Fans treated to a spectacle at Gold Coast Suns v Western Bulldogs match
Thousands of Territory footy fans showed their colours as they were treated to a spectacle match between the Gold Coast Suns and Western Bulldogs. Check out the photos.
Northern Territory
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Thousands of Territory fans showed their footy colours as they were treated to a spectacle match between the Gold Coast Suns and Western Bulldogs.
The home side Suns managed to get a 10 point win, but were made to work for it to the final minutes against a Bulldogs outfit that very nearly pulled back a 28 point deficit.
There were 9816 people in support of the face-off many shouting support for their chosen team, but all given something to enjoy and remember in the first of two 2025 Darwin AFL matches.
Jeremy Little was pulling for the Suns excited to see them continue their streak of wins in the Top End.
“We’re excited, we don’t get many live games here in Darwin but you can always rely on the Suns to come up,” he said.
“Last year they gave their opposition a bit of a thumping so hopefully they continue that trend this year because they do quite well up here.
“We’re also looking forward to seeing the guernseys they’ve made for Darwin, that’s a great concept and the fact they get really involved in the Territory is great.”
Joanne Nitschke from Melbourne was one of many Bulldogs fans at TIO Stadium who made their voices heard in support of the visiting team.
“I love Darwin it feels like home to me, we love the weather and hopefully the Bulldogs can pull off a win for us,” she said.
Barney Rolls was another Bulldogs fan born in Darwin but had been a passionate supporter all of his life.
“It’s good to get the Dogs and AFL back in Darwin,” he said.
“We’re locals but I’ve been a Bulldogs fan since I was a little kid and now I’m getting to pass it on to my kids.
“It’s great for us to have a game with two sides near the top of the ladder and hopefully we get treated to a good, strong game of footy.”
ALL THE PHOTOS
What you need to know for Suns v Bulldogs match
The NT is in for two blockbuster clashes at TIO Stadium with the action starting this weekend between form sides the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs.
The match is the first of a Darwin doubleheader for the Suns, who next Thursday play Hawthorn again at Marrara.
The Suns have been successful up north beating all comers including both their next foes in recent years, however this year all three teams head north inside the top eight.
It gives Territorians plenty to look forward to with the gates opening at 3.15pm on Saturday for the first match.
From there the Coates Talent League will take place with the best local juniors hosting the Western gates for their own chance to impress the Territory.
Then the action kicks off from 7.05pm with the Suns sure to have plenty of supporters with four Territorians in the mix.
Joel Jeffrey, Ben Long, Daniel Rioli and Malcolm Rosas have all been named to take part in proceedings and will all want to impress friends and family in the grandstands.
Tickets will be available for purchase at Bonson and Ah Mat gates, with patrons also encouraged to use Ticketmaster to get tickets.
To provide the best in-stadium experience, ensure you familiarise yourself with your ticket entry type and the lane of entry.
All grandstand reserved seat holders will be provided a wristband at the time of scanning into the stadium while corporate hospitality guests will be required to collect their wristband from the Bonson gate.
Dedicated CDC event buses will run to and from TIO Stadium from Darwin, Stuart Park, Casuarina, Palmerston, and Humpty Doo through Coolalinga.
You will need to present your Gold Coast SUNS v Western Bulldogs ticket to board the bus.
Designated accessible parking is located at the Bonson gate carpark with visitors advised to arrive early to avoid queues and traffic congestion.
Meanwhile, Gold Coast Suns sponsors the Lottery Office, a connection that extends to Darwin where the latter is an active supporter of charities and brands in the NT.
The Suns take on the Bulldogs shortly after the European Millions jackpot of $218m, the European Jackpot of $211m and USA Mega Lotto of $156m are drawn.
Lottery Office chief executive Jaclyn Wood said with the match taking place in Darwin, where it was founded fate could play a role in the outcome.
She said favourite players numbers, top goal scorers or even guessing the turnout to the match might hold clues to the lucky numbers to crack the jackpots.
“We’ll be counting on the Gold Coast Suns to keep on winning and crossing our fingers that a lucky Aussie takes home one of three mega-jackpots on the very same day,’’ Ms Wood said.
“I feel like two worlds are colliding as the Suns travel to Darwin and three international lotteries reach mega proportions.
“There is a lot of anticipation in the air this weekend with multiple wins on the cards, both on and off the field.
“This game will be a great event for Darwin and I hope the Gold Coast Suns do us proud and we are able to give some good news to a lucky Aussie over the weekend.’’
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Originally published as Fans treated to a spectacle at Gold Coast Suns v Western Bulldogs match
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