Registrations Open for 2024 AFL South Coast Season

With the off-season in full-swing, AFL South Coast clubs have began opening their registrations for the upcoming 2024 season. Following an unusually, uninterrupted 2023, the competition looks to the new year, with changes on the horizon and no shortage of AFL to be played.

Men’s Division 2 has been removed, and a reshuffle of clubs will see larger numbers of teams in both Premier Division and Reserve Grade. The hope is that this will lead to more competitive matches in the middle of the ladder, as well as greater variety in opposition.

The Women’s competition will also revert to a Premier Division and Reserve Grade structure from season’s start after 12 months of the hybrid competition structure which split into two after 10 rounds.

In the Junior grades, we again see the combination of Illawarra and Shoalhaven clubs at Under-15s and Under-17s level, whilst 9s, 11s, and 13s, remain local divisions. There has been a huge push to introduce several new divisions in the juniors, with Shoalhaven working to add Under-9s, 11s, and 13s girls teams off the back of their successful Girls Only Auskick Burst programs. Additionally, the Illawarra clubs will be aiming to introduce a new Under-9s girls division as well.

Casey White, Competition Manger – AFL South Coast spoke positively of the work occurring at clubland to grow the game and provide more avenues for girls’ participation.

“AFL South Coast has the potential to be one of the state’s premier competitions. There is significant junior talent locally, and a direction to best support clubs to retain these players.

“It is of utmost importance, that we provide access for all people to play AFL, and with the strength of girls’ participation in the Shoalhaven, we see now being the right time to consolidate and grow the pathway.

“It is crucial for the sustainability and development of the Women’s competitions, that girls feel welcome at their club, and can play in girls only divisions at every age group. It may be difficult in the early years of this growth, but clubs will see the benefit as their players transition through the age groups and funnel into the seniors.”

The new competition grades align with the strategic direction of the AFL National Participation Framework which begins its phased rollout in 2024 with Under-9s. The ‘9s competition will have clearly aligned modified rules at a national level and reduced team numbers to maximise on-field participation and touches of the football for the player.

There’s no better time to sign up and play AFL, so click here and search for your club to access their registration form.

Player registrations opening also mean umpiring registrations are also open. New umpires are encouraged to express interest via the form here and returning umpires can login to their Officials HQ account, to complete the registration process. All registered umpires will go in the draw to win fortnightly prizes between now and Round 1.