Huge 200 person brawl puts dampener on Pioneer’s CAFL premiership celebrations
Grand final celebrations turned sour for a Red Centre footy club, after a brawl involving “up to 200 people” broke out at its clubhouse as players celebrated their win. Read what happened.
Northern Territory
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Pioneer Football Club’s grand final celebrations turned sour when a mass brawl involving “up to 200 people” broke out at its clubhouse.
Pioneer was celebrating its 2024 CAFL grand final victory over Federal at its clubhouse on the Stuart Highway in the early hours of Sunday when the commotion kicked up.
Police alleged some of the individuals involved in the fighting were armed with weapons, and a 16-year-old had to be treated for a minor hand injury.
Police remained at the scene until the crowd dispersed.
The NT News understands the incident was not related to the game’s result, and was not instigated by the club.
Pioneer posted a statement on its Facebook page stating the club’s disappointment at what had taken place outside its clubhouse.
“It was disappointing that a serious incident occurred at our grand final celebrations,” the post read.
“We hope everyone is okay, and ask anyone who need to chat about or share information regarding the incident, please PM our page.”
AFL Northern Territory confirmed it was aware an incident had taken place at the clubhouse at the weekend.
“We wish to reinforce that AFLNT strongly condemns any type of violent behaviour,” a spokeswoman said.
“No further comment will be made at this point in time.”
NT Police said alleged armed people fled the scene upon their arrival and investigations were still under way.
“Investigations are ongoing and police will be contacting relevant sporting officials,” police said.
“The identities of those involved are still under investigation.”
It follows an Alice Springs Council decision to ban the CAFL community competition from playing its grand final in the town for the foreseeable future.
The community grand final on August 25 was followed by a spike in crime across the town, with council ruling the influx of people from outside communities had been the cause.
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