AFLNT appoints independent investigator to probe Big Rivers grand final brawl

An apologetic remote NT football club could be kicked out of its league for the second time in a decade after the AFLNT stepped up its investigations into a post-match brawl.

A remote football club drawn into a major brawl involving players and spectators after the Big Rivers Football League grand final has apologised “unreservedly” to its opponents two days later.

The NT News revealed earlier this month a spectator, allegedly armed with scissors, chased an umpire and two players after the decider won by the Katherine Camels by 29 points, 14.9 (93) to 7.22 (64), on September 3.

Three spectators were arrested and issued with infringement notices for disorderly behaviour following a “large disturbance” post-match at 9.20pm, NT Police said.

Camels president Tim Delaney said he received a phone call on the Monday morning after the game from Bulldogs representatives apologising for the brawl.

It comes as an independent investigator appointed to probe the melee could hand down a report by the end of the month.

In a letter, dated September 6, Ngukurr community leaders and the club’s mens’ and women’s teams apologised unreservedly for the “violence and aggression” shown after the game.

“We apologise and acknowledge the impacts this incident has had on Katherine Camels, their supporters, AFLNT staff, umpires and the game itself,” the letter stated.

“This incident has brought shame on the community and the players who worked hard all season to play and succeed at the game the community loves.

A melee broke out after the Big Rivers Football League grand final. Picture: Supplied.

“Ngukurr leaders and Bulldogs players are disappointed, disgraced and upset by the actions of a small number of irresponsible and immature people.”

The letter refers to Yugul Mangi Development Aboriginal Corporation chairperson Bobby Nunggumajbarr, who said he was “disappointed” by the event: “It is not acceptable to see this happen”.

Ngukurr women’s captain, according to the letter, denounced the “stupid acts”.

“When we went to Katherine as finalists, we were in the spotlight. Now the lights are off,” she said.

The club said it would support any sanctions from AFLNT and new strategies were needed to ensure these events were not repeated.

Meanwhile, Delaney said his charges were locked in a shed for an hour and a half after the brawl but disputed reports it had spilled beyond the ground.

Delaney said he had met with the independent investigator recently for a 90 minute chat for a “rundown of events” before he is expected to present findings and recommendations by the end of the month.

“He’s not just trying to find out whose innocent and whose guilty,” Delaney said.

He said while local players were not surprised by the events, it was more supporters and spectators who were “blown away”.

“It’s not how grand final day should go down,” Delaney said.

Camels coach Mark Tyrrell previously told the NT News the club was told it needed an “exit strategy” if it won the match.

Katherine Camels won the Big Rivers Football League grand final by 29 points. Picture: Katherine Camels.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the AFLNT said a league-appointed independent investigator was “working through the incident” following the match in Katherine.

“AFLNT will follow due process in investigating the incident and will take all relevant actions relating to those involved as part of this process,” the spokesperson said.

The peak body confirmed Ngukurr were removed from the competition for several years after the 2012 season after players walked off the ground during the grand final against the Camels.

Ngukurr has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as AFLNT appoints independent investigator to probe Big Rivers grand final brawl