AFLNT have flagged a possible July return for the Big Rivers Football League so long as bio-security zones open in June as expected.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Clubs are now furiously submitting health and safety agreements allowing them to train after Friday this week while maintaining strict social distancing and hygiene measures.
'Get in, train, get out' is the motto from authorities as the Territory pursues a new normal of activities against the background of a continuing pandemic across Australia.
Clubs have been directed to train outside and avoid club-rooms or enclosed areas but most are planning to begin skills at various points of next week.
Katherine Camels committeeman and player Tom Watkins said the chatter among his group was high and next Monday looms as their first training session.
More reading:
The Camels were premiers in 2019 after a dream run through the finals saw them beat favourites Katherine South Crocs and Arnhem Crows in consecutive weeks.
"Everyone's been speaking with each other and we've submitted our documents so next week we should be clear to train," he said.
"It'll be a bit weird at first but we're on board.
"It should be really interesting and if Ngukurr come in then everybody will have their eye on them because they played for their own league during the off-season as well," Tom said.
Last week NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner gave his strongest indication yet bio-security zones are set to open in June with the approval of land councils.
The measures are, however, under Federal management so teams expect it will be some weeks still before a final decision is made.
Kalano Bombers will be training next Tuesday under coach Dennis Coburn, and Ngukurr coach Paul Amarant confirmed his team are already fit and firing ahead of their official re-start next week.
More reading:
"We've got all our forms in and we expect to play this year if the bio-security zones open," Mr Amarant said.
"If us and Lajamanu are somehow pushed out because of the virus then the league will suffer and we'll be raising hell.
"Out here in Ngukurr the players never really stop training and kicking the footy so we're raring to go as soon as we get the all clear to begin organised training sessions again," the coach said.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.