After a review of the 2009/10 season, AFLNT is pleased to announce that the NTFL competition has experienced remarkable growth for the second year in succession due to record attendances and positive results on all financial indicators including corporate sales.

"We are extremely pleased, given that last year was a record year for us in the NTFL that we have continued to exceed expectations and grow the competition," said AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley.

"I have now experienced five seasons of NTFL football, and have witnessed three different clubs win the premiership and coupled with the advent of the Tiwi Bombers, I have seen the NTFL competition go from strength to strength.

For the past five years AFLNT has seen steady growth in crowd numbers from 2006/07 with 54,171 passing through the gates at TIO Stadium during the home and away season to 2009/10 which saw 61,000 loyal patrons attending NTFL fixtures.

"AFLNT have placed a lot of emphasis on creating a family friendly atmosphere, with on-field reports being down on previous years and off field incidents being few and far between," said Frawley. "We need to continue our vision of making AFL inviting, accessible and affordable to all."

"With the introduction of the NT Thunder we were concerned that with marquee players being taken from the competition NTFL attendances would suffer, but this was proven not to be the case,"

"AFLNT also congratulate the eight NTFL clubs for their professionalism in dealing with the NT Thunder and player movement rules and the various teething issues we have had in our first season under the new system. We accept there are still some issues but over time we aim to resolve these to ensure the success and viability of the NTFL and the NT Thunder."

AFLNT were also extremely pleased with the TIO NTFL Grand Final, again smashing the previous year’s record attendances. In 2009, 8000 passed through the gates but 2010 saw 9500 attend the Grand Final.

"We place this down to our scheduling placing an emphasis on junior matches in the lead up to the main game as well as the night time scheduling which seems to be a resounding success,"

Frawley is excited about the proposed three tier competition (TEAFA Merger) planned for the 2010/11 season, which will ultimately benefit football in the region and provide a better structure for sustainability of the competition.

"We make no secret that we want 10 NTFL teams in the competition in the next few years and AFLNT are accepting an Under 18 team from Katherine in 2010/11 and junior teams from the Tracey Village Football Club."

FACILITY UPGRADES NEARING COMPLETION

The facility upgrades at TIO Stadium are nearing completion with the first phase of works completed with AFLNT staff now housed in new more functional offices.

"We are extremely pleased with our new accommodation, now we will be able to integrate our functions more effectively and operate with more efficiency," said Frawley.

"With sport moving in a new professional direction our offices will allow for us operate in a more professional way, allowing us to continue to drive participation and manage the numerous affiliate leagues and remote projects we have in the Northern Territory."

A second office is currently being worked on which will house the AFLNT Football Operations department enabling all the clubs easy and direct access to all AFLNT staff at all times. This work is due to be completed by the middle of May.

Work on the new lighting on TIO Oval 2 has commenced, with the cement footings being poured and underground cabling currently being completed.

"The lights are due for completion by early June. This is going to create enormous flexibility for our NTFL fixtures and will ensure that teams will not be playing in extreme heat conditions,"

Further facility upgrades at TIO Stadium include a new public address system (Completion by June) as well as a new permanent corporate facility to be completed by the mid-May.

"The new sound system and corporate facility will allow for a better match day experience for all patrons who attend events at the stadium."

"AFLNT are extremely appreciative of the support of the AFL, Northern Territory Government and major partner TIO for their commitment to developing stadia and ensuring that TIO Stadium remains the premier sporting facility in the Northern Territory."