Gardens, Nightcliff Ovals to showcase suburban footy under lights in NTFL’s opening rounds

GARDENS Oval will be lit up for the first time, for the venues first match under lights

• Nightcliff, Bagot ovals lighting to go ahead
• Tender awarded for oval lights

GARDENS Oval will be lit up on October 2 when Waratah hosts Palmerston Magpies for the venue’s first match under lights.

Waratah president Rohan Langworthy said the club appreciated the work that had gone in to lighting up the suburban ovals.

“It’ll transform football in Darwin and the iconic Gardens Oval will go from being awesome to absolutely amazing,” he said.

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“That Friday night game, we want to do it justice because it’s a momentous occasion.”

Nightcliff Oval will showcase new light towers in Round 2 when the Tigers host Waratah.

Darwin council confirmed lights at Bagot Oval, the first of the three, would begin going up on Thursday, with the project expected to take two days.

Lights are expected to be fully operational by late September.

AFLNT manager of community football and club development Emily Wastle-Hopkins said the fixture catered to club requests.

“We’d like to thank the clubs for their input this season. Despite being in a position to release the fixtures earlier than in previous seasons, the overall process has taken a lot longer, which we believe has helped us achieve a positive result for players, umpires, volunteers and fans alike,” she said.

AFLNT manager of community football and game development Emily Wastle-Hopkins

“It was clear to us that the alignment of grades was the No.1 priority for the league to address.”

Other fixture highlights include a grand final rematch between Nightcliff and St Mary’s in rounds one, four and 14, the Nungalinya Cup between Darwin Buffaloes and Wanderers to showcase Indigenous round in Round 7, while Wanderers and Waratah will face off in the traditional Foundation Cup held on Australia Day, next year on a Tuesday, as part of Heritage Round while a full competition bye on Saturday, January 23, will see NTFL representative footy return.

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In the Women’s Premier League, Waratah will first play under lights against Darwin Buffettes in Round 4 but Nightcliff will have to wait until next season before it experiences suburban footy under lights.