Marquee events head to Sydney
In a major coup for AFL in NSW and ACT, Sydney will host the next two NAB AFL Drafts and the inaugural McDonald’s AFL 9s National Championships in 2016 and again in 2017.
AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan made the announcement alongside NSW Premier Mike Baird at NSW Parliament, indicating the strength of the code in the country’s most populated state.
The NAB AFL Draft will see the nation’s best young talent assemble in Sydney this November as well as coaches, recruiting managers, administrators and some of the game’s key stakeholders.
It’s the first time the draft has been staged in the Harbour City since 2011 prior to the GWS GIANTS entering the competition in 2012.
Four of the top 20 draft picks were taken from NSW and ACT last year demonstrating the depth of top end talent developing through pathway programs.
Mr McLachlan was excited about the developments and eager to see Sydney showcase two of the AFL’s major events.
“The AFL welcomes the NSW Government’s investment and support of both the NAB AFL Draft and the McDonald’s AFL 9s National Championships,” Mr McLachlan said.
“This partnership will continue to grow the game in New South Wales.”
Mr Baird labelled the announcement as a huge win for the state.
“These events are expected to draw more than 6,000 interstate and intrastate people and contribute $4 million to the economy.”
McDonald’s AFL 9s is the AFL’s social version of the game.
It’s a great introduction to the sport for those who haven’t tried it before or for people who want to have fun and stay fit.
