AFLNT gives the thumbs up to the rebirth of representative football 15 years after it was last played

At last, the return of NTFL representative football is only five months away after a 15-year absence

Russell Jeffrey, centre, with son Joel, left and daughter Lateesha have all experienced the pride and passion of representative football for the NT. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

REPRESENTATIVE football is back on the agenda for the men and women who ply their trade in the Northern Territory Football League.

The AFLNT last night ended 15 years without an NTFL representative side when it confirmed an Australia Day clash was set down for 2021.

Not since Andrew Jarman’s North Adelaide beat the Damian Hale coached NT Buffaloes has TIO Stadium hosted an interstate clash.

And while negotiations on who next year’s opponent will be are still to be finalised, a SANFL club is believed to have the inside running.

AFLNT boss Stuart Totham said the emergence of an NTFL representative fixture was something to celebrate.

“Over the past few months we have been playing back some of our old games, getting nostalgic for the good old days,’’ he said.

“We asked the fans if they would like to see the return of an NTFL representative side and the answer was an overwhelming yes.

“Likewise, the NTFL clubs have been very supportive of the concept and agreed to a competition bye over the Australia Day long weekend.

Totham said NTFL representative games were an integral part of the NT football calendar from 1948-2006, ensuring the players who wore the jumper did so with a great deal of pride.

“That’s why we look forward to re-creating that sense of pride and re-establishing this event in 2021,’’ he said.

“The addition of a female representative game will also add an exciting element to the day, and it’s an opportunity they deserve.

The traditional Foundation Cup game between Wanderers and Waratah will go ahead on Australia Day itself, which falls on a Tuesday.

Round 15 will be a split round, beginning with the Wanderers-Waratah game and concluding the following weekend.

The 2020-21 TIO NTFL season will be played over 18 rounds, concluding a week later than usual on February 20.

Russell Jeffrey wore the famous black, white and ochre jumper more than 20 times, captaining the Territory and coaching them against the Brisbane Lions in 1996.

The Jeffrey family are likely to be on representative duty again on Australia Day, including Russell’s son Joel, a key forward with NTFL club Wanderers and his daughter Lateesha, a premiership player with Women’s Premier League side Southern Districts.

“The one thing I got out of all my representative games was the fact I was representing the whole of the Northern Territory,’’ Russell told the NT News.

“Plus my family and the club I was representing also played a big part in what for me, was a massive privilege and something I’ll never forget.’’

“They were such big games. I remember my first game against the Sydney Swans in 1987 and Mark Motlop came up to me and worded me up on what it meant to him.’’

“We had some unbelievable players. The back six I played with didn’t change a lot in those days with Mick Athanasiou and Warren McCoy down there with me.

Through the midfield you had your Longs and McLeans and up forward there were the Dunns and Riolis, the depth of talent back then was just ridiculous.’’

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