Fly-in rule and player point system overhauled for 2025-26 NTFL season
The AFLNT have released major bylaw changes for the upcoming season with changes to both the point system and fly-in rule which will impact how clubs recruit. Find out how it impacts each club.
The AFLNT have released major bylaw changes for the upcoming season with changes to both the point system and fly-in rule which will impact how clubs recruit.
The adjustments aim to improve competitive balance for the 2025-26 season and ensure greater financial accountability across the competition.
AFLNT have abolished the fly-in rule, which previously limited clubs to just three players based interstate for each game and eight for the entire season.
The rule has caused administrative issues in the past few seasons, most recently when Nightcliff were initially sanctioned for fielding more than three fly-ins in Rounds 13 and 14.
However, the club managed to appeal the sanctions which included a $10,000 fine and forfeiting those matches when they proved they had not breached the rules.
To help ease the unwieldiness of the rule in its previous form it has been dropped giving clubs the chance to recruit from interstate without limitation.
As a counter measure players must now play six of a potential 16 games, for the league, reserves or under-17.5 divisions throughout the regular season to qualify for finals.
Relocation concessions for players who have moved to the NT will no longer apply to support a simpler points system.
Meanwhile, the point system has been overhauled into a tiered format with an increased allocation for each team based on how well a club has performed over the past three seasons.
The top tier clubs including recent premiership winners Southern Districts will have 26 points for the upcoming season while teams often out of finals such as Palmerston will have 40.
The range of points allows a poorer performing teams a greater chance at improving their playing lists and club depth, with both senior men and women following the same formula.
AFLNT Community Football Manager Leigh Elder said the changes were designed to promote fairness and sustainability for clubs that have struggled.
“We are always looking at ways to improve the competition, and that includes regularly re-evaluating how the TIO NTFL operates,” he said.
“The NTFL has grown significantly in recent years, we’ve seen more than 50% increase in participation since 2019, which is a testament to the strength and appeal of Territory football.
“With that growth comes the responsibility to ensure the competition remains fair, balanced, and sustainable for all clubs.
“These by-law changes reflect the feedback we’ve received and the realities our clubs face.
“They’re about simplifying administration, supporting volunteers, helping every club feel empowered to compete and build towards a successful future.”
As a result of the revised points allocation the AFLNT chose not to introduce point reductions for relocated players who did not participate interstate.
Women’s Premier League (WPL)
PINT - Top Tier – 26 Points
St Mary’s - Top Tier – 26 Points
Nightcliff - Top Tier – 26 Points
Waratah - Top Tier – 26 Points
Darwin – Middle Tier – 36 Points
Palmerston – Middle Tier – 36 Points
Tiwi Middle – Middle Tier – 36 Points
Southern Districts – Lower Tier – 40 Points
Wanderers Lower – Lower Tier – 40 Points
Men’s Premier League (MPL)
Southern Districts - Top Tier – 26 Points
St Mary’s - Top Tier – 26 Points
Nightcliff - Top Tier – 26 Points
Waratah - Top Tier – 26 Points
PINT – Middle Tier – 36 Points
Darwin – Middle Tier – 36 Points
Tiwi – Middle Tier – 36 Points
Wanderers – Lower Tier – 40 Points
Palmerston – Lower Tier – 40 Points
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