Indigenous coaches to ignite Territory footy's fiercest rivalry

Jackson Clark Published February 19, 2025 at 6.30pm (AWST)

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Shannon Rusca will coach the Northern Territory Football League representative side against a Central Australian Football League side in April. (Image: AFLNT)

Two Indigenous former AFL players have been revealed as the coaches of the intrastate representative clash between the Northern Territory Football League and Central Australia.

Ex-Brisbane and Western Bulldogs player Shannon Rusca will lead the NTFL while former North Melbourne small forward Matt Campbell will take the reins for the Central Australia team.

Set to take place on April 5, the game will showcase the best of the Territory's talent at Alice Springs' TIO Traeger Park.

It will be the first time the two regions have clashed in more than three decades, with the two competitions previously enjoying a strong rivalry for nearly 80 years.

Since the first match in 1948, the Top End has won eight of the nine inter-town contests, with Central Australia's solitary win coming in 1952.

Rusca has been an instrumental figure for the Southern Districts Football Club, which has included steering the team to an NTFL premiership.

He previously spent three seasons in the AFL and featured in two games for the Lions in 2000 in an injury-plagued tenure at the top level.

The 44-year-old's playing career included a stint in the SANFL and in the NEAFL competition with the now disbanded NT Thunder, where he served as an inaugural player and assistant coach.

Rusca said that he is excited to lead the Territory in this historic clash.

"It's an absolute privilege to be coaching the NTFL Buffaloes Men's side for this prestigious representative clash," Rusca said.

Ex-North Melbourne player Matt Campbell coaching the CAFL's representative team. (Image: AFLNT)

"Having played and coached in the Territory for many years, I understand the pride and passion that comes with wearing the NTFL colours.

"The NTFL and CAFL (Central Australian Football League) have always had a fierce rivalry, and to be a part of that history as a coach is a tremendous honour.

"I'm looking forward to working with a talented group of players and brining that competitive spirit to TIO Traeger Park in April."

CAFL coach Matt Campbell also comes with plenty of football experience having enjoyed a six-year AFL career with North Melbourne, which resulted in 82 games and 79 goals.

Campbell has since had an illustrious playing and coaching career in the Territory, which has included winning a premiership in Alice Springs with Pioneer and leading the Darwin Buffaloes to a rare NTFL grand final appearance.

It will be Campbell's third time coaching the CAFL team.

AFL Northern Territory boss Sam Gibson said that he is excited about the return of the intrastate representative contest.

"The history between these two leagues is something truly special, and we're excited to give both the Men's and Women's sides the chance to showcase their talents on such a big stage," Gibson said.

"This game will not only reignite the historic rivalry but also inspire the next generation of footy players across the Territory.

"We're especially excited to bring this event to Alice Springs, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the growth of football in the region and showcasing the incredible strength of both the NTFL and CAFL."