Keen AFL players across the country are preparing to lace up their boots for another season of club football.
Regional leagues will be operating across four major centres. Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago leagues will give AFL enthusiasts around the country a chance to play.
All matches will be full-contact, 18 a side affairs, reflecting the official rules of AFL. The level of competition is high, as selection pathways are available for High Performance representative teams.
All regions select a team to play in the National Provincial Championships held at Parrs Park in Auckland on the 5th and 6th of December. From here players can push for a place in the New Zealand Hawks, and to represent their country at AFL.
The Auckland AFL will begin their season on Sunday the 30th of August. Six clubs currently participate in the league, the largest in the country, with clubs spread across the region. The University Blues won the title in 2014 by beating the Waitakere Magpies by just 3 points in a thrilling final.
AFL Otago is the newest league and looking to expand year by year. Regular updates of information will be posted on the OAFL Facebook page.
Canterbury has a strong recent history in the NPC, winning four championships out of the last five years. The club season will begin on August 29 at Northwood Park, a full draw can be accessed on their website. Information for new players can also be found there.
The Wellington AFL will begin with an AFL Lightning tournament for all interested parties at Ascot Park in Porirua, on the 13th of September. Players are encouraged to come along and try the sport out in a fun environment. The season will commence a week later on the 20th of September at the same venue.
