AFL 9s in Australia

ARI believes that, in order for AFL 9s to be truly accepted as an international sport, it must be played in Australia as well. As a result it has decided to stage a series of Carnivals around Australia to both increase awareness and showcase the benefits of this great new sport.

It must be emphasised that AFL 9s is in no way intended to replace existing structures or leagues. Rather, the goal is to provide a vehicle for clubs to play each other in a Carnival format (either post or pre-season), with an emphasis on both participation and fun.

Participation in such Carnivals will, for example, allow all of the clubs in a particular league to come together and play each other on the same day. This is a great way for players and officials from the league to get to know each other better, both on and off the field. This can only be of benefit in helping to ensure good relations between clubs, umpires and officials during the regular season.

Of course there are other formats available. Some Carnivals will consist of teams from different leagues and States. Whatever the format, the goal will always be the same – to play hard, have fun and enjoy a beer with your teammates and opponents afterwards.

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