Welcome to the 2018/19 TIO NTFL season and another 22 weeks of exciting NTFL footy.
This season promises to deliver all the exhilarating action, the highs and lows we’ve grown accustomed to. And we get to do it all again with thanks to TIO, who have re-signed as the competition’s naming rights partner for another three years, taking us to 2020/21.
TIO and Territory footy have become synonymous with one another, from our stadium here in Darwin and on through to the CAFL in Alice Springs, we thank them for backing us in.
This October we take our first steps towards expanding our competition to include boys and girls in an under 10s division, and girls in under 13. The Thunder Juniors mini-season will be the prelude to bigger and better plans for season 2019/20 and beyond.
And therefore, our eyes are firmly set on a future where lights are up and running in Nightcliff and at the famed Gardens Oval. Lighting up these ovals comes with thanks to the NT Government and the City of Darwin who acknowledge that this is a crucial step in providing us with greater flexibility for meeting the demand of our growing sport.
We also have exciting plans in the works for TIO Oval 2 and its surrounding precinct which will allow it to operate as a standalone venue. This work is still in design concept stage, but when complete it will contribute significantly to the long-term stability of our clubs and the league.
With that in mind, this season we will place emphasis on positive club and player action. The Club of the Year Award returns, with big cash incentives for the clubs that can balance on-field performance with good behaviour and strong governance.
We also continue to take NTFL far and wide thanks to Channel 7 Darwin, ABC Radio Darwin and NITV, who are all back as official broadcast partners. Fan games like NTFL Tipping and Play of the Round also help us deliver fun for our locals.
All that we achieve week in and week out would not be possible, nor would the TIO NTFL be as healthy as it is today, without the support of our commercial partners. We are grateful for your support.
Likewise, the uniqueness that is Territory football would not happen without the tireless work of every club, its administrators and the hundreds of volunteers. Their passion and dedication are what drives us.
This is a season to get behind your club and Show Your True Colours.
See you at the game!
