More local footy for junior stars under carnival changes

By Max Stainkamph

Jan 13, 2021

The Goulburn Valley's youngsters will have more time available to play at their home clubs after the AFL announced the NAB AFL under-19 championships would be pushed back to the end of the year.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

It opens the door for the region's most talented youngsters to spend more time in junior, school and senior competitions as opposed to being tied up with representative duties in their draft year.

The change, announced on Tuesday, means the majority of the national carnival will be played after juniors finish seasons with their home clubs, allowing them to play finals.

The carnival will begin with a game in July, but matches involving Vic Country, Vic Metro, South Australia and Western Australia will happen in late September or early October, with a two-day NAB AFL draft combine for up to 50 players held in the same period.

The NAB League will also be broken up into different blocks, with the 13-week season set to allow juniors more time to play in school and local competitions.

State-based combines will be held for extended numbers later in September or October.

Shepparton Swans could be given a huge boost if it means Josh Rachele and fellow Bendigo Pioneers or Murray Bushrangers players are available for club duty in the Goulburn Valley at the back end of the season.

Some players may still elect not to play, resting themselves during an otherwise gruelling draft year, but it gives players the option to boost district leagues ahead of national competitions.