Territory footy fans are in for a treat with the Gold Coast SUNS set to take on the Melbourne Demons at TIO Stadium in Darwin on 24 July 2021.

The game was scheduled to take place interstate, but has been moved to the Northern Territory due to COVID-19 restrictions.

This is a massive coup for Territory footy fans who missed out on seeing their AFL heroes play live when the Territory’s two scheduled AFL games were moved interstate earlier this year due to COVID-19.

The game forms part of the Northern Territory Government’s partnership with the AFL, which has seen the Gold Coast Suns play regularly in the Top End, while the Melbourne Demons traditionally play a game in the Red Centre.

Tickets for general public and club members will be available online on Wednesday 14 July via https://premier.ticketek.com.au/  

Quotes from Minister for Major Events Natasha Fyles:

“Territorians love their footy and it’s sensational to learn that we will now be able to watch it live right here in the Top End.

“We are in for a treat with the Gold Coast Suns clash against the Melbourne Demons certain to attract a massive following

“We’ve worked hard to bring AFL back to the Territory and now we will see the benefits flow through the community.

“We will continue to work with the AFL to secure a game for the Red Centre.

Quotes from Gold Coast Suns CEO Mark Evans:

“We’re thrilled to be able to confirm that the Gold Coast SUNS will play in a primetime fixture against the Melbourne Demons at TIO Stadium.

“We had to reschedule our game in May and we’ve been working hard with the NT Government to ensure we can still bring AFL football to Darwin.

“Ticketing information will come out next week and we want to encourage Territorians to come to the game wearing their red and gold.”

Quote from Melbourne Football Club CEO Gary Pert:

“While the match will be an away game for us, we feel very much at home at TIO Stadium having played games there for the last 10 years.”

Quotes from AFL NT CEO Stuart Totham:

“A big thank you to the Gold Coast Suns, Northern Territory Government and AFL for working together to again ensure our Territory footy fans have the opportunity to watch elite games live in their backyard this year after COVID interruptions.

“Territorians have an awesome AFL blockbuster game in just two weeks to look forward to; we will see a Melbourne Demons team at the peak of their powers and an improving Gold Coast Suns, and we hope the Darwin community will get amongst it, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the show.”