MELBOURNE will play two home matches in the Northern Territory during the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, with a game scheduled in both Darwin and Alice Springs.
The Demons will take on Adelaide in the Top End in round 11, before hosting the reigning premiers, West Coast, in the Red Centre in round 18.
The red and blue will do battle with the Crows at TIO Stadium, Darwin on Saturday 1 June at 7.10pm (ACST)/7.40pm (AEST), in what will be Melbourne’s 10th consecutive season of playing a home game at the venue.
The Demons will then return to the Northern Territory to go up against the Eagles at TIO Traeger Park on Sunday 21 July at 2.50pm (ACST)/3.20pm (AEST).
It will be the sixth successive home game at the Alice Springs arena for Melbourne, after playing Port Adelaide in the first regular season match in 2014.
CEO Gary Pert said the club was looking forward to continuing its involvement and contribution to the Northern Territory community in 2019.
“Playing AFL games in the Northern Territory not only allows us to showcase our great game in some of the most unique parts of the nation, but also provides the opportunity for the locals to see their heroes play,” Pert told Melbourne Media.
Melbourne has had a strong presence in the region over the years, supporting several Northern Territory-based initiatives, such as the education of Indigenous eye health and Trachoma disease.
The club also partners with the Redtails and Pinktails; representative football teams that
“We are extremely proud of the community work we have conducted in Alice Springs, Darwin and surrounding communities over a long period of time,” Pert said.
“The Redtails and Pinktails partnership
“We are really looking forward to building on this work and these initiatives in the future.”
AFL General Manager of Clubs and Broadcasting, Travis Auld, said he was delighted to have the two matches feature again next year.
“Australian Football is a national game and we’re pleased to confirm that the Northern Territory, specifically Darwin and Alice Springs, will again host two of Melbourne’s 2019 home matches,” Auld said.
“Continuing to schedule matches in the Northern Territory cements the AFL’s commitment to inspire the next generation of men’s and women’s players by giving them the opportunity to see the best players up close.
“I’d like to extend our thanks to the Northern Territory Government for their continued support of AFL, and the Melbourne Football Club for commitment to these matches.”
Northern Territory
“Territorians love their footy and seeing big games like this
“Top level games also increase active participation, deliver a boost for tourism and keep the Territory firmly on the national sporting radar.
“It’s great to welcome the Demons back to the Territory.”
Similarly, AFL Northern Territory CEO Stuart Totham said the matches would put big smiles on people’s faces.
"In partnership with the Northern Territory Government, we look forward to welcoming the Melbourne Football Club back to the Northern Territory for two mouth-watering games in 2019,” Totham said.
"When Melbourne come to Central Australia and the Top End, the community gets excited. As we've seen over the past few years, the games sell out, fans flock to the public appearances and our grassroots programs benefit from having an elite team invested in the Northern Territory.
“There is no underestimating the impact these games have, especially on those from the furthest and most remote communities, who are left inspired after being in proximity to their heroes.”
Totham also acknowledged the wealth of talent that will be on show during the match-ups.
"The improvement of the Melbourne Football Club over the past couple of seasons is a drawcard in itself, but next year’s matches are especially tantalising, with the reigning premiers, the West Coast Eagles, due for their first game in the Red Centre, and the ever-popular Adelaide Crows travelling back to Darwin in June,” he said.
"There are a few names amongst these teams that are synonymous with the Northern Territory; Lewis Jetta, Willie Rioli, Shane McAdam and Eddie Betts, as well as the superstars of our modern game like Max Gawn, Nathan Jones and Jack Viney, just to name a few.
“We are thankful to the Northern Territory Government, the Melbourne Football Club and the AFL for bringing our great game to the Territory once more.”
2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season: Northern Territory fixtures
Round 11
Melbourne vs Adelaide Crows
TIO Stadium, Darwin
Saturday, June 1, 7.10pm (ACST)/7.40pm (AEST)
Round 18
Melbourne vs West Coast Eagles
TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs
Sunday, July 21, 2.50pm (ACST)/3.20pm (AEST)
