AFLNT DEFENDS CALL ON JULY START IN COMMUNITIES

AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham says plans to recommence the Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine community competitions in the first week of July remain in place.

Totham was speaking after criticism from those leagues that the start date is too late, giving them little scope for a worthwhile competition.

Comments like “they are treating us like second rate citizens’’ and “the June 5 lifting of restrictions gives us plenty of time to start earlier’’ have not swayed Totham.

“I totally understand their frustrations, particularly when we haven’t had any footy in the CAFL, BAFL and Big Rivers leagues,” Totham told the Sunday Territorian.

“And people want to get out and play.

“But our return to training and return to play planning has always centred around the NT Government’s protocols. And importantly, biosecurity measures that are in place and are due to be reviewed on June 18.

“So we had planned to get our season underway post lifting of those measures by early July.

“And even if the government lifts those measures earlier, it won’t change our planning at this stage.

“We’ll press on with the early July date.’’

Totham said his organisation was not in a position to review start dates, with financial considerations brought about by massive drops in revenue for the AFL and the game in general, creating a major hurdle.

“Obviously that has found its way to the Territory, so we’ll continue with the July date and look forward to getting footy going in Central Australia, Tenant Creek and Katherine,’’ he said.

“I wish there was a way forward to do it earlier. But it’s also worth noting if we do get back to playing in early July we’ll be one of the earliest community competitions in Australia to get going.’’

The majority of the AFL workforce across the country – up to 70 per cent – has remained stood down until September because of the lack of income. But Totham assured the three leagues that when community football does come back, there will be staff returning to work to make sure those competitions were well supported.