheduled in Alice Springs during the pre-season.”

 

Media contacts: Chief Minister - Geoff Fraser 0407 360256

                               Minister Hampton – Edwin Edlund 0401 119 563

                            Mr Demetriou – Patrick Keane 0417 033 215
Related files:
Henderson & Hampton 191009 AFL.pdf ( 647.63 kb )