‘Heavy Lift’: St Kilda Coach Wants 9 Top End AFL Games a Year

After St Kilda played their first AFL game in Darwin, their coach Ross Lyon wants every team to visit the Top End each season.

Ben Long of the Suns interacts with fans following the AFL Round 9 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the St Kilda Saints at TIO Stadium in Darwin, Australia on May 9, 2026. AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Ross Lyon wants every club to play a Darwin game in a major expansion of the AFL’s northern exposure.

St Kilda’s 13.11 (89) to 8.12 (60) loss to Gold Coast on Saturday night was their first regular-season game at TIO Stadium and the Saints’ coach lauded the experience.