Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed support for the Northern Territory’s push to secure a future AFL team, saying he would like to see the Territory represented in Australia’s national football competition.
The Prime Minister made the comments while visiting the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory, where he attended the Tiwi Cultural Festival and football grand final. The visit marked the first time a sitting Australian prime minister had attended a Tiwi Islands football league grand final.
Speaking about the possibility of an NT-based AFL club, Mr Albanese said the Northern Territory had a strong football tradition and had produced many talented players who had gone on to succeed at the highest level. However, he said the creation of a team was still some time away and would require ongoing discussions with the AFL.
The Prime Minister stopped short of promising government funding for the proposed team. When asked whether the Commonwealth would financially support an NT AFL club in a similar way to other major sporting investments, he said any future proposal from the AFL would be considered, but the AFL itself would make the final decisions about expansion.
The Northern Territory has been campaigning for an AFL licence as the competition considers future expansion. A local taskforce has been working on a business case to demonstrate the economic and community benefits of establishing a Territory-based team.
Northern Land Council chair Matt Ryan welcomed the Prime Minister’s comments, saying an AFL team could deliver major social benefits for communities across the Territory. He said the NT had significant football talent and that local organisations should work together to help make the proposal successful.
Supporters of an NT team believe it could create opportunities for young Indigenous athletes, strengthen community connections and provide a pathway for emerging footballers. The Territory has produced many Indigenous AFL stars, and advocates argue a local club could help develop future generations of players.
A business case released previously suggested that an AFL team could provide economic benefits for the Northern Territory and recommended investment in major sporting infrastructure, including a potential new stadium in Darwin.
However, establishing a new AFL club would involve significant challenges, including population size, travel requirements, player recruitment, financial sustainability and stadium infrastructure. The AFL has previously indicated that any future expansion would require careful planning.
The Northern Territory’s push comes as the AFL prepares for Tasmania’s entry into the competition in 2028, which will bring the league to 19 teams. Discussion about a possible 20th team has increased interest from regions hoping to secure the next licence opportunity.
For many Territorians, an AFL team represents more than just sport. Supporters say it could become a symbol of Territory identity and provide new opportunities for communities across northern Australia.
While there is no confirmed timeline for an NT AFL team, the Prime Minister’s comments have provided renewed momentum for the campaign.
