Essendon and Richmond are excited to announce both clubs will head to the Northern Territory for the 2024 AFLW Dreamtime Game.

TIO Stadium, Darwin will host the clash on Saturday, October 26 from 6:45pm (local time).

Over the past two decades, the Essendon and Richmond Football Clubs have built one of the most powerful celebrations and recognition of Indigenous cultures through the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G match.

Now, their AFLW teams are forging their own chapter when they face each other at TIO Stadium in Darwin during the league's Indigenous Round, making the 2024 AFLW Dreamtime Game the first one to be held outside of Victoria.

The Northern Territory has seen momentous growth in women and girls' participation, with females making up 37.8 per cent of the participants, significantly higher than the national average of 19.9 per cent.

Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo said the game will further enhance the Bombers' connection to the Northern Territory.

"The Tiwi Islands and Darwin regions are extremely special to Essendon, and we are thrilled to be taking on Richmond at TIO Stadium in our 2024 Dreamtime Game," Vozzo said.

"The club has a strong and long-standing connection to the Northern Territory, and this is a significant step in us continuing to help strengthen and support football in the state.

"Football in the Northern Territory is more than just a game. It has a flow-on effect throughout all areas of the community, from health and welfare to school attendance and social issues. If we can further enhance the impact football has on the participants throughout the Northern Territory and increase the access and support females receive, it will have a longstanding effect on the communities. 

"We look forward to bringing AFLW to Darwin and taking on Richmond in the third AFLW Dreamtime Game."

Essendon and Richmond will come together with the Northern Territory Government, the AFL and local community groups for the 2024 Dreamtime Game to celebrate football in the Territory and highlight the importance of women's football.

Eva Lawler, Chief Minister of Northern Territory highlighted the importance of sport in the community.

“Hosting games like the AFLW Dreamtime match is not only great for sport in the Territory, but also for our economy and to show the NT as tourism destination to a southern television audience,” Lawley said.

“The Northern Territory is home to the largest population of the oldest continuous cultures on the planet and this Dreamtime match will play an important role in celebrating this rich cultural heritage.

“I have no doubt this game will sell out fast and provide a great spectacle to inspire another generation of girls to get involved in footy.”

With a strong connection to the Northern Territory, specifically the Tiwi Islands, Essendon is excited to bring the iconic game to Darwin.

As one of their Next Generation Academy zones, the Bombers have supported the Tiwi Islands for the past 16 years, providing pathways for AFL hopefuls, sponsoring the Tiwi Bombers and helping to improve community social outcomes. 

Earlier this year, AFLW Senior Coach Natalie Wood, alongside Co-Captains Bonnie Toogood and Steph Cain, visited Darwin and the Tiwi Islands as part of the Bombers’ VFL/ VFLW visit, where they joined forces with the Tiwi Bombers to take on the NTFL representative sides.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon thanked the Northern Territory Government and both clubs for the initiative.

“Dreamtime at the ‘G is always a special occasion on the AFL calendar, so to now have the Essendon and Richmond AFLW teams continue that tradition and celebrate AFLW Indigenous Round in the Top End is a fantastic initiative, and I’m sure will be a great event for the clubs and the community,” Dillon said.

“I would like to thank the Northern Territory Government for their support of the match which I have no doubt will be a great celebration for both teams and local fans.”

Chairman of AFL Northern Territory Sean Bowden said the AFLW Dreamtime Game will further enhance the enthusiasm for football in the Northern Territory.

"In 2020, Darwin captured national attention with the men's Dreamtime game, delivering a truly remarkable spectacle,” Bowden said.

“Today, almost 40 per cent of registered football players in the NT are women and girls, double the national average. The passion our female footballers show here truly highlights their love for the game, and this Dreamtime Game will spread that enthusiasm across Australia. First and foremost, the game is recognition of that passion and love of the game.

“The continued investment and support from the Northern Territory Government has been a pivotal role in enhancing football in the NT, serving as a catalyst for deeper engagement and participation across the Territory.”

The Hon Kate Worden, Minister for Sport in Northern Territory Government emphasised the impact of this game in the region.

“The Northern Territory has the highest participation rates per capita of women in AFL and this match will provide the opportunity to showcase the Territory’s passion for AFLW on the national stage,” Worden said.

“Hosting this game builds on the work of the AFL Taskforce and allows the Territory to demonstrate we can host major sporting events.

“The Territory has produced some of the best Indigenous footballer to play the game. It is fitting the Dreamtime game will return to Darwin.”