AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley says he is delighted with the way the NTFL has grown in the last twelve months.
Mr Frawley highlighted success in a number of areas including the expansion of the Youth Girls competition, the inclusion of Wadeye Magic on a ten-game Division One trial and the ever increasing number of junior teams across all clubs.
Mr Frawley also attributed the growth to the excitement generated by the re-emergence of traditional powerhouse Nightcliff at senior and junior level, the red hot form of defending Premier League champions Wanderers since the Christmas break and the high standard of competition in Division One and Two.
"Attendances across the board have increased on last year and we have surpassed our budget and increased revenue through the use of kiosks, public bars and corporate boxes", said Mr Frawley.
"Our research tells us that an overwhelming number of people enjoy the experience TIO Stadium provides and when you consider that it was out of action for the first four weeks of the NTFL season these are excellent results."
"The increased number of junior teams participating, particularly here in Darwin, has meant we had to review our service of alcohol program to create a more family friendly atmosphere",
"This has led to far fewer incidents and encouraged families to stay longer and enjoy a great day at the footy."
Mr Frawley acknowledges that there is still work ahead of AFLNT to continue growing the game across the Territory but believes that the future is very bright.
‘As part of our strategic plan we have a responsibility to continue growing and developing the game in the Top End,"
"We want to continue expanding the women’s competitions, have a second team in Palmerston by 2015, work with the Palmerston Magpies to ensure the consolidation of Cazaly’s Oval, put more time and resources into our multicultural strategies and appoint full-time Club Development Managers at each of the eight Premier League clubs before the 2012-13 NTFL season",
"This is a challenging agenda but one that will provide our clubs with positive outcomes and growth well into the future."
With the first week of the TIO ‘Seatbelts Save Lives’ NTFL Finals Series kicking off on Saturday, Mr Frawley said he was looking forward to some great contests.
"The beauty of this year’s finals series, particularly in the Premier League, is that any of the teams in the top five have a great chance of winning the premiership," Mr Frawley said excitedly.
"Our staff are well under way with Grand Final day preparations to ensure that it remains as the marquee event on the Territory sporting calendar,"
"With the return of some traditional powerhouses and rivalries we are confident that the Grand Final attendance will surpass that of last year creating a great atmosphere".
Week One of the Premier League finals gets underway at TIO Stadium on Saturday from 4pm with Wanderers taking on Waratah in the Elimination Final, before the Tiwi Bombers go head-to-head with St Marys in the Qualifying Final at 6:30pm for the right to play Nightcliff in the Second Semi Final.
ENDS...
For further enquiries please contact:
Josh Sampson
AFLNT Commercial Operations Coordinator
(08) 8980 4813
0438 714 897