Mataranka to host Big Rivers matches in 2021 under a ground breaking AFLNT/Roper Gulf Regional Council partnership

Mataranka Oval named as the new Southern Hub for the Big Rivers Football League community sides

Winners are grinners: Katherine Souths players show off the BRFL premiership cup last night. Picture: Grey Morris

THE Big Rivers Football League has gone rural after the AFLNT signed an agreement with the Roper Gulf Regional Council to play premiership matches in the town of Mataranka.

The new Southern Football Hub will allow teams like Ngukurr, Minyerri and Jilkminggan to cut travel time in half by playing matches in Mataranka, 64km south of Katherine township.

The AFLNT’s Katherine Regional Development manager Gavin May said there were several positives to come out of the partnership.

“This is a huge game changer for the Big Rivers competition,’’ May said,

“It will save teams like Ngukurr, Lajamanu, Minyerri and Jilkminggan considerable travel time and allow Ngukurr to put an under-16 side in the competition with money saved from travel costs.”

The partnership will also provide employment opportunities for locals to officiate as umpires, gatekeepers and canteen managers on gamedays at Mataranka Oval.

Roper Gulf Regional Council Mayor Judy MacFarlane said the partnership is a natural fit, with the AFLNT and her council dedicated to providing opportunities for residents in the Roper Gulf region to play footy.

“Council is thrilled to be uniting with AFL Northern Territory to establish a Southern Football Hub in the region,” MacFarlane said.

“We have seen the positive influence that AFL can have across the region, creating job opportunities and responsibility for local people.

“It also builds a strong sense of camaraderie and Council is excited to see this influence in our communities.

The township of Mataranka will host games over 14 rounds and the Jilkminggan community will host seven.

“This is huge for the people that live locally in these areas and is a credit to those who have worked hard to keep the ovals in excellent playing condition,” MacFarlane said

The BRFL will host three competitions this season.

They include the main Katherine Rivers Division, Roper River Division and a five-team Women’s League.

The Big Rivers Football League’s first Mataranka Oval game is set down for May 1 when reigning premier Katherine South meets the Ngukurr Bulldogs.

The returning Eastside open the season against RAAF Tindal on Friday night, April 24.