AFL NT held its 2019 Volunteer Awards function at Government House on Friday where volunteers from nine categories and one Merit Award recipient were duly recognised for their outstanding contribution to the game of AFL in the Northern Territory.

The AFL Volunteer of the Year program is a recognition program which commenced as part of the Australian Football 150 years celebration in an effort to reward outstanding volunteers who have given notable voluntary service to Australian Football.

It is the first time AFLNT has held a separate event just for volunteers with The Honourable Vicki O'Halloran, Administrator of the NT and Mr Craig O'Halloran presiding over the reception and welcoming the volunteers plus representatives from the football community into their home.

The first eight award recipients (as listed below) are invited to attend the State/Territory Volunteer Awards held in Melbourne during May 2020.

From there, one volunteer from the Northern Territory will be crowned the '2019 NT National Volunteer of the Year' and be rewarded with tickets to the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final including flights, accommodation and extras. Peter Leonard was the lucky recipient of this year's grand final reward.

Stu Totham, CEO of AFLNT said the awards ceremony at Government House was a very special evening on Friday night.

"We received many high-class nominations and all recipients were worthy award winners. It's fantastic to have so many role models in our football community," he said.

"It was very special to be able to present these awards at Government House and we thank Her Honour The Administrator Vicki O'Halloran and Mr Craig O'Halloran for hosting us at Government House, it was a real thrill for everyone involved," said Totham.

2019 Senior Coach of the Year - Scott Bertus

This award recognises the outstanding work of a coach who works within a senior football environment in community football.

The values Scott brings to the Katherine community reflect exactly what football should be about.

A strong passion for both people and the game are projected in the form of an energetic coach, dedicated not only to the Katherine Camels Football Club, but to the wider Katherine community.

Under his leadership, his club, the Camels, lead the way in assisting with the community, junior programs and involvement with umpiring.

Other winners were:

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