Northern Territory Government to host AFLW Dreamtime sporting event

The Northern Territory Government has signed an agreement with the AFL to host the AFLW Dreamtime game in the Territory for the first time on Saturday, 26th October 2024.

Celebrating the contribution Indigenous players have made to the AFL, the Darwin Dreamtime match between the Essendon Bombers and Richmond Tigers will be played during the AFLW’s Indigenous Round.

Attracting major sporting events like this supports local business, provides work opportunities for Territorians and inspires young athletes.

While in Darwin the Essendon Bombers and Richmond Tigers will undertake activities to engage with the community. 

Securing the Dreamtime match for Darwin builds on the work of the AFL Taskforce following the release of the Northern Territory Strategic Business Case for the NT’s own AFL team.

The Taskforce identified attracting more AFL matches to the NT and building on the economic and social benefit of hosting AFL matches will help solidify the Territory’s case for an AFL team based in the NT.

The AFLW match will bring together some of the best women footballers in the country to engage with fans and participants, inspiring young girls who dream of being part of the AFLW.

NT Minister for Sport Kate Worden noted “the Northern Territory has the highest participation rates per capita of women in AFL and this match will provide the opportunity to showcase the Territory’s passion for AFLW on the national stage.

“Hosting this game builds on the work of the AFL Taskforce and allows the Territory to demonstrate we can host major sporting events.

“The Territory has produced some of the best indigenous footballers to play the game. It is fitting the Dreamtime game will return to Darwin."

Image. Essendon and Richmond players line up ahead of the AFLW Dreamtime match during round seven, 2024. Credit: AFL Photos