The Gold Coast SUNS Round 19 fixture against Melbourne will not take place in Darwin on Saturday July 24. 

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 environment throughout the country, the Northern Territory Government has closed its borders to Sydney and Melbourne.

Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said the club had worked tirelessly to try and ensure the game could go ahead.

“We’ve worked extremely hard with the Northern Territory Government to chase down every possible scenario to help the fixture take place,” Evans said.

“Our partnership with the Territory means a lot to us, we will continue to strive to promote the game in the Top End both on and off the field.

“There’s still a few rounds left until the end of the season and we’ll continue to work with the AFL and the Northern Territory government to bring footy to our fans in the region.”

The Gold Coast SUNS currently have three Territorians on their AFL and AFLW lists.

In the past 18 months the club has helped drive participation in Auskick & Junior Football programs in Darwin, whilst establishing a pathway for talented AFL and AFLW Juniors to the elite level as part of a four-year partnership with the Northern Territory Government and AFL Northern Territory.