In August it was revealed the feeder competitions for the AFL, the VFL and NEAFL, would merge in 2021.
The AFL confirmed last week that 22 clubs had received licences for the yet-to-be-named second-tier competition on the eastern coast next year.
The progressive new concept will feature eight stand-alone clubs, 11 AFL-aligned outfits and three aligned clubs from the VFL.
The salary cap for standalone clubs is set at $200,000 and aligned clubs have a limit of $100,000, while the AFL will subsidise all club travel for interstate matches.
The AFL will also integrate the second-tier competition into a streamlined fixture that will run alongside the NAB League boys, with the two seasons to start in April.
And it's expected the new competition will be given a name in the coming weeks.
● Meanwhile, the Australian Netball League has been scrapped for a tournament-style format titled the Australian Netball Championships.
Super Netball clubs and state or territory member organisations can enter teams into the two-week championships.
Netball Australia's executive general manager of performance Stacey West said Super Netball clubs were supportive of the decision to change the pathway system.
“Just like ANL, the Australian Netball Championships will provide the opportunity to align our entire netball pathway system to showcase current talent and future potential, ensuring the preparation of Australia’s emerging elite athletes, coaches, umpires and officials for Suncorp Super Netball and international levels,” she said.
“All state and territory-based member organisations and Suncorp Super Netball clubs are in support of this new model of play that will also incorporate off-court leadership and development sessions for all involved.”
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