Jessica Mauboy to headline Gold Coast vs Geelong pre-match entertainment

“Icing on the cake”: The Territory’s own Jessica Mauboy is returning to the Top End to headline the pre-game entertainment at the AFL. Find out what’s happening.

Darwin’s own Jessica Mauboy will headline the pre-match entertainment at TIO Stadium ahead of the Gold Coast Suns’ match against Geelong.

The Territorian, and will headline the entertainment for the May 16 match, the opener for the 2024 Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

The two-time ARIA Award winner’s career spans almost 20 years and she is known as one of Australia’s most successful artists, with six top ten albums and 16 top ten singles to her name.

Her return coincides with Australian Made week, a campaign that celebrates and supports local makers and growers, and encourages seeking out products with the iconic green and gold kangaroo.

“I’m super passionate about supporting Aussie businesses and ensuring that all Australian makers and creators thrive,” she said.

“The fact that I get to come home to Darwin and perform at the opening game of Sir Doug Nicholls Round as part of my role is icing on the cake.”

Jess Mauboy will headline the pre-match entertainment ahead of the Gold Coast Suns match against Geelong on May 16. Picture: Somha Sleeth / GC SUNS

The three-time National Indigenous Music Awards Artist of the Year return for the big match, the second of two Top End fixtures, is something the Suns and the AFL has embraced.

AFL Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said it was great to have the proud Kuku Yalanji woman be a part of festivities.

“It’s fantastic to have multi-ARIA Award winning R&B-pop artist, songwriter and actor Jess Mauboy in Darwin to celebrate the opening match of Sir Doug Nicholls Round,” Ms Hosch said.

“Having Jess join us for this occasion is something that we know many people will enjoy, and adds so much to our festivities.”

Gold Coast Suns Deputy Chief Executive Simon Fitzgibbon said it was a fantastic opportunity for the club to host the opening match of the Indigenous round in the NT.

“Having a world-renowned and locally-made talent performing pre-match in her home city will only add to what will be a great experience to begin an iconic round on the AFL calendar,” he said.

“We currently have 10 players with connections to the NT on our AFL and AFLW lists and we’re looking forward to immersing ourselves in the local communities throughout our week’s stay.”

Mauboy will perform pre-game ahead of the nationally-televised free-to-air match on May 16.

It’s the second of two Darwin AFL fixtures in 2024, with the first pitting the Gold Coast against North Melbourne on May 11.

Originally published as Jessica Mauboy to headline Gold Coast vs Geelong pre-match entertainment