AFL fans across the Northern Territory can look forward to another thrilling year of footy in 2025, with the Gold Coast SUNS and Melbourne Football Club set to bring their star power to Darwin and Alice Springs for high-profile matches.
In 2025, the Gold Coast SUNS will once again headline two exciting games in Darwin. The first match will see the SUNS take on the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium on Saturday, 10 May 2025.
The second game will take place at TIO Stadium on Thursday, 15 May 2025, as the official opening match of the highly anticipated Sir Doug Nicholls Round. This round celebrates the contributions of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander players to the game and draws passionate support from the Northern Territory, a region that has produced some of AFL’s most skilled and revered Indigenous stars. The SUNS will face off against Hawthorn in what promises to be a spectacular clash.
For the second consecutive year, BASSINTHEGRASS, the Territory’s leading music festival, will take place on Saturday, 17 May 2025, just two days after the second SUNS game, at the iconic Mindil Beach. This timing gives footy fans another fantastic reason to head to Darwin, offering a week packed with an unforgettable mix of live music and football action for both locals and visitors.
TIO Traeger Park on June 02, 2024 in Alice Springs, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)
In Central Australia, the Melbourne Football Club will return to Alice Springs for their annual Heart of the Nation match at TIO Traeger Park on Sunday, 1 June 2025. The Demons will play St Kilda, continuing their long-standing relationship with the Red Centre community. The club is set to immerse themselves in local culture and strengthen their connection to the region.
These AFL games offer a unique opportunity to showcase the Territory’s world-renowned tourism experiences. Fans and visitors can explore the stunning landscapes of Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park in the Top End or discover the breathtaking waterholes of the MacDonnell Ranges around Alice Springs (Mparntwe), along with the region’s vibrant art centres and cultural attractions.
The matches will also provide fans with the chance to meet their AFL heroes, with community events throughout the week further strengthening the bond between local fans and their AFL teams.
These games are made possible through the support of the Northern Territory Major Events Company, as part of the Northern Territory Government’s ongoing commitment to bringing world-class sporting events to the region. 2024 marks the second year of a three-year agreement, ensuring two Gold Coast Suns games in Darwin each season through to 2026, while the Melbourne Football Club will also play a match in the Red Centre every year.
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company Acting CEO Trevor Cox:
“We're thrilled to provide AFL fans in the Northern Territory the exciting opportunity to watch three AFL games — two in Darwin and one in Alice Springs. It's even more special with both the Gold Coast SUNS and Melbourne Demons showcasing incredible Territory talent, making this a memorable experience for local supporters.
Quotes from Head of AFL Northern Territory Sam Gibson
“We’re excited to provide more opportunities for fans to experience top-tier footy. The AFL's deep ties to the Territory continue to inspire the next generation of footy players and engage the community in ways that go beyond the game itself."
To be the first to hear when tickets are available for purchase, follow AFL Northern Territory on social media or keep an eye out on the AFL Northern Territory website.