Alice Springs will again host an NT Thunder game in 2017 when the team takes on the Southport Sharks at 4:30pm on Saturday 24 June, 2017 in Round 13 NEAFL action.

The twilight fixture will follow and precede two Central Australia Football League (CAFL) senior division games, making it a ‘Super Saturday’ of footy in the Red Centre.

NT Thunder last played Southport at TIO Traeger Park in 2015 when the Territory team made an exciting last quarter comeback to win by 18 points in their premiership year.

AFL Northern Territory CEO Michael Solomon said it was thanks to the support of the Northern Territory Government that the fixture could be adjusted.

“We are very excited to play in Alice Springs and we thank the NT Government, the NEAFL and Alice Springs Town Council for their collaboration to make this possible.

“Our Central Australian fans are an important part of the fabric of NT Thunder and our community and we value their ongoing support when we play in Alice Springs,” Solomon said.

Minister for Tourism and Culture Lauren Moss said the match against Southport would be a great spectacle for Central Australia.

“The Territory Labor Government is extremely proud to be a foundation sponsor of the NT Thunder and I look forward to seeing them in action in the Red Centre,” Ms Moss said.

“Upon hearing that Alice Springs would not receive a NEAFL match in 2017, I requested AFLNT reinstate the match to ensure the NT Thunder stays a ‘Territory team’.

“I now urge all sport fans in Central Australia to get out and support the NT Thunder on 24 June.”

Further details of the match and CAFL fixture will be released in due course.