Youngsters get stuck into Paul Kelly Cup during school gala day

A number of schools from Dubbo and Wellington participated in the day, which featured a round robin tournament between local school's boys and girls teams to determine who would progress through to the Paul Kelly Cup later in the year.

Central West AFL's Regional Development Officer Casey White said the competition was for many their first experience of playing Australian Rules Football.

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"The big challenge for the Dubbo schools has been getting to our regional finals in either Bathurst or Orange, so to have something local for them to come down and have a bit of fun and get an introduction to the sport, it's good for them," White said.

St Mary's Primary School boy's side beat Orana Heights Public School 1.5 - 17 over 0.5 - 5 in order to book a spot in the next round, while in the girls Orana Heights won out over St Pius X 3.1 - 19 over 0.1 - 1.

The round robin tournament, played with a modified set of rules, is designed to offer an easier introduction to the sport for the year five and six children invited.

"It gives these kids a really great day out and gives them an opportunity to learn a lot about AFL so they can then make that decision before the pre-season kick off about whether they want to get involved and potentially play for one of the junior teams this year," White said.

"It's a modified version played here at the gala day, it's contact without being overly contactful, but all the other rules are pretty much the same, from here the winners will go on to Orange for the regional final, then those winners will head to our regional in Blacktown."

From there, teams will head on to the state finals, which will either be held at the SCG, Giants Stadium, or Manuka Oval.

"All three are on the cards this year, so there's a real chance that they will play at one of three AFL Stadiums in a state final in a few months time," White said.

With the Dubbo junior side having reached the grand final last year before losing to Bathurst, White said it was good to see the local Demon's senior side turning out to support more junior involvement.

"They get down here and teach the kids and support the schools, it really highlights how positive a culture AFL has here in Dubbo and right now it makes sense to get involved," White said.

"Anyone who has had a great time here today, or has family that might be interested, Dubbo Junior AFL is the next best place to contact."

Dubbo Junior AFL President Merina Roll can be contacted on 0428 697 236 by those interested in getting involved and registrations are open on the Play AFL website.