http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/tigers-eye-darwin-games/2009/08/19/1250362118829.html Tigers eye Darwin games
Caroline Wilson | August 20, 2009
RICHMOND has emerged as the wildcard in the AFL's foray into the Northern Territory with the Tigers confident they will contest a home game next season in Darwin.
Club president Gary March confirmed yesterday that Richmond had requested two home games over the next three years in Darwin in a three-way agreement with the AFL and the NT Government that could reap the Tigers $1 million.
While March would not elaborate it is understood that Richmond is keen to compensate for the projected home game on the Gold Coast next season that has been cancelled due to the redevelopment work due to start next month at Carrara in readiness for the Gold Coast's debut in 2011.
The Tigers have included a bid in their 2010 fixture request to play Port Adelaide in Darwin during the middle of next season over the bye fortnight in a bid to hold a community camp in the Northern Territory and continue to develop the club's indigenous links.
The Western Bulldogs have also requested a home game in Darwin but rejected Canberra as a home venue for 2010, instead requesting a home game to be played at Geelong's Skilled Stadium.
Melbourne had originally been earmarked to sell a game to the Northern Territory and is also expected to play again in Canberra.
Meanwhile, Carlton confirmed last night it would not look at selling a game outside Victoria next season. The Blues made $400,000 from this year's ''home'' clash against Fremantle at Carrara but performed poorly.
Although Carlton remains keen to extricate itself from Etihad Stadium next season, it remains bound by an AFL contract with the venue to play six home games there.