Essendon champion and Territory product Michael Long wants an AFLW side from the NT

TERRITORY footy legend Michael Long wants an AFLW side based in Darwin to take priority when establishing the NT on the national playing grid

Essendon legend Michael Long wants the formation of a women’s AFLW side to take priority in the NT’s bid to enter a national competition. Picture: Sarah Matray

TERRITORY footy legend Michael Long wants an AFLW side based in Darwin to take priority when establishing the NT on the national playing grid.

Speculation this week that an AFL men’s side could be based in the Top End by 2035 had Long weighing up the positives of both genders.

Essendon’s 1993 Norm Smith medallist and two-time premiership player said the infrastructure and playing talent was already in place for an AFLW side to be based at TIO Stadium.

“We’ve got the talent pool to be more than competitive and the travel and playing venues have already been explored through the Thunder program,’’ Long said.

“The short AFLW season works in well with the amount of travel involved, both for the Territory side and visiting teams, so the infrastructure is already there.’’

Long is not convinced establishing a men’s side in the AFL will take another 15 years to get off the ground.

“For me, 15 years is too long with the amount of work that has already been done with the Thunder program with travel, playing lists and talent pathways,’’ he said.

“There has been talks before, with the NT Government and the AFL keen to have a side based in Darwin.

“Thunder was a stepping stone in managing a side, playing interstate and locally, so a lot of the planning in terms of all those factors has already been done.’’

Long said Territory football needed to provide opportunities for its young players, with an elite player pathway the No.1 priority.

The Thunder Academy program is the foundation stone for player development and pathways, with Long confident it embraces all young players across the NT.

Annual funding of up to $50 million is a hurdle Long said can be cleared by the inclusion of the all-important corporate dollar.

“Whether it be from the mining industry or gas production, people will want to come on board for what is a national competition involving all of the NT,,’’ he said.

“So I don’t think attracting the corporates is the issue, what is important is having the infrastructure in place.

“And like any club you would have to look at the draft, because the right mix of Territory players and interstate recruits is very important in the playing list.’’