DARREN MONCRIEFF
Wednesday 27 June 2012
The AFLNT has granted the Alice Springs-based Central Australian Football League a provisional licence to field a club to play a four-game trial in the 2012-13 NTFL Premier League season, which begins in October.
The model follows closely that which saw the Tiwi Bombers become the eighth premier league club five years ago. They are the reigning champions after winning the 2011-12 premiership.
The club will be play as the Central Australian Football Club.
"The club has been formed to give Alice Springs the opportunity to be represented at the highest level and while we are excited about the prospect of an Alice Springs team competing in the NTFL, full entry into the league will be contingent on a number of strict criteria being met during and after the trial period," AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley said.
The CAFC will be joined by former Top End Australian Football Association (TEAFA) club Banks in the four-game trials.
Frawley said he is confident that the four-game trials will benefit both clubs, the league and the AFLNT.
"We feel that four games will give both clubs an idea of the challenges that lie ahead as they seek to gain full entry into the premier league," he said.
"We will sit down with both clubs after the trial period and conduct a full review to assess the success of the trial and what both clubs need to do to take the next all-important step toward full entry.
"We expect the existing NTFL clubs to be supportive of the trial as an expanded league will bring multiple benefits for all the existing premier league clubs.
"We will be working closely with the club presidents to ensure this is the case."
Not to be forgotten is Katherine, which had originally played in the NTFL many years ago and has often made overtures to rejoin the Darwin-based league.
"It should also be noted that a Katherine team that has been in the planning stages for a number of months will apply for entry in season 2013-14, most likely into Division 1 initially," Frawley said.
Last Modified on 27/06/2012 13:23