AFL Fixture 2022: All the latest news, confirmed games and updates

Hawthorn legend Cyril Rioli has taken to his former club’s Instagram account with a pair of cryptic posts in response to the Hawks’ Sir Doug Nicholls game in Darwin.

Cyril Rioli in one of Hawthorn’s Indigenous guernseys.

Hawthorn great Cyril Rioli has posted a bizarre and cryptic message in response to the Hawks being awarded a Sir Doug Nicholls game in Darwin next year.

The AFL will return to the top end in 2022 with Territorians to be treated to three live games.

The league has confirmed Hawthorn will face Gold Coast at TIO Stadium to celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round in Round 11.

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It will be the first time in Hawthorn’s history it’ll play for premiership points in Darwin.

Rioli left two comments on Hawthorn’s Instagram post that announced the fixture in the top end next year.

“10 years of service to this football club. 0 pre-season games, 0 Sir Douglas games. I retired 3 years ago and 2 games in 2 years is scheduled to play up here. I SEE you mob,” his first comment read.

“No hate just facts,” read his second comment.

Cryptic posts by Cyril Rioli on Hawthorn's Instagram page.

The four-time premiership Hawk and Norm Smith Medallist played 189 games before retiring at the age of 28.

The Suns will also play in Darwin the following week in Round 12 next year against a yet-to-be revealed opponent.

Premier Melbourne will also host a game at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs, with further details to be confirmed.

The now annual Dreamtime clash between Richmond and Essendon was played at Darwin in 2020 and Perth this year.

Although, it appears set to return to the MCG next year.

Cyril Rioli in one of Hawthorn’s Indigenous guernseys.

The 2022 AFL fixture is set to be released later this week.

“The club was disappointed this year when it was unable to play its fixtured match-up against the Suns in Darwin due to COVID-19 restrictions,” Hawks chief commercial officer Ash Klein said.

“We’re rapt that we will get to head up there next year to celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round in what will be a proud moment for the club.

“Hawthorn shares a special connection to the territory with our community and football ties to the region of Katherine, so this is another great chapter in this strong relationship.”

AFL fixture latest: Footy’s big return to the Top End

The AFL is set to return to the top end in 2022, with Territorians to be treated to three live games next year.

The league has confirmed Hawthorn will face Gold Coast at TIO Stadium next year to celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round in Round 11.

The Suns will also play in Darwin the following week in Round 12 against a yet-to-be revealed opponent.

Premier Melbourne will also host a game at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs, with further details to be confirmed.

Gold Coast will host two games at Darwin’s TIO Stadium in 2022. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

The now annual Dreamtime clash between Richmond and Essendon was played at Darwin in 2020 and Perth this year due to Covid.

Although, the blockbuster appears set to return to the MCG next year.

The 2022 AFL fixture is set to be released later this week.

It will be the first time in Hawthorn’s history it’ll play for premiership points in Darwin.

The Demons celebrate the win over St Kilda at Traeger Park in 2020. Picture: Kelly Barnes/Getty Images

“The club was disappointed this year when it was unable to play its fixtured match-up against the Suns in Darwin due to COVID-19 restrictions,” Hawks chief commercial officer Ash Klein said.

“We’re rapt that we will get to head up there next year to celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round in what will be a proud moment for the club.

“Hawthorn shares a special connection to the territory with our community and football ties to the region of Katherine, so this is another great chapter in this strong relationship.”