This Sunday marks the first-time players of the Big Rivers Football League’s (BRFL) Roper River Division will walk out onto the field.
This Roper River competition will run over six rounds with all competing teams from remote communities spread out over a large geographical location, from Nauyiu in the Daly River region to Kalkarindji, 400kms South West of Daly Waters.
AFLNT Katherine Regional Development Manager, Gavin May said the creation of the Roper River Division is something he and the community have been working hard on over the past year.
“This new Division of the Big Rivers League is an excellent opportunity for these communities to taste playing structured football,” he said.
“It will be a steppingstone to the Big Rivers main Division for some sides, and for others it will be the chance they have been waiting for, a chance to represent their community in a footy competition.”
“There were many consultations with the involved teams to ensure being part of this Division is sustainable for these smaller communities and I’m really excited to see what happens in the grade’s first season, especially with the mix of teams who have played in the BRFL before and some who haven’t.”
Roper River matches are set to play on Sunday’s commencing this weekend when Alawa Tigers take on Nauyiu Buffaloes at the Katherine Showgrounds from 12.30pm.
The full BRFL Roper River fixture will be available in coming days with the finals series being played alongside the main Big Rivers League Men’s and Women's finals.
BRFL Roper River Division Teams:
Alawa Tigers
Another side that is returning after many years, the Alawa Tigers hail from Minyerri and will open proceedings at the Katherine Showgrounds this Sunday.
Binjari Saints
The Binjari Saints are coming into the competition for the first time, supported by the Katherine South Crocs. As the side closest to Katherine, Binjari will play most of their matches at the Showgrounds.
Jilkminggan Blues
A team returning after not playing in the BRFL for over five years. Most of their matches will be played at home or at Mataranka.
Kalkarindji
The side from Kalk is returning to the BRFL after many years of not playing and has the biggest journey out of all, travelling approximately 800km to play each week. This side plays tall and will be one of the teams to beat in this new competition.
Nauyiu Buffaloes
These men from Daly River will open the competition this Sunday at the Katherine Showgrounds. They are newcomers to the BRFL after playing in the Wadeye competition previously and also have plenty of NTFL experience. The Buffaloes will be the BRFL’s first side from the Douglas Daly region.