Michael Gunner
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
Kate Worden
Minister for Sport
Media Release
AFL Taskforce Members Announced
28 October 2021
Establishing a Northern Territory AFL team has taken another step forward with the appointment of a Territory AFL Team Taskforce.
The long-term aim of the Taskforce is to identify the pathway to further explore opportunities that could underpin a team not only competing, but being sustainable and inspiring our young people by achieving high levels of success both on and off the field. We know that when the opportunity for an AFL licence becomes available, the Territory needs to be ready.
The Taskforce is comprised of committed Territory locals and industry experts. They are:
- Kate Worden , Minister for Sport (Co-Chair)
- Mr Sean Bowden, Chair AFLNT (Co-Chair)
- Mr Nigel Browne, CEO, Larrakia Development Corporation
- Mr Tony Edmondstone, CEO Airport Development Group
- Mr Lewis Martin, Managing Director Seven Melbourne & Network Head of Sport
- Mr Peter Jackson, CEO, Melbourne Football Club (2013-2018) and Essendon Football Club (1996 to 2009)
- Dr Josie Douglas, General Manager Health Service, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
The objective of the Taskforce is to explore and build on the foundations laid by the AFLNT’s Feasibility Study: The Unconventional Model, and to develop a business plan and a strategy to effectively champion, lobby and drive the Territory’s AFL licence agenda.
Work will begin straightaway with the Taskforce set to meet in November with plans to submit a final report in late 2022.
Quotes from the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Michael Gunner:
“Territorians love their footy and we are passionate about having our own Territory team.
“This next stage brings in a range of experts to make the Territory dream real.
“We will be ready for a National team when the AFL are ready to expand.”
Quotes from the Minister for Sport and Territory AFL Team Taskforce Co-Chair, Kate Worden:
“Our vision is for a Territory team to become the pathway for young Territorian boys and girls to achieve their dreams of playing for a local AFL team at the highest level of sport in the country. We want this team to become a permanent part of Territory life, and a source of pride for all Territorians on the national stage.
“The high calibre of the Taskforce members confirms the passion and belief from across Australia in the idea of a Territory AFL team.”
Quotes from Territory AFL Team Taskforce Co-Chair Sean Bowden:
“The establishment of a Territory AFL Team Taskforce is a crucial first step in bringing to life a Territory-own AFL Team and positioning the Territory to bid for a future AFL licence. We have unique talent and a style of football in the Territory that can’t be taught. A Territory-own AFL Team will be a pathway and an inspiration to our young people, a source of pride for the community and a major stimulus to the Territory economy.
“The hard work starts now with a Taskforce whose members are industry leaders with experience at all levels of the game”.
Quotes from Territory AFL Team Taskforce Member Lewis Martin:
“If there was ever a place and purpose for an AFL team, it’s the Northern Territory where footy talks many languages.”
Quotes from Territory AFL Team Taskforce Member Peter Jackson:
“Being CEO of both Essendon and Melbourne FCs afforded me the opportunity to be closely involved in AFL football in the Territory and it proved to be both a satisfying and rewarding experience personally - you get to see firsthand how much football means to Territorians and their communities.”