As the 2025/26 TIO NTFL season reaches Round 5, the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) is celebrating the growth and strength of its umpiring group ahead of Umpires Round this weekend.
The NTFL’s umpiring numbers have seen significant growth over recent seasons. By the end of 2024/25, the group had grown to 263 members, up 40% on the previous season and more than 50% growth over two years. This increase included strong local participation and greater representation across female, junior, and Indigenous umpires.
Female umpire numbers rose 77%, while Indigenous umpire representation more than doubled. The under-18 cohort also increased by nearly 37%, reflecting strong engagement from the next generation of umpires.
Martin Oosthuysen, AFL Northern Territory Umpiring Lead, said the growth reflects the positive environment the NTFL has fostered.
“Our priority has been to create an environment people genuinely want to be part of - one that’s welcoming, supportive, and connected to the wider football community,” he said.
“We’re seeing more women, more young people, and more community members getting involved, and that’s something we’re really proud of.”
Programs like Girls in Green and First Bounce have contributed to this growth by providing women, girls, and newcomers with clear pathways into umpiring. First Bounce introduces participants aged 12 and above to the fundamentals of umpiring, while Girls in Green provides dedicated development opportunities for women, helping build skills, confidence, and stronger connections within the Top End Football community.
Retention remains strong, with over 90% of local NTFL umpires returning from last season, including all Indigenous umpires, highlighting the stability and positive environment of the competition. Mentorship also continues to play a key role, with more than 50 mentors supporting umpires across the league.
The NTFL pathway is producing exciting opportunities for emerging umpires. Josh Cooper, who made his Men’s Premier League debut in 2022 at just 15 years and 48 days old, has now been appointed to umpire the 2025 AFL Grand Final curtain-raiser, the Marsh AFL National Futures Game at the MCG.
Anika Mighall, a product of the Girls in Green program, has become a leader and mentor within the competition. Anika contributed to the Female Umpire Mentor Program and was appointed as a Boundary Umpire Coach at the 2025 Under 16 National Championships - the only community-based official nationally to receive this appointment - highlighting the strong pathways and development opportunities now available within the umpire community.
Umpires Round celebrates umpires not only as key participants in our game but also as integral members of NTFL clubs. This year, teams will wear green armbands, form a Guard of Honour for umpires entering the field, and engage in half-time activations at select venues.
This weekend’s Umpires Round (Round 5) will honour the contribution of the NTFL umpiring group and the vital role they play in keeping Top End football strong, inclusive, and growing.