Elite AFL action will return to the Northern Territory in 2027
Elite AFL action will return to the NT in 2027, with the Gold Coast SUNS bringing another blockbuster match to Darwin and Melbourne Football Club continuing its long-standing presence in Alice Springs.
The NT has cemented its reputation as a destination for Australia's biggest sporting events, with fans set to witness 2 exciting AFL Premiership Season clashes across the Top End and Red Centre in May.
In Darwin, the Gold Coast SUNS will take on AFL powerhouse Carlton Football Club, who are coming off a final’s appearance in 2026, at TIO Stadium in Round 10 on Sunday, 23 May 2027.
In Central Australia, the Melbourne Football Club will return to TIO Traeger Park for the 13th time since adopting Alice Springs as its second home in 2014. The Demons will take on the Adelaide Crows in Round 7 on Saturday 1 May 2027, further strengthening the club's longstanding connection with the Red Centre community.
For Gold Coast SUNS star Daniel Rioli, the opportunity to play in Darwin remains one of the highlights of the AFL calendar.
‘It's always special getting back to Darwin and having the opportunity to play footy in front of family, friends and the local community,’ Rioli said.
‘The Territory means a lot to me personally, so every time I get the chance to pull on the SUNS jumper in Darwin is something I'm very proud of. We've won our last 10 in a row at TIO Stadium, hopefully we can make it 11.’
AFL NT Chief Executive Officer Sam Gibson said the matches would once again deliver unforgettable experiences for local fans while generating benefits for communities across the Territory.
‘We look forward to welcoming the Gold Coast SUNS and Melbourne back to the Territory in 2027, with high-quality matchups for football fans in Darwin and Alice Springs,’ Mr Gibson said.
‘Carlton's return to Darwin is a fantastic opportunity for Top End fans to see one of the competition's biggest clubs at TIO Stadium, while Melbourne's longstanding connection with Alice Springs continues with what shapes as another great contest against the Adelaide Crows.
‘Territorians have a deep connection with our game, and we thank the NT Government for its continued support in bringing AFL football to Territory fans.’
Beyond the action on the field, both matches will feature community activities, player appearances and fan engagement opportunities, helping strengthen the connection between the game and local communities.
The Territory's investment in AFL continues to deliver strong results, with independent research showing AFL fixtures held in the NT in 2026 generated more than $10 million in economic expenditure stimulus, reinforcing the value of major sporting events in driving visitation and supporting local businesses.
