The Gold Coast Suns slipped past a rampant Bulldogs in a nail-biter on Larrakia Country on Saturday night, adding just another element to what was already a special night.
For three Suns it was a happy homecoming at TIO Stadium, seeing out Sir Doug Nicholls Round in the Top End 13.6 (84) to 11.11 (77).
The 9,000-person crowd felt like 90,000 in a footy-mad community making the most of AFL football coming to town.
After the fast-starting Dogs put on three goals early, Gold Coast felt their way into the game, trailing by two points at the first break before leading at every other change.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was nearly the hero, kicking three majors, each at crucial times as the Bulldogs either capitalised on momentum or looked to stage a comeback.
Marra was energetic in the steamy conditions, dominating in the air with nine marks.
His performance could have been all the more potent if not for wayward handful of shots on goal.
The pressure on this tackle from Marra 😤
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) May 27, 2023
Liam Jones was safe as houses down back, allowing plenty of space between himself and his opponent to come at marking contests and mopping up loose kicks coming to the Dogs' back fifty.
Jones finished with 10 marks as the last line of defence, and provided penetration up in his side's attacking when getting the footy further up the ground.
The Gold Coast, used to a warmer climate on their home deck, looked to have a little more gas in the tank over a Bulldogs outfit coming into the match with five wins on the trot, though their spirited fightback wasn't quite enough to steal a win.
Darwin boy Joel Jeffrey soaked up the moment.
"Playing Junior footy here it was my favourite oval to come to," Jeffrey told National Indigenous Times after the match.
"Last year I finally got the opportunity to play an AFL game (here)...to come back and play in front of family and friends was an unreal experience and a dream come true."
The 21-year-old asked for 30 tickets to be organised for loved ones through the week.
Each and every one turned up, and then some, to watch their boy play.
"I've been pretty busy taking photos. So it brings a lot of joy and happiness to my face. And this is why I do it - for them," Jeffrey said.
Fellow hometown boy Ben Long said it was nice to get the rewards in the "Territory battle".
The 25-year-old crossed over from St Kilda ahead of the 2023 season, eyeing the opportunity to get back up north at the highest level.
"Getting to play in Darwin was a massive part of why I requested to come here, the club plys two games up here every year and that's something special for us Territory mob," he told NT News earlier in the week.
In his early days, Long plied his trade with the iconic St Mary's Football Club, and his family ties to some of the games' greats stretches far.
Long's family includes the likes of Michael Long and Cyril, Daniel and Maurice Rioil.
He said it was a "special night" to play on Larrakia Country.
"Obviously grew up here, grass roots for St Mary's, and hadn't played back here in a long time. It was a special night to be here in front of friends and family and to get a win," Long said.
"I've seen a few faces, my uncle Mick (Michael Long) and Magic McClean (Footscray and Brisbane Bears champion Michael McLean). There's a few around and it's good to see them down in the footy and you know (I'm) playing for them as well."
The Suns took a convoy of Territory mob up to Darwin for the fortnight - Malcolm Rosas also returning home for their fortnight north.
Next week Adelaide travel to TIO Stadium to face Gold Coast in round 12.
