AFLNT tonight launched the 2016 TIO CAFL Season at a function in Alice Springs ahead of Round One starting Friday 22 April.
In a speech given by AFLNT chief executive officer Michael Solomon, he said it was an exciting time for football in Central Australia.
“On the eve of the 2016 TIO CAFL Season, tonight gives us time to reflect, as well as wonder about what lies ahead.
“Tonight sees us pivot away from the off field world, that can be so evasive, to the on field, to the stuff that matters to so many Centralians, the footy,” Solomon said.
“This year, we aim to celebrate our life members, their greatness, their loyalty, and their contribution. Legends like Dick Kimber from West Football Club, Marilyn Smith from the Pioneers, John Amadio from the Rovers, David Gloede from the Federals, and Joey Hayes from South, all influential players in the history of the CAFL.
“To thank TIO, the premium insurance company in the Territory, for partnering with us for the fourth consecutive season. Our partnership goes back a few years and we are equally excited today as we were four years ago.
“The CAFL, like most organisations, has witnessed change in that short time, and to see the Women’s Premier League kick off proceedings tomorrow night is evident of that change,” Solomon said.
Andy Hood, Central Australia Regional Manager spoke of what to look forward to in the 2016 TIO CAFL season.
“We’re really excited about the upcoming season with matches across seven divisions including senior, reserves, women’s, and under 18 football.
“Fixture highlights include six matches to be played in communities for the first time and a representative Central Australian Country side to play against APY-Lands at TIO Traegar Park on July 10.
“The Foster Webb Trophy between Pioneers and Souths is another highlight of our fixture, along with the annual EJ Whitten Foundation Golf Day and Dinner.
“For the first time, Round Three of the TIO CAFL Premier League will be titled the ‘No More Round’, a campaign against domestic violence, while Round Four of the Good Sports Division 1 and 2 leagues will feature the ‘No More Cup’.
“The McLeod Challenge will return in October, so too the Tony Cusack Shield and the TIO Road Safety Round,” Hood said.
“Our game in Central Australia is in good shape and as an industry, we are making great inroads on our broader strategic goals.
“CAFL’s investment in women’s football continues to grow. The Pinktails AFL Female academy, which saw five players from the Academy in the Northern Territory team that defeated Tasmania in Melbourne, is an example of this investment.
“We are starting to be a game that is played as much by women as it is by men, and we are focused on making all Australians, no matter their background; feel this is their game,” Hood said.
The TIO CAFL season begins this Friday 22 April at TIO Traegar Park with the Women’s Premier League when E Girls take on Alkamilya Women’s at 6.00pm.
TIO CAFL KEY DATES:
22nd April CAFL season starts
30th April Foster Webb Trophy (Pioneers v Souths)
21st May EJ Whitten Foundation Golf Day and Dinner
28th May 2016 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Match
7th May No More Round (Domestic Violence campaign)
5th June No More Cup – Division 1 and Division 2
31st August Minahan Medal
August Good Sports Family Day
October McLeod Challenge
TBA Tony Cusack Shield
TBA TIO Road Safety Round
Jan, 2017 CAFL 70th Anniversary Celebrations
TIO CAFL STRUCTURE
TIO Premier League
Rovers
West
Federals
Souths
Pioneers
TDC Refrigeration Premier League Reserves Good Sports Country Division 1
Women’s Premier League Good Sports Division 2
Rovers
West
Federals
Souths
Pioneers Hermannsburg
TI Tree
Santa Teresa
Yuendumu
Plenty Highway Rovers
E Girls
Alkamilya
Alice Spring Titjikala
Areyonga
Nyripi
Mulga Bore
Laramba
MacDonnell Shire Under 18s Good Sports Country Under 18s
Rovers
West
Federals
Souths
Pioneers Hermannsburg
TI Tree
Santa Teresa
Yuendumu
Plenty Highway