AFLNT boss Stuart Totham dreams big for potential Territory team

‘Why can’t we do it?’ – These were the words of AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham on Friday as the organisation released its feasibility study into creating an AFL team based in the NT.

“WHY can’t we do it?”

These were the words of AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham on Friday as the organisation released its feasibility study into creating an AFL team based in the NT.

The feasibility study, ­revealed by the NT News on Friday, was commissioned in 2019 with funding from the NT government. The report aims to identify what AFLNT and the NT football community need to achieve to best position themselves for an AFL licence should one ­become available.

It explores multiple ­options for a team from an NT-centric side that revolves around Darwin and Alice Springs or a Northern Australia side that would also ­involve Cairns. The Territory’s most viable strategy for achieving an AFL team is via an unconventional model, which emphasises social ­impact as the core.

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The research demonstrates the NT community has a unique affection for the sport, highlighted by the Territory having the highest per capita participation rate for Australian football of any state.

Totham said the report ­explored three major areas of growth needed for a team in facilities, finances and talent.

But he also stressed that while the venture that would ­include an AFL and an AFLW side was one the organisation was working hard on, it knew that it would take some time to come to fruition.

“In the Territory we were always told to dream big and this is what it’s about in ­aspiring to get ourselves a team,” Totham said.

AFLNT CEO Stuart Totham.

“Why can’t we do it? We have a terrific history in producing footballers and a community that thrives on the sport. It’s not about saying we need a team today, because we know we’re not ready, but what about if in 10 years a ­licence became available, we know what we need to work on. Australian football is by far the No. 1 sport in the ­Territory …

“The report looks at three pillars facilities, financial model and talent all of which we know we need to invest in.

“We know that teams in desirable locations have difficulties retaining players, so we need to develop our own talent in both AFL and AFLW so that we can drive home that Territory advantage.”

Sport Minister Kate Worden said: “The Territory has a long history producing some of the best players right across the nation.

“It’s an important step forward. We did fund this study to see what a clear path forward looks like, it’s all about being ready …”