ORGANISERS of Tamworth's inaugural AFL Nines competition have been "blown away" by the interest it has garnered.
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Beginning on Thursday evening, the first round of the competition will feature 14 teams facing off, all vying for an early victory.
The mixed teams are made up of both experienced and non-experienced players from across the region.
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Event co-ordinator Jesse Verdouw said the maiden competition had exceeded early expectations.
"When we first started looking into the idea, we thought we were pushing it trying to fill four teams," Verdouw told the Leader.
"But then the interest grew and we were amazed by how many teams we have filled.
"We are stoked with the interest and eagerness everyone has shown."
Despite being hosted by the Tamworth Swans, the weekly competition has attracted players from rival AFL North West clubs.
"We have a few teams from the [Tamworth] Roos, Gunnedah are involved in a couple of teams and we even have a team formed with the [Tamworth] Roosters," Verdouw said.
"It will hopefully be a good way to bridge the gap between all our clubs in a fun, social atmosphere.
"It's also great to see the Roosters form a team of 16-17-year-old kids giving it a go. Hopefully that will encourage more young people to get involved in the game."
As well as enticing players from rival clubs, the competition has also attracted players from other sports.
"South West Robins' netball team has entered a team and we also have a few union guys giving it a go," Verdouw said.
"That's the beauty of the style of nines, everyone, no matter what skill level, can come and get a taste of AFL.
"I've found it to be such an unknown sport in NSW, especially country NSW, so hopefully this is a way of growing the sport."
Verdouw has played a vital role in developing this year's competition along with his wife Sasha and Swans president Josh McKenzie.
"It's been pretty special to organise it and co-ordinate it with Sasha," he said.
"We both realised our passion for the game during the season and then when the off-season hit, we just wanted to start playing again.
"We latched onto this idea of nines and are so pumped it has all come together.
"I wouldn't have been able to do it with out her.
"She's definitely the organised one of us both, so I'm very thankful we have done it together and also with the help of Josh as well, we wouldn't have gone anywhere without him."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
