Darwin handed a Dream fixture
KEVIN Sheedy says playing the annual Dreamtime game in Darwin is a perfect fit and reward for the Indigenous community’s immense contribution to the game.
The AFL announced on Friday the Northern Territory capital would host the clash for the first time as part of two Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous round matches in the Top End.
Richmond and Essendon will face off at TIO Stadium on Saturday night, August 22, while Gold Coast is set to play a yet-to-be-announced opponent at the venue, possibly the night before.
The ground, which has a capacity of 12,190, will have a reduced crowd because of COVID-19 restrictions.
A match in Alice Springs in late August or early September involving Melbourne is also on the cards. The NT will be the fifth state or territory to host matches so far this season, as the league grapples with constant fixturing hurdles during the coronavirus pandemic.
It is understood the Territory is keen to have more games this year but it may be complicated by the build-up to wet season – in September the average temperature is 33C.
Hall of Fame Legend Sheedy, who coached Indigenous stars such as Michael Long and Gavin Wanganeen at the Bombers and helped establish the Dreamtime match in 2005, told News Corp having the Territory host the two games was very exciting.
“In the awkward circumstances of the 2020 season, it’s excellent – a great decision by the AFL,” Sheedy said.
“The biggest positive about what’s happened from a footy point of view is the northern states are getting a decent lick of the ice cream.
“It’s fantastic for Andrew McLeod, Michael Long, Gilbert McAdam, Darryl White and all the other magnificent players who have come out of the Territory.
“It’s great to see the Indigenous people and the football administrators get a great reward for the hard work done over 50 years plus.”
Long said AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan had a “soft spot” for the Territory and the region was looking forward to the build-up and the match itself.
“I didn’t get much sleep last night I was that excited at the announcement,” Long said.
TIO Stadium has hosted 20 matches, including one last year, Adelaide’s Round 11 clash with Melbourne.
AFLNT chairman Sean Bowden said it was an honour for Darwin to stage the Dreamtime game.