Gold Coast Suns v Hawthorn game in Darwin a hit with fans

Territorians whipped out their flags and scarfs for the blockbuster game between the Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn. SEE OUR PICTURE GALLERY.

TERRITORIANS were decked out in their finest footy gear for the blockbuster game between the Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn on Saturday.

Thousands filled the stands at TIO Stadium for the first of three AFL games to be played in the Territory.

Steve Skahill and son Zach sported their brightest browns and golds for their beloved Hawks.

It was a particularly special occasion for the pair, who watch and play Aussie rules.

“I love (Hawthorn), they’re good colours and I like the players,” Zach said. “My favourite player is Jack Dunstan.”

There were plenty of southerners in the stands enjoying the Top End sun and vibrant clash of red, blue, yellow, brown and gold.

Long-time Hawks fan of 63 years, Brad Murray travelled from Melbourne because “why not”.

“I’ve seen them play in most other states, so I thought why not,” Mr Murray said.

“While we’ve been up here, we’ve just done the usual tourist things like Mindil Markets and Berry Springs.”

Mr Murray said he enjoyed the community spirit of the Territory.

“Up here it’s a different atmosphere to Melbourne, it’s more relaxed and has a community feel about it,” Mr Murray said.

The Saturday game marked the first of three matches to be held in the Northern Territory for the 2022 AFL season.

The Suns will remain in the Top End to take on North Melbourne at TIO Stadium on June 4 for Round 12.

In July, the Melbourne Demons will face-off against Port Adelaide at Traeger Park in Alice Springs for Round 18.

‘Pretty invested’: League fan becomes Suns convert

TERRITORY-based Gold Coast Suns supporter Justin Rossiter’s love for the club has grown so strong over the past decade, he even signed up his dog Milo as a member.

Born and raised in Darwin to Queensland parents, Rossiter was a keen rugby league man before he moved out of home.

And with his new housemates being big AFL fans, the now 36-year-old project manager quickly became a proud and paid up Suns member — one of nearly 17,000.

Rossiter, who lives almost a drop punt from TIO Stadium where Saturday’s round 11 game against Hawthorn will be held, proved his commitment further by signing up Milo for a pet membership.

Gold Coast Suns member Justin Rossiter and his dog Milo with Suns player Malcolm Rosas Jr at TIO Stadium. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“It shows I’m pretty invested,” the northern suburbs resident said with a laugh, who tries to travel interstate for one Suns game a year.

“It’s bloody awesome having them back after Covid last year. I’m almost fully converted (from league).”

Rossiter, who attended the Suns’ last match in Darwin – a 33-point defeat to Carlton in August, 2020 – was hoping the club’s NT products in Joel Jeffrey and Malcolm Rosas Jr could provide an edge.

“We didn’t get the chocolates on a pretty greasy night but it was good to be there,” he said.

“If we can get more games in the Territory I’m all for it, it might create a few more supporters, some neutrals who could get on board.”