AFL Ambassador and Essendon great Michael Long expressed his gratitude and is delighted that the Learn Earn Legend! AFL Indigenous All Stars game will be played in Alice Springs this Friday the 4th February.
The much anticipated clash between the Learn Earn Legend! AFL Indigenous All Stars and the Richmond Tigers faced cancellation due to unprecedented monsoonal rains affecting the playing surface at Darwin’s TIO Stadium however thanks to a collaborative effort between the NT Government, the AFL and AFL Northern Territory the game will now be played at Traeger Park, Alice Springs next Friday.
"As this game is so close to my heart having played in the first game in 1994 and been involved with every game since I am immensely relieved that this important game is going ahead and I commend the NT Government , the AFL , AFLNT and the town of Alice Springs for working so hard at short notice to ensure the game gets played,
"In a week which saw Andrew McLeod speak at the UN in Geneva about the steps that have been taken to eliminate racial vilification from our great game and sport in general it is fitting that the showcase game for Indigenous talent is going ahead as planned," said Long.
"It will be a wonderful game for Alice Springs to host particularly as Central Australia is a strategically important locationfor the AFLand Indigenous players from Central Australia such as Liam Jurrah, Liam Patrick, Troy Taylor, Roland Ah Chee, Matt Campbell and Curtly Hamton get to play on front of a home crowd.
The Richmond Tigers have also been working in Central Australia for a number of years as part of the AFL's club fostership program and their participation in this game further enhances the great work they have done to date "
Following on from the All Stars game will be the Imparja Cup, a celebration of Indigenous cricket which also impressed Long for the efforts of all involved.
"I believe that the codes of AFL and Cricket working together in a spirit of co operation to deliver these two iconic events demonstrates their commitment to Indigenous Australians. It is this spirit of cooperation to ensure Indigenous footballers and cricketers arent denied the opportunity to showcase their talents that inspires me to continue my work advocating Indigenous rights and I congratulate all parties particularly the NT Government , the AFL and NT Cricket for their vision and understanding," he said
Long also noted that the All Stars game being held in the Territory as planned is critical to support AFL's push into regional and remote NT.
"AFLNT is the main organisation that operates in remote communitiesto ensure that all Territorians get to play footy despite the geographical challenges facedwhen operating in these remote locations,
"There are now senior leagues going from strength to strength in remote communities Territory wide such as the 11 teams that compete inthe Galiwin’ku and another 11 in Maningrida,"
"The All Stars match is a powerful means of demonstrating that the pathways for Indigenous players in the NT are in place and by sticking with football and making the right choices in life, a playing career in the AFL is achievable. Hence, my delight at the game remaining in the Territory. AFLNT has made a huge financial commitment to remote NT and the All Stars game is an extension of AFLNT's vital community enhancement remote football programs," added Long.
AFL Central Australia General Manager, Jake McCauley, isworking closely with the curator responsible for preparing the wicket for Sunday's Imparja Cup. According to McCauley concerns regarding the wicket not being ready in time due to the All Stars being played on Friday evening are unfounded.
"The surface at Traeger park is immaculate in fact the inspector who passed the oval fit for play actually commented on it's remarkably good condition.
"The Imparja Cup curator is delighted with the quality and length of the grass but to assist him we will be keeping the centre circle off the wicket to reduce traffic.
"Players in the modern era wear grass cats so the day's oflong studs ploughing up the playing surface are long gone and both myself and the curator are confident that the playing of the All Stars game wont have any negative impact on the wicket or the out field," said McCauley.
The Learn Earn Legend AFL Indigenous All Stars game will be played at Traeger Park in Alice Springs at 7:10 PM and will be broadcast nationally on ABC at 8:30pm (check your local guides).
TICKETING INFORMATION
General Admission Adult $20
General Admission Concession $12
General Admission Child (U18) $5
General Admission Family $45
(2 Adults & 2 Children Under 18)
Pre-purchased tickets can be purchased from the following locations, or can be purchased at the gate on match day:
AFLCA Office, Traeger Park 08 8952 1670
Hot Stuff 4 the Sporting Buff - Shop 3, 28 Railway Terrace 08 8952 9093
Dymocks - Alice Springs Plaza (Opposite Target) 08 8952 9111
Paper Shoppe - Yeperenye Shopping Centre08 8952 5546
SportsPower - Railway Terrace08 8953 2167
CORPORATE TICKETING
Corporate Tickets can be purchased from AFLCA Office, Traeger Park 08 8952 1670. Corporate Tickets $120 per ticket or $1,100 for 10 tickets.
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For further information or specific media interview requests please contact Brad Stewart 0437 962 161.
Corporate tickets include exclusive access to the Grandstand & Mona’s Members Lounge, as well as a premier food and beverage package from 6:30pm to the end of the match (Approx 9:30pm). Beverage package includes beer, wine, champagne, spirits, soft drinks and water.