Territorians will have a chance to celebrate our favourite Indigenous players with the first ever 'Dreamtime in Darwin' AFL game between Essendon and Richmond in Round 13, on Saturday 22 August at TIO Stadium.
The 2020 Toyota Sir Doug Nicholls Round is the 14th year the AFL has celebrated the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and their contribution to Australian Football.
Thanks to the Northern Territory Government's partnership with AFL, the Dreamtime in Darwin game will be one of two matches at TIO Stadium on that weekend, with a Gold Coast SUNS home game to be announced for Round 13 next week.
Work continues with the AFL to bring an AFL game to Alice Springs.
Tickets will be limited and all games will have an approved COVID-19 Safety Plan.
The Chief Health Officer will oversee strict protocols. This includes ensuring no player, official or broadcaster arrives from a hot spot area.
As stated by Chief Minister, Michael Gunner:
"Footy is coming to Rioli and Long country.
"The Territory is the spiritual home of the Dreamtime game.
"The first ever Dreamtime in Darwin between the Bombers and the Tigers is a significant cultural and sporting milestone for the Territory and for the nation, as we honour the contribution of Indigenous players, past and present.
"We have the historic opportunity to host the Dreamtime game because we are the safest – and we will keep doing whatever it takes to stay the safest.
"There will be a COVID-19 Safety Plan approved and overseen by the Chief Health Officer. Strict protocols will be in place. Nobody – no players, officials, or broadcasters – will be coming here from hot spot areas. We will stay safe."
