The AFL is set to return to the Northern Territory in 2021, with the Round 19 clash between the Suns and Demons set to take place in Darwin.
The league confirmed the fixture venture on Saturday, with Gold Coast hosting Melbourne at TIO Stadium on Saturday, July 24.
The match will be the first in the Northern Territory this season after two matches were forced to be moved interstate due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 virus.
In a statement released by the league, AFL Executive General Manager Clubs and Broadcasting Travis Auld stated his excitement to have football return to Darwin following the past challenges of this year.
“After disappointingly having to postpone our matches in the Territory earlier this year, it is fantastic for the community in Darwin to be able to host a game this season, one that I know the locals will be very excited to be able to attend.” Mr Auld said.
“On behalf of the AFL, I thank our two clubs – the Gold Coast Suns and the Melbourne Football Club – for their continued commitment to the Northern Territory, the NT Government and our broadcast partner Channel 7 for helping make this happen.”
The match will see premiership contenders in Melbourne face the rising Suns, who will be looking to snap an eight-game losing run against the Demons.
That spell dates back to 2014, where the Suns' last victory over the red and blue came.