Central Australian Redtails join Premier League
By Gail Liston, ABC Updated June 19, 2013, 1:51 pm
The Central Australian Redtails have been accepted into the NTFL Premier League for the 2013-14 season on an eight-game trial.
Club president Rob Clarke says the decision was made by the AFL NT board last night based on the club's successful four-game trial last season against teams from the Darwin-based league.
He believes the Redtails have the support of the central Australian community.
"It is more than just footy," he said.
"It is, hopefully, a tool we can use to change attitudes and directions of people's lives in central Australia and also give opportunities to lads that deserve it," he said.
Mr Clarke says the club's committee will focus on next season and building the Redtails' reputation.
"I just hope that Central Australians from all walks of life really get behind this and understand what we're trying to achieve," he said.
"Let's stand together and make a big difference."
Permanent admission of the Redtails to the Premier League will be subject to the success of the trial, along with five years of federal funding for existing AFL NT and NT Thunder Central Australian operations.
Mr Clarke says it came as a shock to find out the club's long-term future rests on the funding from the Australian Sports Commission.
