AFL New Zealand

AFL New Zealand
Abbreviation AFLNZ
Formation 1994[1]
Type Sports Governing Body
Region served
New Zealand
Parent organisation
 AFL Commission
Website AFLNZ

AFL New Zealand is the governing body of Australian rules football in New Zealand.

AFL New Zealand currently has 30,000 Registered Players.[2]

National team

Australian rules football is a sport played in New Zealand rapidly gaining popularity. AFL New Zealand co-ordinate the national team, who have competed in the Australian Football International Cup and crowned international champions in 2005.

Since 2012 the national side has played against the National Australian Under 17 team (NAB AFL Academy). The first game was won convincingly by the AFL Academy by 91 points. 2013 saw the Australian's win by 44 points and in 2014 it took a goal in the final minutes to win their third straight game by only 4 points.

These games have enticed a number of Australian-based players with NZ heritage to commit to the national side. Some of NZ's past and present players include-

  • Simon Black - Brisbane Lions (AFL)
  • Kurt Heatherly - Hawthorn Hawks (AFL)
  • Shem Tatupu - Melbourne Storm (NRL)
  • Joseph Baker Thomas - St Kilda International Scholarship Holder (AFL)
  • Cameron Illet - NT Thunder (NEAFL) / St Mary's (NTFL)
  • Khan Haretaku - Frankston Dolphins (VFL) / Sydney Swans (Rookie List)
  • Matt Argus -NT Thunder (NEAFL)
  • Lachlan Argus - NT Thunder (NEAFL) / St Mary's
  • Brendan Clark - NT Thunder (NEAFL) / Tiwi Bombers
  • Andrew Howison - Sandringham Dragons reserves (VFL) / Oakleigh Districts
  • Wayne Schwass - Sydney Swans (AFL)
  • Andrew Christensen - University Blues (VAFA)
  • Adam Campbell - Fremantle Dockers (VAFA)
  • Justin Clark- Old Collegians (VAFA)
  • Andrew Crighton - Balwyn FC (EFL)
  • Steven Howard - Caulfield Grammarians (VAFA)

National tournaments

The AFLNZ National Provincial Championships is an annual tournament between the regional leagues comprising the New Zealand Australian Football League. The first of the current incarnation of the NPC was held on 25 and 26 September 2004 in Christchurch.[3]

Teams:

  • Canterbury Cobras
  • Wellington Tigers
  • Auckland Buccaneers
  • Waikato Thunder

Affiliated leagues

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-03-25. Retrieved 2011-09-11.
  2. ↑ "New Zealand takes the Aussie out of football". Herald Sun. 22 April 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  3. ↑ "Canty Cobras hope to win national title". Fairfax New Zealand Limited. 23 Oct 2010.
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