Two of Victorian big four say they won’t play Suns in Darwin

Two of the biggest Victorian AFL clubs have ruled out playing in Darwin against the Gold Coast Suns next year.

Collingwood won’t be playing in Darwin next year for premiership points. Picture: Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images

PRELIMINARY finalists and two of Australia’s biggest clubs in Collingwood and Richmond will not face the Gold Coast Suns in Darwin’s AFL match next year.

The news comes despite the NT News yesterday revealing “a big Victorian club” was being seriously considered for the match which is set to be hosted by the Gold Coast Suns.

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Essendon, who have big links in the Territory, have been tipped for the gig.

AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham said AFLNT would be happy with any teams who were scheduled to play in Darwin and the NT.

“Arrangements for AFL matches in the Northern Territory are between the AFL and Northern Territory Government (NTG), and while final details are being worked through, AFLNT looks forward to working with any club that plays in the NT,” he said. “We welcome the work being carried out by the NTG and AFL, who are committed to bringing the elite game to our community.”

With Collingwood’s focus firming on their do-or-die match this weekend and the chance of a second consecutive Grand Final appearance, the club confirmed it had not been contacted by the AFL about the possibility of playing in Darwin.

“Collingwood is not aware of or involved in this project,” a Collingwood spokesman said.

The Magpies last played a competitive match in Darwin in February, 1994 against the indigenous Allstars representative team, before current stars Brodie Grundy, Jordan De Goey and Darcy Moore were born.

Richmond played games in Darwin earlier in the decade but say they will not be back next year. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

The game would have been one of current coach Nathan Buckley’s first for the club, in which he was named in the best for the black and white.

Buckley’s connection to the Territory extends further back, as he played with Southern Districts for a number of years as a junior.

Richmond, arguably Victoria’s and the league’s second largest club behind Collingwood, confirmed through a spokeman they would not be taking part in the AFL’s NT experiment in 2020.

Magpies Jordan de Goey will not be coming to Darwin with his team next yearn. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

The Tigers, who boast Territory born star Daniel Rioli, have previously played for premiership points in the Top End, a 15 point loss in a “home” game against Port Adelaide in 2011 as well as a number of exhibition games against the indigenous Allstars.

Carlton has also hosted a game for premiership points at TIO stadium, in 2005 against the Western Bulldogs and have also played against the indigenous Allstars.

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The confirmed AFL home and away fixture is released in late October each year.

Hawthorn and Essendon, clubs tied with the Territory through the Long and Rioli names, have also been contacted about negotiations with the AFL and the NT Government over the Darwin match next year.

AFL were unavailable for comment.