NTFL men’s grand final teams to face independent audit

The NTFL will carry out independent compliance audits of this season’s grand finals teams to inform future competitive balance measures including a potential salary cap. Read what will happen.

The NTFL will carry out independent compliance audits of this season’s grand finals teams to inform future competitive balance measures including a potential salary cap.

The audits will review each of the club’s adherence to NTFL By-Laws from throughout the season with a focus on player contract declarations and governance standards.

These audits are understood to be used to inform future decisions around competitive balance which could include salary caps and football program spending limitations.

An AFLNT spokesperson said the league would be working closely with all clubs and the wider footy community as they seek competitive balance.

Quinton Narkle as Southern Districts took on St Mary's in Round 1 of the 2025-26 NTFL season. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“This initiative represents a significant step in strengthening competition integrity and ensuring fairness across the league,” they said.

“The aim is to strengthen competition fairness and help shape future decisions around competitive balance, including considerations such as salary caps and football program spending caps.

“We will continue to work closely with clubs, players, and the wider football community throughout the process.”

It comes following an offseason review in which the governing body sought measures to narrow what was a widening gap between the top five and bottom four teams.

As a result of the review the fly-in rule was abolished and there was a major overhaul in the points system giving clubs in lower positions better access to players.

Originally published as NTFL men’s grand final teams to face independent audit