The Essendon Football Club is thrilled to announce that round three of the 2026 NAB AFLW season will host the third annual Dreamtime match against Richmond in the Northern Territory.

TIO Stadium will once again host the marquee clash as part of the league’s Indigenous Round, with Essendon returning to Darwin after two hugely successful years that have seen local communities embrace the occasion and pack the stands.

For the Bombers, the fixture continues to build on the Club’s deep connection with the Northern Territory and its proud Dreamtime history against Richmond in the AFL, with that tradition now firmly established in the AFLW competition.

Essendon’s AFLW program has embraced the opportunity to take elite women’s football to the Top End, while continuing to strengthen meaningful relationships with local communities through the Dreamtime occasion.

Essendon CEO Tim Roberts said the Club was proud to once again be part of such a significant occasion for the game and broader Northern Territory community.

“We’re incredibly excited to return to Darwin for the 2026 NAB AFLW Dreamtime match and to continue building on what has become a really special fixture for our Club, players and the community,” Roberts said.

“Dreamtime in Darwin has become a significant occasion, and we feel privileged to play a role in celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on such an important stage. The connection between Essendon and the Northern Territory is extremely important to our Club, so to return for a third consecutive year is very special to us.

"The atmosphere at TIO Stadium over the past two years has been amazing, and it’s fantastic to see the community embrace the match with so much passion. Our program has loved the opportunity to engage with the local community, as we understand how much the match means to people in the Territory.

“The players and staff are pumped to once again be bringing elite women’s football to Darwin for the third consecutive year, and they can’t wait to put on an exciting match against Richmond at TIO Stadium.”

Head of AFL Northern Territory Sam Gibson said the return of the match for a third year highlights its growing significance.

“As NAB AFLW Dreamtime returns to Darwin for a third consecutive year, it’s clear this match has become a meaningful and anticipated event on the Territory’s event calendar,” Gibson said.

“It’s more than just a game - it’s a celebration of culture, identity and community, and something we’re incredibly proud to host.

“The support from the local community over the past two years has been outstanding, and we look forward to building on that again in 2026.”

Further details, including ticketing and associated community events, will be announced in the coming months.