Regional Wrap: ACT
With the GWS Giants scoring their first ever win at Manuka Oval in Canberra; more and more AFL eyes have been on the ACT region.
Almost 16,000 participants were involved in AFL in the ACT in 2012, with over 2500 involved in Club football as well as 225 umpires across all levels.
Steven Mahar, Manager – ACT/South Coast Region said 2012 has been a bumper year for AFL in the ACT.
“We are extremely happy with our growth this year and it couldn’t have happened without the Giants bringing games to Canberra and engaging the local clubs, schools and community,” Mahar said.
“It has already had an impact after their first year, but we probably won’t know the full potential until they establish themselves in the Canberra market.
“It is an exciting time to be involved in AFL in the region.”
Talented players and umpires were unearthed in the nation’s capital with Liam Griffiths from Ainslie selected in the AIS under 16s Academy and umpire James Savage officiating his 100th AFL game, the first umpire from the ACT region to achieve this milestone.
“With a genuine pathway for players, coaches, umpires and administrators, there is a real sense of possibility of locals progressing onto the next level and Liam and James are just two examples of this,” Mahar said.
“The establishment of the Giants Academy gives players the opportunity to enter an AFL club system at the age of 13 and get the coaching required to take the next step.
“We have had a focus with our clubs in promoting a positive game day environment for all participants and this will only assist us in attracting players and umpires to the game of AFL.”
The region experienced huge investments in AFL facilities this season, with upgrades to ANU, Greenway, Kippax and Dairy Farmers playing arenas.
This was in addition to the Manuka Oval lights upgrade, with the ACT and Federal Governments committing $5 million to enable night games in Canberra. The 2013 NAB Cup in March will see the lights at Manuka turned on for the first time as the GWS GIANTS take on the Brisbane Lions.
Premiership titles were earned by Ainslie FC, Belconnen, ADFA and ANU in the AFL Canberra competition and Eastlake FC defeated Riverina in the women’s Grand Final.
The AFL 9s season in the ACT was launched at Parliament House with members of Parliament, advisors and even a couple of Chiefs of Staff joining Premiership winning Geelong captain Tom Harley and Hawthorn Brownlow medallist Robert DiPierdomenico on the lawns for a game.
AFL NSW/ACT and Belconnen’s Steven Mahar, Ron Cahill from ACT AFL and AFL Canberra, Ken King from Eastlake FC and Charles Smith from Ainslie FC were all inducted into the AFL Canberra Hall of Fame.
Fred Gisik and Melinda Hyland received the AFL NSW/ACT Volunteer of the Year Awards and Queanbeyan coach Kade Klemke and ACT Representative Coach Adrian Pavese were recognised with Coach of the Year awards for the Men and Women’s Leagues respectively.
“The 2013 season is looking exciting as we head into the second year of the Giants, third year of the NEAFL and some minor changes to the structure of the competitions to allow further growth and pathways for all,” Mahar said.
“I would like to pay tribute and thank all clubs, umpires, volunteers, supporters and AFL NSW/ACT staff that make AFL such an enjoyable experience for all in the region.
“We need to continue to share and grow the game and we can only do this in providing a positive environment at all levels of the game. I look forward to what 2013 will bring.”
