Darwin will host AFLW Round 3 between Essendon v Richmond at TIO Stadium in the last weekend of August.The Territory leads the country in women's AFL participation, with females making up over 40% of registered players - double the national average.Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue leverage sport and major events as we rebuild the economy and restore our unique Territory lifestyle.
The Territory's year of elite footy continues as the Finocchiaro CLP Government secures an AFLW match for Darwin - proving that the Territory is the best place for sport and major events.
The Richmond Tigers and the Essendon Bombers will once again return to TIO Stadium in the final weekend of August.
The fixture follows the success of last year's AFLW Dreamtime match which saw the same teams battle it out, attracting nearly 6,000 fans, including over 1,000 visitors from interstate.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby said that the Finocchiaro Government would continue to back sport and major events as important parts of their plan to rebuild the economy and restore our lifestyle.
"We want to see more people visiting the Territory, and we want to see more activities on offer to Territorians, which is why we're delivering a strong pipeline of footy, sport, and major events, including the AFLW."
"We also know that these kinds of events bring a huge boost to our local economy, filling our hotels, tour operators and hospitality venues - supporting local businesses and local jobs."
"I can't wait to see the Territory on show yet again, as some of the country's best AFLW players visit the Territory on the back of a jam-packed pipeline of events."
"The Suns showed footy fans that there's nowhere like the Northern Territory, and I know that the Bombers and the Tigers will do the same."
The match will also be a huge moment for the Territory's emerging AFLW players, clubs, and their volunteers.
The 2025 fixture included school visits, coaching clinics, women in leadership seminars, youth engagement activities and Auskick and Make Your Mark education programs.
Essendon have previously identified the Tiwi Islands as one of their Next Generation Academy zones, offering a pathway toward elite football for Tiwi locals.
Minister for People, Sport and Culture, Jinson Charls said that game would be a boost for female participation in the AFL as well as for the Territory economy.
"The AFLW continues to go from strength to strength, inspiring women and girls to pick up the Sherrin and join the game that Territorians love."
"Bringing elite athletes to the NT does more than just amplify the excitement of the match, it provides a significant economic boost to our local businesses."
"Sport is woven into the fabric of Territory life and I am committed to seeing female participation in sport reach new heights."
Earlier this month, Minister Boothby announced a $2 million major events funding boost, alongside a $9 million commitment over three years to deliver elite AFL matches in the Northern Territory.
Minister Boothby pointed to this latest AFLW fixture as another example of the Finocchiaro Government's commitment to growing the visitor economy and supporting everyday Territorians.
"In our year of growth, certainty, and security, we are backing sport and major events and positioning the Territory as the destination of choice to live, work, visit and invest."
