NT poised to host an AFL hub from Round 6, in move that could deliver a $10m boost to the economy

THE Territory is in the box seat to host a series of AFL games later this month as the league works to reshape its season following new coronavirus outbreaks in Victoria.

Crowds at the 2019 Melbourne Demons vs. Adelaide Crows AFL match at Darwin’s TIO Stadium. Picture: Keri Megelus

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THE Territory is in the box seat to host a series of AFL games later this month as the league works to reshape its season following new coronavirus outbreaks in Victoria.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner and AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan held talks late on Monday with an AFL source last night saying the NT was a “good chance” to host matches from Round 6.

“We are the safest place in Australia so it’s not surprising the AFL is interested, particularly given we can safely have crowds at games,” Mr Gunner said last night.

“We’re happy to consider a proposal that meets our tough health guidelines and that doesn’t cost Territorians.”

The Government and the AFL had already been in discussions about two games originally scheduled for Darwin and Alice Springs, but the South Australian and Queensland governments’ decision to keep their borders closed to Victorians has seen the NT become a serious contender to host two teams over an extended period.

Those teams would play a series of matches against other clubs who would fly in over several weeks.

It comes as internal modelling obtained by the NT News shows an AFL hub could provide an immediate economic benefit of $10 million to the local economy.

Oscar McDonald and Eddie Betts during the second quarter of the 2019 Melbourne Demons vs. Adelaide Crows AFL match at Darwin’s TIO Stadium. Picture: Michael Franchi

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AFLNT chairman Sean Bowden said the AFLNT had worked with the Government, business groups and Aboriginal bodies to position the NT so it could host a series of AFL games.

“The benefit to the Territory economy would be significant but most importantly it’s a shot in the arm for the football community throughout the NT,” he said.

“ (AFLNT chief executive) Stu Totham and his team are working tirelessly to keep football running in the NT and a Territory AFL series will save jobs in the football industry.”

NT Airports chief executive Tony Edmondstone – who supported the AFLNT with its financial modelling – said the economic benefits of an AFL hub were obvious.

“I think it’s a unique opportunity to get some fantastic footage broadcast into the southern states at a time when our borders are about to reopen,” he said.

Mr Edmondstone said every passenger who travelled through Darwin airport provided a direct injection to the local economy of between $1000 and $1500, with an indirect benefit of up to three times that much.

He said the prospect of having thousands of players, officials and fans coming to the NT was a huge opportunity at a time when hotels were suffering through single-digit occupancy rates.

Mr Edmondstone said a series of AFL games would also boost the NT’s hopes of a more permanent AFL presence.

“This is great for this year but what this ultimately signals to the AFL is that we are capable of hosting multiple matches, either as a shared team of as our own team down the track, and we would love to get this pathway started,” he said.

Kitty Kat, Henry, Matt Mulga and Bree Richards cheering at 2019 Melbourne Demons vs. Adelaide Crows AFL match at Darwin’s TIO Stadium. Picture: Keri Megelus

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Mr Bowden said the AFLNT continued to push for a Dreamtime match between Richmond and Essendon in Darwin and a game between Melbourne and Adelaide in Alice Springs.

“We are conscious of the importance of COVID safety and nothing will happen that is not approved by the chief medical officer,” he said.