Darwin footy fans came out in numbers to celebrate a Dreamtime game at home

DARWINITES packed into TIO Stadium donning Richmond and Essendon colours to celebrate the second of a historic Top End-hosted AFL double-header

AFL Dreamtime Game Richmond V Essendon at Darwins TIO Stadium. Pete Atkinson, Ingrid Clarke Pictures Katrina Bridgeford.

DARWINITES packed into TIO Stadium donning Richmond and Essendon colours to celebrate the second of a historic Top End hosted AFL double header.

The Dreamtime Game between the two Victorian sides, with Territory talent among their squads, captured the imagination of the game’s northern fans who so rarely get the chance to see their favourite teams at home.

MORE AFL NEWS

Footy fans embracing Darwin’s time to shine

Wet welcome for Dreamtime foes

Magic McLean says reconciliation on the playing arena is complete

Kenny Morton has been a Bombers supporter for his whole life and was incredibly happy to bring his children, Kendal and Kenai, along to watch their team in his hometown.

However, Mr Morton, with the Indigenous flag in hand, was most happy to get the chance to see the Dreamtime Game in Darwin, noting the importance of the round.

“I’m a Bomber and I’ve always been a Bombers fan and now my kids are also fans so this is a great chance for us all to experience them,” Morton told the Sunday Territorian last night.

AFL Dreamtime Game Richmond V Essendon at Darwins TIO Stadium. Kenny Morton [with flag] Kendal Morton and Kenai Morton. Pictures Katrina Bridgeford.

“Coming up here to Darwin for the Indigenous Round is massive for us. It’s really important for our people to have that round up here and it is great to see all the people here for it.”

Richmond fans were also out in force to watch the 2019 premiership-winning side play in Darwin.

Greg Smith at the AFL Dreamtime Game Richmond V Essendon at Darwins TIO Stadium. Pictures Katrina Bridgeford.

Three generations of the Shannon family showed up for the Tigers to instil the love of the team upon the youngest of their family.

Holly Gray, a diehard Richmond supporter, didn’t realise she had tickets until two days before and was over the moon she could be part of the crowd.

LIMITED TIME – Discounted NT News subscription: Read everything for $1

“I’m 100 per cent a diehard Richmond supporter, love them. I didn’t even know I was going to get a ticket until two days ago and when I found out I was screaming,” Ms Gray said. “Just seeing the crowds out there shows how important it is to have a game up here in Darwin and for the local people especially it’s something that gives us all a lift.”