NT Thunder Football Club is pleased it has come to an agreement with AFL Victoria, that will see minimal changes to the number of AFLW players named in the weekly team line-up.

After robust discussion between AFLNT and AFL Vic, it has been agreed that former Darwin-based players Sophie Armitstead and Sally Riley, who developed their football in the NT before moving to Adelaide this year, will count as Darwin-listed players for the purpose of the AFLW allocation.

Should Stevie Lee-Thompson also line up for Thunder then she too will count as a Darwin-based AFLW player.

In addition to this, NT Thunder can name up to six Adelaide-based AFLW players, which means along with the current six classified as NT-AFLW players that most weeks the team will likely field the potential full allocation of 12 AFLW players as allowed under the 2018 competition bylaws.

AFLNT Manager of Talent and Pathways Wally Gallio said he was happy both parties were able to have productive discussions and gain a greater respect for each other’s position.

“We are really satisfied with the outcome and glad AFL Vic took the time to meet with us. We feel they now have a greater understanding of our list build strategy and our clear direction moving ahead.

“We look forward to fostering an NT Thunder team that has a high concentration of local talent and we will continue to develop a strong relationship with the VFL W,” Gallio said.

AFL Vic CEO Steven Reaper said he was also happy with where the two organisations landed.

“AFL Victoria is pleased with the outcomes generated from a recent meeting with AFLNT surrounding its NT Thunder team that competes in the VFL W.

“The meeting was productive and post the meeting AFLNT has provided a list management plan for the remainder of the 2018 season while also committing to a longer-term strategy that will enhance the ongoing development of female football in the NT region into the future,” Reaper said.