World Footy News

The new NTFL season is just weeks away as the AFLNT begins to celebrate its 100th season. Footy in the Northern Territory got under way back in 1916 and this season the AFLNT is set to augment the on field footy with plenty of opportunities to celebrate 100 years.

Amongst the proposed activities there will be a permanent and static display of Northern Territory footy memorabilia housed in the Michael Long Learning & Leadership Centre adjacent to TIO Stadium in Darwin.

But the biggest ticket item is the commencement of the new season and the AFLNT has just released the draw for the 2015/16 season. The action gets under way with a triple header on Saturday 10th October at TIO Stadium.

(Picture: Wanderers players celebrate their 2014/15 premiership win - Photo: NT News

Firstly the Tiwi Bombers will take on Waratah, followed by the clash between Palmerston and Buffaloes. These act in a sense as curtain raisers to the big event of the night – the grand final replay between Wanderers and St Mary’s. These two played out a wonderful grand final last season with the Wanderers completing a fairy tale of sorts to just sneak into the finals then go all the way to beat the raging hot favourites St Mary’s on the big day.

The NTFL’s competition has enjoyed increases in numbers attending games and watching via media streaming through AFLNTv. The new season is set to chase new records as the summer competition whets the appetites of southern audiences where competitions go into their own summer hiatus.

Northern Territory audiences will still enjoy the next few weeks as their own NT Thunder team in the NEAFL challenges for a premiership. Currently they sit in second place on the ladder after the completion of the home and away season and have earned a week off before playing in the second semi final.

It would be an enormous boost to Territory football in their 100th year if the NT Thunder can win the 2015 flag and set the scene for the upcoming NTFL season.