AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley will announce AFLNT's strategic vision for the next five years, on Wednesday evening at the Holiday Inn, Esplanade.
All AFL stakeholders have been invited to attend and the proceedings commence at 5:30 with an opening speech by Territory icon Ted Egan who will speak about the historical significance of AFL football in the NT and where football has come from to get to it's current position of the Territory’s number one and most important sporting code.
At 6pm Tony Frawley will announce details of AFLNT's exciting five year strategy 'The Pathway to Excellence'.
Following on from the announcement of the strategy plan, Olympic Marathon Runner, Steve Moneghetti will speak at 6:30 on a broad range of subjects that are pertinent to the further development of successful sporting structures in the NT.
The announcement is a key point in an important week for AFLNT as a number of professional development workshops are being held for all AFLNT staff and the organisation has posted a satisfying $33,000 surplus for the last financial year which is a consolidated figure for AFLNT and NT Thunder.
“AFLNT has just finished what has been a very successful funding term and are about to embark on a new funding cycle in line with the AFL’s new TV rights deal,” said Frawley.
“This will see a continued focus on creating new remote leagues and maintaining our existing structures to provide better pathways for all footballers across the NT.”
What: The Pathway to Excellence
When: 5:00pm, Wednesday 29th November, 2011
Where: Reflections Room, Ground Floor, Holiday Inn Esplanade
Media attending please contact Brad Stewart – 0437 962 161 and arrive 15 minutes prior to allow for camera placements.
1) FIFO Players -
The number of Fly-In-Fly-Out players currently playing for NTFL clubs was flagged as potentially hampering the development of local players, however it was agreed by all that although there are a significant number of FIFO players playing for a number of NTFL clubs there are no talented local players missing out therefore at present FIFO players are not adversely impacting the local league.
The 25 game rule was discussed at length and input was received from each NTFL club president. AFLNT will now review the 25 game rule particularly the impact the rule has had on the NT Thunder program since it's inception and any impact on the local league over the past three seasons.
The review of the 25 game rule will incorporate a consultation process between AFLNT/NTFC and the board of NT Thunder which is an independent entity. Consultations will also take place with NT Thunder and NTFL coaching staff at both senior and junior levels, but more importantly each contracted NT Thunder player and a number of ex NT Thunder players will be consulted as it is critical that the players provide input into the consultative process.
The draft rule whereby NT Thunder players wishing to play for an NTFL club but who have previously not been registered with an NTFL club was also discussed. To date the draft rule has not been activated therefore this rule will also be reviewed by both AFLNT and the NT Thunder.
Frawley has noted the increased interest in the ‘25 Game Rule’ and recognises the need for a full scale review.
“As it stands the 25 game rule permits players to play 25 games & NTFL finals in the calendar year from 1st of April until the 31st of March. If there is an amendment to the rule the single most important considerations are that NT Thunder retain the opportunity to progress young players through the pathway that has been created and keeping the NTFL strong.”
“It must be noted that NT Thunder now competes in the NEAFL, a very competitive league which includes 4 AFL clubs reserve sides,”
“The AFLNT board who are responsible for the player movement rules will be provided with all relevant documented research pertaining to the 25 game rule at it's April board meeting for their consideration,” said Frawley.