Darwin visit showcase for city, Indigenous talent and AFL: Suns

THE Gold Coast Suns believe their second Darwin clash during Sir Doug Nicholls Round will consolidate the game into a new national “showcase event” for the AFL.

Suns CEO Mark Evans said securing the clash with Hawthorn was a result of the club’s partnership with the Northern Territory government.

Evans was on hand in Darwin with Northern Territory -raised Suns Malcolm Rosas Jr,

Joel Jeffrey and Jy Farrar, for the official launch of the Round 11 game.

“This game is going to be huge – we can’t wait to get to Darwin and showcase the Suns’ exciting, young list against a big Victorian club like Hawthorn,” Evans said.

“Last year we played our first game in Darwin as part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round and it worked so well we asked the AFL to do it again. There’s potential to build our Darwin game into an annual AFL showpiece clash during Sir Doug Nicholls Round.”

Evans said the round recognised the contribution of current and past Indigenous footballers – including many Territorians.

“The Suns have some very talented Indigenous players, including the three young men joining me in Darwin, who will be itching to play in front of family and friends,” Evans said. “The game will attract a sellout live crowd and a huge TV and online audience – it’s going to showcase this fantastic city and Territory to more than a million people.

“We want Territorians to support our exciting, young Suns team – and sign up as 2021 members in force, but we also know Hawthorn have a big following in the NT and this will be a must-watch game for them. I also want to recognise the NT government for supporting this … partnership with the Suns and the huge promotional and economic benefits it delivers to the NT.”

Head of AFLNT, Stu Totham, said tickets to last year’s Suns game at TIO Stadium had sold out in a matter of minutes and he expected the same interest this year.

“Territorians love their footy and we can’t wait to host the Suns again in front of a sellout crowd, especially during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round,” he said. “AFLNT are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Suns … and to collaborate on developing pathways to show off our Territory talent. We know the Territory produces some amazing players and to provide the opportunity for them to learn and participate in Suns programs is really exciting.”