Richmond, Essendon back push for annual Dreamtime AFLW match in Darwin

The AFL has backed a push to introduce an annual AFLW Dreamtime match in Darwin as Essendon and Richmond prepare to take over the Northern Territory’s capital.

The AFL, Richmond and Essendon have thrown their support behind an annual AFLW Dreamtime fixture in Darwin ahead of the inaugural clash.

The Tigers and Bombers will go head-to-head on Saturday night at TIO Stadium four years after their AFL counterparts met in 2020, drawing a crowd of 5401 (restricted capacity due to COVID-19). Adelaide also hosted three AFLW clashes at TIO Stadium in the first three seasons of the AFLW.

But it’s only fitting that Richmond and Essendon will revive the AFLW’s presence in the Northern Territory given that yellow is the traditional colour of the Tiwi Island population while red belongs to the Larrakia people in Darwin.

AFL Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said it was “very exciting” to think that Dreamtime in Darwin could become an annual tradition.

“We’re a national game,” she said.

“The women’s competition is growing and going from strength-to-strength.

“To see it be part of a regular fixture in the Northern Territory can only be a good thing. Celebrating Indigenous round in a place that is so well known for its Indigenous culture and representation is a special opportunity.

“There’s so much conversation around Australia about the talent of Indigenous girls in footy. When people are given the opportunity to reach their potential, they will.

“If games like this, particularly held in Indigenous Round, do speak to Indigenous women and girls then we’ll be thrilled. That’s part of the agenda.”

Could the Tigers and Bombers bring Dreamtime to Darwin each year? Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Richmond vice-captain Gabby Seymour was part of Richmond’s VFLW squad when the Tigers played a game against the NT Thunder in 2019. The 27-year-old said those who played in that game had a deep understanding of how much football means to the Northern Territory.

“Driving in yesterday, it’s amazing how many memories came flooding back,” she said.

“It’s something we feel really strongly about as a club.

“Every time you come up here, there’s a new story you come back with.”

Added Essendon co-captain Bonnie Toogood: “I’d love to see it as a regular fixture. These two clubs have so much rich history in the men’s Dreamtime game. It’s become such a spectacle.”

The two sides met in an AFL Dreamtime game in Darwin during the 2020 season. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

Richmond captain Katie Brennan is racing the clock to be fit for the clash after undergoing a fitness test away from the main group on Friday.

Brennan put her injured ankle to the test under the supervision of trainers, completing a series of run-throughs, change of direction drills and goal kicking. The spearhead is crucial to the Tigers’ hopes of remaining in top four contention.

“If there’s anyone I’d back to get up for a game it’s Katie Brennan,” Seymour said. “I expect her to be out there tomorrow night.”

Richmond; s Maddie Shelvin and Essendon’s Steph Cain in their clubs’ indigenous jumpers. Picture: Michael Klein

Both clubs completed captain’s runs at TIO Stadium with the temperature peaking at 33 degrees and humidity hovering around 60 per cent.

Both clubs have spent the last fortnight preparing for the extreme heat that’s set to confront them, spending plenty of time in the sauna and altitude room.

“We’ve had a lot of education from our performance manager Eliza Morrison who’s spent some time training and playing up here,” Seymour said. “Hydration becomes more important than ever. We’ve had Gatorade slushies already this morning and cups of Hydralyte left right and centre.

“In terms of our preparation, it’s about doing it over a longer period of time. We can’t just save it for game day. I don’t think I’ve ever drunk more fluid in my life.”