AFL Northern Territory is proud to announce the return of the iconic NTFL vs CAFL clash, where some of the best players from the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) will take on the top stars from the Central Australian Football League (CAFL).
This exciting match will reignite a historic rivalry that dates all the way back to 1948, with nine thrilling inter-town games played between Darwin and Alice Springs from 1948 to 1984.
Over the years, Darwin claimed victory in eight of these encounters, with the only loss coming in 1952. These games have always been a showcase of the Territory's finest footy talent, with many of our game’s greatest players stepping onto the field for this fierce contest.
After extensive community feedback, we’re excited to bring this beloved tradition back to life with the inclusion of both Men’s and Women’s representative matches. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the skill, pride, and passion that both the NTFL and CAFL bring to the game.
The CAFL vs NTFL rivalry has been rekindled in recent years through thrilling representative matchups. In 2023, the CAFL representative side narrowly lost to Waratah, with just five points separating the teams in a heart-pounding contest. The CAFL put up a fierce fight but couldn’t hold off a late surge from the Warriors. Despite the loss, CAFL Representative Abraham Ankers was awarded Best on Ground for his brilliant performance.
Earlier this year at TIO Traeger Park, the CAFL representatives faced off against St Mary’s in what turned out to be another captivating chapter in the rivalry. After a dominant first half, the CAFL side surged to a commanding 35-point lead. Despite a resilient effort from St Mary’s, including standout performances from Ethan Bush and Zac Robinson, the CAFL finished strong with an emphatic eight-goal blitz in the final quarter to secure a big victory. Kane Sevallos was named Best on Ground for his pivotal role in the match.
Sam Gibson, Head of AFL Northern Territory, said “The NTFL vs CAFL clash is a true highlight of Territory footy, and we’re thrilled to be bringing it back. This matchup has such a rich history, and it’s an opportunity to showcase the best of our local talent from across the Northern Territory.
"We’ve had a lot of feedback from the community asking for its return, and we’re excited to deliver. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable event that everyone can enjoy, especially with the inclusion of the Women's representative fixture to the lineup. Given the rapid expansion of women’s footy in recent years in the NT, we’re proud to showcase women participating at the national and representative levels.”
Further details are scheduled to be released in early 2025, stay tuned for more updates on the event details, including squad announcements and ticket information.