Controversial NTFL fly-in rule under review in AFLNT competitive balance review

The “quite complex” rules around interstate players in the NTFL are under the microscope as football bosses look to introduce measures to make the competition more even.

The Nightcliff Tigers in the 2024-25 had sanctions reversed after appealing the fly-in rule. Picture: Patch Clapp / AFLNT Media

The AFLNT is poised to make changes to the NTFL fly-in rule and player point system with the competitive balance measures causing consistent issues at club land.

As is stands a fly-in player is defined as someone who does not have a permanent residence in the NT prior to December 31 in the year the competition commences.

Clubs must submit a fly-in player list between one and eight players for the season, though no more than three players that fall in the category can play in a single match.

The player must also be on the fly-in list prior to being named in a men’s premier league or premier league reserves match.

However, as outlined by the AFLNT review, the system designed to balance competitiveness and control spending has led to “unintended challenges and speculation”.

“The Fly-In rule has created more challenges than solutions, and in operation it contradicts good governance,” the review states.

“AFLNT intends to transition to a clearer model that supports competitive balance without unnecessary complications.”

The Nightcliff Tigers were initially sanctioned in the 2024-25 season when they were found to have fielded more than three fly-ins in Rounds 13 and 14.

The Nightcliff Tigers in the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNT Media

The club was hit with a $10,000 fine, coach Leigh Crossman was banned for two matches and would have had to forfeit all benefits gained from those wins potentially jeopardising their season.

However, the club successfully appealed the sanctions arguing their player, Riley Baldi, who was initially relocated prior to an injury, had been moved on to the fly-in list in compliance with the rules.

Head of AFLNT Sam Gibson said while it’s too early to hone in on specific changes the review would look into the current competitive balance systems that were “tricky” to work with.

“This project is ultimately looking at competitive balance on and off the field and we’re always talking to clubs and stakeholders about these systems,” he said.

“The fly-in rule is an interesting one, it’s quite complex and difficult to administer at club land, so the conversation is about how we can help them.

“It’s also a bit tricky to administer as a league so we will be looking at it while ensuring we’ve got a good competitive balance system in place to bring every club their next success.”

Head of AFLNT Sam Gibson ahead of the 2024-25 NTFL season. Picture: AFLNT Media

Interstate leagues have a balance of a salary cap and points system to balance financial disparities in clubs and prevent bidding wars for players, a key topic in the NTFL review where the player spend divide is up to $180,000 between clubs.

The allocated point system is based on club performances across the previous three seasons, with players transferring from other NTFL clubs costing four points.

Meanwhile, players from other state leagues are three points while former AFL players cost one point, but without a salary cap measure certain clubs can outbid for available talent.

“Salary caps have been spoken about in the past, we’ve got a point system in place that continues to evolve,” Gibson said.

“Everything is on the table at the moment, we just need to step through it and form a simple system that’s easy to administer, supports every club and ensures competitive balance.

“It’s really important we get it right, clubs and coaches are consistently telling me it’s a high priority so we’ll spend time to ensure we get it right.

“We need a balance between those high profile players that create a lot of buzz and excitement and making sure our local talent have the opportunity to participate in the premier league.”