Gold Coast Suns and Melbourne Demons will host three games in the NT in 2023

Territory footy fans can look forward to three blockbuster AFL matches in 2023. Find out which teams will be playing in the NT.

Territory footy fans are in for a feast of AFL action with three blockbuster matches coming to the NT in 2023.

After the success of their 2022 visit the Gold Coast Suns will once again host back to back matches at TIO Stadium in Darwin.

They will face-off against 2021 AFL grand finalists Western Bulldogs on May 27, the second week of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, and against Adelaide Crows the week after on June 3.

Alice Springs will also get their taste of footy action when the Melbourne Demons make their return to the Red Centre in a clash against GWS Giants in Round 16.

It will mark the second year in a row in which three AFL games have been held in the Northern Territory.

Joel Jeffrey is one of several Territorians on the Gold Coast Suns list. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

Sport Minister Kate Worden said it was important for Territorians to see the top level of the sport played in the Territory.

“Footy is at the heart of much of our sporting life here in the Territory,” Ms Worden said.

“It’s fantastic that our communities, especially those around the Red Centre, will again have access to games from our peak national competition.

“Our future champs benefit from access to role models and these games will help to keep young players and all footy fans closer to the game they love.”

Gold Coast Suns will use the opportunity to further connect with the Territory community after recording back-to-back wins in 2022, beating Hawthorn by 67 points and North Melbourne by 62 points.

Territory juniors Joel Jeffrey and Malcolm Rosas Jr starred in both matches, while Sandy Brock is also on the Suns list.

Gold Coast further cemented their ties to the Territory in the AFL pre-season signing Ben Long and adding Lloyd Johnston and Jed Anderson to their list in the Draft period.

Suns chief executive Mark Evans said it was an exciting opportunity to be taking AFL football to the Northern Territory again in 2023.

“It’s great for our club to once again be returning to the Northern Territory in 2022 to play two fixtures at TIO Stadium,” Evans said.

“It was a fantastic experience getting back to Darwin in 2022 for the first time in two years and I know our players, coaches and staff will be circling these matches in the calendar again in 2023.

“The partnership between the Gold Coast Suns and Darwin is a significant one for the club from player development and community engagement perspectives.”

Major Events Minister Paul Kirby said the benefits of footy coming to the Territory extended beyond just the games.

“Territorians love their football, and with three Premiership games now on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to catch elite football right here in the Territory,” Mr Kirby said.

“As well as giving Territorians the chance to watch first-class sport in their own backyard, and attracting interstate fans, these games see the Territory displayed on TV screens across Australia.

“(They) play a huge role in attracting tourists, supporting local businesses and providing community engagement benefits.”

Tickets will go on sale in the New Year with more information to be seeded on www.ntmajorevents.com.au or www.aflnt.com.au.