The Cazalys NT Talent Academy will host four official 2026 AFL Talent League matches at TIO Stadium, marking the second consecutive year the Territory welcomes the nation’s top emerging footballers to its premier venue.
In 2025, the Under 18 Girls made a memorable debut on home soil, defeating the Calder Cannons, while the Under 18 Boys returned to Darwin for the first time since 2022, falling narrowly to a strong Western Jets outfit.
The 2026 campaign builds on that momentum, with both the boys and girls sides set to play two home matches each. The Under 18 Girls will open the home schedule on Saturday, 2 May at 4:00pm against the Bendigo Pioneers at TIO Stadium.
The Under 18 Boys will then take centre stage as part of a marquee day of football, featuring as the curtain raiser to the Gold Coast SUNS v St Kilda Round 9 Toyota AFL Premiership Season match. They will face the Greater Western Victoria Rebels at 2:45pm.
Following the Gold Coast SUNS’ Friday night clash with Port Adelaide, the boys will return to TIO Stadium for their final home fixture on Saturday, 16 May at 11:30am, where they will look to gain redemption against the Western Jets.
The Under 18 Girls will conclude the Territory’s home fixtures on Saturday, 6 June at 4:00pm, taking on the Gippsland Power.
Across the 2026 Talent League season, the Cazalys NT Talent Academy will compete in eight matches, with both the boys and girls teams playing four games each. The remaining fixtures will be played in Melbourne at Highgate Recreation Reserve.
NT Talent Manager Josh Kleine, spoke on the continued opportunity for the Northern Territory to host home fixtures.
“It’s fantastic to see the AFL Talent League return to Darwin,” he said.
“Expanding from one boys’ and one girls’ match last year to two of each this year is a great step forward. It creates more opportunities for our players to showcase their talent at home, in front of family, friends and the wider community.
“That kind of support is invaluable and makes the experience even more special for everyone involved.”
2026 AFL Talent League Fixture
Under 18 Girls
2 May 2026 – NT v Bendigo Pioneers, 4:00pm – TIO Stadium
21 May 2026 – NT v Calder Cannons, 6:00pm – Highgate Recreation Reserve
24 May 2026 – NT v Murray Bushrangers, 11:00am – Highgate Recreation Reserve
6 June 2026 – NT v Gippsland Power, 4:00pm – TIO Stadium
Under 18 Boys
9 May 2026 – NT v Greater Western Victoria Rebels, 2:45pm – TIO Stadium
16 May 2026 – NT v Western Jets, 11:30am – TIO Stadium
All matches will be streamed live and free via the AFL Live App and website, with the Under 18 Girls clash against the Murray Bushrangers also broadcast live on KommunityTV.
Entry to all matches is free, with the exception of the Under 18 Boys Northern Territory v Greater Western Victoria Rebels fixture. Access to this match requires a valid ticket to the Gold Coast SUNS v St Kilda match, which can be purchased here.