Arnhem Crows and Eastside football clubs receive large sanctions after Big Rivers footy brawl

The clubs involved in a shocking brawl midway through a Katherine footy match have been slapped with huge fines, while five players received big bans. Read what happened.

The Arnhem Crows and Eastside football clubs have been hit with a combined $12k in fines and 64 weeks in bans after a startling brawl in the Big Rivers football competition.

The Round 4 encounter between the two sides descended into chaos when players from the sides threw punches and charged each other outside the field of play.

Footage, caught by spectators, showed teammates and supporters were forced to intervene as the fight went on.

The match was called off after the incident with scores remaining the same after three quarter time, with the Crows leading 7.7 (49) to 3.3 (21).

However, the Crows have been hit with the most hefty penalties receiving $10,000 in fines, with $7.5k suspended until the completion of the 2026 Big Rivers Football League season.

Brawl breaks out in Katherine footy match on May 12.

The Eastside Football Club has received $2k in fines, with $1.5k suspended until the end of the 2025 BRFL season.

In addition to the club fines, five players across both clubs received codes of conduct breaches and were banned for a total of 64 weeks.

The AFLNT did not disclose names on who received bans nor the spread of suspensions between the two clubs, though the NT News understands larger sanctions were handed to two Arnhem players.

“In response to the incident both clubs have agreed to undergo an education program on fostering a positive game environment and leadership,” an AFLNT spokeswoman said.

“AFLNT commends each club on their proactive response to the incident and their commitment to improvement.

Brawl breaks out in Katherine footy match on May 12.

“AFLNT are committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all participants, ensuring that AFL continues to be enjoyed by players and fans alike in the Big Rivers Region.

“We wish to reinforce that AFLNT strongly condemns and has zero tolerance towards any type of violent behaviour in our game.”

The Crows fine is one of the largest handed down by the AFLNT to a club, with the Ngukurr Bulldogs receiving an $8000 fine, alongside several bans, following chaotic scenes in the 2022 grand final.

The Arnhem Crows issued an apology following the incident stating the club “deeply regrets the involvement of some of its players” in the melee.

“The Club wishes to apologise to the public, officials, sponsors and to the Eastside Football Club for any inappropriate behaviour or language during the incident,” the statement read.

“The Arnhem Crows are a proud and passionate club that works hard to ensure that our players, officials and community uphold the values of Respect, Sportsmanship and Wellbeing.”