NEAFL GF teams to be decided

The two clubs competing in the inaugural North East Australian Football League (NEAFL) Grand Final will be decided this weekend following the eastern and northern conference Grand Finals.

Sydney Swans reserves and Ainslie will be playing in the eastern conference Grand Final at Manuka Oval, Canberra on Saturday at 2.15pm.

While Northern Territory Thunder and Morningside will play in the northern conference Grand Final at Victoria Park, Brisbane on Sunday at 2.15pm.

The two winning teams from each conference will progress through to the first ever NEAFL Grand Final which will be played in Brisbane, Alice Springs or Sydney, depending on results.

The new NEAFL competition was established this year to enhance the quality and profile of second tier football in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Northern Territory.

Seventeen clubs, including the Sydney Swans, GWS Giants, Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns reserve sides, took part in the inaugural competition while other state teams will join NEAFL next year.

General Manager – National and International Development David Matthews said the first year of the competition has been a huge success.

“NEAFL is truly a unique competition that is helping to grow the game in the northern markets by exposing players, clubs and communities to an improved standard of competition,” Matthews said.

“Together with the four AFL Club Academies, NEAFL is also helping to grow the talent pool in NSW, ACT, Queensland and NT.

“This year has been a highly successful start to NEAFL with cross-conference games being competitively fought between the clubs and the overall standard of football improving across the year.

“The reach of the competition is highlighted by having a team from each of the four states/territories competing in the conference grand finals this weekend.

“Over the years as this competition grows and more teams enter NEAFL it will rival the more traditional AFL leagues such as the VFL, SANFL and WAFL.

“The NEAFL Grand Final will showcase the best footballers from each conference and will be a fitting reward for the team that wins the Cup next weekend (September 24/25).”

This year, NEAFL has featured a number of former and currently-listed AFL players and has also exposed up and coming stars to best prepare them for life at an AFL club.

The Swans reserves’ grand final team this weekend will likely feature Mulrooney Medallist Jarred Moore as well as ruckman Mark Seaby.

While Adelaide Crows’ dual premiership player Andrew McLeod will be playing this Sunday for NT Thunder.

Details of the NEAFL Grand Final will be announced following this weekend’s eastern and northern conference Grand Finals.