In 2015, the Australia Cup (formerly FFA Cup) granted the Northern Territory participation in the preliminary rounds.
Having allocated one team for the round of 32, the knockout football contest suddenly became a national competition, going truly beyond other sporting codes.
In 2022, Mindil Aces FC are representing the Top End. Situated in Darwin, their official website states the family-oriented club is primarily run by keen volunteers.
These are proud people, conditioned to play in environments different to those on the Eastern Seaboard.
In fact, when you register online to play soccer in the Top End, you have two conflicting options. As a competing athlete, you choose between polar opposite seasons – the wet and the dry.
Currently, the Football Northern Territory website literally has the phrase “football in the dry” beamed across their screen. Meaning, if you’re thankfully participating between May to October, one might be fortune enough to miss the soaring humidity and monsoonal storms.
That’s a blessing, because Mindil Aces have been drawn to play Avondale FC in a fortnight’s time. Opening the Round of 32, 10 Play viewers will have a choice of watching one of four games to be streamed in unison.
Interestingly, none of the initial matches feature A-League teams. Moving away from the traditional midweek game, the blockbuster events have been reserved for the weekends.
Specifically, Sydney FC host Central Coast on a stand-alone Sunday night. With the thought of Socceroo hero Andrew Redmayne featuring in another penalty shoot out, Channel 10 would be hoping for an extra time ratings bonanza.
The Mindil game might appear to be a smaller spectacle, but it’s also an aspirational and commercial event, giving supporters the chance to buy a special edition jersey online.
Celebrating back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021, the Darwin club competes on Larrakia country, as stated on their Facebook page, acknowledging the land’s traditional owners.
If the Top End team can produce a “cupset” win against Avondale FC, then a historic match might beckon against an A-League powerhouse. Best of luck.
NoMates
Roar Rookie
Rather see NT teams getting more shots then TAS or ACT teams.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Interesting history of the local area. Darwin seemed like another world back then. I’m happy to read that sport drew people together, providing social camaraderie.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
when I lived in Darwin the 70s we used to play golf on sand greens. I don’t recall any football being played then, maybe it was but rugby league and afl were the main sports played in the dry and wet seasons to de-conflict. I played cricket there, but the comp stopped after Cyclone Tracy in December 1974. Rugby was the first sport re-established from memory, a few of my friends played. We played social cricket against teams like the Jabiru mine but mostly, we all joined the drinking team, always a good night out.
chris
Guest
Looking forward to seeing an NT team in the cup. Hope they have a good long run : )
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Great to see a NT team in the Australia Cup. Good luck to them.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Cheers, Grem. Andy Harper gave Mindil some great exposure during the live draw. You’re right, there’s a wealth of engaging football (at various levels), coming up soon. The Premier League games will also be a massive boost to viewer numbers. In the Australia Cup, WU play Victory in the last match of the round, which is oddly TBC. I can only assume a stadium hasn’t been agreed on yet.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Great article Brendan. I’m looking forward to all the football coming up – the Premier League teams v A League teams and The Australia Cup. We football supporters have never had it so good and you have given me good reasons to mainly watch the Mindil game first up. It’s certainly a nice area in the NT with the beach and markets as well.