AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon tells Darwin to start building for potential team push

[Beaussie]

How good would a new Darwin team and stadium be for footy and the people of the Northern Territory. If Albo can give the NRL $650 million for a PNG team, why not the same to support Australia’s Game with a NT AFL team?


AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon tells Darwin to start building for potential team push
Nathaniel Chambers
May 15, 2025
https://www.ntnews.com.au/subscribe/new ... de=premium

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has given his strongest indication yet that Darwin could host its own team by imploring the NT to get building now on a new stadium to give itself a chance when the times comes.


Layout of potential sites for a Darwin City Stadium.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has toured the potential sites for a new AFL stadium in Darwin advising the Northern Territory to start work now to put itself in position for a team when the opportunity arises.
An NT based taskforce has been campaigning for the 20th licence for the past few years with a CBD stadium seen as the crown jewel in those plans.

Their entry will follow the Tasmanian Devils, which Dillon suggested still had work to do before their bid became an unconditional one.

It comes as the Gold Coast Suns hosts two matches at its Top End home away from home, including the first match of Sir Doug Nicholls round against Hawthorn.

The Territory has picked up in its ability to host elite sporting content in recent years with now three AFL matches, including one in Alice Springs, and the AFLW Dreamtime game.

The NT Taskforce released a map of 10 potential sites for the stadium near the CBD in March, with Dillon saying every major city should have a stadium it can be proud of.

“We’re working with the Tasmanian government on a transformational project for Hobart and any capital city deserves a big stadium,” he said.

“If we can find the right site and get it going then it would be great for Darwin and a whole host of events including concerts and other sports.

“We went down to the harbour and looked at the sites, it’s a spectacular place and now it’s about decisions and conversations with state governments about how we get it built.

“Work has to be done now for there to be an opportunity, the work is being done where it needs to be so if an opportunity does arise they’re well placed.”

Darwin is seen by many as a sentimental favourite for that 20th licence but a mountain of work must be completed including finances toward a stadium as well as attracting talent that wants to stay.

Footy is way of life in the NT with the rates of participation per capita the highest of anywhere in Australia, while female participation 40 percent, higher than anywhere else.


A render of the Proposed AFL Stadium in Darwin.

“It’s incredible, the rates of participation per capita are the highest of anywhere in Australia,” Dillon said.

“The participation is the bedrock of the community and seeing the growth here is what we want to see.

“The absolute key is having the finances to be able to sustain the ups and downs that any team will have within the AFL.

“Then it’s about the ability to attract talent, as in players and staff, and then retain them, and then it’s about infrastructure like the stadium, training ground and admin that is important too.”


Karl Amon, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon, 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree Stephen Michael and Joel Jeffrey at the launch of the Sir Doug Nicholls round in Darwin ahead of the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dillon said bids for a 20th licence would be assessed following the completion of the Tasmanian Devils push for the 19th, which at this stage still has work to do.

“In Tasmania by force of nature and the power of work done by their taskforce secured we have a conditional license,” Dillon said.

“There’s still a bit of work for us to do to have an unconditional license, but that’s a big focus for us at the moment.

“Once the 19th team is up and established we will look to grow at some stage and the people in the NT want to be as close to the front as they can be.”

Despite the entire AFL Commission and Dillon visiting Darwin for a week, it is understood nor formal meeting was held with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro nor NT Government Minister.

Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls however did confirm he spoke with Commission members and Dillon at AFL functions at the weekend.

“While I haven’t formally met with the AFL Commission during their time in Darwin, I have had the opportunity to connect with Commission members and CEO Andrew Dillon at the Gold Coast game last weekend,” Minister Charls said.

“I want to thank the Commission for their continued support of AFL in the Northern Territory.

“Their presence here highlights the importance of our region to the future of the game, and that is further demonstrated by the announcement of the AFLW Dreamtime match being held in Darwin in August.”

There’s plenty of support for the Territory push, with the NT born players at the Gold Coast Suns **** those in support of both a team and a stadium.

Daniel Rioli has been on the biggest stage of them all with three premiership titles to his name but said anything to grow the game in the Territory would be special.


Gold Coast Suns player Daniel Rioli models the club's 2025 Darwin/Larrakia guernsey for the round nine and 10 games in Darwin. Photo: Gold Coast Suns

“It would be awesome to have a stadium, anything to grow the game would be,” he said.

“Everyone there loves their footy, it’s a footy state so to have a facility here would be special for our kids, because we have some special talent here.

“It’s a very exciting time and I’m keen to see what happens, but it’s something I’m pushing for.”

Ben Long said it would present a great chance to grow the game for the next generation in the Territory.

“It would be quite special for us to have a stadium and hopefully one day we will have a team too, which would be quite great,” Long said.

“It’s all about the young, upcoming talent in the AFL and AFLW, it would open up opportunities for kids coming through to see it in Darwin.”

Joel Jeffrey has cemented his spot in the Suns defence this season and said a new stadium would grow the sport that means so much in the Top End.

“A new stadium would be unreal, if we can do that it would be great for the game, TIO is a great venue but to have another would be unreal,” he said.

“We all grew up watching AFL games in Darwin with friends and family and we wanted to be out there ourselves, there’s nothing better than being out there on your home ground.

“Getting to run out there and look over my shoulder to see my family is something I still get goosebumps about and will hold in my heart for the rest of my life.”

[azif]

How good would a new Darwin team and stadium be for footy and the people of the Northern Territory. If Albo can give the NRL $650 million for a PNG team, why not the same to support Australia’s Game with a NT AFL team?


AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon tells Darwin to start building for potential team push
Nathaniel Chambers
May 15, 2025
https://www.ntnews.com.au/subscribe/new ... de=premium

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has given his strongest indication yet that Darwin could host its own team by imploring the NT to get building now on a new stadium to give itself a chance when the times comes.


Layout of potential sites for a Darwin City Stadium.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has toured the potential sites for a new AFL stadium in Darwin advising the Northern Territory to start work now to put itself in position for a team when the opportunity arises.
An NT based taskforce has been campaigning for the 20th licence for the past few years with a CBD stadium seen as the crown jewel in those plans.

Their entry will follow the Tasmanian Devils, which Dillon suggested still had work to do before their bid became an unconditional one.

It comes as the Gold Coast Suns hosts two matches at its Top End home away from home, including the first match of Sir Doug Nicholls round against Hawthorn.

The Territory has picked up in its ability to host elite sporting content in recent years with now three AFL matches, including one in Alice Springs, and the AFLW Dreamtime game.

The NT Taskforce released a map of 10 potential sites for the stadium near the CBD in March, with Dillon saying every major city should have a stadium it can be proud of.

“We’re working with the Tasmanian government on a transformational project for Hobart and any capital city deserves a big stadium,” he said.

“If we can find the right site and get it going then it would be great for Darwin and a whole host of events including concerts and other sports.

“We went down to the harbour and looked at the sites, it’s a spectacular place and now it’s about decisions and conversations with state governments about how we get it built.

“Work has to be done now for there to be an opportunity, the work is being done where it needs to be so if an opportunity does arise they’re well placed.”

Darwin is seen by many as a sentimental favourite for that 20th licence but a mountain of work must be completed including finances toward a stadium as well as attracting talent that wants to stay.

Footy is way of life in the NT with the rates of participation per capita the highest of anywhere in Australia, while female participation 40 percent, higher than anywhere else.


A render of the Proposed AFL Stadium in Darwin.

“It’s incredible, the rates of participation per capita are the highest of anywhere in Australia,” Dillon said.

“The participation is the bedrock of the community and seeing the growth here is what we want to see.

“The absolute key is having the finances to be able to sustain the ups and downs that any team will have within the AFL.

“Then it’s about the ability to attract talent, as in players and staff, and then retain them, and then it’s about infrastructure like the stadium, training ground and admin that is important too.”


Karl Amon, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon, 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree Stephen Michael and Joel Jeffrey at the launch of the Sir Doug Nicholls round in Darwin ahead of the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dillon said bids for a 20th licence would be assessed following the completion of the Tasmanian Devils push for the 19th, which at this stage still has work to do.

“In Tasmania by force of nature and the power of work done by their taskforce secured we have a conditional license,” Dillon said.

“There’s still a bit of work for us to do to have an unconditional license, but that’s a big focus for us at the moment.

“Once the 19th team is up and established we will look to grow at some stage and the people in the NT want to be as close to the front as they can be.”

Despite the entire AFL Commission and Dillon visiting Darwin for a week, it is understood nor formal meeting was held with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro nor NT Government Minister.

Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls however did confirm he spoke with Commission members and Dillon at AFL functions at the weekend.

“While I haven’t formally met with the AFL Commission during their time in Darwin, I have had the opportunity to connect with Commission members and CEO Andrew Dillon at the Gold Coast game last weekend,” Minister Charls said.

“I want to thank the Commission for their continued support of AFL in the Northern Territory.

“Their presence here highlights the importance of our region to the future of the game, and that is further demonstrated by the announcement of the AFLW Dreamtime match being held in Darwin in August.”

There’s plenty of support for the Territory push, with the NT born players at the Gold Coast Suns **** those in support of both a team and a stadium.

Daniel Rioli has been on the biggest stage of them all with three premiership titles to his name but said anything to grow the game in the Territory would be special.


Gold Coast Suns player Daniel Rioli models the club's 2025 Darwin/Larrakia guernsey for the round nine and 10 games in Darwin. Photo: Gold Coast Suns

“It would be awesome to have a stadium, anything to grow the game would be,” he said.

“Everyone there loves their footy, it’s a footy state so to have a facility here would be special for our kids, because we have some special talent here.

“It’s a very exciting time and I’m keen to see what happens, but it’s something I’m pushing for.”

Ben Long said it would present a great chance to grow the game for the next generation in the Territory.

“It would be quite special for us to have a stadium and hopefully one day we will have a team too, which would be quite great,” Long said.

“It’s all about the young, upcoming talent in the AFL and AFLW, it would open up opportunities for kids coming through to see it in Darwin.”

Joel Jeffrey has cemented his spot in the Suns defence this season and said a new stadium would grow the sport that means so much in the Top End.

“A new stadium would be unreal, if we can do that it would be great for the game, TIO is a great venue but to have another would be unreal,” he said.

“We all grew up watching AFL games in Darwin with friends and family and we wanted to be out there ourselves, there’s nothing better than being out there on your home ground.

“Getting to run out there and look over my shoulder to see my family is something I still get goosebumps about and will hold in my heart for the rest of my life.”

they'll be no stadium , same as Hobart
it'll be a redo of Bellrieve for the them

& a team in a city of 150K ... with no one else within 1000kms ...will be an unmitgated disaster anyway , so lets hope they do it
& it'll be a redo of TIO in the unlikely event for a venue

[Fred]

How good would a new Darwin team and stadium be for footy and the people of the Northern Territory. If Albo can give the NRL $650 million for a PNG team, why not the same to support Australia’s Game with a NT AFL team?


AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon tells Darwin to start building for potential team push
Nathaniel Chambers
May 15, 2025
https://www.ntnews.com.au/subscribe/new ... de=premium

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has given his strongest indication yet that Darwin could host its own team by imploring the NT to get building now on a new stadium to give itself a chance when the times comes.


Layout of potential sites for a Darwin City Stadium.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has toured the potential sites for a new AFL stadium in Darwin advising the Northern Territory to start work now to put itself in position for a team when the opportunity arises.
An NT based taskforce has been campaigning for the 20th licence for the past few years with a CBD stadium seen as the crown jewel in those plans.

Their entry will follow the Tasmanian Devils, which Dillon suggested still had work to do before their bid became an unconditional one.

It comes as the Gold Coast Suns hosts two matches at its Top End home away from home, including the first match of Sir Doug Nicholls round against Hawthorn.

The Territory has picked up in its ability to host elite sporting content in recent years with now three AFL matches, including one in Alice Springs, and the AFLW Dreamtime game.

The NT Taskforce released a map of 10 potential sites for the stadium near the CBD in March, with Dillon saying every major city should have a stadium it can be proud of.

“We’re working with the Tasmanian government on a transformational project for Hobart and any capital city deserves a big stadium,” he said.

“If we can find the right site and get it going then it would be great for Darwin and a whole host of events including concerts and other sports.

“We went down to the harbour and looked at the sites, it’s a spectacular place and now it’s about decisions and conversations with state governments about how we get it built.

“Work has to be done now for there to be an opportunity, the work is being done where it needs to be so if an opportunity does arise they’re well placed.”

Darwin is seen by many as a sentimental favourite for that 20th licence but a mountain of work must be completed including finances toward a stadium as well as attracting talent that wants to stay.

Footy is way of life in the NT with the rates of participation per capita the highest of anywhere in Australia, while female participation 40 percent, higher than anywhere else.


A render of the Proposed AFL Stadium in Darwin.

“It’s incredible, the rates of participation per capita are the highest of anywhere in Australia,” Dillon said.

“The participation is the bedrock of the community and seeing the growth here is what we want to see.

“The absolute key is having the finances to be able to sustain the ups and downs that any team will have within the AFL.

“Then it’s about the ability to attract talent, as in players and staff, and then retain them, and then it’s about infrastructure like the stadium, training ground and admin that is important too.”


Karl Amon, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon, 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree Stephen Michael and Joel Jeffrey at the launch of the Sir Doug Nicholls round in Darwin ahead of the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dillon said bids for a 20th licence would be assessed following the completion of the Tasmanian Devils push for the 19th, which at this stage still has work to do.

“In Tasmania by force of nature and the power of work done by their taskforce secured we have a conditional license,” Dillon said.

“There’s still a bit of work for us to do to have an unconditional license, but that’s a big focus for us at the moment.

“Once the 19th team is up and established we will look to grow at some stage and the people in the NT want to be as close to the front as they can be.”

Despite the entire AFL Commission and Dillon visiting Darwin for a week, it is understood nor formal meeting was held with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro nor NT Government Minister.

Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls however did confirm he spoke with Commission members and Dillon at AFL functions at the weekend.

“While I haven’t formally met with the AFL Commission during their time in Darwin, I have had the opportunity to connect with Commission members and CEO Andrew Dillon at the Gold Coast game last weekend,” Minister Charls said.

“I want to thank the Commission for their continued support of AFL in the Northern Territory.

“Their presence here highlights the importance of our region to the future of the game, and that is further demonstrated by the announcement of the AFLW Dreamtime match being held in Darwin in August.”

There’s plenty of support for the Territory push, with the NT born players at the Gold Coast Suns **** those in support of both a team and a stadium.

Daniel Rioli has been on the biggest stage of them all with three premiership titles to his name but said anything to grow the game in the Territory would be special.


Gold Coast Suns player Daniel Rioli models the club's 2025 Darwin/Larrakia guernsey for the round nine and 10 games in Darwin. Photo: Gold Coast Suns

“It would be awesome to have a stadium, anything to grow the game would be,” he said.

“Everyone there loves their footy, it’s a footy state so to have a facility here would be special for our kids, because we have some special talent here.

“It’s a very exciting time and I’m keen to see what happens, but it’s something I’m pushing for.”

Ben Long said it would present a great chance to grow the game for the next generation in the Territory.

“It would be quite special for us to have a stadium and hopefully one day we will have a team too, which would be quite great,” Long said.

“It’s all about the young, upcoming talent in the AFL and AFLW, it would open up opportunities for kids coming through to see it in Darwin.”

Joel Jeffrey has cemented his spot in the Suns defence this season and said a new stadium would grow the sport that means so much in the Top End.

“A new stadium would be unreal, if we can do that it would be great for the game, TIO is a great venue but to have another would be unreal,” he said.

“We all grew up watching AFL games in Darwin with friends and family and we wanted to be out there ourselves, there’s nothing better than being out there on your home ground.

“Getting to run out there and look over my shoulder to see my family is something I still get goosebumps about and will hold in my heart for the rest of my life.”

It seems a logical choice given the football pedigree there and the popularity of the game - however I just do not think it has the population to have its own team. There is also the differing climate - with it being often too hot and humid for a large portion of the fixture. In saying that, I have no problem with the AFL using its hugh revenues to support a team up that way if having a team there is seen as an important cog in the nation footprint of the game - that is, a necessary investment of funds for the greater benefit of the game overall - I think that is reasonable. I just hope they do not do some broad regional focus like the "top end" and spread it over north QLD - that would be stupid - but not beyound the AFL I think.

[Terry]

How good would a new Darwin team and stadium be for footy and the people of the Northern Territory. If Albo can give the NRL $650 million for a PNG team, why not the same to support Australia’s Game with a NT AFL team?


AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon tells Darwin to start building for potential team push
Nathaniel Chambers
May 15, 2025
https://www.ntnews.com.au/subscribe/new ... de=premium

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has given his strongest indication yet that Darwin could host its own team by imploring the NT to get building now on a new stadium to give itself a chance when the times comes.


Layout of potential sites for a Darwin City Stadium.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has toured the potential sites for a new AFL stadium in Darwin advising the Northern Territory to start work now to put itself in position for a team when the opportunity arises.
An NT based taskforce has been campaigning for the 20th licence for the past few years with a CBD stadium seen as the crown jewel in those plans.

Their entry will follow the Tasmanian Devils, which Dillon suggested still had work to do before their bid became an unconditional one.

It comes as the Gold Coast Suns hosts two matches at its Top End home away from home, including the first match of Sir Doug Nicholls round against Hawthorn.

The Territory has picked up in its ability to host elite sporting content in recent years with now three AFL matches, including one in Alice Springs, and the AFLW Dreamtime game.

The NT Taskforce released a map of 10 potential sites for the stadium near the CBD in March, with Dillon saying every major city should have a stadium it can be proud of.

“We’re working with the Tasmanian government on a transformational project for Hobart and any capital city deserves a big stadium,” he said.

“If we can find the right site and get it going then it would be great for Darwin and a whole host of events including concerts and other sports.

“We went down to the harbour and looked at the sites, it’s a spectacular place and now it’s about decisions and conversations with state governments about how we get it built.

“Work has to be done now for there to be an opportunity, the work is being done where it needs to be so if an opportunity does arise they’re well placed.”

Darwin is seen by many as a sentimental favourite for that 20th licence but a mountain of work must be completed including finances toward a stadium as well as attracting talent that wants to stay.

Footy is way of life in the NT with the rates of participation per capita the highest of anywhere in Australia, while female participation 40 percent, higher than anywhere else.


A render of the Proposed AFL Stadium in Darwin.

“It’s incredible, the rates of participation per capita are the highest of anywhere in Australia,” Dillon said.

“The participation is the bedrock of the community and seeing the growth here is what we want to see.

“The absolute key is having the finances to be able to sustain the ups and downs that any team will have within the AFL.

“Then it’s about the ability to attract talent, as in players and staff, and then retain them, and then it’s about infrastructure like the stadium, training ground and admin that is important too.”


Karl Amon, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon, 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree Stephen Michael and Joel Jeffrey at the launch of the Sir Doug Nicholls round in Darwin ahead of the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dillon said bids for a 20th licence would be assessed following the completion of the Tasmanian Devils push for the 19th, which at this stage still has work to do.

“In Tasmania by force of nature and the power of work done by their taskforce secured we have a conditional license,” Dillon said.

“There’s still a bit of work for us to do to have an unconditional license, but that’s a big focus for us at the moment.

“Once the 19th team is up and established we will look to grow at some stage and the people in the NT want to be as close to the front as they can be.”

Despite the entire AFL Commission and Dillon visiting Darwin for a week, it is understood nor formal meeting was held with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro nor NT Government Minister.

Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls however did confirm he spoke with Commission members and Dillon at AFL functions at the weekend.

“While I haven’t formally met with the AFL Commission during their time in Darwin, I have had the opportunity to connect with Commission members and CEO Andrew Dillon at the Gold Coast game last weekend,” Minister Charls said.

“I want to thank the Commission for their continued support of AFL in the Northern Territory.

“Their presence here highlights the importance of our region to the future of the game, and that is further demonstrated by the announcement of the AFLW Dreamtime match being held in Darwin in August.”

There’s plenty of support for the Territory push, with the NT born players at the Gold Coast Suns **** those in support of both a team and a stadium.

Daniel Rioli has been on the biggest stage of them all with three premiership titles to his name but said anything to grow the game in the Territory would be special.


Gold Coast Suns player Daniel Rioli models the club's 2025 Darwin/Larrakia guernsey for the round nine and 10 games in Darwin. Photo: Gold Coast Suns

“It would be awesome to have a stadium, anything to grow the game would be,” he said.

“Everyone there loves their footy, it’s a footy state so to have a facility here would be special for our kids, because we have some special talent here.

“It’s a very exciting time and I’m keen to see what happens, but it’s something I’m pushing for.”

Ben Long said it would present a great chance to grow the game for the next generation in the Territory.

“It would be quite special for us to have a stadium and hopefully one day we will have a team too, which would be quite great,” Long said.

“It’s all about the young, upcoming talent in the AFL and AFLW, it would open up opportunities for kids coming through to see it in Darwin.”

Joel Jeffrey has cemented his spot in the Suns defence this season and said a new stadium would grow the sport that means so much in the Top End.

“A new stadium would be unreal, if we can do that it would be great for the game, TIO is a great venue but to have another would be unreal,” he said.

“We all grew up watching AFL games in Darwin with friends and family and we wanted to be out there ourselves, there’s nothing better than being out there on your home ground.

“Getting to run out there and look over my shoulder to see my family is something I still get goosebumps about and will hold in my heart for the rest of my life.”

Geez Beatup I read this and thought it must be April the first lololololololol!!!!!! What a crock of s__t! A town in the middle of a desert with a population of 150K lolololol!!!! They're dreamin' pal.

But I suppose this is what expansion in the AFL looks like. There is literally nowhere else to go. The fumbling game has maxxed out their geographical limits. So a lawless one hick town in a desert is it lolololololol!!!!!

In contrast Rugby League is going to expand to another country. Taking the nations involved in the comp to 3. And of course Perth in the golden west is gonna resurrect the Bears. A real city of 2.3M.

And Peter The Great is in talks to take over Superleague Europe with teams in England and France. So the NRL could have teams in 5 countries across two hemispheres.

Now that's what I call expansion. International expansion. You fumblers can have Darwin, I'll take Toulouse in the sunny south of France. Vive le Rugby xiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[makingnrlfansgowacko]

How good would a new Darwin team and stadium be for footy and the people of the Northern Territory. If Albo can give the NRL $650 million for a PNG team, why not the same to support Australia’s Game with a NT AFL team?


AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon tells Darwin to start building for potential team push
Nathaniel Chambers
May 15, 2025
https://www.ntnews.com.au/subscribe/new ... de=premium

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has given his strongest indication yet that Darwin could host its own team by imploring the NT to get building now on a new stadium to give itself a chance when the times comes.


Layout of potential sites for a Darwin City Stadium.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has toured the potential sites for a new AFL stadium in Darwin advising the Northern Territory to start work now to put itself in position for a team when the opportunity arises.
An NT based taskforce has been campaigning for the 20th licence for the past few years with a CBD stadium seen as the crown jewel in those plans.

Their entry will follow the Tasmanian Devils, which Dillon suggested still had work to do before their bid became an unconditional one.

It comes as the Gold Coast Suns hosts two matches at its Top End home away from home, including the first match of Sir Doug Nicholls round against Hawthorn.

The Territory has picked up in its ability to host elite sporting content in recent years with now three AFL matches, including one in Alice Springs, and the AFLW Dreamtime game.

The NT Taskforce released a map of 10 potential sites for the stadium near the CBD in March, with Dillon saying every major city should have a stadium it can be proud of.

“We’re working with the Tasmanian government on a transformational project for Hobart and any capital city deserves a big stadium,” he said.

“If we can find the right site and get it going then it would be great for Darwin and a whole host of events including concerts and other sports.

“We went down to the harbour and looked at the sites, it’s a spectacular place and now it’s about decisions and conversations with state governments about how we get it built.

“Work has to be done now for there to be an opportunity, the work is being done where it needs to be so if an opportunity does arise they’re well placed.”

Darwin is seen by many as a sentimental favourite for that 20th licence but a mountain of work must be completed including finances toward a stadium as well as attracting talent that wants to stay.

Footy is way of life in the NT with the rates of participation per capita the highest of anywhere in Australia, while female participation 40 percent, higher than anywhere else.


A render of the Proposed AFL Stadium in Darwin.

“It’s incredible, the rates of participation per capita are the highest of anywhere in Australia,” Dillon said.

“The participation is the bedrock of the community and seeing the growth here is what we want to see.

“The absolute key is having the finances to be able to sustain the ups and downs that any team will have within the AFL.

“Then it’s about the ability to attract talent, as in players and staff, and then retain them, and then it’s about infrastructure like the stadium, training ground and admin that is important too.”


Karl Amon, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon, 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree Stephen Michael and Joel Jeffrey at the launch of the Sir Doug Nicholls round in Darwin ahead of the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dillon said bids for a 20th licence would be assessed following the completion of the Tasmanian Devils push for the 19th, which at this stage still has work to do.

“In Tasmania by force of nature and the power of work done by their taskforce secured we have a conditional license,” Dillon said.

“There’s still a bit of work for us to do to have an unconditional license, but that’s a big focus for us at the moment.

“Once the 19th team is up and established we will look to grow at some stage and the people in the NT want to be as close to the front as they can be.”

Despite the entire AFL Commission and Dillon visiting Darwin for a week, it is understood nor formal meeting was held with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro nor NT Government Minister.

Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls however did confirm he spoke with Commission members and Dillon at AFL functions at the weekend.

“While I haven’t formally met with the AFL Commission during their time in Darwin, I have had the opportunity to connect with Commission members and CEO Andrew Dillon at the Gold Coast game last weekend,” Minister Charls said.

“I want to thank the Commission for their continued support of AFL in the Northern Territory.

“Their presence here highlights the importance of our region to the future of the game, and that is further demonstrated by the announcement of the AFLW Dreamtime match being held in Darwin in August.”

There’s plenty of support for the Territory push, with the NT born players at the Gold Coast Suns **** those in support of both a team and a stadium.

Daniel Rioli has been on the biggest stage of them all with three premiership titles to his name but said anything to grow the game in the Territory would be special.


Gold Coast Suns player Daniel Rioli models the club's 2025 Darwin/Larrakia guernsey for the round nine and 10 games in Darwin. Photo: Gold Coast Suns

“It would be awesome to have a stadium, anything to grow the game would be,” he said.

“Everyone there loves their footy, it’s a footy state so to have a facility here would be special for our kids, because we have some special talent here.

“It’s a very exciting time and I’m keen to see what happens, but it’s something I’m pushing for.”

Ben Long said it would present a great chance to grow the game for the next generation in the Territory.

“It would be quite special for us to have a stadium and hopefully one day we will have a team too, which would be quite great,” Long said.

“It’s all about the young, upcoming talent in the AFL and AFLW, it would open up opportunities for kids coming through to see it in Darwin.”

Joel Jeffrey has cemented his spot in the Suns defence this season and said a new stadium would grow the sport that means so much in the Top End.

“A new stadium would be unreal, if we can do that it would be great for the game, TIO is a great venue but to have another would be unreal,” he said.

“We all grew up watching AFL games in Darwin with friends and family and we wanted to be out there ourselves, there’s nothing better than being out there on your home ground.

“Getting to run out there and look over my shoulder to see my family is something I still get goosebumps about and will hold in my heart for the rest of my life.”

Geez Beatup I read this and thought it must be April the first lololololololol!!!!!! What a crock of s__t! A town in the middle of a desert with a population of 150K lolololol!!!! They're dreamin' pal.

But I suppose this is what expansion in the AFL looks like. There is literally nowhere else to go. The fumbling game has maxxed out their geographical limits. So a lawless one hick town in a desert is it lolololololol!!!!!

In contrast Rugby League is going to expand to another country. Taking the nations involved in the comp to 3. And of course Perth in the golden west is gonna resurrect the Bears. A real city of 2.3M.

And Peter The Great is in talks to take over Superleague Europe with teams in England and France. So the NRL could have teams in 5 countries across two hemispheres.

Now that's what I call expansion. International expansion. You fumblers can have Darwin, I'll take Toulouse in the sunny south of France. Vive le Rugby xiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!

a real city of Perth and to povo to pay to run for any of the costings to run a side or any of the facilities or grass root programs?
or be to povo and need money to set up and run a team in an emerging country like PNG where they are at war against each other and corrupt government?

NRL has teams in Townsville, Newcastle and Canberra also low population cities and much lower when the teams first started.

hey ********?

[makingnrlfansgowacko]

How good would a new Darwin team and stadium be for footy and the people of the Northern Territory. If Albo can give the NRL $650 million for a PNG team, why not the same to support Australia’s Game with a NT AFL team?


AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon tells Darwin to start building for potential team push
Nathaniel Chambers
May 15, 2025
https://www.ntnews.com.au/subscribe/new ... de=premium

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has given his strongest indication yet that Darwin could host its own team by imploring the NT to get building now on a new stadium to give itself a chance when the times comes.


Layout of potential sites for a Darwin City Stadium.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has toured the potential sites for a new AFL stadium in Darwin advising the Northern Territory to start work now to put itself in position for a team when the opportunity arises.
An NT based taskforce has been campaigning for the 20th licence for the past few years with a CBD stadium seen as the crown jewel in those plans.

Their entry will follow the Tasmanian Devils, which Dillon suggested still had work to do before their bid became an unconditional one.

It comes as the Gold Coast Suns hosts two matches at its Top End home away from home, including the first match of Sir Doug Nicholls round against Hawthorn.

The Territory has picked up in its ability to host elite sporting content in recent years with now three AFL matches, including one in Alice Springs, and the AFLW Dreamtime game.

The NT Taskforce released a map of 10 potential sites for the stadium near the CBD in March, with Dillon saying every major city should have a stadium it can be proud of.

“We’re working with the Tasmanian government on a transformational project for Hobart and any capital city deserves a big stadium,” he said.

“If we can find the right site and get it going then it would be great for Darwin and a whole host of events including concerts and other sports.

“We went down to the harbour and looked at the sites, it’s a spectacular place and now it’s about decisions and conversations with state governments about how we get it built.

“Work has to be done now for there to be an opportunity, the work is being done where it needs to be so if an opportunity does arise they’re well placed.”

Darwin is seen by many as a sentimental favourite for that 20th licence but a mountain of work must be completed including finances toward a stadium as well as attracting talent that wants to stay.

Footy is way of life in the NT with the rates of participation per capita the highest of anywhere in Australia, while female participation 40 percent, higher than anywhere else.


A render of the Proposed AFL Stadium in Darwin.

“It’s incredible, the rates of participation per capita are the highest of anywhere in Australia,” Dillon said.

“The participation is the bedrock of the community and seeing the growth here is what we want to see.

“The absolute key is having the finances to be able to sustain the ups and downs that any team will have within the AFL.

“Then it’s about the ability to attract talent, as in players and staff, and then retain them, and then it’s about infrastructure like the stadium, training ground and admin that is important too.”


Karl Amon, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon, 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree Stephen Michael and Joel Jeffrey at the launch of the Sir Doug Nicholls round in Darwin ahead of the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dillon said bids for a 20th licence would be assessed following the completion of the Tasmanian Devils push for the 19th, which at this stage still has work to do.

“In Tasmania by force of nature and the power of work done by their taskforce secured we have a conditional license,” Dillon said.

“There’s still a bit of work for us to do to have an unconditional license, but that’s a big focus for us at the moment.

“Once the 19th team is up and established we will look to grow at some stage and the people in the NT want to be as close to the front as they can be.”

Despite the entire AFL Commission and Dillon visiting Darwin for a week, it is understood nor formal meeting was held with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro nor NT Government Minister.

Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls however did confirm he spoke with Commission members and Dillon at AFL functions at the weekend.

“While I haven’t formally met with the AFL Commission during their time in Darwin, I have had the opportunity to connect with Commission members and CEO Andrew Dillon at the Gold Coast game last weekend,” Minister Charls said.

“I want to thank the Commission for their continued support of AFL in the Northern Territory.

“Their presence here highlights the importance of our region to the future of the game, and that is further demonstrated by the announcement of the AFLW Dreamtime match being held in Darwin in August.”

There’s plenty of support for the Territory push, with the NT born players at the Gold Coast Suns **** those in support of both a team and a stadium.

Daniel Rioli has been on the biggest stage of them all with three premiership titles to his name but said anything to grow the game in the Territory would be special.


Gold Coast Suns player Daniel Rioli models the club's 2025 Darwin/Larrakia guernsey for the round nine and 10 games in Darwin. Photo: Gold Coast Suns

“It would be awesome to have a stadium, anything to grow the game would be,” he said.

“Everyone there loves their footy, it’s a footy state so to have a facility here would be special for our kids, because we have some special talent here.

“It’s a very exciting time and I’m keen to see what happens, but it’s something I’m pushing for.”

Ben Long said it would present a great chance to grow the game for the next generation in the Territory.

“It would be quite special for us to have a stadium and hopefully one day we will have a team too, which would be quite great,” Long said.

“It’s all about the young, upcoming talent in the AFL and AFLW, it would open up opportunities for kids coming through to see it in Darwin.”

Joel Jeffrey has cemented his spot in the Suns defence this season and said a new stadium would grow the sport that means so much in the Top End.

“A new stadium would be unreal, if we can do that it would be great for the game, TIO is a great venue but to have another would be unreal,” he said.

“We all grew up watching AFL games in Darwin with friends and family and we wanted to be out there ourselves, there’s nothing better than being out there on your home ground.

“Getting to run out there and look over my shoulder to see my family is something I still get goosebumps about and will hold in my heart for the rest of my life.”

the main problem with a team in Darwin would be the temperature and extreme humidity even during the winter is still at extreme levels, let alone the summer pre season training

[Terry]

How good would a new Darwin team and stadium be for footy and the people of the Northern Territory. If Albo can give the NRL $650 million for a PNG team, why not the same to support Australia’s Game with a NT AFL team?


AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon tells Darwin to start building for potential team push
Nathaniel Chambers
May 15, 2025
https://www.ntnews.com.au/subscribe/new ... de=premium

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has given his strongest indication yet that Darwin could host its own team by imploring the NT to get building now on a new stadium to give itself a chance when the times comes.


Layout of potential sites for a Darwin City Stadium.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has toured the potential sites for a new AFL stadium in Darwin advising the Northern Territory to start work now to put itself in position for a team when the opportunity arises.
An NT based taskforce has been campaigning for the 20th licence for the past few years with a CBD stadium seen as the crown jewel in those plans.

Their entry will follow the Tasmanian Devils, which Dillon suggested still had work to do before their bid became an unconditional one.

It comes as the Gold Coast Suns hosts two matches at its Top End home away from home, including the first match of Sir Doug Nicholls round against Hawthorn.

The Territory has picked up in its ability to host elite sporting content in recent years with now three AFL matches, including one in Alice Springs, and the AFLW Dreamtime game.

The NT Taskforce released a map of 10 potential sites for the stadium near the CBD in March, with Dillon saying every major city should have a stadium it can be proud of.

“We’re working with the Tasmanian government on a transformational project for Hobart and any capital city deserves a big stadium,” he said.

“If we can find the right site and get it going then it would be great for Darwin and a whole host of events including concerts and other sports.

“We went down to the harbour and looked at the sites, it’s a spectacular place and now it’s about decisions and conversations with state governments about how we get it built.

“Work has to be done now for there to be an opportunity, the work is being done where it needs to be so if an opportunity does arise they’re well placed.”

Darwin is seen by many as a sentimental favourite for that 20th licence but a mountain of work must be completed including finances toward a stadium as well as attracting talent that wants to stay.

Footy is way of life in the NT with the rates of participation per capita the highest of anywhere in Australia, while female participation 40 percent, higher than anywhere else.


A render of the Proposed AFL Stadium in Darwin.

“It’s incredible, the rates of participation per capita are the highest of anywhere in Australia,” Dillon said.

“The participation is the bedrock of the community and seeing the growth here is what we want to see.

“The absolute key is having the finances to be able to sustain the ups and downs that any team will have within the AFL.

“Then it’s about the ability to attract talent, as in players and staff, and then retain them, and then it’s about infrastructure like the stadium, training ground and admin that is important too.”


Karl Amon, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon, 2025 Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree Stephen Michael and Joel Jeffrey at the launch of the Sir Doug Nicholls round in Darwin ahead of the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Hawthorn. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Dillon said bids for a 20th licence would be assessed following the completion of the Tasmanian Devils push for the 19th, which at this stage still has work to do.

“In Tasmania by force of nature and the power of work done by their taskforce secured we have a conditional license,” Dillon said.

“There’s still a bit of work for us to do to have an unconditional license, but that’s a big focus for us at the moment.

“Once the 19th team is up and established we will look to grow at some stage and the people in the NT want to be as close to the front as they can be.”

Despite the entire AFL Commission and Dillon visiting Darwin for a week, it is understood nor formal meeting was held with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro nor NT Government Minister.

Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls however did confirm he spoke with Commission members and Dillon at AFL functions at the weekend.

“While I haven’t formally met with the AFL Commission during their time in Darwin, I have had the opportunity to connect with Commission members and CEO Andrew Dillon at the Gold Coast game last weekend,” Minister Charls said.

“I want to thank the Commission for their continued support of AFL in the Northern Territory.

“Their presence here highlights the importance of our region to the future of the game, and that is further demonstrated by the announcement of the AFLW Dreamtime match being held in Darwin in August.”

There’s plenty of support for the Territory push, with the NT born players at the Gold Coast Suns **** those in support of both a team and a stadium.

Daniel Rioli has been on the biggest stage of them all with three premiership titles to his name but said anything to grow the game in the Territory would be special.


Gold Coast Suns player Daniel Rioli models the club's 2025 Darwin/Larrakia guernsey for the round nine and 10 games in Darwin. Photo: Gold Coast Suns

“It would be awesome to have a stadium, anything to grow the game would be,” he said.

“Everyone there loves their footy, it’s a footy state so to have a facility here would be special for our kids, because we have some special talent here.

“It’s a very exciting time and I’m keen to see what happens, but it’s something I’m pushing for.”

Ben Long said it would present a great chance to grow the game for the next generation in the Territory.

“It would be quite special for us to have a stadium and hopefully one day we will have a team too, which would be quite great,” Long said.

“It’s all about the young, upcoming talent in the AFL and AFLW, it would open up opportunities for kids coming through to see it in Darwin.”

Joel Jeffrey has cemented his spot in the Suns defence this season and said a new stadium would grow the sport that means so much in the Top End.

“A new stadium would be unreal, if we can do that it would be great for the game, TIO is a great venue but to have another would be unreal,” he said.

“We all grew up watching AFL games in Darwin with friends and family and we wanted to be out there ourselves, there’s nothing better than being out there on your home ground.

“Getting to run out there and look over my shoulder to see my family is something I still get goosebumps about and will hold in my heart for the rest of my life.”

Geez Beatup I read this and thought it must be April the first lololololololol!!!!!! What a crock of s__t! A town in the middle of a desert with a population of 150K lolololol!!!! They're dreamin' pal.

But I suppose this is what expansion in the AFL looks like. There is literally nowhere else to go. The fumbling game has maxxed out their geographical limits. So a lawless one hick town in a desert is it lolololololol!!!!!

In contrast Rugby League is going to expand to another country. Taking the nations involved in the comp to 3. And of course Perth in the golden west is gonna resurrect the Bears. A real city of 2.3M.

And Peter The Great is in talks to take over Superleague Europe with teams in England and France. So the NRL could have teams in 5 countries across two hemispheres.

Now that's what I call expansion. International expansion. You fumblers can have Darwin, I'll take Toulouse in the sunny south of France. Vive le Rugby xiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!

a real city of Perth and to povo to pay to run for any of the costings to run a side or any of the facilities or grass root programs?
or be to povo and need money to set up and run a team in an emerging country like PNG where they are at war against each other and corrupt government?

NRL has teams in Townsville, Newcastle and Canberra also low population cities and much lower when the teams first started.

hey ********?

Thanks for that Wackjob. I had a bit of trouble deciphering the first bit so I will deal with the second which was almost literate.

I assume you are comparing the populations of the fumbling games possible expansion destination Darwin with three regional NRL teams. Darwin has a population of 150k. It is surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of desert and has no largely populated areas anywhere near it. In short it is a tiny lawless shithole sitting alone and unfriended in a desert.

The NRL's teams: The Cowboys are named the North Queensland Cowboys. They are based in Townsville but have the whole of the fabulous North Queensland population behind them. The area is a tourist mecca with many towns and cities in close proximity. Population - 500k.

The Newcastle Knights represent the magnificent Hunter valley. Another tourist mecca and famed wine region **** many other attributes. Once again including many towns and cities in the Knights region. Population - 800k.

The Canberra Raiders - what can I say? Canberra is about as exciting as page 5 in the phone book. It is the part time home to 150 lying thieving politicians - enough said. The best part about it is the welcome to NSW sign as you leave the dreary joint. Funnily enough though one thing that gets the folk excited is the famous Raiders RL team. They love 'em. Population 500k.

So there ya have it Wacko. The tiny lonely outpost of Darwin, the last expansion possibility for the Australian Fumbling League V The fabulous Cowboys, Knights and ....ummmmmm Raiders lolololol!!!!

[makingnrlfansgowacko]

Geez Beatup I read this and thought it must be April the first lololololololol!!!!!! What a crock of s__t! A town in the middle of a desert with a population of 150K lolololol!!!! They're dreamin' pal.

But I suppose this is what expansion in the AFL looks like. There is literally nowhere else to go. The fumbling game has maxxed out their geographical limits. So a lawless one hick town in a desert is it lolololololol!!!!!

In contrast Rugby League is going to expand to another country. Taking the nations involved in the comp to 3. And of course Perth in the golden west is gonna resurrect the Bears. A real city of 2.3M.

And Peter The Great is in talks to take over Superleague Europe with teams in England and France. So the NRL could have teams in 5 countries across two hemispheres.

Now that's what I call expansion. International expansion. You fumblers can have Darwin, I'll take Toulouse in the sunny south of France. Vive le Rugby xiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!

a real city of Perth and to povo to pay to run for any of the costings to run a side or any of the facilities or grass root programs?
or be to povo and need money to set up and run a team in an emerging country like PNG where they are at war against each other and corrupt government?

NRL has teams in Townsville, Newcastle and Canberra also low population cities and much lower when the teams first started.

hey ********?

Thanks for that Wackjob. I had a bit of trouble deciphering the first bit so I will deal with the second which was almost literate.

I assume you are comparing the populations of the fumbling games possible expansion destination Darwin with three regional NRL teams. Darwin has a population of 150k. It is surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of desert and has no largely populated areas anywhere near it. In short it is a tiny lawless shithole sitting alone and unfriended in a desert.

The NRL's teams: The Cowboys are named the North Queensland Cowboys. They are based in Townsville but have the whole of the fabulous North Queensland population behind them. The area is a tourist mecca with many towns and cities in close proximity. Population - 500k.

The Newcastle Knights represent the magnificent Hunter valley. Another tourist mecca and famed wine region **** many other attributes. Once again including many towns and cities in the Knights region. Population - 800k.

The Canberra Raiders - what can I say? Canberra is about as exciting as page 5 in the phone book. It is the part time home to 150 lying thieving politicians - enough said. The best part about it is the welcome to NSW sign as you leave the dreary joint. Funnily enough though one thing that gets the folk excited is the famous Raiders RL team. They love 'em. Population 500k.

So there ya have it Wacko. The tiny lonely outpost of Darwin, the last expansion possibility for the Australian Fumbling League V The fabulous Cowboys, Knights and ....ummmmmm Raiders lolololol!!!!

so any comment on the team in PNG that im paying for?

[Beaussie]

Great crowd in Darwin tonight and a fantastic win for the Suns who are now 2nd on the ladder. Wow

[makingnrlfansgowacko]

Lions first and Suns second!

old PV Landys and snake oil sales team will be hitting the panic button on batman phone to Mr Murdoch and Albo working out some funding and what propaganda to peddle to save face for the NRL in Queensland

[Terry]

a real city of Perth and to povo to pay to run for any of the costings to run a side or any of the facilities or grass root programs?
or be to povo and need money to set up and run a team in an emerging country like PNG where they are at war against each other and corrupt government?

NRL has teams in Townsville, Newcastle and Canberra also low population cities and much lower when the teams first started.

hey ********?

Thanks for that Wackjob. I had a bit of trouble deciphering the first bit so I will deal with the second which was almost literate.

I assume you are comparing the populations of the fumbling games possible expansion destination Darwin with three regional NRL teams. Darwin has a population of 150k. It is surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of desert and has no largely populated areas anywhere near it. In short it is a tiny lawless shithole sitting alone and unfriended in a desert.

The NRL's teams: The Cowboys are named the North Queensland Cowboys. They are based in Townsville but have the whole of the fabulous North Queensland population behind them. The area is a tourist mecca with many towns and cities in close proximity. Population - 500k.

The Newcastle Knights represent the magnificent Hunter valley. Another tourist mecca and famed wine region **** many other attributes. Once again including many towns and cities in the Knights region. Population - 800k.

The Canberra Raiders - what can I say? Canberra is about as exciting as page 5 in the phone book. It is the part time home to 150 lying thieving politicians - enough said. The best part about it is the welcome to NSW sign as you leave the dreary joint. Funnily enough though one thing that gets the folk excited is the famous Raiders RL team. They love 'em. Population 500k.

So there ya have it Wacko. The tiny lonely outpost of Darwin, the last expansion possibility for the Australian Fumbling League V The fabulous Cowboys, Knights and ....ummmmmm Raiders lolololol!!!!

so any comment on the team in PNG that im paying for?

Yep. Bring 'em on. And thanks for your contribution and long may it continue.

[azif]

Great crowd in Darwin tonight and a fantastic win for the Suns who are now 2nd on the ladder. Wow

21K over 2 games in Darwin for the fumbles & stumbles
thats about all they'll get if they had a team up there too ... 10K ish
just not enough people to sustain a team .... but about the only option for a code going..... nowhere

[WookieReturns]

[makingnrlfansgowacko]

Thanks for that Wackjob. I had a bit of trouble deciphering the first bit so I will deal with the second which was almost literate.

I assume you are comparing the populations of the fumbling games possible expansion destination Darwin with three regional NRL teams. Darwin has a population of 150k. It is surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of desert and has no largely populated areas anywhere near it. In short it is a tiny lawless shithole sitting alone and unfriended in a desert.

The NRL's teams: The Cowboys are named the North Queensland Cowboys. They are based in Townsville but have the whole of the fabulous North Queensland population behind them. The area is a tourist mecca with many towns and cities in close proximity. Population - 500k.

The Newcastle Knights represent the magnificent Hunter valley. Another tourist mecca and famed wine region **** many other attributes. Once again including many towns and cities in the Knights region. Population - 800k.

The Canberra Raiders - what can I say? Canberra is about as exciting as page 5 in the phone book. It is the part time home to 150 lying thieving politicians - enough said. The best part about it is the welcome to NSW sign as you leave the dreary joint. Funnily enough though one thing that gets the folk excited is the famous Raiders RL team. They love 'em. Population 500k.

So there ya have it Wacko. The tiny lonely outpost of Darwin, the last expansion possibility for the Australian Fumbling League V The fabulous Cowboys, Knights and ....ummmmmm Raiders lolololol!!!!

so any comment on the team in PNG that im paying for?

Yep. Bring 'em on. And thanks for your contribution and long may it continue.

you know PNG isnt a first world country and has several internal issues so its not going to be a mecca to recruit players. kinda hilarious when NRL fans and potentially players are to afraid to leve there suburb and shire due to tribal rivalry according to you lot

[makingnrlfansgowacko]

Great crowd in Darwin tonight and a fantastic win for the Suns who are now 2nd on the ladder. Wow

21K over 2 games in Darwin for the fumbles & stumbles
thats about all they'll get if they had a team up there too ... 10K ish
just not enough people to sustain a team .... but about the only option for a code going..... nowhere

just below the average some well long established NRL teams get in there home land of Sydney. so not bad for a city of 150k plus