Unprecedented growth in terms of participation, draftees, facility development and major events has left AFL in the Top End in the best position it has been for quite sometime.
"AFL in the Northern Territory has an exciting future and is well placed to grow even further," said AFL Northern Territory CEO Tony Frawley.
In the past year AFL in the Territory has seen the following developments take place:
- 10% participation growth
- With the establishment of NT Thunder there has been 10 draftees/signings with AFL Clubs (3 National Draft, 3 Gold Coast, 4 GWS)
- New three division NTFL competition
- Growth of full time staff to 35 Territory wide
- Facility Developments
- $9m planned development for Cazaly’s Oval in Palmerston
- $3m development completed at TIO Stadium and Traeger Park
- Increased number of AFL Games in the NT.
- Two AFL Premiership Games
- One Pre-Season Fixture in Alice Springs
- Aboriginal All Stars (biannually)
- Resourcing NTFL Clubs to provide a full time General Manager
- New Remote Leagues/Projects in Wadeye, Groote Eylandt and Galiwinku.
"There has never been a better time for a draft hopeful to play in the Northern Territory given the zoning concessions allocated to Gold Cost Football Club and the new GWS expansion team."
"With the introduction of the NT Thunder and our ever expanding network of Regional Development Managers we are able to identify possible talent and get them in the eyes of these clubs to ensure they have the best possible chance of being picked up."
"We move into an exciting new era of football in the Top End with the new three division NTFL competition (merger of TEAFA and NTFL) that will re-invigorate the way football is being played and administered."
"The new facility developments at TIO Stadium and Traeger Park will further enhance their capabilities to host AFL fixtures in the future and the planned $11m redevelopment at Cazaly’s Oval in Palmerston will not only provide great stadia for football events but will be a source of revenue for the community and the football club. Gary Pollock and his committee have done a sterling job to see the project come to fruition in Palmerston."
Frawley advised that AFLNT are looking to extend the facilities that are available to Territorians particularly in Arnhem Land.
"The Northern Territory is well served by outstanding facilities in Central Australia, the Top End, Tiwi Islands and Katherine and now we need a top class central AFL Standard facility in Arnhem Land to service this large area."
Frawley will be interested in receiving submissions from large centres/towns in Arnhem Land where this new facility is best placed.
"Obviously it needs to be in an area where AFLNT have a full time Regional Development Manager in Arnhem Land and be in alignment with the growth regions identified by Government," said Frawley.