AFLNT suspends round 6 of the NTFL due to Covid outbreak

Round 6 of the NTFL has been cancelled amid a positive Covid case in Katherine and a potential wider outbreak.

UPDATE: All games for this weekend’s NTFL season have been suspended.

This includes the game AFL superstar Eddie Betts was meant to play in.

It comes despite Chief Minister Michael Gunner saying, on Thursday night, everything including the NTFL could continue for those who were double-vaccinated.

An AFLNT spokeswoman said although it was disappointing the health and safety of the community was the highest priority.

“AFLNT is working with NTFL Club Presidents, and other competition stakeholders in regard to what this means for community football matches fixtured during this period,”

“Although this may be disappointing to some who were looking forward to a fixtured Tiwi Bombers home game on Bathurst Island and Eddie Betts debuting for Palmerston, the health and safety of the community remains the highest priority.

“AFLNT will update stakeholders with any new information regarding restrictions and protocols for community football, when available.

“If the Territory football community ever had a reason to get vaccinated, we have it now.”

The AFLNT continues to encourage players, volunteers and spectators to get their vaccine, and to stay home and get tested if they are feeling unwell.

EARLIER: AFLNT is currently in discussions on whether round 6 of the NTFL will go ahead with only double vaccinated players able to play.

The Greater Darwin region entered a 72-hour lockout on Thursday evening after a RAAF Base Tidal contract worker tested positive to Covid.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said that everything, including the NTFL, could continue as normal for the double vaccinated.

However, players and attendees with only a single vaccination or with no vaccinations will not be able to attend AFLNT venues.

“Absolutely everything continues as normal as long as you are double dosed,” Mr Gunner said.

“You can only play footy if you are double dosed, you can only attend the footy if you are double dosed.

“Life will go on as normal for the double vaccinated, the majority of things will just continue but there will be a need for a compliance check-in at premises.”

The AFLNT met with club presidents on Thursday night following the announcement commencing strategies and plans for what this would mean for the weekend’s matches.

Another meeting between presidents and the AFLNT took place early on Friday morning.

The NT News understands the Tiwi Bombers vs Wanderers game originally planned to take place on Bathurst Island may not go ahead.