AFL Northern Territory wishes to advise that contrary to some media reports and general speculation, the TIO NTFL ‘Seatbelts Save Lives’ Grand Final will be going ahead as scheduled, beginning with the Under 14 Gunderson Grand Final at 8am Saturday 17 March.
The latest forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology issued at 5am CST this morning is for monsoonal showers to continue until Saturday with an estimated maximum on the day of 30 degrees.
AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley said this morning that despite the heavy rainfall and windy conditions, AFLNT staff are finalizing the venue ahead of Saturday’s Grand Final.
"In light of the recent weather forecasts, we have taken every possible measure to ensure that Grand Final day will go ahead and have had contingency plans in the event of a likely cyclone in place for some time", said Frawley.
"Our facility team is working very hard to ensure that both surfaces at TIO Stadium will be in a playable condition and despite the recent heavy rainfall the drainage systems built in to the surfaces are coping better than expected",
"Club and patron safety on the day is of the highest importance to AFLNT and I know that staff working on Saturday are fully prepared to deal with any issues in this area".
Frawley added that AFLNT was sympathetic to some concerns that the Tiwi Bombers Grand Final side and supporters may not have been able to travel from Bathurst Island for training and the match.
"We fully understand the concerns expressed by people regarding the Tiwi Bombers team, officials and supporters travelling from the islands," Frawley said.
"Rest assured that AFLNT has also put contingencies in place for this and we are currently working with the Tiwi Bombers Football Club to ensure that the transition to Darwin for all concerned is as smooth as possible".
Patrons attending the Grand Final on Saturday are advised that despite the conditions forecast, TIO Stadium can house approximately 6,000 people in fully covered seats and standing areas at any one time with additional covered seating areas being set up around the ground ready for the day.
In light of this statement being released, AFLNT will be making no further comment on this issue.