AFL

Suns have Top End quandary despite Darwin perfect 10

May 16, 2026

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was a late withdrawal on Friday night with an ankle injury. -AAP Image

The future of Gold Coast's Darwin AFL games is uncertain despite their 10-game winning streak in the Top End.

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Coach Damien Hardwick lamented the soft playing surface at TIO Stadium after Friday night's 25-point win over Port Adelaide.

They picked up three more injuries - Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was a late withdrawal after he rolled his ankle at training, while Lachie Weller (hamstring) and Will Graham (concussion) were hurt during the game.

Gold Coast have played home games in Darwin since 2022 in an agreement with the Northern Territory government and won all 10.

Hardwick lauded the project, but added they would like more home games on the Gold Coast and said his coach's box at TIO Stadium could be bigger.

"We're charged with growing the game in south-east Queensland. We also have a responsibility to grow the game up here," Hardwick said.

"Our players love coming up here. We have a large contingent of Indigenous players - possibly the most in the AFL.

"It's a fantastic ground and experience for our players - we'd also love to have some more home games in Queensland as well.

"We're fortunate to be privileged to do both. Where that ends up, I'm not too sure."

Gold Coast beat St Kilda in Darwin last weekend and Hardwick said the humid conditions, plus the playing surface, had taken its toll.

"We played eight quarters in pretty tough conditions. The ground was really, really soft.

"We were pretty dominant for three quarters and then obviously the sting of the game started to get on top of us with only the three guys on the bench. I was really proud of the boys."

Saints coach Ross Lyon called on nine games per season in Darwin, and Power coach Josh Carr said they enjoyed the trip.

"We've loved the experience and I don't see any problem with playing footy up here," said Carr.

Hardwick said Ugle-Hagan and Ben Long might be available for next week's game against North Melbourne, while Sam Clohesy will return from suspension.

A big positive for Gold Coast was the successful return from injury of Matt Rowell. With the Brownlow Medallist back, the Suns looked better in the midfield.

"We started to get our mojo back in there," Hardwick said.

Power midfielder Zak Butters shone, but fellow midfielder Jason Horne-Francis was off his best form.

"He's had a quieter couple of weeks. That's a challenge for him ... but also we can support that," Carr said.

Port also paid for their inaccuracy and Carr said they missed some "easy" goals.