Triple AFL premiership player Daniel Rioli has thrown his support behind a proposal to build a 25,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium in Darwin's CBD.

It comes after AFL Northern Territory – in collaboration with Stadiums North Australia and Larrakia Development Corporation – announced the release of the Darwin City Stadium Plan for public consultation late last week.

The proposal outlines potential locations for a stadium and highlights the long-term benefits for all sporting codes and the wider community.

It promises to collaborate with stakeholders, particularly Larrakia people, to ensure the final outcome aligns with the local community and sporting bodies.

Rioli said a new stadium would do wonders for the development of Australian football in the Northern Territory.

"Anything that helps grow the game and grow Territory footy is a win in my eyes," Rioli said, the NT News reports.

"It would be amazing for the next generation of Territory talent to have access to a new stadium right in the middle of Darwin.

"I can remember having the chance to play on TIO Stadium growing up and it definitely motivates you to play better when you are in a big stadium.

"It's not something a lot of other kids around the country get to experience very often, so it would be a great advantage for NT players to have a stadium like that to help improve and develop more players."

Rioli said he can't wait to return to the Top End to represent the Gold Coast Suns in their home games against Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn.

"I can't wait to head up to Darwin later in the season and play at TIO in front of friends and family again," he said.

"It was such a special moment for me last time I played at TIO and I am itching to get back out there and help the Suns win while representing my hometown in Round 9."

The stadium plan's release builds on AFLNT's Strategic Business Plan from May 2024, which highlighted the necessity of a stadium as a crucial step toward securing an AFL team for the Territory.

Mark Motlop from Larrakia Development Corporation said that maintaining the integrity of Larrakia cultural values is fundamental to this process.

"We are committed to working closely with AFLNT and Stadiums North Australia to ensure that any developments in our land respect our principles, traditions, and the needs of the broader community," he said.

"We look forward to continuing the consultation and playing an active role in the future of this project."

AFLNT chairman Sean Bowden said the proposed new stadium will be built with a strong focus on Larrakia cultural representation and ownership.

"We will ensure that Larrakia people's voice will be central in the decision-making process," he said.

"Larrakia design principles will be reflected in the stadium's design, and we hope that the Larrakia will have a significant stake in its ownership."

Bowden said the new stadium would transform the Territory's landscape and position the region as a contender for the AFL's 20th licence.

"A state-of-the-art stadium within a new development precinct will enhance the liveability of the Territory and be part of how we project ourselves to the rest of Australia and the world," he said.

"The stadium will anchor the opportunity to bid for a 20th licence in the AFL should that opportunity arise".