AFL NORTHERN Territory has revealed its overhauled plan for a brighter football future, as well as the extent of its new relationship with Gold Coast.
NT football was placed under the microscope from the moment news emerged in September of the AFLNT's decision to scrap Territory Thunder's involvement in the NEAFL and VFLW competitions.
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The significant financial demands for both teams, and dwindling NT player representation in the AFL – from 27 in 2010 to just 13 this past season – were the key reasons.
Some of the action from NT Thunder v Williamstown in round eight of the VFLW this season. Picture: AFL Photos
AFL.com.au reported in August the AFLNT's budding relationship with the Suns, and it was formalised a month later when the AFL confirmed the club's priority access to Darwin playing talent.
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Gold Coast will play one 'home' game in Darwin for the next four seasons – replacing Melbourne in that slot – while the Demons will continue to host an Alice Springs match for the same period.
Melbourne and West Coast clash in Alice Springs in R18. Picture: AFL Photos
Melbourne will also play one AFLW game in Alice Springs for the next four years and endeavour to create VFL and VFLW opportunities for Northern Territory footballers.
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The Suns will reserve six AFLW spots for NT players from the 2021 season, while looking to select Territory prospects on their NEAFL (male) and Super Series (female) playing lists.
AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham said the involvement of Gold Coast, Melbourne, the AFL and the NT Government would deliver "great community benefits".
"(This plan will) provide a boost to all the aspiring Territory footballers dreaming of making it to the AFL and AFLW, while also driving growth in the game throughout the NT," Totham said.
"At AFLNT, we are focused on increasing the number of AFL and AFLW players from the NT.
"The long-term commitment by the NT Government, AFL and clubs to NT football will give us a solid platform from which we can broaden and grow our current talent base and facilitate the growth in the presence of NT players at the elite level."
A coaching manager and club development manager will be appointed next year to provide support for local coaches and clubs across the Territory.
Totham's and the AFLNT's belief is stronger foundations at grassroots level, particularly in remote communities, will produce better results at the elite standard.
Suns chief executive Mark Evans shares the AFLNT's vision to increase Territory talent on AFL and AFLW lists.
Gold Coast chief Mark Evans fronts the media in August. Picture: AFL Photos
"To drive this, we have committed to delivering programs and creating pathways to foster talent and develop people," Evans said.
Evans' Demons counterpart, Gary Pert, also said his club was dedicated to unearthing "the next Territory-based superstar".
The four other AFL clubs – Collingwood, Essendon, Geelong and Hawthorn – with dedicated Next Generation Academy zones in the NT will remain in their respective regions.
However, the AFLNT's hope is they will work closer with Territory programs and footballers.
Among the other changes are:
- The revamped NT Thunder Academy program will offer more games for under-18 men and women, and greater access to and better engagement with remote communities.
- Individual development plans for talent identified remote footballers.
- New intra-Territory NT Thunder Academy trials and player camps before Territory representation or NGA Academy selection is finalised.
- Opportunities remain to play for NT Thunder in the NAB League, for the Allies in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, and national indigenous and multicultural programs.
- Dual-gender programs in different regions (Central Australia, Top End and Remote Areas) from under-12s to under-18s for the first time in more than two decades.
- NT umpires can still access the national talent pathway and have opportunities at state league level.
