AFL
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
THE AFL Nines competition hosted by the Dubbo Demons Australian Football Club launches this Friday, October 17 at the South Dubbo Oval.
AFL Nines is a modified version of AFL, "like a touch footy AFL-style game" suited to summer months, Dubbo Demons president, Joe Knagge, said.
"It's a fast, free-flowing game that involves nine players on each team playing on a smaller field," he said.
"Best of all, it's mixed touch football with no tackling or bumping, making it suitable for people of any age or skill level."
Four teams played in an AFL Nines competition at the start of this year and Knagge expected a good, if not better attendance this session.
Teams consist of five men and four women and there are a number of easy-to-understand rules.
The rules have recently changed, but are easy to learn and understand, Knagge said.
"We are encouraging people who are looking for a new way to stay fit in the summer months and have fun at the same time," he said.
"People of all ages and ability levels can play and we are encouraging men and women who might never have thought of getting involved in AFL to come along and have a go.
"AFL Nines has really taken off in Sydney and has spread to the Central West with competitions being run in Bathurst and Orange as well as in Dubbo."
Mick Daly, coach of the Demons and captain of one of the AFL Nines teams, said he was very excited about the competition.
"I love playing AFL Nines, it's a great way to keep fit in the off-season," he said.
The ball is lighter than a regulation and can be passed by kicking or handballing similar to AFL.
It must be marked on the full and may not touch the ground.
Players can run with the ball, but a turnover results if the player is tagged after prior opportunity to dispose of the ball.
The competition will be very relaxed overall, Knagge says, running shoes will suit over football boots.
"It's just a fun, social competition and I encourage anyone to come down and try it," he said.
AFL Nines will be played every Friday at 6pm at South Dubbo Oval.
New players are most welcome to come along and register to play.
Games are held each Friday at the South Dubbo Oval from 6pm.
Team registrations can be sent to jknagge@bigpond.net.au or alexholly@bigpond.com.
Those who are without a team should also register their interest and will be allocated a team on the day.