The AFL has on Friday announced the dates for the 2020 NAB AFL and AFLW Under-18 All-Star Matches and 2020 NAB AFL and AFLW State Draft Combines.
While the current situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic sees variations in restrictions across the country, the annual NAB AFL Under-18 National Championships and NAB AFL Draft Combines will be state-based in 2020.
Matches will occur in each State and Territory and will comprise of local talent competing in teams selected by respective State coaches to ensure girls and boys are provided with the best opportunity to showcase their skills and continue their football journey to the elite competition.
The AFL will also host Combines in each State and Territory to ensure as many players as possible in the AFL and AFLW Talent Pathway Programs are given the opportunity to be tested and also provide AFL Clubs with as much information on talent as possible ahead of the respective 2020 NAB AFL and AFLW Drafts.
The NAB Rising Stars Program continues to play a crucial role in the development of footballers and provides them with the best opportunity to progress to the elite level.
The AFL is continuing to work towards a Return to Train and Return to Play model for Vic Country and Vic Metro Girls and Boys State Squads, which if it were safe to proceed, would ensure talent are provided with an opportunity to showcase their skills and assist them in reaching the elite level. Both squads will not commence training, play matches or be tested until it is safe to do so.
The 2020 NAB AFLW Draft will occur on Tuesday, October 6 and the 2020 NAB AFL Draft will occur in December with an exact date to be confirmed.
The AFL will continue to review all arrangements in consultation with State teams, State Governments and respective Health Officers.
All information will be housed on AFL.com.au’s AFL Draft Hub.
NAB AFL Under-18 All-Star Matches (subject to State Government restrictions)
New South Wales/ACT
Girls – TBC
Boys – Saturday 8 August and Saturday 15 August
Northern Territory
Girls – Friday 25 September
Boys – Friday 25 September
Queensland
Girls – Sunday 4 October
Boys – Sunday 9 August and Sunday 16 August
South Australia
Girls – Friday 11 September
Boys – Weekend of 23 October
Tasmania
Girls – Wednesday 30 September
Boys – Wednesday 30 September
Victoria
Girls – TBC
Boys – TBC
Western Australia
Girls – Saturday 3 October
Boys – Saturday 10 October and Saturday 17 October
NAB AFL Draft Combine (subject to State Government restrictions)
New South Wales/ACT
Girls – Tuesday 29 September
Boys – Sunday 25 October
Queensland / Northern Territory
Girls – Saturday 3 October
Boys – Saturday 3 October
South Australia
Girls – Wednesday 30 September
Boys – Wednesday 30 September
Tasmania
Girls – Week of Monday 21 September
Boys – Week of Monday 21 September
Victoria
Girls – TBC
Boys – TBC
Western Australia
Girls – Wednesday 30 September
Boys – Wednesday 30 September
The NAB AFL Under-18 All-Stars and NAB AFL Draft Combine is part of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL. The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program comprises the following elements:
• NAB AFL Rising Star
• NAB AFL Draft
• NAB AFL Draft Combine
• NAB AFL Trade Period
• NAB AFL Academy
• NAB AFL Under-18 Championships
• NAB AFL Under-16 Championships
NAB has proudly supported footy for over a decade, providing boys and girls with a clear pathway from NAB AFL Auskick to the big time.
