Venue announced to host NAB AFL Draft

The AFL has announced Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre will host the NAB AFL Draft on Thursday 24 November.

NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, welcomed the AFL’s decision to hold the Draft in Western Sydney.

“Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre is a focal point for regional, national and international sport in Western Sydney, offering the AFL the perfect venue to hold its draft next month,” he said.

This year’s event will see over 400 staff, players and management from the 18 AFL clubs head to Sydney for the occasion. 

The NAB AFL Draft is the annual draft of new unsigned players by AFL football clubs. In the Draft, clubs receive picks based on the position in which they finish on the ladder during the season.

AFL General Manager of National and International Development David Matthews said the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre will be a great venue for this year’s NAB AFL Draft.

“Having the opportunity to host the event in Sydney is the perfect lead-in for the GWS Giants and it is certainly shaping up to be a promising night for the newest AFL club. The Giants have 11 of the first 15 selections.”

“The Sports Centre also provides us with the ability to host 1500 viewing seats within the venue which will enable club supporters and members of the public to have the chance to be part of the NAB AFL Draft live,” Mr. Matthews said.

NSW draftees in recent years have included Lenny Hayes (St Kilda), Jarred McVeigh (Sydney Swans), Isaac Smith (Hawthorn), Kieren Jack (Sydney Swans), Tom Hawkins (Geelong), Craig Bird (Sydney Swans) and Justin Koschitzke (St Kilda).

The NSW Government through Destination NSW is proud to support the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.