AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) is pleased to release an exciting 2020 Big Rivers Football League (BRFL) fixture, with the reigning premiers the Katherine Camels facing the Northern Warlpiri Swans in the season opener at 6:30pm this Friday.
Three additional teams have entered the competition with the Arnhem Crows (Barunga) becoming the first remote female team to compete in regular NT community football in an urban area after entering their team into the competition.
The Tindal Magpies return to the women's division after having a year away.
On the men's side, the Ngukurr Bulldogs return to the men’s competition after four seasons away. They are ready to make a mark after winning the 2019 Quitline Regional Challenge in Darwin last October.
Both the men's and women's fixtures are 10 regular rounds plus three weekends of finals, culminating in grand final glory on Saturday 19 September.
Dates and times for the matches in Round 6 and beyond will be released in due course pending feedback from league officials, clubs and spectators.
View the 2020 BRFL men's fixture here (PDF)
View the 2020 BRFL women's fixture here (PDF)
In other highlights ahead for the 2020 BRFL season; the Northern Warlpiri Swans will host an inaugural home match under lights on the iconic red dirt oval when the Swans men come up against the Arnhem Crows in Round 3. It's an occasion that is sure to get the community of Lajamanu excited.
Barunga will also be a hive of activity throughout the season when it entertains three men's and two women's Arnhem Crows home games.
Kalano will also play host to some home games after missing out in recent seasons, while Jilkminggan (approximately 146kms from Katherine) will be utilised for two of Ngukurr’s home games.
Round 3 is being earmarked as Umpires Round with a chance for the community to say thank you to the men and women in green, while Round 9 will help spread a positive community message with the NO MORE Round.
AFLNT Regional Development Manager for Katherine, Gavin May said he looked forward to a big season.
"It is fantastic to have the BRFL back up and running post the COVID-19 community footy shutdown.
"I think both the men’s and the women’s competition will be a tough contest this season with the talent of the Big Rivers region gaining a boost from many Darwin-based players who will not be travelling down south this year.
"I cannot wait to get Round 1 underway this Friday night and to welcome the community back to footy," he said.
Entry to the 2020 BRFL is as follows:
$7 for adults
$2 for children aged 15 years and under
Free for children aged 3 years and under