2018 Season Schedule and Key Dates

After consultation with the respective leagues regarding the commencement of the season, and overall structure of their competitions, AFL Riverina is pleased to announce the 2018 Season Schedule and Keys Dates.

Of the three draw options presented to the respective leagues as part of the consultation phase of the fixturing process, Option One, was the preferred option, as ratified by the AFL Riverina Board.

Whilst there was discussion around the clash between the Farrer FNL Grand Final and Ag Race Day, priority was given to the commencement of our Junior competitions and minimising the number of rounds played in the April school holidays, also noting the changes to MTC Racing Calendar for future years. This also ensures there are no clashes with the Grand Final days across the 4 AFL Riverina competitions,

A summary of the key dates for each league, can be found below:

 

Riverina Football Netball League

• Home and Away Season Commences – Saturday, 21^st April
• General Bye/Representation Round – Saturday, 19^th May
• Home and Away Season Concludes – Saturday, 25^th August
• Finals Commence – Saturday, 1^st September
• Grand Final – Saturday, 22^nd September

 

Farrer Football Netball League

• Home and Away Season Commences – Saturday, 14^th April
• General Bye/Representation Round – Saturday, 19^th May
• Home and Away Season Concludes – Saturday, 18^th August
• Finals Commence – Saturday, 25^th August
• Grand Final – Saturday, 15^th September

 

The senior representative fixtures for the 2018 Season are still being coordinated with the respective leagues, and will be advised when finalised, including opponents and venues.

 

 Wagga & District Junior Football Netball League

• Home and Away Season Commences – Sunday, 29^th April
• General Bye – Sunday, 15^th July
• Representative Round – TBC
• Home and Away Season Concludes – Sunday, 19^th August
• Finals Commence – Sunday, 26^th August
• Grand Final – Sunday, 8^th September

 

Based on feedback from a number of clubs, and review by the League CMC, the decision has been made to change the date of the General Bye for the 2018 Season, from the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend, to the middle weekend of the July School Holidays – July 14/15.

This is seen as an opportunity to maximise the benefits of the bye, based on its timing in the middle weekend of the School Holidays in comparison to the Queen’s Birthday Weekend. Also, as per the 2016 Season, there will be the one General Bye for the 2018 Season, based on the timing of the April School Holidays, and the commencement of the season on the final weekend of these holidays.

Playing on the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend, creates an opportunity for same day Football/Netball to be played on the Saturday, if clubs wish to utilise this opportunity, as many other sports across the region traditionally hold a General Bye this weekend, presenting an exciting opportunity for the AFL Riverina competitions.

 

South West Junior Football Netball League

• Home and Away Season Commences – Saturday, 21^st April
• General Bye – Saturday, 14^th July
• Representative Round – TBC
• Home and Away Season Concludes – Saturday, 11^th August
• Finals Commence – Saturday, 18^th August
• Grand Final – Saturday, 1^st September

 

Please note, indicative draws for the all AFL Riverina leagues will be released shortly for review and feedback from clubs, prior to the official release of the draw, intended for mid-December.