An estimated $1.45 million payment to Gold Coast Suns and Melbourne Demons from NT government on hold

A $1.45 million payment to the Melbourne Demons and Gold Coast Suns by the NT government for hosting AFL games in the Territory is on hold, the NT News understands.

THE NT News understands a $1.45 million payment to the Melbourne Demons and Gold Coast Suns by the NT government for hosting AFL games in the Territory is on hold until the matches are rescheduled.

Both deals are currently in limbo as the recent Covid-19 outbreak in Victoria means neither team can currently play in the Top End.

The Alice Springs game between Melbourne and Brisbane was a home match for the Demons estimated to be worth about $800,000.

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But after lengthy negotiations between the AFL and the relevant states, the round 12 game is believed to have been relocated to the Giants Stadium in Sydney on Friday.

The Gold Coast Suns were believed to be up for a $650,000 to $700,000 deal for their game against Hawthorn at TIO Stadium.

The NT government is still negotiating whether a game involving either club in the Territory will go ahead this season. The game between the Suns and the Hawks, scheduled to be played on May 29, was officially postponed on May 28 following the Victorian outbreak. The match was later relocated to the SCG.

A spokesman for the NT government said any payment depended on the immediate future of the two matches.

“We’re still negotiating on whether two games will still be played in the NT,” the spokesman said.

It is understood that the Gold Coast Suns are still looking at options to play in Darwin even if the match would coincide with an away game for the club.

One option is the round 13 clash with Port Adelaide, due to be played at Metricon Stadium on June 19.

Another would be a face off against the table-topping Demons currently scheduled for July 24 with a yet to be confirmed venue.

Gold Coast Suns chief executive Mark Evans previously stated how important the Darwin fixture was for the club.

“The Suns’ partnership with the NT is very important to us. We still want to play a game in Darwin this season and are working with the AFL to explore every option.

“All parties involved remain hopeful of playing there in the second half of the season.’’