Essendon and Richmond to clash in Darwin AFLW match

The stage is set for the AFLW’s return to the Top End for the first time since 2019 in the annual Dreamtime clash between Richmond and Essendon. Here’s what you need to know.

The Dreamtime match will be a technicolour celebration of Indigenous culture and women’s football as the AFLW returns to the Northern Territory for the first time this decade.

Richmond will face Essendon at TIO Stadium on Saturday, the first top level women’s game in the Territory since 2019.

And, importantly for the push toward the 20th AFL team licence, the fourth elite level game to be played in the Territory this year.

Almost 40 per cent of registered football players in the NT are women and girls, double the national average.

The action packed day kicks into gear at 12pm when the Bonson Gates open, followed by two must-watch women’s NTFL fixtures.

First up, reigning premiers PINT will take on rising team Southern Districts at 1.45pm, followed by an exciting matchup between the Tiwi Bombers and Darwin Buffaloes at 3.45pm.

Maddie Shelvin (Richmond) and Steph Cain (Essendon) (both centre) will clash in the AFLW Dreamtime game at TIO Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Michael Klein

Then at 5.45pm, the secondary Ah Mat gates open up ahead of the AFLWs kick-off at 6.45pm where the Bombers and Tigers go head to head to decide the Dreamtime.

Tickets can still be purchased online via Ticketmaster (adults $15), while juniors aged 17 and under can enter the ground for free, but must have a valid ticket and supervising adult.

NTFL 2024–25 memberships or accreditations do not admit access into the TIO Stadium precinct on the day.

Meanwhile, families are invited to get down to TIO Stadium for a free afternoon of activities from 4.30–6.30pm Friday.

There will be face painting, waterslides, inflatable fun, loads of giveaways, and the chance to kick the footy and meet your favourite NAB AFLW stars.

The event follows captains’ runs from both sides, with Richmond’s at 10am and Essendon’s at 4.30pm.

Originally published as Essendon and Richmond to clash in Darwin AFLW match