SANFL APY League

Cancellation of SANFL APY League

Today, at a meeting in Adelaide with SANFL senior management, we received the extremely difficult news that the SANFL APY season will be cancelled forthwith.

The cancellation of the SANFL APY League competitions is a deeply disappointing outcome, but one that must be met with a clear and unequivocal message: violence has no place in community sport.

The recent incidents of violence are unacceptable and cannot be normalised, excused, or allowed to continue. Sport is supposed to provide a safe, positive, and respectful environment for players, families, officials, volunteers, and the wider community. When that environment is compromised by acts of violence, decisive action is not only justified — it is essential.

The SANFL, as the controlling body, has a responsibility to protect the integrity and safety of its competitions. Allowing violence to continue without meaningful consequences would send completely the wrong message. The decision to cancel the APY League competitions demonstrates that there must be a firm line drawn when participant safety and community standards are breached.

This is not about punishing players or communities who want to participate in football and softball. It is about making it absolutely clear that violence will not be tolerated as part of sport, regardless of the circumstances, the individuals involved or the location in which it occurs.

Everyone involved in the APY competitions — players, clubs, coaches, officials, administrators, and supporters — must understand that participation in sport comes with responsibility. Respect for opponents, officials and teammates is non-negotiable. Those who engage in violence must be held accountable for their actions.

The cancellation of the APY competitions is a serious consequence, and it is regrettable that the actions of some have resulted in opportunities being lost for many who simply want to play sport. However, the responsibility for that consequence ultimately rests with those whose behaviour has made such action necessary.

SANFL must stand firm. The message must be clear: enough is enough. Violence cannot, and will not, be accepted as part of sport.
We support strong leadership, strong accountability, and a zero-tolerance approach to violence. The safety, dignity and wellbeing of everyone involved in community sport must come first.

Notice to SANFL APY Sports League Teams
Football & Softball – Preliminary Finals

To all remaining teams,
The SANFL APY Sports League is currently in ongoing discussions regarding the venue and timings for this weekend’s Preliminary Finals for both football and softball.

Following the incidents of violence at last week’s finals, NT Police & SAPOL have raised concerns and require further information before they can provide their support for the proposed arrangements.

At this stage, we are working through these concerns and exploring all options to ensure the safety of players, officials, spectators and the wider community.

Our preferred option remains to hold the Preliminary Finals at Mutitjulu, however, this is subject to NT Police & SAPOL being satisfied with the arrangements and providing their support.

If NT Police & SAPOL are unable to support the finals being held at Mutitjulu, the alternative may unfortunately be to cancel the remainder of the season.

We understand the uncertainty this creates for all teams and appreciate your patience and cooperation while these discussions take place. The League is committed to making a decision based on the safety of everyone involved.

We will provide a further update as soon as more information is available.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
SANFL APY Sports League
Football & Softball

Football and Softball Semi Final results from the weekend.

Week 2 Finals Fixture

The road to the Grand Final.

Finals Week 1 Football and Softball Results.
Finals Week 2 Fixture and Venue will be posted soon.

Important information regarding the 2026 Finals series.

Palya,
This weekends knockout finals to be played at Mutitjulu Oval.
Top 2 teams progress straight to week 2 of the finals;
Football - Mutitjulu & Finke
Softball - Mimili & Amata

Softball Ladder after Rd 13. Week 1 of Finals Fixture will be released later today

Football Ladder after Rd 13. Week 1 of Finals Fixture will be released later today