An NTFL rivalry turns 102 years old this Saturday when Waratah host Wanderers at Gardens Oval for Australia Day festivities.
A full day of action between the two teams starts from 8:45am with the Under 18 girls, and will culminate with the annual Foundation Cup Men’s Premier League game between Waratah and Wanderers.
Four-time Olympian and track cycle champion, Anna Meares will be on hand to help toss the coin at the start of the Men’s Premier League game. She will be joined by Waratah Life Member, Brian Price.
The toss of the coin will take place after the Welcome to Country is read by Larrakia Elder, Bilawara Lee (Aunty B) and the national anthem performed by Freda Noble. It is the first time in the recent history of this game that a Welcome to Country will be performed.
The post-game ceremony will also have a special touch for both clubs. The Hon Michael Gunner MLA, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory will present the Foundation Cup to the captain and coach of the winning team.
Waratah Life Member Bobby Jenner will have the honour of presenting a commemorative medal to the player judged as best on for Wanderers, while Brad Cooper, Life Member of Wanderers Football Club will present the same medal to the best Waratah player.
Aunty Cath Nickels, a Waratah Life Member and club legend, will also be on hand to help acknowledge the game’s umpires.
In a true celebration of the NTFL’s history and the occasion of Australia Day, Waratah Football Club has organised lots of fun and activities for the afternoon.
There will be face painting for the kids, along with ‘You Beaut’ Aussie tucker available for purchase, with pop up bars on the hill for the adults and live music in the Waratah clubhouse after the game.
The game will be live streamed on the AFLNTv YouTube channel and will be broadcast as a replay on the National Indigenous Television (NITV) station on Sunday afternoon.
