Australian Football International (AFI) is pleased to confirm that the Darwin 9s will be returning to the NT in August 2027.
The Darwin 9s is an annual event on the NT sporting calendar, with teams representing their indigenous and multicultural communities.
2026 Results & Teams
Men’s Division 1: Larrakia, Tiwi, Greece, New Zealand
Men’s Division 2: Ireland, US Marines, Wadjigan, Africa
Women’s Division: Ireland, Tiwi, Darwin Buffs, New Zealand
Women’s Grand Final
Tiwi 5 d. Darwin Buffs 3
Best on Ground: Taniesha Forrest (Twi)
Division 2 Men’s Grand Final
Wadjigan 8 d. Ireland 2
Best on Ground: Raph Clarke (Wadjigan)
Division 1 Men’s Grand Final
Tiwi 9 d. Greece 4
Best on Ground: Stanley Tipiloura (Tiwi)
Champions
2026 – Tiwi (Division 1), Wadjigan (Division 2), Tiwi (Women’s Division)
2025 – Larrakia (Division 1), Timor-Leste (Division 2), St Mary’s (Women’s Division)
2024 – Larrakia (Division 1), Timor-Leste (Division 2), Darwin (Women’s Division)
2023 – Larrakia (Division 1), United Nations (Division 2), Palmerston (Women’s Division)
2022 – Larrakia (Division 1), Timor-Leste (Division 2)
2021 – Nightcliff (Men’s Division), Darwin (Women’s Division)
2027 Event Format
- One day round robin tournament
- Rugby Park, Marrara
- 9-a-side (maximum of 15 players per squad)
- 12 competing teams, representing Darwin’s multicultural & indigenous communities
- 2 x Playing Fields
- 3 Divisions – Division 1, Division 2 & Women
- Matches will commence every 40 minutes to facilitate a carnival type atmosphere
- Each match consists of 2 x 15 minute halves, plus 3 minutes for half-time
- Each team will play a minimum of 3 matches during the event
- 3 x Grand Finals – Division 1, Division 2 & Women
