World Footy News

Whilst the official draw for the 2014 AFL season is still a few days away at the time of writing this article, news has been confirmed that has warmed the hearts of followers throughout the Northern Territory. The first ever AFL match for premiership points will be played in Central Australian town of Alice Springs next season at TIO Traeger Park.

In an enormous coup for Northern Territory football scene, this historic match will feature two of the AFL’s redeveloping clubs clashing for premiership points. The Melbourne Demons will be tackling the Port Adelaide Power in the second of three matches scheduled for the Northern Territory in 2014. Melbourne’s opponent is yet to be confirmed for the pre-season match to be played, also at Traeger Park, but the other match will see the Demons up against the 2013 Grand Finalists, Fremantle Dockers, in Round 16 at TIO Stadium in Darwin.

The clash in Alice Springs between the Demons and the Power will be part of the Round 11 Indigenous Round, and is expected to draw a huge crowd of devoted, Aussie Rules starved locals featuring a high proportion of indigenous fans keen to celebrate the day.

According to the Melbourne Football Club’s website, Peter Jackson, Demons CEO, detailed the club’s feelings when he stated that “we are pleased to be part of the historic first ever game for premiership points in Alice Springs. Alice Springs is a culturally significant part of Australia, and it’s great to take AFL to all parts of the country.

“As a club, we have been in discussions with the Northern Territory government since July this year, and we hope this announcement is the first step of a deeper and lasting relationship with the Northern Territory.”

AFL Northern Territory CEO Tony Frawley stated that the “AFLNT are absolutely thrilled with the quality of the games planned for the NT in 2014.The games will underpin the huge interest in local football that we are currently experiencing throughout the NT.”

“AFLNT are delighted to be assisting the NT Government to bring a Premiership game to Alice Springs, as Centralians are well known for their love of AFL and truly deserve this game.”

“It also goes without saying that to have Paul Roos’ Demons play last year’s Grand Finalists Fremantle here at TIO Stadium is a tremendous outcome for football in the NT. We have no doubt that both games will be exceptionally well supported by Territorians who as everyone knows, love their footy.”

Melbourne, Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs have become regular visitors to the Northern Territory since 2004, all prepared to play home games there. Other clubs to play for points over the years include Richmond, Brisbane and Carlton, whilst Essendon and Collingwood have ventured north over the years to play in the pre-season matches against the Indigenous All-Stars.

These latest matches, to be officially announced on October 28th by the AFL, will provide a huge boost for business in the Northern Territory, as well as being an enormous benefit to the game – especially for the kids who can see their idols in real life on the field and in a range of media and community activities likely to be attached to the event.

Images courtesy of AFLNT and NT News.