Gold Coast Suns still plan to play an AFL game in Darwin in 2020

THE GOLD Coast Suns are pursuing a home game at Darwin’s TIO Stadium this year, likely to be held in August, despite initial concerns coronavirus may derail the club’s NT sunrise.

Gold Coast Suns players Brandon Ellis and Taylor Thorn in the NT earlier this year to promote their team and the AFL in the Territory. Picture: Che Chorley

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THE GOLD Coast Suns are pursuing a home game at Darwin’s TIO Stadium this year, likely to be held in August, despite initial concerns coronavirus may derail the club’s NT sunrise.

Gold Coast Suns communications general manager Craig Rowston said the club wanted to fulfil their NT contract, which would see them play in Darwin each year until 2023.

“We are very proud of our four-year partnership with the NT – which involves an annual game in Darwin starting this year – and we are determined to help Territory footy grow,” he said.

“The Suns genuinely want to be the Territory’s AFL team and support local footy right up until the day the NT has its own team in the national competition.”

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With August a likely starting date, the AFL and participating clubs would need to maintain strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure any match was done safely.