AFL New Zealand
AFL New Zealand is the governing body of Australian rules football in New Zealand.
Abbreviation | AFLNZ |
---|---|
Formation | 1994[1] |
Type | Sports Governing Body |
Region served | New Zealand |
Parent organisation | AFL Commission |
Website | AFLNZ |
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)
- Shem Tatupu – Melbourne Storm (NRL)
- Wayne Schwass – Sydney Swans (AFL)
- Andrew Christensen – University Blues (VAFA)
- Adam Campbell – Fremantle Dockers (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
References
- "Honour Board". Archived from the original on 25 March 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2011.
- "New Zealand takes the Aussie out of football". Herald Sun. 22 April 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- "Canty Cobras hope to win national title". Fairfax New Zealand Limited. 23 October 2010.