If that's true then you'd think it's a part of a greater exit strategy for us. I suspect the club always knew we were going to start contending around 2025-26 and that would coincide with our Darwin contract expiring. Ideally, we'd keep playing one game a year in Darwin, most likely in Indigenous Round, but as an away team against the likes of North Melbourne. That would be best. That way we get two of our home games back at PFS and give Gold Coasters greater opportunities to watch their team playing exciting, high level footy.
Playing games in Darwin has certainly contributed significantly to our ability to recruit. I'm sure Long and Rioli were more inclined to play for us because they knew they were going to get the opportunity to play in their hometown of Darwin and their delight was pretty obvious over the last fortnight. I hope we can keep building on that NT link because it's going to pay dividends for us later down the track, but I wouldn't want it to be at the expense of growing the game on the GC while we're a genuine premiership contending team.
I’m heading over to the blues board for some late night entertainment
