Coffs Harbour to host Joss State Zone Trials

Sydney North | Sydney South | Northern Coast | Western Sydney | ACT/South Coast | Riverina | Murray

Future stars of the AFL will be on show next week for the Under-18 Joss State Zone Trials being held at BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour from January 16 to 18.

The three-day event will see over 150 AFL players showcase their talents in front of experienced coaches and talent scouts.

The Joss State Zone Trials will form part of the selection process for this year’s NSW/ACT RAMS team which will give players exposure to all 18 AFL club recruiters. Following the event will be the Sydney Swans Academy and GWS GIANTS Academy series to decide the full squad.

This is arguably the biggest year for many of the participants travelling to Coffs Harbour with the end of season drafts to decide whether more NSW/ACT locals join the 52 players listed by AFL clubs in the last five years.

During the event there will be all of the match preparations, training, recovery, match reviews and education sessions to best prepare players for life in the AFL.

Joss State Zone matches will commence at 4.30pm on Monday and conclude on Wednesday.

AFL NSW/ACT Talent and Coaching Manager Darren Denneman said he’s looking forward to returning to Coffs Harbour.

“Coffs Harbour is a fantastic city to host the event and we always look forward to playing at BCU International Stadium,” Denneman said.

“This is a really unique event as we get to bring in the best footballers from all corners of the state/territory and map out what is required to make it in the AFL.

“All participants will train, play, recover and learn like AFL players whilst utilising unlimited access to coaches, staff and teammates.”

Denneman said he hopes that local football fans will turn out in numbers to see the stars of tomorrow in action.

“The community will see some first-rate boys competing at a high level,” he said.

“Without the support of communities like Coffs Harbour, none of these players would have the opportunity to be part of the AFL NSW/ACT Joss Talent Program and Club Academies.”

To coincide with the Joss State Zone Trials will be an AFL Combine for all athletically talented boys aged 11 to 15 from Northern NSW.

For more information on the AFL Combine, click here.

DRAW

MONDAY 16 JANUARY
4.30pm    Riverina v Northern Coast
5.15pm    Sydney North v ACT/South Coast
6.00pm    Murray v Sydney South
6.45pm    Riverina v Western Sydney
7.30pm    Northern Coast v Sydney North
8.15pm    Murray v ACT/South Coast
9.00pm    Sydney South v Western Sydney

TUESDAY 17 JANUARY
4.30pm    ACT/South Coast v Sydney South
5.15pm    Western Sydney v Sydney North
6.00pm    Northern Coast v Sydney South
6.45pm    Murray v Riverina
7.30pm    ACT/South Coast v Western Sydney
8.15pm    Northern Coast v Murray
9.00pm    Sydney North v Riverina

WEDNESDAY 18 JANUARY
4.30pm    Murray v Sydney North
5.15pm    ACT/South Coast v Riverina
6.00pm    Murray v Western Sydney
6.45pm    Riverina v Sydney South
7.30pm    ACT/South Coast v Northern Coast
8.15pm    Sydney South v Sydney North
9.00pm    Northern Coast v Western Sydney

MATCH DURATION
2 x 17 minute halves with 7 minute half time break