AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) can today confirm that the Cazalys NTFL Representative Matches are back for 2023. The top end will again see the finest men and women from the 2022/23 TIO NTFL competition pull on the famed ochre, black and white to represent the Territory.
Held during the bye round of the NTFL Season, the matches proudly supported by Cazalys Palmerston Club mark the third-time representative footy has been played in the Territory in recent times and is an exciting opportunity to inspire younger players to get involved. Since its resurgence in 2020, both the NTFL Men’s and Women’s representative sides have remained undefeated.
AFLNT are excited to announce that this year’s Men’s opponent will be South Fremantle Football Club, from the Western Australian Football League (WAFL).
The first time the two sides met was in 1973 at Gardens Oval, when the NTFL went down by 80 points. The NTFL Representative side coached by Tony Shaw featured the likes of Joe Cooper, Norm Hagan, Eddie Fry and forward, Darryl Window who slotted two goals.
They met again in 1998, at Football Park (now known as TIO Stadium) where South Fremantle flexed their muscle for a second time and the NTFL side went down by 30 points. The team, coached by Mark Motlop featured Chris Williams, Michael Athanasiou, Brian Stanislaus and at centre half back, NT representative frequent Russell Jeffrey.
It’s no secret the rich history the NTFL competition shares with South Fremantle, the likes of Sibby Rioli, Maurice Rioli, Basil Campbell, Benny Vigona, Willie Roe, Cyril Rioli, Cadji Dunn and Willie Rioli who all played for the South Fremantle between 1970 – 2000s, and more recently Ben and Shannon Rioli have donned the red and white yoke. After 188 games at Richmond Tigers, the late Maurice Rioli Snr notably captained the WAFL side in 1988 and 1989.
The Women’s representative opponent for 2023 will be the reigning premiers of the WAFL Women's competition the Claremont Tigers.
Claremont, originally founded as Innaloo Piranhas, is one of the four inaugural teams in the WA Women’s Football League competition that began in 1988.
Lead by Head Coach Jack Schwartz, the Tigers have produced multiple AFLW products with Isabella Lewis who took out the West Coast Eagles inaugural best and fairest award, Ella Smith and Sasha Goranova who play alongside Bella at West Coast Eagles and Amy Franklin and Jess Lowe who currently play for Fremantle.
Head of AFLNT Sam Gibson shared “We’re thrilled to have South Fremantle locked in as our men’s opponent for 2023 and we look forward to celebrating the historical connection between South Fremantle and the NT. We’re also thrilled to have reigning WAFLW premiers Claremont heading to Darwin to take on our women’s team.”
“Representative football is an important part of the footy landscape in the NT. The opportunity to recognise the best players across the NTFL competition and face strong West Australian opponents in January is exciting.”
CEO of South Fremantle Football Club Cameron Britt shares “South Fremantle Football Club has a strong and enduring connection with the NT, and it was exactly 50 years ago that Sibby Rioli travelled to Fremantle Oval to play for us in 1972. From this trailblazing moment, we have welcomed dozens of Territory footballers to our Club, truly enriched by their skill, courage and outstanding character.”
“This trip is far more than just a game of football. It is about connecting with a community that means a great deal to our club, honouring the history and legacy between the NT and South Fremantle. We are grateful for the invitation to travel to Darwin to play against the best in the NTFL, and we look forward to the challenge and the opportunities that the experience will present”.
AFLNT Hall of Famer and NT football icon Mark Motlop will for the first time take on the Chairman of Selectors role for the Men’s side and AFLNT Life Member, prolific journalist and sports editor Grey Morris will take the reigns as Chairman of Selectors role for the Women’s side.
Fans are encouraged to follow the NTFL Facebook page to stay up to date with squad announcements and ticket on-sale information.
