NT Police and AFLNT vow to stamp out misbehaviour after ‘unfortunate’ incidents at finals

Police want to ‘inject themselves’ more into the planning of future CAFL finals, following a number of ‘unfortunate’ incidents at matches over the weekend.

POLICE want to “inject themselves” more into the planning of future Central Australian Football League (CAFL) finals, following a number of “unfortunate” incidents at matches over the weekend.

Superintendent Anthony Deutrom said police would assist in any ongoing CAFL review to mitigate the risk of future fixtures impacting on public safety.

“(We need) to ensure that we’re fully aware of the schedule timings of these games, and that we can inject ourselves and provide advice on any tensions that may be surrounding the respective communities,” he told ABC Alice Springs.

“We have agreed to be involved next year, to ensure appropriate planning and mitigation strategies are built into the season to prevent a repeat of Sunday’s unfortunate incidents.”

Over the course of three games, police made five arrests for anti-social behaviour, seized several weapons, made two protective custody apprehensions and diverted multiple units to Traeger Park.

Papunya defeated Western Aranda in an at-times heated grand final. Picture: Lee Robinson

But AFLNT community football manager Leigh Elder said police had been kept in the loop weeks prior to the grand final and had been made aware of game times.

“The CAFL and NT Police discussed security arrangements and on the Monday before the games, the CAFL sent NT Police the fixture which included all details of each game (teams, times, etc),” he said.

“Throughout the CAFL community competition season and into the lead up to Sunday’s grand finals (including the morning of), there were no threats of violence between teams and their supporters.

“The CAFL had no reason to suspect issues on the day.”

Mr Elder said NT Police is one of the league’s key stakeholders that CAFL liaises with prior to games and events at Traeger Park.

“They are close to the community and we welcome any advice they have to help us prepare for our events,” he said.

“AFLNT and the CAFL do not condone or tolerate any misbehaviour by anyone attending the footy will continue to work with NT Police and other stakeholders in the community competition to ensure poor behaviour is mitigated and prevent any repeated incidents in the future.”