Territory AFL legend Michael Long wants to showcase the Territory to Australia by hosting matches in NT
NORTHERN Territory AFL legend Michael Long has called on the league to seriously consider restarting its season in Darwin
Northern Territory
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NORTHERN Territory AFL legend Michael Long has called on the league to seriously consider restarting the season in Darwin, following discussions between the Chief Minister Michael Gunner and AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan last week.
Mr Long said it would be a great opportunity for the Territory to be put on a pedestal in front of the nation in an interview with AFL.com.au
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“It would be a great opportunity for us to showcase the Territory,” he said.
“We’re a bit isolated from everyone else but it’s a good opportunity to stimulate our economy up here, which has had its challenges even before the coronavirus.
“Don’t leave us out of that discussion and debate, because this is the safest place to be.”
In a proposal put to Mr Gunner from the AFL last week, the plan would see 600 league personnel from 10-clubs base themselves in Darwin for up to eight weeks.
Darwin’s TIO Stadium would host matches, and the use of Traeger Park in Alice Springs was also tossed around.
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Gardens Oval in Darwin would be used as a training venue.
Mr McLachlan is set to announce the AFL season plans on May 11.
Originally published as Territory AFL legend Michael Long wants to showcase the Territory to Australia by hosting matches in NT