AFL premiership matches have been locked in for 2027, with the Gold Coast Suns taking on Carlton in Darwin while the Melbourne Demons return to battle Adelaide in Alice Springs.Last year, elite AFL fixtures generated nearly $11 million in spending, as Territory events saw strong turnouts throughout and beyond the peak tourist season.Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue to back local, sport and major events as we grow our visitor economy and restore our unique Territory lifestyle.
Footy fans are set for a massive premiership season, as the AFL lock in their 2027 fixtures here in the Northern Territory, backed by the Finocchiaro CLP Government.
Melbourne Football Club will return to TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs to take on the Adelaide Crows in Round 7 on Saturday, 1 May 2027. Meanwhile, in Darwin, the Gold Coast Suns will face AFL powerhouse Carlton at TIO Stadium on Sunday, 23 May 2027, in a Round 10 showdown.
This comes on the back of a remarkable year for local, sport and major events in the Territory, with the AFL matches generating around $10.69 million in Territory spending.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby, said that 2027 was already proving to be a blockbuster year for events.
"2026 was an incredible year for sport and events in the Territory, and next year we already have a jam-packed calendar, with massive AFL fixtures set to attract thousands of visitors to the Territory from all over the country," Minister Boothby said.
"At the same time, we're making good on our commitment to give Territorians more to do during and beyond the peak season - delivering more events as we restore our unique Territory lifestyle."
"We know that the NT is footy territory - home to some of the country's biggest AFL clubs, including the country's fastest growing AFLW clubs. These fixtures and all the community engagement around the games will show young Territory footy players that the sky's the limit."
Gold Coast Suns player and the Territory's own, Daniel Rioli, said he was looking forward to coming back to the Territory.
"It's always special getting back to Darwin and having the opportunity to play footy in front of family, friends and the local community," Mr 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."
Head of AFL Northern Territory, Sam Gibson, said the fixtures would be fantastic opportunities for footy fans.
"We look forward to welcoming the Gold Coast Suns and Melbourne back to the Territory in 2027, with high-quality match-ups 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 sporting clubs at TIO Stadium, while Melbourne's longstanding connection with Alice Springs continues with what shapes as another great contest at TIO Traeger Park against the Adelaide Crows.
"Territorians have a deep connection with our game, and we thank the Northern Territory Government for their continued support in bringing AFL football to Territory fans."
Supported by Tourism and Events NT, the matches highlight the Northern Territory Government's ongoing commitment to bringing elite sporting events to the region and generating positive economic outcomes for local businesses and communities.
