A Big Rivers Football League melee was the catalyst for a post-match grand final brawl between the same clubs, source believes

A football melee in Katherine may have triggered an ugly post-match grand final brawl involving spectators, a source close to the league believes. See the video here.

A Big Rivers Football League final round melee was the catalyst for a post-match grand final brawl between the same teams several weeks later, a source close to the league believes.

Three spectators were arrested and received infringement notices following the fracas involving Bulldogs supporters and players from both sides on September 3 at Katherine, won by the Camels by 29 points.

AFLNT has commissioned an independent investigator to probe the incident, where one male fan allegedly chased two players and an umpire with a pair of scissors.

Camels coach Mark Tyrrell told the NT News the club was warned it needed an “exit strategy” if it were to win the season decider.

It is not known when a report will be handed down over the investigation.

A melee broke out between Katherine Camels and Ngukurr Bulldogs players in the final round of the Big Rivers Football League. Picture: Supplied.

The Bulldogs, who apologised to the Camels in the days after the event, have declined several requests to comment on the issue.

Ngukurr were removed from the competition in 2012 for several years after a grand final walk off against the Camels.

However, some believe a catalyst for the grand final incident was a final round melee at three quarter time on August 5 at Katherine Showgrounds.

In vision seen by the NT News, a Camels player appears to be knocked over by a Bulldogs opponent on the three quarter time siren.

A melee broke out between Katherine Camels and Ngukurr Bulldogs players in the final round of the Big Rivers Football League. Picture: Supplied.

Both clubs would later receive a $525 fine for their involvement in the melee.

Vision provided to the NT News shows a club official dressed in pink amongst the melee as it disperses but does not appear to remonstrate with opposition players.

In a statement, AFLNT said no individuals from either team had a report, referral or complaint lodged against them over the final round incident.

“AFLNT takes allegations and incidents of violence very seriously. There is no place for violence in our game,” it said.

Originally published as A Big Rivers Football League melee was the catalyst for a post-match grand final brawl between the same clubs, source believes