The AFL is pleased to announce the return of the NAB AFLW Dreamtime match in Darwin for the second consecutive year, with Richmond and Essendon once again set to light up TIO Stadium in a powerful celebration of elite women’s football and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Taking place in Round 3 of the milestone 10th season and coinciding with the first week of the AFLW’s Indigenous Rounds, the match returns following the resounding success of last year’s inaugural AFLW Dreamtime clash in the Top End, which saw thousands of fans pack the stands to cast the national spotlight on Territory talent and the local community.
The Dreamtime fixture has a proud history in the AFL Men’s competition, and its expansion into the AFLW is a significant milestone that continues to grow. Hosting the match in Darwin for the first time in 2024 was a landmark moment, reaffirming the Northern Territory’s deep and enduring connection to the game.
With more than 40 per cent of all registered players in the NT identifying as female – the NAB AFLW Dreamtime match will celebrate the Territory’s leadership in women’s football and strengthens the AFL’s commitment to inclusion, recognition and opportunity.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said it was fantastic to see Dreamtime return to the Top End.
“Dreamtime is such a wonderful tradition in the AFL landscape, and I am thrilled to see it return to the Top End for the second year in a row as a part of the NAB AFLW competition,” Dillon said.
“Essendon and Richmond have such a rich history celebrating Indigenous culture and I’m sure fans of both Clubs will look forward to supporting the continuation of this match up across the W fixture.
“We know the Northern Territory has the highest proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people relative to Australia’s total population – around 30.8 per cent – so hosting games in the NT plays a key role in our vision to showcase the contribution of our First Nations people and connect more Indigenous communities to our game.
“Nationally, it’s pleasing to see participants who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander make up 6.4 per cent of our total across community footy, NAB AFL Auskick, NAB AFL Superkick and AFL Nines, which equates to more than 31,000 participants. While this is an increase compared to this time last year, we still have plenty of work to do to help drive participation.
“I’d like to thank the Northern Territory Government, AFL Northern Territory and the Clubs for their support and look forward to the game later this year.”
Sam Gibson, Head of AFL Northern Territory, said the return of the match is a meaningful step forward for the game in the Top End.
“As AFLW Dreamtime returns to Darwin for a second year, it’s clear this match has already struck a powerful chord,” Gibson said.
“We’re proud to work alongside Essendon, Richmond, the Northern Territory Government and the local community to bring this celebration of women’s football and Indigenous culture to life.
“The incredible support from the local and interstate community last year showed just how meaningful this event is – not just as a game, but as a moment of connection, recognition, and pride for the people of the Northern Territory.”
Richmond Football Club CEO Shane Dunne echoed the excitement of returning north.
“We are very grateful to have the opportunity to play our AFLW Dreamtime game against Essendon in Darwin again in 2025, building on what was a successful fixture last year,” Dunne said.
“Dreamtime is a pivotal part of our Club, and it provides an opportunity for the football community to come together and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
“Having this game in Darwin also allows us to showcase elite-level women’s football to the Northern Territory and gives our players and the broader Club a chance to connect with the local community.”
Essendon Football Club CEO Craig Vozzo said:
"We feel incredibly privileged to participate in the AFLW Dreamtime game once again alongside Richmond in Darwin. Having both our men's and women's programs involved in Dreamtime is a special honour that we deeply appreciate as a Club.
"Our aim for positive impact remains as strong as ever. We're committed to ensuring our game, players and club continue to meaningfully contribute to the community in the Northern Territory, addressing health, wellbeing and education through football. Importantly, we aim to inspire females through the actions of our players, both on and off the field.
"Bringing smiles, laughter, and cheers to our Bomber fans in Darwin is a source of immense joy for everyone at the club. We're eagerly anticipating our return for the second AFLW Dreamtime Game against the Tigers."
Northern Territory Minister for Sport Jinson Charls said the match would not only bring elite women’s football to the Top End but also celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
“In our year of action, certainty and security, we are proud to welcome the AFLW Dreamtime match back to Darwin, giving Territorians the chance to witness the best in women’s football while honouring the cultural significance of the occasion," said Mr Charls.
“Bringing major AFLW fixtures to the Territory continues to build on the sport’s ability to deliver lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits, from inspiring young girls who dream of making it to the AFLW to driving community engagement."
Further details, including match date, ticketing, and surrounding events, will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
