Following on from a record year for attendances and participation in the 2009/10 season the merger of the NTFL and TEAFA leagues into a new and exciting three division format is proving to be a wildly successful concept, far exceeding the expectations of AFLNT.
INNOVATIVE MERGED FORMAT SEES TIO NTFL GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
Halfway through the season and the TIO NTFL Premier League is the most even and open it has been for many years, with the Tiwi Bombers, St Marys and the rejuvenated Wanderers playing exceptional football and looking good for a top three finish, whilst Southern Districts, Waratah, Palmerston and Darwin are all staking a strong claim for a spot in the five.
The history rich Darwin Buffaloes are gaining momentum after a quiet few years and although Nightcliff Tigers have yet to get a win, the outstanding junior structure and addition of a women’s team at the club bodes well for the future.
An extremely competitive Division 1 has provided an opportunity to settle the old ‘TEAFA A Grade v NTFL B grade’ argument as former TEAFA club Banks sits proudly atop the ladder with PINTS and Tracy Village also in the six.
In Division 2, the Jabiru Bombers are unbeaten, a remarkable turnaround for the club and with the addition of a Palmerston Magpies side and very little separating perennial powerhouse teams Olympic, Banks and PINTS, Division 2 is shaping up to be the toughest division to win.
The addition of lights at TIO Oval 2 has seen more night games played and the move has proved popular with clubs in all divisions, with ‘Friday Night Footy’ on TIO Oval 2 quickly becoming an institution.
In a move sure to be popular with long time Territory footy fans, the spiritual home of NT Footy, Garden’s Oval, has TIO NTFL Premier League games scheduled for rounds 15 and 16.
Most clubs have reported excellent junior participation figures and the employment of a Female Development Manager by AFLNT has enabled ladies footy in the NT to grow it’s participation numbers. This includes a new women’s team from Nightcliff and the Darwin Buffettes taking the lead in the NTWFL and remaining undefeated at the midway point of the season.
In all, the number of teams competing in all competitions across the entire TIO NTFL has increased 25%.
Umpire numbers have also increased thanks in the main to the St Johns College umpire program and the groundbreaking Darwin Correction Centre boundary umpire program.
Attendances at TIO stadium are up on last years record year and whilst the restriction of heavy alcohol sales in the public bars has impacted on AFLNT revenues, both the gate, soft drink and food sales have increased to slightly offset the drop in revenue.
According to Tony Frawley, AFLNT CEO, the alcohol restrictions have created a far more family friendly environment in which to watch football.
“We have definitely been impacted financially by the alcohol restrictions however it must be noted that the restrictions are self imposed by AFLNT and we are delighted to see families returning in large numbers to TIO stadium.
“The atmosphere at all the games this yearCbr>
In all, the number of teams competing in all competitions across the entire TIO NTFL has increased 25%.
Umpire numbers have also increased thanks in the main to the St Johns College umpire program and the groundbreaking Darwin Correction Centre boundary umpire program.
Attendances at TIO stadium are up on last years record year and whilst the restriction of heavy alcohol sales in the public bars has impacted on AFLNT revenues, both the gate, soft drink and food sales have increased to slightly offset the drop in revenue.
According to Tony Frawley, AFLNT CEO, the alcohol restrictions have created a far more family friendly environment in which to watch football.
“We have definitely been impacted financially by the alcohol restrictions however it must be noted that the restrictions are self imposed by AFLNT and we are delighted to see families returning in large numbers to TIO stadium.
“The atmosphere at all the games this year has been tremendous and stadium security have had very few incidents to deal with. We are proud to be the first sporting code in the Territory to take the initiative and create a family friendly environment for patrons attending games at our%2