Darwin to host AFLW Dreamtime between Richmond and Essendon

The NT has secured another big sporting event for 2025 with the AFLW Dreamtime game confirmed for the Top End for a second consecutive year. Read what’s happening.

Eilish Sheerin of the Tigers celebrates a goal with teammates during the 2024 AFLW Round 09 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Richmond Tigers at TIO Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Darwin, Australia. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The NT has secured the prestigious 2025 AFLW Dreamtime match between Richmond and Essendon for the second year in a row in August.

The Dreamtime match, a highlight of the AFLW calendar, had only ever been played in Melbourne until it was brought to Darwin in 2024, marking its first iteration outside Victoria.

It followed the men’s Dreamtime coming north in 2020 during Covid with the NT seen as the natural successor for the traditional face off.

The NT has the highest proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people relative to Australia’s total population with about 30.8 percent.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the Dreamtime had formed a wonderful tradition in the AFL and he was thrilled to see it return to the Top End for a second year.

“Essendon and Richmond have such a rich history celebrating Indigenous culture and I’m sure fans of both will look forward to supporting the continuation of this match,” he said.

“Hosting games in the NT plays a key role in our vision to showcase the contribution of our First Nations people and connect more Indigenous communities to our game.

Richmond and Essendon played out a draw in Darwin in 2024. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Nationally, it’s pleasing to see participants who identify as Indigenous make up 6.4 per cent of our total across community footy, NAB AFL Auskick, NAB AFL Superkick and AFL Nines, which equates to more than 31,000 participants.

“While this is an increase compared to this time last year, we still have plenty of work to do to help drive participation.

“I’d like to thank the Northern Territory Government, AFL Northern Territory and the clubs for their support and look forward to the game later this year.”

NT Sport minister Jinson Charls said the match would not only bring elite women’s football to the Top End, but also celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

He said securing the AFLW Dreamtime match for a second consecutive year continued to shine a light on the NT’s ability to host major sporting events.

Alexandra Morcom of the Bombers is tackled by Eilish Sheerin of the Tigers during the 2024 AFLW Round 09 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Richmond Tigers at TIO Stadium. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“In our year of action, certainty and security, we are proud to welcome the AFLW Dreamtime match back to Darwin,” he said.

“It gives Territorians the chance to witness the best in women’s football while honouring the cultural significance of the occasion.

“Bringing major AFLW fixtures to the Territory continues to build on the sport’s ability to deliver lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits, inspiring young girls who dream of making it to the AFLW.”

Head of AFLNT Sam Gibson said the return of the Dreamtime to Darwin made it clear the match had struck a powerful chord.

“We’re proud to work alongside Essendon, Richmond, the NT Government and the local community to bring this celebration of women’s football and Indigenous culture to life,” he said.

“The incredible support from the local and interstate community last year showed just how meaningful this event is, not just as a game, but as a moment of connection, recognition, and pride.”

The Tigers will return to the NT in 2025. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Richmond Football Club chief executive Shane Dunne said the club was grateful to have the opportunity to play in Darwin, building on a successful 2024 fixture.

“Dreamtime is a pivotal part of our Club, and it provides an opportunity for the football community to come together and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture,” he said.

“Having this game in Darwin also allows us to showcase elite-level women’s football to the Northern Territory and gives our players and the broader Club a chance to connect with the local community.”

Essendon Football Club chief executive Craig Vozzo said having both the men’s and women’s programs involved in Dreamtime was a special honour for the club.

“Our aim for positive impact remains as strong as ever,” he said.

“We’re committed to ensuring our game, players and club continue to meaningfully contribute to the community in the NT, addressing health, wellbeing and education through football.

“Importantly, we aim to inspire females through the actions of our players, both on and off the field.”

The AFLW fixture is expected to be released soon.

Originally published as Darwin to host AFLW Dreamtime between Richmond and Essendon