The red dirt oval of Lajamanu will host Big Rivers football as the league heads into the communities this season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Kalano, Ngukurr and the Arnhem Crows all also received home games in the revised 10 game fixture for the 2020 season.
New AFLNT Regional Development Manager for the Katherine Region, Gavin May, had flagged community home games as a key focus of his when first arriving in town.
Now, he said he's excited to see a stronger base for community football teams eventuate from the endeavour.
"We've managed to keep a ten game season despite the challenges we've faced so I'm really excited about that," Mr May said.
"Each club will play three teams twice to fill out the season, and I just put them in a footyweb computer system so that process was free from any manipulation.
"Home games for community teams is something which will provide a big boost for these teams, who we really want to see standing on their own two feet.
"They'll be able to make money from hosting the games and generate attention within their communities, and will also benefit from a home-ground advantage instead of always having to travel into town.
"Lajamanu will play on their red dirt oval and I wouldn't think we'd see them lose to anyone out there anytime soon, and the Barunga oval as well is a really large ground compared to others in our region.
"Katherine is unique for the Territory in having enough ovals in close enough proximity to play a home and away season, and that'll be a helpful building block for the competition down here," he said.
Kalano coach Dennis Coburn is already out preparing the ground to be suitable for full games.
He says the initiative will help Kalano Football Club build community and continue developing as an organisation.
More reading:
"It gives us a great sense of momentum to continue developing our oval as a space, the more its used the more attention it will get," he said.
"I think outside of football it will bring renewed interest to the Kalano area, as people who mightn't have ever been there before come down and the community comes together.
"That it's in school holidays means the young ones will be able to come and see what their future might hold if they keep on with footy.
"We'll try make a day of it and put on a barbecue, but money isn't our primary concern.
"Getting people to the game, out of their houses in Rockhole and Binjari to see the space and enjoy the day is the most important thing for us as a community team," Mr Coburn 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.
