All the fans at the Gold Coast’s face-off against Western Bulldogs

From the sea of red and blue to the big moments at TIO Stadium, see the best moments and crowd photos of the Gold Coast Suns’ win over the Western Bulldogs.

Jed Anderson’s family were overjoyed to see their AFL star play in Gold Coast colours on Territory soil in the first match of a Darwin-based doubleheader.

Anderson’s kids Elijah, Jasiah and Katerinah along with his partner Nicky were among the first to make their way to TIO Stadium on Saturday to cheer on their hero.

And they were particularly ecstatic as he ran out on the field for the Suns VFL side shouting “come on Jed” each time he got his hands on the ball.

They weren’t the only ones celebrating the Suns against the Western Bulldogs with friends, family and former club mates turned out to spur on the growing contingent of Territory players in the side.

Jed Anderson’s children Elijah Anderson, Jasiah Anderson and Katerinah Anderson at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Johnathan Sattler used to play with current Suns and former Wanderers players Joel Jeffrey and Lloyd Johnston and was looking forward to seeing them both take the field.

“I played with Joel for about eight years before he got here,” Mr Sattler said.

“And I came here early to see the little nephew Lloyd play in the VFL as well, so came down to support him.

“I’m really proud of them actually, it’s really good and I’m actually shocked to see so many of them in the team, it’s great for them.”

Long time supporters of the Western Bulldogs, the Wilson family were out in force to support their team. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

There were also plenty of Bulldogs supporters making the trip down early including the Grosser family, with Elizabeth Grosser the granddaughter of Footscray great Herb Henderson.

Her husband Scott Grosser said they had been lifelong supporters of the club, a support they continued to hold 18 years after moving to the Top End.

“We’ve always been Bulldogs supporters,” he said.

“It’s always good to see them come up here, particularly with the family connections we have with the club.

“Obviously the Suns are supposed to be our home team, but everyone up here just wants to see a bit of AFL action.”

GOLD COAST VS BULLDOGS GALLERY

Scott Grosser, Noah Grosser, Mia Grosser and Elizabeth Grosser barracking for the Bulldogs against the Gold Coast Suns at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Archie Rolls, Barney Rolls and Western Rolls hoping for a Bulldogs win at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Elijah Anderson, George Cotis, Jasiah Anderson, Ionia Koulakis, Tiarna Cotis, Katerinah Anderson and Shannon Corks supporting Jed Anderson and his Gold Coast Suns at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Andrew Powell, Clive Barnard and Kim Barnard got in super early to show their support for the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jonathan Sattler came down to show his support for his former team mates. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Johnson Boys at the Gold Coast Suns match to show their support for Suns vs Bulldogs. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Clayton Wilson, Tyreece Wilson and Nick Farell barracking for the Western Bulldogs vs the Gold Coast Suns at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jaxon Royal shows off his own skills at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jarryd Gardner, Rory Gardner and Jordan Gardner at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Sharon Cutajar at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Fairly Jill from Darwin festival at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ayanna Shaw, Daikoss Rosas and Olivia Shaw at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The family of Territory Sun Malcolm Rosas at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Kristalee Thompson, Owen Henry Thompson, Alberta Thompson, Keithenn Thompson at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Charles May, Sheena May, Jordan Edwards, Siennna Edwards, Keelan Edwards and Elli Namaibai at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Hogan family at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Josh Dohnt, Megan Bennett and Nathan Bennett at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Top: Noah Robertson, Faith Robertson, Tash Robertson and Des Robertson Bottom: Mitch shea and Grace Robertson at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Casper Erwin and Iggy Erwin at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

David Anderson and Javier Anderson at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Brodie Hargrave at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Austina Tipungwuti, Sherayn Puruntatameri, Dulcie Niki , Jovita Tipungwuti, Darrylin Puruntatameri at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Travelling Gold Coast fans Allan Cottrell, Lois Cottrell and Tony Klose at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lloyd Johnston at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dr Richard Fejo Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Footy fans packed into TIO Stadium for the Gold Coast’s match vs the Western Bulldogs. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Kat Traill at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tilly Clemmens, Darcy Clemmens, Jett Chown, Maycee Clemmens, Winnie Evans, Tallulah Evans, Josh Henderson and Ella Henderson at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Wendy Pengelly and Kathleen Plenty at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Julie Mckenzie and Jan Hickman at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Nate Grimstone, Dannielle Wright, Izach Grimstone and Izabella Grimstone at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Bryce Brickley and Tristan Buisson at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Young Suns supporters at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Bree Spinner and Callum Nicholson at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Walter Vecchiet at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cheryl Carey and Sharon Morris at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Kristalee Thompson, Taane Aratema, Alberta Thompson, Rose Daniel and Esmerelda Thompson at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Phoebe Whelan at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jeff Oliver and Carolyn Oliver at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tyreece Wilson at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Jacob Dixon at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dean McGowan and Claire Jeffery at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Western Bulldogs supporters were out in force to watch their club take on Gold Coast Suns at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

DK, Till, J-Milla and DJ Cyril performing at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Amelia wright, Micheal wright and Fairy Jill at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Rebecca Hargrave and Brodie Hargrave at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Sheena Dolan, Dough Cornwell, Thomas Jones, David Jones and Maria Mehandzija at the Gold Coast Suns match vs Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. Pic: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Alex Sexton of the Suns marks the ball during the 2023 VFL Round 10 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Footscray Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Malcolm Rosas of the Suns kicks the ball during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Bailey Smith of the Bulldogs is tackled by Alex Davies of the Suns during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Rory Atkins of the Suns is tackled by Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Welcome to Country is performed during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Robbie McComb of the Bulldogs and Edward Moyle of the Suns in action during the 2023 VFL Round 10 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Footscray Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Nick Holman of the Suns celebrates with his partner Ellen during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Nick Holman (left) and Bailey Humphrey of the Suns celebrate during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Rory Atkins of the Suns celebrates during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Nick Holman of the Suns celebrates with fans during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Aaron Naughton of the Bulldogs is tackled by Charlie Ballard of the Suns during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Ben King of the Suns kicks a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs is tackled by Matt Rowell of the Suns during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Everything you need to know about Suns vs Bulldogs

Thousands of footy fans are expected to pile into TIO Stadium tonight when the Gold Coast Suns take on Western Bulldogs in the first match of their Darwin doubleheader.

The match comes as the first of two Darwin-hosted matches for 2023 with the Suns hoping to continue their winning record in the NT.

The Suns are expected to have a large Territory supporter base with eight players having connections to the NT including Malcolm Rosas, Joel Jeffrey and Ben Long.

The Bonson and Ah Mat gates will both open from 2.30pm with a history-making VFL match between the Suns and Footscray launching festivities from 3pm.

Gold Coast Suns players Bailey Humphrey and Malcolm Rosas after touching down in Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Tickets for the big match will be available at both gates, though punters are encouraged to purchase tickets online from ticket master.

The scoreboard gate opens from 5pm with the big match set to take place from 6.55pm.

Dedicated event buses will run to and from TIO Stadium from Darwin, Stuart Park, Casuarina, Palmerston, and Humpty Doo via Coolalinga.

Major Events Minister Paul Kirby said the two matches would be a perfect opportunity for Territorians to witness sport played at the highest level.

“Bringing elite sport to the NT is not only an opportunity for Territorians to see professional sporting events in their backyard - it also lures people to the Territory,” he said.

“Die-hard fans will travel here to enjoy two games of back-to-back footy, and take the opportunity to experience our unique tourism offerings.”

Our snappers will be at the game so be sure to check back here later on to see if you got spotted among the action.