Byron Bay will play the most picturesque host this Friday and Saturday as 27 teams from around the country prepare to hit the lush lawn of Australia's east coast in the annual AFL Nines at Byron competition.

Featuring good vibes and a relaxed setting, more than 300 participants will pull on their bibs and take to six fields at Byron Bay's Cavanbah Centre – Sports & Cultural Complex in more than 100 matches across two days.

While the essence of AFL Nines at Byron is to have fun and keep active, there's also a total prize pool of $17,000 on the line spread across all four divisions – Men's, Mixed, Masters Mellow (+35) and Masters Seasoned (+45) – with the winning team in each category scoring $3,000 and a $450 voucher to put towards next season's AFL Nines registration.

Since the AFL Nines at Byron concept was launched in 2014 and the Redland Bombers were crowned the inaugural champions, the ever-popular event has continued to grow, with 2024 marking its 10-year milestone. A host of familiar faces have taken part over the years including Sydney's Jude Bolton, former Saints ruck, Peter ‘Spida' Everitt, the Cats' Steve Johnson and AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon.

This year there are 27 teams ready to battle it out and with names including Snappers, South Side Super Slugs, Dad's Army, Fish Tacos and Pittwater Phantoms – there'll be plenty of action and entertainment for locals and spectators.

Another team set to compete in the tournament is Glen Waverley Secondary College, aka the GWSC Giants, who won their way to the event via a competition run as part of the AFL Schools program. Fittingly, the tournament kicks off on World Teachers Day (Friday 25 October), so they'll be plenty to celebrate for the team across the two days.

Mark Robinson, a teacher from Glen Waverley Secondary College, said he couldn't wait to travel up to New South Wales and take part in the AFL Nines at Byron competition.

"We were so excited to find out that we had won the AFL Schools competition to head over to Byron and line up in this iconic event – it should be a lot of fun," Robinson said.

"Our school hosted a staff v students' game and captured all the action, highlighting the decade-long engagement we've had with AFL Nines. This coincidentally coincides with the first year the AFL Nines at Byron event took place back in 2014!

"We have more than 2,200 students at our school and many who hail from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including Sri Lanka, India and China. We wanted to introduce the game of Australian Rules to them for health and wellbeing benefits, it has really grown from there and we've established a wonderful football community and Nines program.

"The students are looking forward to seeing their teachers compete on the weekend, so I hope we can do them proud in Byron."

The team will be expertly coached by former teacher and influencer, Michael Brunelli.

AFL Nines is a dynamic footy format which – as its name suggests – comprises of nine a side. The games are shorter, set on smaller fields and are tackle-free, ensuring everyone gets a touch and feels welcome regardless of their experience and ability. Nines is an easy and flexible way to connect with Australian footy, with AFL Nines already amassing more than 15,000 registered participants in competitions across the country for this season.

AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development Rob Auld said AFL Nines at Byron was always a fun event.

"Since this concept and tournament was created by our team in AFL Queensland back in 2014, AFL Nines at Byron has continued to grow into a fun filled weekend for participants, locals and the footy community," Auld said.

"We're proud to have this competition now fall under our AFL Play brand as a national event which highlights Nines' increasing popularity across the country as we develop our ‘Play your Way' vision to help grow participation and reach new markets.

"The format of AFL Nines allows more people to connect with our game as we strive to have footy in every home across Australia – it's inclusive, welcoming and suited to different age groups, ability and experience.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has helped organise this week's upcoming event in Byron and wish all the teams and participants the best of luck."

AFL Nines at Byron

What: AFL Nines at Byron
When: Friday 25 & Saturday 26 October
Where: Byron Bay Cavanbah Centre – Sports & Cultural Complex
Schedule: To view the full the schedule of the Byron Nines competition, click here.
Divisions: Mixed, Mens, Masters Mellow (+35), Masters Seasoned (+45)