Today AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) and the Central Australian Football League (CAFL) announced the 2021 TIO CAFL season fixtures.
After an uncertain 2020 season due to COVID-19, the 2021 TIO CAFL season is set to kick off with TIO Round from Wednesday 28 April and will run over 15 Rounds prior to the finals series. The Community divisions will commence a week later on Sunday 9 May and will play over 10 Rounds before commencing finals.
AFLNT Competition Manager for Alice Springs, Kelli Zaleski said a lot of hard work had gone into ensuring 2021 would see another great year of footy.
“We have been working closely with clubs and other community stakeholders to come up with an exciting season of the CAFL,”
“This season we’re excited to announce Friday night footy will be ruled by women as we see the introduction of an Under 16 Junior Women Competition played each Friday evening prior to Senior Women matches.”
Other highlights this season are the Tony Cusack Shield match during Round 3 which will see Federal Football Club take on South Football Club, Josh Palmer Shield in Round 9 when Rovers Football Club clash with Souths and the Foster Webb Shield during Round 10 when Pioneer also go head to head with Souths.
The Under 15 Junior Men’s competition has moved to Wednesday evenings to join part of the CAAC Youth Footy Hub which incorporates Auskick, NT Thunder Juniors and Umpire Training.
“It’s really exciting to have CAAC Youth Services support the competition move,” Zaleski said.
“Their support has been integral for this initiative and has allowed free entry for all players and spectators on a Wednesday evening to enjoy a great night of Junior footy.”
The 2021 season also marks the celebration of Souths and West Football Club’s 50th year as part of the CAFL.
AFLNT Community Football Manager Leigh Elder said this season is shaping up to be a great display of Central Australian footy.
“A big thank you to all the clubs, umpires and volunteers for their help in getting this 2021 season up and running and of course, thank you to our major sponsor TIO for their continued support of footy in the Territory!”
2021 Community Grand Finals will be played on Sunday 5 September
2021 TIO CAFL Grand Finals will be played across Friday 10 and Saturday 11 September
The full TIO CAFL fixture can be found here (PDF)
The full TIO Community fixture can be found here (PDF)
*Competition disclaimer: Game times, dates and venues are all subject to change. Please refer to www.aflnt.com.au for the most up to date information throughout the season across all grades and divisions.
