Can AFL make a footprint in NZ?

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TWLS said:
Would like to add some more comments about the AFLNZ Footy season. They of course have their various Provincial leagues which run from October to December, so in effect when the new National League finishes in April as above there is a six month gap in their competitions.
Apparently then some players head off to Australia to play in the various State Leagues in the Australian winter.
However we wonder if they had access to the Oval at QBE in their winter, which means they could extend the new league further.
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Pretty sure the ground is used for rugby.

Plus a lot of the players still play either union, league or soccer in the winter.

It's actually a lot of football the guys here play, 10 local league games + 9 national comp games. That would be on par or above what most play in Australia
 
jd2010 said:
Pretty sure the ground is used for rugby.

Plus a lot of the players still play either union, league or soccer in the winter.

It's actually a lot of football the guys here play, 10 local league games + 9 national comp games. That would be on par or above what most play in Australia
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Thanks for the answers -
You cannot blame the guys from playing other codes if there is nothing on offer for six months in winter in our game. It is interesting to note that there are 3 grounds at that facility, which it appears they are in full use in winter by the Rugby Codes and Soccer football.
So it might be that AFLNZ has this window at QBE from Feb to April only.
If the sport keeps expanding and growing its numbers, which is what it is all about, where will the grounds be available, and that does not add up.
 

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This post has nothing to do with NZ footy as such but all to do with a true Australian Football Pioneer, who was a keen expansionist for the game, and who also visited NZ in the 1870`s promoting it.
We are talking about Tom Wills IMHO the founder of our game, who largely because he died by his own hand was shunned for many years.
His grave has fallen into a bit of disrepair and needs cleaning up. The Crowd funding link below has been set up to help pay for the restoration.
Every donation helps for this fund.
http://www.footyalmanac.com.au/tom-wills-grave-restoration-the-father-of-football-needs-our-help/
 
AuckMel said:
Really disappointing not to get any sort of reply.
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Real disappointing. I was loosely involved down there would have thought those that were actually paid (not sure whether it's a 12 month of the year job or not) would have put in the effort to email back. The goal is to have a youth side get a win over an Australian side at some point, getting an aussie based kiwi in the side definitely helps that
 

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AFL St Kilda are having another go in holding matches in NZ -This time in Auckland and are hoping for 2018 for some fixtures. One aspect about this renewed attempt to establish their club over there - They do not hide the fact that the potential financial returns are keeping them in the hunt.
Very interesting that Gil not involved in any negotiations on a suitable arena - One Caveat here on that statement - As far is publicly known.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-06-01/saints-to-court-the-kiwi-market-again-bains
 
TWLS said:
AFL St Kilda are having another go in holding matches in NZ -This time in Auckland and are hoping for 2018 for some fixtures. One aspect about this renewed attempt to establish their club over there - They do not hide the fact that the potential financial returns are keeping them in the hunt.
Very interesting that Gil not involved in any negotiations on a suitable arena - One Caveat here on that statement - As far is publicly known.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-06-01/saints-to-court-the-kiwi-market-again-bains
Click to expand...
i dont know how quick it takes to build a stadium but they havent even agreed to build one at western springs yet so 2018 could be tough
 
A very good question.
Here is another article from AFLNZ with more details on the same topic. It appears that AFL House will host a big meeting about this.
The lack of suitable grounds for our game internationally is a big issue. That includes open parklands and any flat area measuring 140 metres x 100 metres, and as for enclosed grounds to make some money that is pipe dreaming.
http://aflnz.co.nz/blog/2016/06/01/st-kilda-want-two-2018-games-in-auckland/
 
AuckMel said:
My 1st ever game was at Western Springs. Saints v Sydney a long time ago.
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AuckMel -How far back is a long time ago, if you dont mind me asking. There was a match between the above in 2013 in Wellington.
 
TWLS said:
AuckMel -How far back is a long time ago, if you dont mind me asking. There was a match between the above in 2013 in Wellington.
Click to expand...

I thought it was in the 80s, but I can only find info on a Geelong v Saints game in 1991.
 
AFLNZ Boss Rob Vanstam gets interviewed by the NZ Media.
Apparently Sports New Zealand worried about the counter attractions of Pokermon and similar games, and wants schools to encourage a wider range of physical activities, which is where AFLNZ gets involved. The same concerns are expressed in Australia.
We have noticed our game is increasingly referred to as the "Running Game" in some non heartland areas.
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/ed...ed-to-update-the-physical-education-on-offer/

The Kiwikick programs have been very active in Wellington in this NZ footy mid year break, with increased numbers in new schools.
Football resumes at the end of this month when the Provincial Comps start. The long term focus will be on the 2017 International Cup in Melbourne, where the NZ Falcons will find out where they are at standard wise, against similar teams. NZ footy has had heaps of games against Australian teams since the last Cup in 2014, and also more Kiwis are playing in Australia now. Has anything been learnt - We will find out.
 
The St Kilda club continue their involvement in NZ footy with this signing. Another recruit plucked from Basketball, which seems to be a trend.
http://aflnz.co.nz/blog/2016/08/01/when-the-saints-discovered-barclay-miller/

Another NZ signing Kurt Heatherly continues his career at AFL Hawthorn`s VFL team -Box Hill. Kurt is in the top ten players to watch in the Box Hill club.
The link below includes a recent video interview with Kurt at the Hawthorn Club.
http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/2016-08-02/vfl-playerbyplayer-review-round-17

I personally have the view that 18 clubs has over stretched the available talent pool in Australia for the AFL, and that is reflected in the International directions some clubs are taking.
 
An update on Kurt Heatherley - He made his AFL debut today for the Hawks after being spotted 3 years ago in NZ.
His stats = 6 kicks -5 handpasses -6 marks = 17 possessions. Anybody especially a newcomer to the game getting any possessions is doing well.
It looks easy out there but it isnt. The top of the ladder Hawks 11.15. 81. got beaten today by Melbourne -17.8. 110.

Another NZ born player was out there today for Melbourne - Ruckman Big Max Gawn who ended up Best on Ground. His ruck tap
outs were sensational and he grabbed some great marks in attack and defence. He is having a great season.
 
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