The Canterbury AFL (CAFL) is all set and ready to go for the 2020 season which begins on Saturday September 19 at Hagley Park (Carlton Corner).
Defending Premiers, the Christchurch Bulldogs are looking forward to the 2020 CAFL season as they prepare to defend their 2019 title.
A few new players have joined the Bulldog’s ranks and with the majority of last year’s squad returning, it’s hopeful the team will continue to improve and grow.
Former AFLW player and Olympian Kim Mickle will once again be in charge of the Bulldog’s after tasting Premiership success in her first season in charge.
In September 2016, Mickle signed to play for the Fremantle Football Club in the inaugural season of AFL Women’s in 2017.
Having relocated to Christchurch in 2017, Mickle took the silver medal at the 2013 World Championships in Athletics reaching a result of 66.60 m (PB) and in 2014, she won the gold medal at the Commonwealth games with a throw of 65.96 meters.
The University Cougars will be strong again in 2020 and will push the Bulldog’s all the way as they will try to regain the Premiership trophy which they held in 2018.
AFL New Zealand Premiership coach Matt Cawley will come into the season with a good game plan and has a young talented squad.
The Mid Canterbury Eagles could be a dark horse in 2020.
The Eagles have welcomed the return of New Zealand Falcons Captain Andrew Howison who bolsters the squad and will provide a heap of experience both on and off the field. Howison will be joined by AFL New Zealand Premiership star’s Patrick Smith and Josh Robles-McGill.
With the same coaching staff returning, coach Adem Manderovic looks to reap the reward of working with his young Eagles side for the past three seasons.
Can the Eastern Blues get back to their best in 2020?
Led by New Zealand Falcon Jay Johnson, the Blues are putting in the hard yards to give themselves a shot at the Premiership title.
For more information, jump over to the Canterbury AFL website, or like/follow the Canterbury AFL Facebook page.
Photo – Mattylouisphotography
