Regional wrap: Southern NSW
With over 70 Junior and Senior Clubs, 30 local government areas, 222 Primary Schools, 60 High Schools and a player population of 23,500, Southern NSW is one of the busiest football hubs in the state.
The 2012 season kicked off with a NAB Cup game at Lavington Oval in Albury between the GWS GIANTS and the Gold Coast Suns, which saw the GIANTS secure their first ever win as an AFL side.
The game was a huge success with over 7000 people turning out to cheer on the AFL’s newest team.
The region experienced steady growth in 2012 with the majority of the growth coming from the Auskick group.
During the year there were five sets of permanent goal posts erected at schools with hundreds of young footballers in the region also representing their schools in the Giants Cup competitions and Paul Kelly Cup Finals.
“2012 has seen AFL in the region just get bigger, with great success at a junior level,” said Jason McPherson, AFL NSW/ACT Manager – Southern NSW Region.
“We also had over 140 coaches attend coaching courses throughout the region as we grow and develop the game in Southern NSW.”
McPherson Oval in North Wagga Wagga hosted the Australian Country Championships with Vic 1 crowned the National Champions for 2012.
The improvement in the playing surface of the oval was a standout in the region. Along with the final of the Australian Country Championships, McPherson Oval also hosted the GWS GIANTS in a NEAFL clash, Riverina Football League finals and the ACT Women’s AFL final.
“Facility development increased significantly in 2012 and it is great to see clubs investing into their facilities,” McPherson said.
A look ahead to 2013 sees the completion of the Robertson Oval development in Wagga Wagga with the city hosting the NAB Cup game between the GWS GIANTS and the Brisbane Lions on March 2.
“It is very exciting for Southern NSW to secure a preseason game in Wagga Wagga,” McPherson said.
“It’s the first time in 21 years the NAB Cup has returned to the region and it is great for the promotion of AFL in the state.”
