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The latest in a series of violent incidents at AFL Northern Territory games this season has prompted a furious reaction from league boss Stuart Totham.
Totham is fuming after a violent brawl erupted in the carpark at Darwin’s TIO Stadium following an under-18s girls game between St Mary’s and Wanderers on Saturday.
The NT News reports a 17-year-old girl was taken to hospital with a chipped vertebrae and possible concussion after on-field arguments between the teams escalated after the match.
Emergency services were called at 12.30pm after a large group of players and spectators began fighting following St Mary’s 10.20 (80) to 1.1 (7) win.
“After being informed of the reported incidents at TIO Stadium yesterday, AFLNT have had enough of this disgraceful conduct at the footy. It is not acceptable and it has to stop now,” Totham said in a statement.
“Footy is an enjoyable, passionate pursuit and one many people invest their time into. We offer a safe place for participants to play the game of AFL and for the community to come and watch. We want to keep it that way. To be confronted with this type of poor conduct is totally unacceptable.
“This is not only about the incident at TIO Stadium yesterday afternoon but following a number of incidents of poor behaviour both on match day and outside of footy. Footy is not a place to come and settle a score.
“Individuals involved in these incidents need to accept responsibility and consequences. If they want to continue to be part of our game, changes need to be made or we will encourage these individuals to do something else. If you wish to continue this behaviour, you are not welcome at the footy and those individuals and clubs can expect harsh sanctions.
“With regard to the incident at TIO Stadium yesterday, I will be personally reaching out to every club president to ensure this message is heard. AFLNT will also work closely with police, clubs and others to ensure we understand all that occurred yesterday. If any further action is required, we will comment further at the appropriate time.”
A post on St Mary’s Instagram page congratulated their team on securing top spot on the ladder and added: “We are very proud of this group of young women for the way they conduct themselves on and off the field.”
In a statement, Wanderers president Jeromo Cubillo acknowledged an incident had taken place “outside the grounds” but said he would not comment further “until we have all the facts”.
“Wanderers Football Club does not condone violence in any form within our club. While we await the AFLNT investigation, we will continue to support our members through the incident.
The members involved in the incident are co-operating with the club and the AFLNT during the investigation,” he said.
“The club asked our players, supporters and members to refrain from engaging in any social media commentary. As this isn’t helpful as not all the facts have been laid out.”
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