Darwin AFLW Dreamtime game: Thousands flock to TIO to watch Richmond play Essendon
Thousands of Territory footy fans crowded into the TIO Stadium to watch the return of the AFLW to Darwin in the Dreamtime match. Check out all our best photos here.
Local AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The AFLW’s return to Darwin after five years was a celebration of the growth of the women’s game in the Territory, and thousands of fans turned up for the occasion.
Not since the Top End’s partnership with the Adelaide Crows has the top level of the women’s game been played in the Territory.
But the prestigious Dreamtime match between Richmond and Essendon marked the return, and if the turnout and buy-in is anything to go by, then it won’t be as long until the next one.
There were crowds earlier in the day as NTFL women’s sides, Tiwi Bombers and Darwin Buffaloes, duked it out in a game laden with more meaning than just a regular season meet.
It gave Territory standouts such as Dom Carbone, who recently won the VFLW best and fairest, and Maria Rioli, the opportunity to show what they’re made of on their home track.
The AFLW Dreamtime match capped off a week where players from both clubs got out and about in the Top End community and to schools to encourage girls to pick up a Sherrin.
The NT is already a national leader in this space, with 40 per cent of registered players being women or girls, above the national average.
There was also a special luncheon celebrating the success of women’s football in the NT, with guest speakers including Carbone, draft hopeful Tatyana Perry, and Darwin Buffaloes president Brenda Atkinson.
Tiwi Bombers trailblazer Mary Dunn was also named the 2024 NAB AFLW Indigenous Round Honouree.
ALL THE PHOTOS
More Coverage
Watch now: Wanderers v PINT, NTFL Round 18
A last minute goal turned the tables last time Wanderers and PINT met – and if it’s anything similar we’re in for another belter in their final game of the season. Watch the match LIVE here.
Watch now: Waratah v Buffaloes, NTFL women Round 18
The Darwin Buffaloes and Waratah women have the chance to end their respective seasons on a high note when they clash in the final minor round. Watch the match LIVE here.