The 2019 Gove Australian Football League (GAFL) season starts this Saturday 27 April with exciting news welcoming Gapuwiyak back into the league to take the total number of men’s teams from four to five.
Gapuwiyak has re-established itself after a one year hiatus and had a solid pre-season hit out against Djarrak going down by just three points.
The Gapuwiyak community will see their first home game on 18 May when Djarrak will make the 220km trek inland for the Round 4 clash.
The 2019 men’s competition will run over 16 weeks with a three-week finals series culminating with grand final day on Saturday 31 August.
Round 1 sees Djarrak take on reigning premiers Nguykal at Hindle 2 Oval in Nhulunbuy, followed by Gopu vs Baywara in an action-packed afternoon of football.
The women’s competition will start a month later with nine home and away rounds and three weeks of finals, finishing on the same grand final date as the men.
Four teams have formed full squads for 2019 including Baywara Saints, Djarrak, Gopu and last season’s premiers, Nguykal.
The 2019 competition will see the introduction of the new AFL community rules along with the formation of an independent tribunal panel, whereby all reportable incidents and tribunal hearings will be conducted by individuals who aren’t linked to any team in the competition.
AFLNT Regional Development Manager for Gove, Andrew Wainwright said the 2019 GAFL season was shaping up to be fresh and exciting.
“It’s really pleasing to have Gapuwiyak back in the men’s competition to increase the number of teams and members of that community have done a lot of great work to ensure they’re competitive.
“Our women’s competition goes from strength to strength and the Baywara Saints will field players from Birritjimi-Wallaby Beach to join players located in town in another new initiative.
“The GAFL, like most community leagues, needs volunteer support to run effectively so if anyone is interested in being involved and assisting in any way please don’t hesitate to contact me,” said Wainwright
The 2019 GAFL men’s competition fixture can be found HERE while the women’s competition fixture will be released as soon as it is finalised.