Representative programs just the beginning as AFL Cairns and NT combine for greater growth

Two AFL Cairns representative sides will take on their AFL NT counterparts in an AFL curtain-raiser in Darwin, but the games could have a deeper meaning than many spectators are aware.

Northern Australia could be one step closer to becoming an AFL side with the collaboration between AFL NT and AFL Cairns.

It is understood a taskforce has emerged as the two associations announced jointly on Monday afternoon an Under-18 representative football program for both male and female athletes.

The exciting initiative is scheduled as a curtain-raiser to the much-anticipated Gold Coast Suns and North Melbourne match up in May.

It comes as the AFL look to expand the competition even further after Tasmania announced their colours, club name and logo.

Almost 12 months ago, the AFL granted the 19th licence to Tasmania, thus throwing into speculation when and where the 20th licence will be announced.

AFL Cairns announced they would be keen to throw their name into the hat and apply to become the 20th team but would be likely they would have to compete with AFLNT for the licence.

As AFL continues to grow in Northern Australia, could we potentially see a combined bid by NT and Cairns for the licence?

AFL Cairns general manager Craig Lees said this match up in May was just the starting point.

“This partnership is not merely an opportunity to spotlight our talented players and coaches from Cairns, but it also strengthens our relationship with AFLNT and amplifies our AFL’s presence across Northern Australia,” Lees said.

General Manager of AFL Cairns Craig Lees at Cazalys Stadium, Westcourt. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We are immensely thankful to Sean Bowden and Sam Gibson for this opportunity.

“Their backing is pivotal in our continued mission to nurture and broaden the football community in Northern Australia.

“AFL Cairns is dedicated to collaborating with AFLNT to support the development of football in Northern Australia, with an optimistic outlook towards future opportunities to grow our great game.

“We are looking forward to the upcoming match and the bright future of our ongoing partnership with AFLNT.”

Cairns has missed out on housing an AFL game in season 2024 and last season, but hosted Hawthorn’s AFLW side in a training camp and hosted its first AFLW game in 2023.

Cairns had hosted a senior men’s game each between 2011 and 2022, expect for in 2019.

Far North Queensland also became home to the Covid hub during the interrupted 2020 AFL season.

Meanwhile Darwin hosts two Gold Coast Suns games each year.

The talented path continues with young male and female footballers from Cairns and Darwin progressing through the Gold Coast Suns Academy and being drafted across the country.

Lees said in 2023 said that Cairns was more than capable of servicing an AFL club.

“Cairns has the sustainability to be able to house an AFL club, with also having one of the best grounds available to them,” Lees said.

“And with the Gabba going offline in 2026, we will be pushing very hard to get Brisbane games up here.

“So we can bring that type of content to Cairns but also we have the capability to be able to do that week-in, week-out with our own team.”

The population of both Cairns (163,923) and NT (252,473) combine for just 420,000, they would be better suited to bid together instead of separately.

The AFL still have not announced when or if the 20th AFL licence will become open.

Originally published as Representative programs just the beginning as AFL Cairns and NT combine for greater growth