Darwin will once again host one of the AFLW season's marquee fixtures in 2026, with the annual Dreamtime clash between Richmond and Essendon locked in for a third consecutive year.

The match will be played at TIO Stadium in Round 3, forming part of the opening week of the competition's Indigenous Round celebrations.

The 'Dreamtime in Darwin' fixture has quickly become one of the AFLW calendar's standout events.

Its return continues a strong connection between Darwin and the Dreamtime game, which dates back to 2020 when the AFL's annual Dreamtime at the 'G blockbuster was temporarily relocated to TIO Stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

That match sold out almost immediately and highlighted the Territory's appetite for major football events.

Since Essendon joined the AFLW competition in 2022, the Bombers and Tigers' women's' teams have built their own Dreamtime tradition in Darwin.

Last year's clash attracted close to 6,000 fans to TIO Stadium and drew more than 1,000 interstate visitors, while previous matches have also delivered plenty of drama, including a draw in 2024.

AFL Northern Territory head Sam Gibson said the match had become a meaningful event for the Territory.

"As NAB AFLW Dreamtime returns to Darwin for a third consecutive year, it's clear this match has become a meaningful and anticipated event on the football calendar," Gibson said.

"It's more than just a game - it's a celebration of culture, identity and community, and something the Northern Territory is incredibly proud to host.

"The support from the local community over the past two years has been outstanding, and we look forward to building on that again in 2026."

The fixture also continues to shine a spotlight on women's football in the Territory, where AFLNT says more than 40 per cent of participants identify as female - more than double the national average.

Essendon chief executive Tim Roberts said the club was eager to return to Darwin for another Dreamtime clash.

"Dreamtime in Darwin has become a significant occasion, and we feel privileged to play a role in celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on such an important stage," Roberts said.

"The connection between Essendon and the Northern Territory is extremely important to our Club, so to return for a third consecutive year is very special to us."

Richmond CEO Shane Dunne said the match had quickly grown into an important occasion for the AFLW competition.

"This game has quickly established itself as a great celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and contribution to the game," Dunne said.

"I know how much the game means to our playing group and they can't wait to connect with the local community again.

"It is a highlight of the AFLW fixture."

Northern Territory ministers also welcomed the announcement, pointing to the economic and tourism benefits that major sporting events continue to bring to the region.

Further details on the match date, ticketing and community events are expected to be announced in the coming months.