Regional wrap: Northern NSW

The growth of AFL has continued throughout 2012 in Northern NSW with more than 4000 participants in the region and just under 50 per cent of these in the Auskick category, a promising figure for future growth.

The 2012 season kicked off in January with the Under 18s Joss State Zone Trials held at BCU International Stadium in Coffs Harbour.

Over fifty young players attended a Talent Combine during the carnival under the watchful eye of Sydney Swans Academy coach Paul Roos, and former AFL players Jason Saddington, Tom Harley and Darren Denneman.

“The State Zone trials were a fantastic opportunity for aspiring footballers from all across the state to have access to professional coaches and recovery methods as though they were part of an AFL club,” said Mark Heaney, AFL NSW/ACT Manager for Northern NSW.

The action in Northern NSW didn’t stop there, with Sydney Swans players undertaking Community Camps in February, visiting towns throughout the Mid North Coast, Manning Valley, North Coast, Clarence Valley and Tamworth.

The emergence of new Auskick Centres at Glen Innes and Taree also saw greater opportunities for AFL fans in those towns.

“Taree Auskick Centre had an amazing first year with 44 participants, two trips to the SCG for half time Auskick games and coordinator Julie McLachlan winning the State Auskick Co-ordinator of the year award,” Heaney said.

Club football throughout Northern NSW saw a large number of clubs take out Premierships, including:

AFL North Coast

Seniors – Grafton

Reserves – Coffs Swans

Under 18s – North Coffs

Tamworth AFL

Seniors – New England Nomads

AFL North Coast Juniors

Under 13s – Lower Clarence Eagles

Under 15s – Coffs Swans

AFL Mid North Coast Juniors

Under 13s – Port Macquarie

Under 15s – Port Macquarie

Talented young players also emerged from the region in 2012 and Swans Academy players had the chance to compete at an elite level, with several players representing the Sydney Swans:

Swans Reserves – Patrick Gillingham

Swans Academy Under 18s – Jake Saunders

Swans Academy Under 16s- Kane Latham

Swans Academy Under 14s – Connor Perks, Jake Brown, Jack Mapleson

“These Northern NSW boys should be congratulated for their outstanding development this year and the opportunity they had to play and excel within an elite program is a testament to their hard work and talent,” Heaney said.

With the winter season over, footy hasn’t stopped in Northern NSW. Cadbury AFL 9’s has kicked off in Port Macquarie, with new and old players enjoying the midweek mixed competition.

AFL NSW/ACT would like to extend a thanks to the development team of Rachel Lowe, Matt Crawley, Daniel Dickson, Colin Moore, Matt Headon and our extended team of casual Development Officers for promoting our great game throughout Northern NSW in 2012.