AFL Queensland, in conjunction with AFL North Coast, today launched an exciting new QAFA Northern Rivers competition.
The innovative new structure will see four teams from the Northern Rivers and four from the New South Wales North Coast compete in a series of cross conference matches throughout the year.
Northern Rivers teams Tweed, Lismore, Byron Bay and Ballina and North Coast clubs Port Macquarie, Grafton, Sawtell/Toormina and Coffs Harbour will all play each other in 2016, with competition points from each game contributing to their standing in each region.
The QAFA Northern Rivers league will span over a massive 700 kilometers, allowing for a healthier competition level, and the introduction of new clubs to each region.
The fixture includes eight double-header games, with each club having the opportunity to host one.
There are five Friday night games, which includes the season opener and grand final replay between Byron and Tweed, as well as an ANZAC Day clash between Lismore and Ballina.
AFL Queensland QAFA Community Club Development Manager, James Dowling, is thrilled with the new structure.
“It’s fantastic that we can expand the QAFA (B) South competition from last year with these cross conference games,” Dowling said.
“All eight clubs have really bought into this idea, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for them to experience new competition, as well as host new teams on their home deck.
“For a league to cover that far is astonishing, and great from the growth of our game.
“There even is the possibility to see the two premiers from each region play off in a ‘champions match’ following each grand final.”
To view the full fixture, please CLICK HERE
