In-language broadcast for Top End communities returns to Sir Doug Nicholls Round in 2026 with Yolŋu Radio.
The Arnhem Land station is broadcasting into six major communities and 12 homelands, including Darwin and Palmerston, to hear the Suns host Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) in Yolŋu Matha live from TIO Stadium on Friday night before heading south to Naarm for Dreamtime at the 'G.
"This project highlights that First Nations languages and cultures are still thriving and are an intrinsic part of many people's everyday lives," Yolŋu Radio & Creative Media co-djägamirr (manager) Will Porter said.
"Aussie Rules is beloved in Arnhem Land, and Yolŋu Radio is thrilled to continue its work connecting remote communities to a national sporting moment.
"Sir Doug Nicholls Round celebrates First Nations excellence, which is exactly what people will hear when they tune into our broadcast."
Hoping behind desk and mic on Friday night are broadcasters William Gumbula and Sylvia Nulpinditj — who made history becoming the first female to broadcast Dreamtime at the 'G in-language in 2023.
Gumbula will back it up the following week with BJ Mununggurr and first-time commentator Gawukawu Denzal Gurruwiwi at the MCG.
Whether its through dance, art, music of clubs' guernseys, and language, it's blending this with footy that makes Sir Doug Nicholls round, Suns Indigenous Programs Lead, former player and Yirrganydji and Kuku Yalanji man Jarrod Harbrow said,
Yolŋu Radio's broadcast "adds that next level of connection", Harbrow said.
"Having traditional Aboriginal language spread through commentary, recording a live game of AFL football up here in the Top End is amazing," Harbrow states.
"It's able to reach so many different communities including where our players, Joel Jeffrey, Ben Long and Daniel Rioli have some connections too, and give those communities inspiration and a way to connect to football."
Based in Nhulunbuy on the eastern Top of Arnhem Land, Yolŋu Radio serves the region broadcasting into almost 20 sites.
They are 'the voice of Northeast Arnhem Land', delivering critical news and information services alongside culture, music and Rom (law).
In addition to weekly First Nations footy show 'Inside the Huddle', in partnership with NITV, and in-house production of the National Indigenous Radio Service (NIRS), AFL General Manager of First Nations and Inclusion Taryn Lee said the league is proud to be "creating more opportunities for people to experience football in their own language".
"Language plays a vital role in culture, identity and connection, and supporting its continuation remains deeply important, as well as providing a national platform for First Nations broadcasters to share the game in-language," Lee added.
The Suns are chasing at 10th-straight win at their home away from home against Yartapuulti, having gone unbeaten at the ground since 2022.
After a first half scare from St Kilda last weekend, Gold Coast responded to lodge a 29 point win.
Returning to his home town, Daniel Rioli was influential around the ground with 28 touches and a goal.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will look to respond after quiet outing, having booted three against the Giants in his second game back to AFL footy the week previous.
