The Northern Territory quietly pocketed two national AFL awards over the weekend.

Against the backdrop of the biggest match of the year, which saw Richmond claim its third premiership in four years by winning the 2020 Grand Final, Scott Bertus was awarded Senior Coach of the Year and Natalie Althouse swept up the AFL Diversity Ambassador award in the AFL Volunteer of the Year Award.

AFLNT chief executive Stuart Totham said the highly coveted commendment was “fantastic recognition” on the national level.

“What fantastic recognition for both Natalie and Scott to be recognised amongst all their peers as 2020 Toyota AFL Volunteer of the Year Award winners,” he said.

“Our game could not run without the tireless work of people like them, who continuously give to their club and the wider community, having a positive impact on young Territorians along the way.”

Katherine Camels coach Scott Bertus. Picture: Aaron Black, AFLNT Media.

The annual recognition, which usually garners hundreds of spectators during National Volunteer Week – but was disrupted this year as measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 closed some borders and restricted movement across others – commends dedication to growing the game on a grassroots level.

But in the case of the Northern Territory winners, AFL’s general manager of game development Andrew Dillon said the recognition went further.

“The values Scott brings to the Katherine community reflect exactly what football should be about,” he said.

“A strong passion for both people and the game are projected in the form of an energetic coach, dedicated not only to the Katherine Camels Football Club, but to the wider Katherine community.

“Scott creates an environment that makes people want to take ownership and pride in the game, with players contributing as much off the field as on it.”

Mr Dillon said Bertus’ “mentoring and professionalism” has cultivated much-needed confidence within countless young players.

“Camels players now have the confidence and sense of responsibility that has seen the club lead the way in assisting with the community junior programs and becoming involved in umpiring,” he said.

“In addition to his own coaching commitments, he regularly attends all other club matches too, taking hours out of his weekend to familiarise himself with each team and identify players across the region. He regularly assists with the women’s matches – as an extra coach on the bench or running water and messages, and facilitates training sessions that encompass the whole club.”

Mr Dillon described the winner of the AFL Diversity Ambassador award, Natalie Althouse, as a trailblazing player, coach, official and volunteer.

“Natalie has been involved in the Darwin Buffaloes football Club since 2012…her coaching role has broadened beyond NTFL U15 and U18 youth girls and extended to assisting the Men’s Premier League coach,” he said.

“In 2017, Natalie coached the U15 NT Kickstart Team to the GF in the National Diversity Championships, in Byron Bay. Six of these girls were subsequently selected in the Woomeras Squad.

Natalie Althouse (right) with Administrator of the NT Vicki O’Halloran. Picture: AFLNT.

“One of the recognisable elements of the team was the diversity of cultures and she proudly shared the fact that her team consisted of Aboriginal (from Tiwi, Nhulunbuy and Beswick) and Torres Strait Islanders, Greek, Italian, African, Filipino and Samoan heritage.”

Credited with changing the culture of a once disjointed club and lifting troubled youth up through the ranks, Bertus said the triumph was “truely humbling”.

“There are so many people nationwide that deserve this award, knowing the amount of work that goes into coaching nationwide to be honoured with this on behalf of the Katherine Camels, Big River Hawks and the Big Rivers Football League is amazing,” he said.

“The major impact this award has had on me is that it made me stop and reflect on my football career as a whole, and the clubs, communities and people I have worked with over the last 18 years – particularly in the NT.

“I have learned that remote footy is very unique and the love and passion people have for the game and the lengths that families, volunteers, umpires and AFL staff go to, to ensure our great game is played, is phenomenal.”

Coaching hundreds of young men through wins and losses over the past three years, Bertus highlighted that football has often been the stage where young leaders have found their voice.

“I wish there was more done to recognise the huge workloads and commitments [volunteers] put in,” he said.

“I’m very thankful to the sides and leagues I have worked with here in the NT in helping me to connect with aspects of this game that make it fundamental to the growth and wellbeing of people of all ages in our community and for giving me the opportunity to discuss key issues such as domestic violence through the No More campaign and men’s mental health through the Mental Mates organisation.”