AFL New Zealand National Draft Explained Part 1

October 15, 2015

Once an initial playing list has been established, athletes will have their names entered into the AFL New Zealand National Draft, enabling coaching staff from the four competing teams (Northern Suns, Western Crows, Central Giants and Southern Saints) to select their 2016 AFL New Zealand Premiership playing rosters.

The AFL New Zealand National Draft will see all players placed into one of seven list categories. Highlighting the logistics of the competition and scheduling at North Harbour Stadium, the following list categories are now in place.

Category 1 Auckland Senior

Players based in the Auckland region born 1997 or older

Category 2 Regional Senior

Players based in Canterbury, Wellington and Dunedin born 1997 or older (Flights required)

Category 3 Satellite Senior

Players based in satellite venues such as Northland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato born 1997 or older

Category 4 Auckland Academy

Players based in the Auckland region born 1998 or younger

Category 5 Regional Academy

Players based in Canterbury, Wellington and Dunedin born 1998 or younger (Flights required)

Category 6 Satellite Academy

Players based in satellite venues such as Northland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato born 1998 or younger

Category 7 Wild Card Entry

These players are not involved in the initial playing list and draft selection but are added through the following processes;

Ongoing talent identification carried out through local, regional and national competitions
Those players currently playing in regional leagues and yet to be listed
Academy players for development purposes
Overseas players dependent on availability

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