Gold Coast Suns arrive in Darwin ahead of North Melbourne and Geelong matches
The Gold Coast Suns have arrived in Darwin ahead of a blockbuster doubleheader, with the NT’s partner club putting its support behind a possible AFL team bid for the region. Check out the photos of their arrival.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Gold Coast Suns have touched down in the Top End ahead of the AFL doubleheader and as the current partners, have expressed their support for a future NT based team.
The Suns have developed a strong partnership with the Territory in recent years drafting the likes of Malcolm Rosas, Joel Jeffrey and Lloyd Johnston into their ranks.
The academy connection has also extended to the AFLW where Ashanti Bush and Annabel Kievet have made it to the top level.
Gold Coast has enjoyed plenty of success in return with an impressive recent record at TIO Stadium, which they’re looking to extend in the next week against North Melbourne and then Geelong.
Captain Touk Miller said his side loved playing in the Territory and had got so much out of it, but also said it would be fantastic for there to be a NT team.
“I think it would be fantastic for the Northern Territory, we love playing here and we love that the Territory is kind of our space,” Miller said.
“But in saying that I think it would be a great opportunity for both the AFL and the Northern Territory to have their own team to support.
“They’re big lovers of football and the AFL up here, so I can’t see why it wouldn’t be successful.”
Suns Head of Football Wayne Campbell said the club would be supportive of a NT bid, but stated the club was currently loving its partnership with the Top End.
“We would be supportive of that, it’s the last place now with Tasmania in that isn’t represented by the competition,” Campbell said.
“It isn’t something we’ve discussed, because we’re really enjoying the partnership we’ve got there now, this arrangement really suits us, but down the track they deserve a shot at it for sure.”
Miller said his side would spend some time in the community on Monday, between their games, something they enjoy doing each year.
“We’d love to be here a little bit longer and spend some more time out there, but we’re in the middle of the season and can only so much while we’re here,” he said.
“The fact the NT doesn’t get an opportunity to see games weekly makes it special that we have the chance to come for not just one game but two.
“To bring that opportunity up to Darwin is special, I know we’re getting more and more supporters in Darwin, so I’m looking forward to doing more up here.”
ALL THE PHOTOS
More Coverage
Pioneer forwards wreak havoc in dominant win
Pioneer shot to top spot after their dual forwards combined for 14 goals, while an Alkamilya spearhead rocketed her side to a win with 11 majors. Catch the latest CAFL action.
Moneyball: New Blues hero locked in until 2026
One of the heroes in Carlton’s emergence as a genuine premiership contender has been rewarded with a contract extension. Plus, all the latest trade whispers in Moneyball.