The AFL has today announced a return to Season 2020 competition date for NAB League girls and boys.
The 12 NAB League Girls clubs will recommence their 2020 season with three more matches for each team to complete a six-game season.
The three matches played in March will count for 2020, with Oakleigh Chargers, Greater Western Victoria Rebels and Northern Knights remaining undefeated. A further two matches will be played ahead of a NAB League Girls Finals weekend for all clubs.
The season will recommence with the Western Jets playing host to Sandringham Dragons on Saturday September 5.
The 12 NAB League Boys clubs will participate in a revised six-game season which will include a round of NAB League Finals. The Western Jets will host the reigning Premiers Oakleigh Chargers to start the 2020 NAB League Boys season on Saturday August 22.
The NAB League Boys competition will be run through two conferences, Metro and Country, over five weeks with a final round of NAB League Finals for all clubs.
AFL Head of Talent Pathways and State League Competitions Tristan Salter said the NAB League Competitions provides the next generation of AFLW and AFL players the opportunity to play football during what has been the most challenging year for football.
“In line with the variations to all football competitions this year, the focus for both NAB League girls and boys football in 2020 is to ensure talent in both leagues are provided with the best opportunity to develop as footballers and ultimately reach the elite level,” Salter said.
"It may not look like a normal NAB League season, but we are committed to providing the right platform for the players and clubs,” Salter said.
“In just one season, the NAB League has had a major impact on the NAB AFL / AFLW National Drafts with more than 50% of the total draftees coming from the NAB League. The 2020 NAB League will provide all eligible AFL and AFLW draft prospects the opportunity to showcase their skills ahead of a NAB AFL and AFLW Drafts at the end of this year.”
The AFL and AFL Tasmania are working through options for the NAB League Tasmania Devils side and their involvement in the competition in 2020.
“All levels of the game across the country have been impacted by the health pandemic this year. While we would prefer to provide a standard season of NAB League football, this outcome ensures an opportunity for many players to continue their journey in the talent pathway.”
“We know how much these competitions mean to players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans and we look forward to working together to ensuring all clubs return to play in a safe and well managed environment.”
“We are excited about the return of community and school footy and players are being encouraged to engage in these formats before returning to test themselves in the NAB League competition.”
The NAB League will provide an opportunity for players to push for Vic Metro and Vic Country selection with a NAB League Boys and Girls Team of the Year to be selected at the end of the season.
“We would like to thank NAB for their unwavering support of the NAB League players and families across this period. With thanks to NAB, we have been able to support players and parents with a series of webinars, elite training support and important communication tools to help navigate this period and ensure players have the greatest opportunity to improve,” Salter said.
“The NAB League season would not be possible without NAB’s support and we are incredibly appreciative of our ongoing partnership of U18 football and extending to the National Talent Pathway Programs.”
The 2020 NAB AFLW Draft and the 2020 NAB AFL Draft will occur in 2020 with exact dates to be confirmed.
The AFL will continue to review all arrangements including return-to-training, potential crowds and broadcast models in consultation with clubs, the Victorian State Government and respective Health Officers.
