World Footy News

This media release from AFLNT details the plan to accept the Central Australian Redtails on an expanded, but not full, entry into the NTFL Premier League for 2014.

AFLNT BOARD RATIFIES CONDITIONAL INCLUSION OF REDTAILS INTO THE NTFL ON A ‘TRIAL GAME’ BASIS FOR SEASON 2013/14 & ENDORSES NTFL PLAYER POINTS SYSTEM

The AFLNT board has recommended that the Central Australian Redtails be admitted into the TIO NTFL Premier League for season 2013/14 on an eight (8) game trial basis.

Full time admission into the league thereafter is subject to successful completion of the 2013/14 8 game trial in addition to a further five (5) years of Federal funding being committed to existing AFLNT & NT Thunder Central Australian operations.

“The Redtails may well become an integral part of the overall Central Australian football structure which will enhance the NT Thunder presence and align with AFLNT development programs in the region, however AFLNT is awaiting confirmation of ongoing Federal Government funding to underpin these structures.

“Federal funding via the Australian Sports Commission has allowed AFLNT and NT Thunder deliver a myriad of positive outcomes for Centralians in the past five years, most notably the Central Australian Football League (CAFL) has evolved into a well run, financial and competitive league enjoyed by players and spectators alike and it is critical that the progress made continues for the next five years and beyond. We are particularly focused on ensuring that the CAFL continues to thrive” explained Tony Frawley, AFLNT CEO.

“We see the Redtails as a very meritorious concept however without federal funding underpinning both a strong AFLNT development presence and a continuation of the NT Thunder program in Central Australia we will not have the necessary structures or resources in Alice Springs to support the admission of the Redtails on a full time basis into the NTFL,” said Frawley.

“The Redtails are aware of our tireless efforts to secure ongoing funding for the AFLNT and NT Thunder programs in Central Australia and we will continue to work with the Redtails administration to map out a feasible future direction for the club.”

The AFLNT board has also approved the implementation of a ‘player points system’ for season 2013/14 .The player points system has been designed through active consultation with the clubs and the systems primary aims are increasing opportunities for local junior players and reducing the number (and associated cost) of ‘fly in fly out’ players for NTFL clubs.