It is with great regret that AFL North Coast informs the football community about the tragic passing of Nathan Copeland.

Nathan had been a player with the Nambucca Valley Lions since the club's inception into the league in 2005.  Our thoughts are with Nathan's family and everyone from the Lions. 

Monday the 19^th of March was the official launch of the 2012 season. Local coaches were invited to watch and learn from the talented coaching staff and players involved in the North Coast Sydney Swans Academy.　

Club delegates gave up there own time to stay back and take in information presented by Matt Crawley our Competition Operations Manager regarding club administration.

The Camden Haven Bombers, North Coast AFL’s newest emerging club has gained two instances of major praise, not for sporting achievement, but for its efforts in the community.

The Bombers made a pledge this year, in keeping with their growth in the Camden Haven as a sporting identity, that the club would strive to become an even better community citizen in 2012.

It has taken longer than hoped but a draft draw has been completed for the AFLNC Seniors competition which will begin on Saturday 21st April.

Following on from the feedback and information received from the Senior Club Delegates meeting held on Monday 20^th February 2012, the draw has been put together making the following assumptions

• Nambucca Heads manages to get together a Senior team for the 2012 season  
• Camden Haven Bombers have a team in the Under 18’s competition in 2012 (this will be subject to a review at the next AFL North Coast Board meeting to be held on Wednesday 14^th March as per the feedback provided by the Club Delegates who attended the meeting on February 20^th)
• Port Macquarie manage to field three sides in the AFLNC Senior competition

 

Thanks to those of you who participated in the FootyWeb Webinars that have been run for club volunteers over the last month.  The Webinars had different focus points in them including database management and also team mangaer duties including preparing teamsheets and entering results.

All the Webinars have been recorded and can be accessed at

http://www.aflnswact.com.au/index.php?id=332

As of 1st February the AFL transfer window opens for all clubs.  Although the process of obtaining transfers and permits has been much easier by FootyWeb in recent times it is important that clubs understand the regulations that must be abided by.

All transfers and permits must be completed by 30th June 2012. To find a copy of the National Player Transfer Regulations for the 2012 season please click here.

AFL 9’s is fast, fun and on it’s way! AFL 9s is the AFL's alternative version of the game. It has been developed so that all Australian football enthusiasts - and those new to the game - can play matches that parallel the traditional game. AFL 9s is easier to play, less physically demanding and provides an environment whereby participation, enjoyment and safety are a priority. Coffs Harbour’s AFL 9’s trial and registration night is to be held Monday 6^th February. Read on for competition details....

The growth of AFL in the region has taken another step forward with another club joining the AFL North Coast in 2012.

At a meeting of the AFL North Coast board on Wednesday night, it was agreed to grant Camden Haven membership of the competition.

The Bombers will only be fielding an under-18 team in 2012 but is looking to become a fully fledged senior club that fields three teams each weekend by 2016.

AFL NSW/ACT are seeking Expressions of Interest for the positions of Senior Coach, Assistant Coaches and Selectors for the NSW/ACT side to participate in the 2012 Landmark Australian Country Football Carnival which will be held in Wagga Wagga on July 19-22, 2012.

For further information click here.

Eleven Northern NSW footballers will commence arguably the biggest phase of their young lives in January following their selection in the Under-18 Northern Coast squad for the upcoming Joss State Zone Trials being held in Coffs Harbour.

The time is now for players to impress with NSW/ACT RAMS selection up for grabs for those who standout during the three-day event, being held at BCU International Stadium from January 16 to 18.

Whilst the Under 18 State Zone Trials are being held in Coffs Harbour during January an AFL Combine will be held for Under 15 year olds.  Boys who are athletically talented in any sport are invited to attend the Combine to be held on Tuesday 17th January 2012 with a fantastic list of guest presenters that will make the day an event not to be missed.

The Port Magpies enter a brave new Australian Rules era by adopting a 2012 coaching staff laced with tradition and personnel that have been pillars of the club for more than 30 years.

Last weekend the Magpies unveiled their new coaching staff for 2012 and the key senior position has been filled by Michael Tritton.

Tritton was appointed a Life Member of the club in 1992, and his involvement as a player, committeeman, coach, sponsor and supporter has extended over three decades.

For further information please click on the more button below. 

The North Coast AFL Umpires Association is seeking applications for two Umpire Coaching positions for 2012.

Please click here for more information and the official notice from the Umpires Association.

NORTH Coffs hasn’t won an AFL North Coast premiership since 2004 but the club feels it has taken a big step towards breaking that drought with the signing of its new coach.

Russ Matthews was named as the competition’s coach of the decade after leading Sawtell/Toormina to five titles and Kangaroos’ president Jamie Coad is hoping that the Matthews magic will work at North Coffs.

"We were very keen to get Russ to North Coffs because he’s been one of the most successful coaches in the competition in the competition," Coad said.

Story by Brad Greenshields from the Coffs Coast Advocate (and AFL North Coast Board)

AFL NSW/ACT is delighted to announce the appointment of Troy Robinson (a high profile Rubgy League player) to coordinate the PaCE program for indigenous youth in the local area.

Future stars of the AFL travelled to Albury in their school holidays for the Under-13 and Under-14 Joss State Zone Trials.

The four-day event saw over 350 budding AFL players showcase their talents in front of experienced coaches and talent scouts.

With the Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS looking for talented boys to be part of their Academies going forward, there was plenty to play for.

Well the AFL Grand Final has come and gone again and the quality and eveness of the game certainly did not disappoint.  The Cats prevailed in a terrific game but credit must also be given to  the Magpies for putting on a brave display with some injured troops. 

The Brownlow Medal count was also an entertaining affair with the eventual winner being Collingwood's Dane Swan.  The former bad boy has publicly thanked his coach Mick Malthouse for turning his career around with some tough love.

The AFLNC Seniors Presentation Night was held on Saturday 10th September 2011 at the Coffs Harbour Hotel.

As you would assume, the Grafton Tigers and Port Macquarie Magpies dominated the night collecting a large percentage of the trophies up for grabs.

Congratulations to Daniel Zacek who added the AFLNC Seniors 2011 Best and Fairest Award to his title of Premiership Captain from the weekend before.

Click here to view detailed results and all award winners from the evening.

The AFLNC Juniors Grand Final Day was held at BCU International stadium on Sunday 4th September in glorious conditions for the players and the spectators who turned out to watch.

The day involved Auskick Games, the Under 13 Grand Final between the Coffs Swans and Sawtell Toormina Saints, presentation of the Under 13’s and Under 15’s Best and Fairest Awards, Coach of the Year and Rookie Coach of the Year Awards, Under 11 Games and the Under 15 Grand Final between the Coffs Swans and North Coffs Kangaroos.

Congratulations to the Coffs Swans under 13's side and the North Coffs Kangaroos Under 15 team for winning the 2011 Premierships.  Click here to see a review of the games and major award winners.

Well Grand Final weekend in AFLNC footy has come and gone for another year.  History has been made with Grafton winning it's first ever AFLNC Seniors Premiership 10.10.70 to Port Macquarie 8.7.55.  The magpies got off to a flier to lead at the quarter and half time breaks but when Grafton grabbed the lead in the third quarter kicking 3 goals in 5 minutes they were always going to be hard to run down.

The reserves Grand Final was a ripper with very little in the contest all day.  The Saints and the Magpies were locked at 33 points a piece at the final siren and went into extra time.  A few sets of young legs were a big advabtage their seeing the Sawtell Toormina Saints prevail by 2 points.

The Under 18's clash was a very fast paced game between North Coffs Kangaroos and the Port Macquarie Magpies.  The Kanagroos got off to a flier and really dominated the game for the first three quarters and seemed to have the game in their control at the last change. It was a credit to the young magpies that they came out and really took it up to North Coffs in the last quarter.  After a few nervous moments the Kangaroos steadied to win 89 to 54.

The AFLNC Presentation Night will be held from 6.30pm on Saturday 10th September at the Coffs Hotel.  The cost of $11 includes a meal,a drink and plenty of excitement on the night with the announcement of highest goalkickers and Best anf Fairest winners in all three grades.

Clubs have paid for ten tickets with their affiliation fees but more tickets are available but details must be sent to matthew.crawley@aflnswact.com.au by 5.00pm on Wednesday 7th September 2011.

Well last Saturday saw Grafton in the Seniors and Port Macquarie in the Under 18's and Reserves earn the week off leading into the Grand Final.

This Saturday Port Macquarie and Nambucca Valley will clash in the Seniors whilst North Coffs and Sawtell will play off in the Under 18's and Reserves to see who will be the second team to progress into the Grand Final. 

Click here to read Rod "Rocket" Macpherson's preview of the big Preliminary Final clashes.

The top two teams in each grade face off this weekend with the winners booking the first spot in the 2011 AFLNC Grand Finals.  It should be a sensational day of footy out at the BCU International Stadium on Saturday with Port Macquarie taking on the Grafton Tigers in the Seniors, the Sawtell Toormina Saints in the Reserves and the North Coffs Kangaroos in the Under 18's.

All three 2nd Semi Finals look to be evenly balanced, please see Rod "Rocket" Macpherson's preview attached.

Well the footy finals are here an it should be a great day out at the BCU International Stadium on Saturday.  The Coffs Swans are represented in every grade which may be a disadvantage but I'm sure they will fight tooth and nail in the Under 18's vs Sawtell/Toormina Saints, the Reserves vs North Coffs Kanagaroos and the Seniors vs Nambucca Valley Lions.

All the best to all clubs represented and the umpires who will be officiating the finals.  Please see Rod "Rocket" Macpherson's preview of all three grades attached. 

You can almost smell finals footy in the air and all clubs seem to be getting lots of players back into the ranks leading into this great time of year.  This week's games could well determine the final four with Sawtell/Toormina needing to win against Grafton to hang onto the hope of playing in the finals.  If the Saints can win, the game between Nambucca and the Swans takes on more meaning with these teams needing a win to secure their spot in finals footy. Port Macquarie play North Coffs and should secure the double chance at home.

Rod Macpherson's detailed round 14 preview is attached.

AFLNC Junior footy gets back on track this weekend after a couple of weekends off for the school holidays.

Some of the long road trips that Junior Clubs have to make and also the different number of teams in each age group can lead to difficult decisions for the Junior Administration Committee with regards to where certain games should be played.  This Sunday was another example of this, please read further for details on the Under 15's game between Sawtell/Toormina and North Coffs

Well, Rocket Macpherson's preview of last weekend's games was right on the money with Grafton beating North Coffs easily but the games between the Magpies and the Swans and the Saints and the Lions being decided by a goal or less.

The Paul Sheldon-Peter Morgan Cup was contested for the first time at Stuarts Park on Saturday with sons of the late club legends, Dirk Sheldon and Scott Morgan (pictured) amongst the combatants on the day. Port won the Cup with the very last kick of the day.

All Leagues and Clubs have many Volunteers who do a mountain of work to enable them to function and get teams having a kick each week.

Many of these work tirelessly week in, week out during the season with little or no thanks.  Here is a great opportunity for these people to be recognised.

Grafton have made a fantastic start to the 2011 season and sit on top of the AFLNC ladder even after losing to the Swans last Saturday.  Apparantly there is a good feeling around the Tigers club at the moment and a belief that they can match it with every side in the competition.  Lots of people are asking about the dramatic form reversal from recent years, including local media outlets who are also seeing the team as the real deal this year.

Unfortunately Sunday's representative games were washed out due to a very wet field and dangerous conditions at game time. Options for replaying the games vs MNC will be considered in the near future.

Three of the Port Macquarie Under 18's players have taken the big step to playing Senior footy this year.  Liam Carroll, Alex Gillman and Jack Tate seem to have graduated in style and look like becoming an integral part of the Senior Line up.

Round 7 shapes up as being the best so far this season with all three games appearing very evenly matched.  Click here for Rod "Rocket" Macpherson's preview.

 After a solid performance last weekend North Coffs Kangaroos player Brendan Norton has received another opportunity to play for the Sydney Swans Reserves.  This weekend he will play against the Brisbane Lions team that will consist of some experienced players who have played plenty of Senior AFL games.

The turf has finally been laid on Wayne Richards Park in Port Macquarie and the Magpies are busting to get onto their new ground.  Unfortunately it is unlikely that they will play there this year as the turf needs a couple of months at least to take and be safe for play. 

The North Coast umpires group has now been training for a number of weeks and would like to welcome more new umpires to the group.

It is with great regret that AFLNC informs everyone of the sudden and tragic passing of Port Macquarie Magpie legend Paul Sheldon at Stuarts Park on Saturday 16th April.

Paul's funeral was held on Thursday 21st April at the Uniting Church in Sherwood.  Following the church service, everyone went to Stuarts Park to witness Paul's last lap before the family went to the Crematorium for a private service. Back at the Settlers Inn everyone told great stories about Paul's life whilst enjoing a drink and some lovely food.  

The NAB Challenge game played between the Sydney Swans and St Kilda Saints and the BCU International Stadium on Saturday 12th March 2011 was a roaring success.

All in almost in place for the NAB Cup Challenge match set for Saturday 12th March. Ticket prices have been announced, with the two teams playing at BCU Stadium to be announced after this weekend's matches.

The AFL North Coast Board is pleased to announce that Gordon Wiegold has been appointed by the Chairman, Greg Robson to fill the vacant Director’s position on the Board.

THE adoring, smiling faces told the same story as the AFL legend.

HE’S 11 years old but Jack Hardman could be the face of Australian football's future in the Clarence Valley.

SYDNEY Swans AFL stars say there is no reason Port Macquarie can’t attract major pre-season games in the near future.

The sky is the limit for local footballers debuting in the inaugural North Coast Academy, according to Paul Roos.

Local Coffs Harbour students couldn't contain their excitement yesterday when the Sydney Swans popped in for a visit. See more for details.

Paul Roos and Sydney Swans captain Adam Goodes will be on hand to launch the QBE Sydney Swans North Coast Academy on Tuesday, February 8 at the Pacific Bay Resort, Novotel, Coffs Harbour.

Four Sydney Swans players including co-captain Adam Goodes and ruckman Shane Mumford will visit Coffs Harbour on  February 8 and 9 as part of the Swans annual Telstra AFL Community Camp.

The AFL North Coast would like to welcome Matthew Crawley as the new Full Time Development and Competition Operations Manager.

It wasn't all confined to the players during the recent State Zone Trials, with local Coffs Harbour umpire, Mitchell Turner representing the area during the carnival at BCU Stadium.

The recent AFL NSW/ACT Under 18 Joss State Zone Trials was a success and a boom for the local economy with Coffs Harbour generating approximately $250,000 for the local economy.

Coffs Harbour’s festival of football will kick off on Monday, January 17 when the state and territory’s best under-18 players come to town for the Joss State Zone Trials. The carnival will also feature some icons of the game on the sidelines including Kevin Sheedy, Nick Davis and Nick Stevens, just to name a few.
Draw attached.

Six North Coast Juniors have been accepted into the 2011 intake of the Swans Academy.

Long-serving AFL North Coast President, Jim Woodlock is currently in hospital- but is well.

Coffs Harbour will hold its first elite AFL match since 2003 next year as part of the NAB Challenge series.

The AFL Northern NSW department, in conjunction with the state and national AFL bodies, are currently working on some exciting changes to the staffing structure for 2011. See more for details.

IN another step towards the grand opening of AFL’s finest facility on the north coast, Port Macquarie Magpies president Paul Sheldon announced the Wayne Richards Park complex would include boundary line coach’s boxes thanks to the generous support of Coastline Credit Union.

With the eyes of the AFL community increasingly turning to NSW, six Northern NSW players will be excited to read their name as a part of the U18 Northern Heat squad.

Coffs Harbour will host the Sydney Swans Australian Football Club’s 2011 Telstra AFL Community Camp on Tuesday February 8 and Wednesday February 9.

The announcement, last week, of the committee decision to change the Senior competition to a 16-a-side competition has sparked debate over the credibility of the competition.

Change is in the air, with Monday night's meeting passing a vote to change the Senior competition to 16 players per side.

The 2011 draw has been confirmed. See more for the final copy and details.

Sawtell is seeking a new Senior coach for the 2011 season. Details of the position and to apply are enclosed in this article.

It may be off-season for some, but many clubs are aiming to get a head start for the 2011 season by starting pre-season training before Christmas. These pictures show the Under 18 Northern Heat Satellite Squad.

The North Coast’s Dave Elliot and Wendee Cook are among the 20 winners of the NAB Auskick Coordinators of the Year award.

It might be the off-season but registrations are now open for the Annual Level 1 Junior & Senior Coaching Course to be held in Macksville on Sunday April 3.

The number of NSW and ACT players on AFL lists is on the rise following last night’s NAB AFL Draft on the Gold Coast, with four more players from the area joining the eleven already pre-listed players.

The AFL North Coast Board will hold their annual AGM this Thursday 25th November at 7pm, with the venue being the Coffs Harbour Ex-Services Club. All invited to attend.