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Why the Northern Territory is perfect for AFL’s 20th team
Join Tim Harcourt on Footynomics as he explores the potential of an AFL team in the Northern Territory.
Tim Harcourt explores potential AFL team in Northern Territory on Footynomics
The Northern Territory’s push for an AFL licence is being explored on Footynomics this week on Ticker, with host Professor Tim Harcourt examining whether the Top End could realistically become the league’s 20th team.
The NT has long been recognised as a powerhouse for producing elite Aussie Rules talent, with strong participation rates and a deep cultural connection to the game. Harcourt says the Territory’s football identity has been impossible to ignore for decades.
“I have always followed footy in the Territory and grew up watching so many NT stars in the SANFL and AFL so it’s exciting that the Northern Territory wants to join the national competition,” Harcourt said.
Harcourt argues the case is stronger than many assume, pointing to Tasmania’s successful bid as proof that political momentum and sporting heritage can shape expansion decisions.
While the NT lacks the population base of other contenders, its talent pipeline and grassroots engagement make it a unique candidate for AFL growth.
“The footy case is strong of course but I am interested in the economic case in terms of trade, tourism and development especially in remote communities,” Harcourt said.
“Can footy drive economic progress and social improvement? In Footynomics, we are about to find out.”
Beyond football, Harcourt also highlights the broader opportunity a team could bring, including investment tied to new infrastructure such as a potential stadium in Darwin and stronger economic links with South East Asia.
The program’s Executive Producer Phil McMartin says the conversation reflects the increasingly global nature of sport and its growing influence beyond the field.
“Sport is a global business with many dimensions impacting business, culture, politics and economics,” McMartin said.
“Ticker ensures our important sporting stories get told through informative, entertaining and engaging content as what goes on off the field matters as much as what goes on, on the field.”
However, Harcourt acknowledges major hurdles including climate, travel demands, and long-term financial sustainability.
He also raises wider policy questions, including whether federal support similar to rugby league’s PNG expansion could influence the AFL’s approach, and whether a Northern Territory team could play a symbolic role in national unity following recent political divisions.
This season of Footynomics features interviews with former AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou, former Essendon and Melbourne CEO Peter Jackson, two-time premiership player Andrew McLeod and former Seven Melbourne Managing Director Lewis Martin, as the program explores the business, economics and politics shaping Australian sport.
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