AFL New Zealand 2023 Annual Report

Year Ended 31 October 2023

Ceyan Drollet running hard in the 2023 AFLNZ Women’s Premiership

Chairman’s Report

As we press ahead in reclaiming lost ground in participation rates following the Covid hiatus, we find encouragement in the burgeoning momentum of Women’s AFL in Aotearoa. The establishment of Premiership teams in the strategically chosen regions of Auckland, Canterbury, and Wellington marks a significant milestone towards surpassing men’s competition registration numbers, fulfilling a long-term objective.

We formed strategic alliances with likeminded organisations and sponsors to expand our message and engage new audiences, maximising our impact through shared resources and expertise. The Lion Foundation, Foundation North, Pub Charity, Four Winds, City Councils, AVJennings, and Community Matters have been pivotal in advancing AFL in New Zealand.

Foundation North and the Lion Foundation’s funding facilitated AFL New Zealand’s community programs and bolstered its staffing, supporting initiatives from grassroots to high-performance levels.

AV Jennings sponsored the AFL Kiwikick program, promoting active lifestyles among youth with fundamental AFL skills and interschool competitions, fostering inclusivity for both genders. Community Matters’ support enabled AFL sessions in the Whangarei/ Kaipara region, promoting physical literacy and lifelong engagement in sports. These partnerships have empowered AFL New Zealand to provide opportunities for children and adolescents, instilling essential skills transferable across various sports. We express deep appreciation to our partners for their dedication to enhancing the wellbeing of New Zealand’s youth and leaving a lasting impact on our AFL community.

Originally appointed in 2018, Adelaidebased AFLNZ Board Director Liza Mcnally, brings executive marketing expertise from her tenure at SkyCity Entertainment Group and New Zealand Media & Entertainment. With 14 years at News Corp Australia, she excels in brand strategy, retail marketing, and digital media. Her reappointment and position as Deputy Chair, displaying unwavering support for AFL in New Zealand.

Chris Mundell, our newest Elected director, excels in coaching and talent development, notably with the AFL New Zealand Falcons and Auckland Rugby. With experience in Auckland Cricket and St Kilda, Mundell’s talent nurturing skills contribute to driving AFLNZ’s mission.

...We express deep appreciation to our partners for their dedication to enhancing the well-being of New Zealand’s youth and leaving a lasting impact on our AFL community.

The partnership between AFL New Zealand and the AFL continues to yield benefits.

Firstly, it fosters the growth of Australian Football (AFL) in New Zealand, expanding the sport’s reach and popularity. This collaboration provides resources, expertise, and opportunities for local players, coaches, and officials, enhancing their skills and development pathways.

The partnership also facilitates talent identification and nurturing, potentially leading to the emergence of elite New Zealand players on the international AFL stage. Overall, this alliance signifies a promising future for AFL in New Zealand.

Bernard Saundry AFL New Zealand Chairman

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

2023 AFL Grand Final Winners

Chief Executive Officer Report

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the sporting world faced unprecedented challenges. AFL New Zealand was not immune to these challenges, but through resilience, innovation, and strategic planning, we have weathered the storm and look to initially recapture our successes and then build further.

Following on from the cancellation of the 2022 season off the back of Covid restrictions, the AFLNZ Premiership did provide some notable achievements during 2023 season. This included the first ever Premiership fixture to be played in Christchurch, a move that can be assessed as very successful and now with an eye on Wellington as the next facility base.

The Central Giants and Central Shakers both featured a high number of Wellington representatives in their successful campaigns within Men and Women competitions and the numbers form the region have grown exponentially for the upcoming season. This has also been reflected in the Canterbury region with a large uptake of registrations for the 2024 season.

The 2023 Premiership season also acted as the perfect lead in for the reintroduction of the international season, on hold due to travel restrictions. It has provided exposure to up-and-coming players in front of an expectant NZ coaching staff looking towards representative honours in the New Zealand U18, NZ Falcons and NZ All Stars.

The Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League underwent the successful completion of the tour of Aotearoa in April 2023. After a hiatus due to travel restrictions from Covid-19, both organisations were excited to reignite this partnership, and the event proved to be a resounding success.

In April 2023, the Level 1, Level 2, and U18 Kahu AFL New Zealand Academy teams engaged in a thrilling 2-game series against three Mornington Peninsula BlueScope Steelers sides in Auckland. This marked the seventh iteration of the tour, highlighting the enduring collaboration between our leagues.

Regional

Sports Trusts

play a major role in the reignition of our exposure to youth.

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

In a significant development for AFL New Zealand, the 2023 calendar featured an additional match aimed at providing a competitive platform for players currently excelling at the highest level. After a threeyear hiatus in the international calendar, this match presents a golden opportunity to influence the pecking order of the once strongly established New Zealand Falcons squad.

The inaugural All Stars, Falcons match took place on Sunday, April 23rd at North Harbour Stadium and presented increased opportunities for:

New Zealand-based Australians residing in New Zealand but may not qualify for New Zealand selection.

Young players aiming to stake their claim for future New Zealand Falcons selection. Senior players eager to experience international competition for the first time. From a coaching perspective, bringing together the top 40 players within New Zealand for this historic clash offers immense benefits for all involved. Not only will it elevate the level of football for new players, but it will also provide invaluable insights for future international selection.

The 2023 AFL New Zealand Academy, resumed its activities, providing a structured platform for athletes to develop their skills and pursue high-performance opportunities.

The Falcons vs All Stars faced off for the first time

NZ Heritage Team member Kristy Stratton made her return for Hawthrorn in 2023

Academy participants were provided a fantastic opportunity to represent their country through selection for the AFL New Zealand Teams Programme competing against Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League in April 2023.

Previous stars progressing through the Academy include Sam Dickson (NZ Sevens), Shaun Johnson (One NZ Warriors), Will Warbrick (NZ Sevens, Now Melbourne Storm), and Misilifi Faimalo (Richmond Tigers VFL).

Our focus on youth development remained unwavering throughout the pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by school closures and restrictions on gatherings, we adapted our youth programs to virtual platforms, ensuring that young athletes continued to receive training and support.

Nurturing talent is at the core of our mission, and we remained dedicated to identifying and developing promising athletes.

The third AFLW Heritage team showcased a remarkable array of talent, demonstrating the depth of skill within the AFLW. Players like Abbey Dowrick and Ange Stannett shone brightly, each earning their club’s Best and Fairest awards, while Jasmine Garner claimed the coveted title of the 2023 AFLW Players’ Champion.

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

The 2023 team consists of 20 players currently playing regularly in the AFLW competition for their respective clubs.

AFLW Season 7 Golden Boot winner Jesse Wardlaw joined our Auckland based women’s premiership training last night. The 23 year old Brisbane Lions star is in New Zealand over the summer visiting family and joined the training group as they prepare for the AFLL New Zealand Women’s premiership, kicking off on February 26th 2024.

The 2023 AFL Men’s Heritage team consisted of 12 players listed with AFL Clubs, and 4 VFL listed players

Max Gawn Captained the side again and Ben Rutten, Assistant Coach of the Richmond Club was named as the NZ Heritage coach.

The team also featured home grown talent, Misilifi Faimalo, a star studded product of the AFL New Zealand development pathway, Misilifi worked his way into the Richmond VFL squad where his defensive pressure in the forward line received continuous praise from his coaches.

Once again the Regional Sports Trusts play a major role in the reignition of our exposure to youth in schools and with further organised pathway opportunities. The support has been ongoing and is greatly appreciated.

Raising awareness about the importance of sports and the impact of our organisation is crucial for longterm success. Through social media, and broadcast, we reached a broader audience and garnered increased support. The network screened 6 live games a week during the 2023 home and away season with all the 2023 Finals series broadcast live. The inclusion of a minimum of 2 AFLW matches per week and for 2024, preseason fixtures will continue to add momentum.

It is great to have Sky TV on board broadcasting 6 games for the AFL season. Having the game on TV provides our community the ability to watch AFL at the

Robert Vanstam AFL New Zealand CEO

The year 2023 marked a return to normality following the challenging COVID years, allowing us to re-engage with schools. During this period in primary school spaces, we reached 6,927 children aged 5 to 12, providing 19,603 personal experiences across 26 schools, 10 festivals, and holiday programs.

The AVJennings AFL KiwiKick program not only imparts fundamental movement skills such as Kick, Catch, Pass, and Bounce but also focuses on stability and locomotive movement skills. Our aim is to encourage participants to be “Active For Life” by aligning with Sport New Zealand’s “Physical Literacy” approach. Physical literacy encompasses the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding needed for individuals to value and take responsibility for lifelong engagement in physical activity and sport.

In collaboration with Sport New Zealand, AFL New Zealand actively supports and promotes the concept of physical literacy by aligning and delivering this philosophy and supporting the Healthy Active Learning physiology which supports schools to improve the wellbeing of Tamariki and Rangatahi through healthy eating and drinking, and quality physical activity.

...With the support of Tu Manawa Funding, several projects will increase the exposure of the sport to local youth.

The AVJennings AFL KiwiKick program ensures that participants become confident and competent in fundamental movements essential for various sports. Qualified coaches deliver focused and enjoyable sessions during school hours and after school, with each child receiving between 1 to 8 coaching sessions.

AFL New Zealand will continue these programs as they contribute to key outcomes, encouraging children to lead healthy lifestyles through sports. With the

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

support of Tu Manawa Funding, several projects will increase the exposure of the sport to local youth. Over the past decade, many participants have completed AVJennings AFL KiwiKick programs and progressed to play in the AFLNZ Youth Programme for both boys and girls aged 12 to 17.

The majority of projects involve 1 to 6 sessions during school time, followed by an after-school program within the

“Kick, Catch, Pass, Bounce.”

AFL: The game for everyone

school grounds. This approach provides participants with easy access in a familiar setting, allowing parents to attend. The AFL New Zealand Youth Progreamme now offers further opportunities for boys and girls aged 10 to 17, focusing on skill development, fostering a love for the game, and supporting their AFL pathway.

The AVJennings AFL KiwiKick program actively involves teachers in sessions, offering professional development and online resources. Teachers learn how to deliver sessions and control AFL games, ensuring that children can remain active sporting participants even after the departure of AFL New Zealand coaches associated with the program.

To ensure sustainability, every school in the AVJennings AFL KiwiKick Pathway program receives a resource kit, aiding ongoing activity. This kit includes AFL KiwiKick Coaching manuals with detailed diagrams of skills, games, and lesson

plans. Coupled with AFL KiwiKick online modules, teachers and volunteer coaches have all the information needed to successfully run AFL KiwiKick sessions.

The support of AV Jennings, Sport New Zealand, AKTIVE Sport and Recreation, Regional Sporting Trusts, and Community Trust organisations has been invaluable, providing seeding funding and the opportunity to showcase our sport to new schools and participants. AFL New Zealand will continue collaborating with these organisations to ensure AVJennings AFL KiwiKick outcomes align with local community needs.

Reg Ranchhod

AFL New Zealand General Manager

KICK! CATCH! BOUNCE!

AFL New Zealand has diversified the programmes available to Secondary Schools to ensure flexibility that suits the outcomes of your school and provides opportunities for students and staff to participate in all facets of AFL.

INTRODUCTION TO AFL

Introduction to AFL teaches AFL skills and uses modified games to reach the end product of playing a full game of AFL. The programme can be combined with junior class units of work, linked to curriculum programmes and lead into competition programmes.

AFL LEADERSHIP

AFL Leadership takes on the concept of students provided with leadership skills and the capability of running a tournament within their own school or at local primary and intermediate schools. Sessions focus on the elements of game understanding, coaching, umpiring and game and event management.

COACH THE COACHES

Coach the Coaches takes a look at the fundamentals of AFL and the AFL Kiwikick programme. After 6 – 8 practical structured sessions your students will assist delivery of the AFL Kiwikick programme in local Primary or Intermediate schools in your area.

AFL HOUSE RULES

The AFL House Rules Programme focuses on providing students with easy access to participate in the new and dynamic sport of AFL. The competition takes place at a venue determined by your school, most often within your own school grounds. This alleviates travel costs for the school and the participants and more importantly provides opportunities to more students beyond the elite school representative teams.

The format is a perfect for competition between classes or houses and can be played by boys, girls or in a mixed format that utilises touch, tag or tackle modifications. It’s a new fun way to get more kids, more active, more often and improve the skills of Kick, Catch, Pass and Bounce at the same time.

AFL House Rules can be combined with a number of other AFL NZ Secondary School programmes to involve coordination by fellow students and curriculum based activities or as a selection trial for your AFL Cup team. The “Teachers versus Students” Clash is a great way to finish this fun programme.

AFL FORCE BACK

This programme focuses on the two main fundamental skills of AFL, Kick and Catch. Through a modified game participants gain an insight into the skills required for the bigger game of AFL, that can also be used as a Have a go or participation/social competition.

With the introduction of AFL Force Back through Have a go or Competition, links can be made to Secondary School AFL Cup Interschool competition and outside of school opportunities with the AFL New Zealand Youth Competition.

AFL CROSS CODE SKILL ACQUISITION

Cross Code Skill Acquisition has been developed for Secondary schools using AFL to assist with skill acquisition and development in other codes. With that in mind the programme has been designed specifically to focus on the two skills of kicking and catching.

Links can be made from Cross Code Skill acquisition for curriculum, other codes and preparation for Secondary School Interschool competition the AFL Cup and AFL New Zealand Youth pathway opportunities leading to National representation.

AFL COMBINE

The Secondary Schools AFL Combine Programme is underpinned by an exciting testing format that provides participants with the opportunity to compete in a number of skills and athletic testing.

Each of the events within the programme has a focus on fun and looks to provide those involved with motivation to improve themselves in varying facets of skill and fitness.

Speed, agility, endurance, suppleness and hand and eye coordination, are all attributes that if provided in the right format, can inspire students to become more involved in not only participating in sport but also monitoring their own progress.

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

AFL CUP

The AVJennings Saints AFL Cup is an Inter School competition for Junior (Years 9-10) and Senior (Years 11-13) students based on fundamental movement and ball skills of AFL for boys and girls.

The programme provides introductory sessions and resources presented by qualified AFL New Zealand Staff to introduce a new and dynamic sport to students. The skills of ‘Kick, Catch, Pass and Bounce’ are perfectly matched to cross reference any number of sports. The 9 a side format is suitable for rugby size fields and with three reserves per team, team numbers are easy to coordinate.

GATEWAY

AFL New Zealand can provide Gateway students with the perfect opportunity to gain experience within the Sports coaching industry delivering the AFL Kiwikick programme to Primary and Intermediate school students.

Reg Ranchhod

AFL New Zealand Schools Manager

SUCCESS STORY

The AFL Cup offers gameplay and skill development for secondary schools

AFL New Zealand would like to acknowledge and thank the Pub Charity for their support in the development of AFL within New Zealand.

AFLNZ expresses sincere gratitude for the unwavering support received, notably from the Pub Charity, in the development of AFL within New Zealand. The generosity of Pub Charity directly contributes to AFLNZ’s employment team, fostering the leadership and structure required to impact the initiatives aimed at empowering youth.

The funding provided by Pub Charity plays a pivotal role in AFLNZ’s ability to continue delivering the AFL KiwiKick programme to primary school children nationwide. This program, designed for ages 5 to 12, focuses not only on fundamental movement skills such as Kick, Catch, Pass, and Bounce but also instills stability and locomotive movement skills. The aim is to encourage participants to be Active For Life, aligning with Sport New Zealand’s “Physical Literacy” approach.

Physical literacy is “the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding required by participants that allows them to value and

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

take responsibility for engaging in physical activity and sport for life”. In conjunction with Sport New Zealand, AFL New Zealand will look to support and promote this concept of physical literacy by actively seeking out ways to align and deliver this philosophy.

The AFL KiwiKick Programme teaches fundamental movement skills to ages 5 to 12.

These skills are valuable for a wide variety of sports, and the AFL KiwiKick programme ensures that everyone who participates is confident and competent with those skills. Qualified AFL KiwiKick coaches deliver focused and fun sessions during school hours and afterschool, with every child receiving between 1 – 8 sessions of coaching.

AFL New Zealand will continue with these programmes, as they deliver on key outcomes that encourage children to live healthy lifestyles through sport.

To follow on from the six sessions during school time, the children then have access to an after school programme that takes place within the school grounds directly after school.

With the assistance of Pub Charity, AFLNZ continues these programs, it delivers on key outcomes that encourage children to live healthy lifestyles through sport. Moreover, participants aged between 5 and 12 who have completed the AFL KiwiKick programmes over the past 8 years have gone on to play in the AFLNZ Youth Competition for both Boys, creating a lasting legacy of positive change through the unifying spirit of sports.

Regional Leagues

Auckland AFLMen

Tigers hold on to secure the three-peat

The North Shore Tigers have held off a fierce Waitakere Magpies to secure their third Premiership in a row.

A strong downfield wind meant the game was always destined to be a tight game. The Tigers started the game with some stray shooting, kicking 1 goal, 6 behinds to gain a 12 point lead in the first quarter. Defender Michael Edy, had a brilliant game, stopping golden boot Jusstin Du Toit from kicking a goal all game and keeping the Tigers within reach.

The Magpies had a stong second quarter to take an 11 point lead heading into the half. The Tigers realiated after the break gaining a hard earned 10 point lead heading into the final quarter.

The Final quarter was immense and as the clock wound down the pressure continued to build. The Tigers stacked the backline to make forward entry an impossible task for the Magpies, who became hopeful after sneaking a goal through the Tigers defence, but with all their efforts , the Magpies fell short by just 2-points, handing the Tigers another Premiership

Auckland AFLWomen

Tiger Time; Tigers Women’s team win first title

The North Shore Tigers Women’s team put in a manificent performance to win their first Auckland AFLW Premiership

In a repeat of last year’s Grand Final the North Shore Tigers and the Waitakere Magpies once again, battled it out for Grand Final glory. However, this time the tables had turned and the Tigers were the side to beat.

A strong downfield wind made it clear that it was going to be a tough game, but the Tigers were relentless and made good use of the wind when it was in their favour, kicking all 6 of their goals with the wind. The Magpies were unable to get enough go forward, as the Tigers put pressure on every opportunity the Magpies had, limiting them to just 3 behinds.

The 2023 Auckland AFLW grand final showcased an incredible development for Women’s AFL in Auckland and the league is excited for the future.

Wellington AFLMen

Bulldogs make it a 3-peat

The Eastern Bulldogs have come out on top in a best of 3 Finals round against the Hutt Valley Eagles

In a bid to extend the season, the WAFL went to a best of 3 finals round where the Eastern Bulldogs have won two out of the three rounds and have remain WAFL Premiers for the third straight season.

Wellington AFLWomen

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

The South Coast Swell go back to back

The South Coast Swell have gone back to back with a big win over Nga Manu Rere. Both sides came out of the gates strong with a back and forward arm wrestle in the first quarter with Nga Manu Rere pulling ahead by just 1 goal.

The South Coast Swell took over in the second quarter and once they got going, they were hard to stop. Nga Manu Rere played their hearts out to get back within 9 by the end of the third quarter and set themselves up with a chance heading into the final quarter.

The South Coast Swell, put on a show to finish the season, kicking 5 goals in the last quarter to secure another title, capping off a great season for Wellington Women’s AFL.

Canterbury AFLMen

Eastern Blues win consecutive titles

The Eastern Blues have defeated the Christchurch Bulldogs in a tight contest to walk away Premiers for the second consecutive season.

The Blues came out hot, putting up an early 5 goal tally in the first quarter. The Bulldogs rallied hard in the second and returned the favour, with a five goal haul of their own, putting them up by 4 points at the half time break.

The third quarter was make or break for both sides, with the game likely to be decided by who could get going on the scoreboard first. The Blues took back the lead and gave themselves a healthy lead to defend, heading in the final quarter of the season.

The 20 point lead proved too high for the Bulldogs to reach, with the Blues defence stepping up and limiting the Bulldogs to just 1 goal to finish the quarter, handing the Blues another title.

Canterbury AFLWomen Dolphins come up trumps against the Panthers

In the first season of the new look CAFLW competitions, the two new teams, Panthers and Dolphins have been battling it out with incredible spirit. The Panthers had a hot start to the season taking out the first two games, but as the Dolphins started to click with the rivalry becoming one the most tightly contested competitions in the country.

AFL Broadcast

Sky Television and SKY Sport is the major broadcast partner of AFL in New Zealand and the home of LIVE sport in New Zealand.

Sky Television and SKY Sport is the major broadcast partner of AFL in New Zealand and the home of LIVE sport in New Zealand.

Featuring some of the best local and international sports content, SKY Sport offers New Zealand sports fans world class coverage. World renowned for its LIVE sports production, SKY Sport is heavily involved in producing sport in New Zealand - from grassroots sport to the pinnacle of international competition.

SKY Sport’s 2023 AFL coverage increased from three to five LIVE matches each week during the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. The AFL Women’s Premiership Season also featured prominently featuring two live games per week along with access On Demand at any time via the Sky Go app.

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

In addition to the live games, Sky coverage included magazine shows; AFL 360, On the Couch and The Back Page, bringing total weekly viewing to over 20 hours of AFL per week during the football season.

Alternative options to view AFL in New Zealand exist through the Watch AFL platform. The subscription based service, includes every live game throughout the AFL and AFLW seasons, replays and AFL magazine shows.

For the AFLW, viewers can stream every game live through the AFLW app.

SENZ Radio has also commenced the addition of weekly segments covering the AFL season. We look forward to continued support from our broadcast partners in 2024.

High Performance

The 2023 High Performance Programme was once again well supported through the formation of regional Youth Programmes in Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury.

AFL New Zealand Academy

The AFL New Zealand Academy selects its participants from the AFL New Zealand Youth Programme with the opportunity for selection to also take place from Secondary School Competitions and programmes throughout New Zealand.

The AFL New Zealand Academy improves the skills and fitness of athletes, through a training and development programme that assists athletes that in some cases, have had no previously exposure to AFL.

Academy athletes will participate in skill development, athletic testing and measurement, game play and personal development to provide a pathway for them to excel in AFL. The Academy consists of three levels:

Level 1: for athletes that are new entrants to Academy and the New Zealand representative pathway

Level 2: for athletes continuing their Academy and New Zealand representative pathway with their next step, U18 or Senior New Zealand representation

Youth Girls: for female athletes aged between 14 to 17 years of age, both new and continuing in the Academy and New Zealand representative pathway Further opportunities arising from the AFL New Zealand Academy include, selection into New Zealand Academy teams, New Zealand Kahu Youth Girls, AFL New Zealand National Combine selection, access to talent scouts and AFL International Scholarships

AFL New Zeland Academy

Level 1 April 2023

The AFL New Zealand Academy Level 1 played a two match series against the Mornington Peninsula Junior Football league U14’s in Auckland

AFL New Zeland Academy

Level 2 April 2023

The AFL New Zealand Academy Level 2 played a two match series against the Mornington Peninsula Junior Football league U14’s in Auckland

Mornington Peninsula vs New Zealand Youth Girls April 2023

The New Zealand Kahu Youth Girls participated in a 2 game series against the Mornington Peninsula Junior Football league Youth Girls.

The talented squad was defeated, ending their win streak of 7 matches prior to Covid

AFL New Zealand Falcons Under 19 Tour April 2023

The Under 19 team toured Melbourne in April where they played two matches against Hastings Football Club and an Inter League side from the Mornington Peninsula Junior Football League.

In their first game of the tour, the Falcons played a local team, Hastings Football Club. After a slow start, the Falcons worked their way back into the game but were defeated.

The final game of the tour saw the Falcons take on the Mornington Peninsula Interleague side. It was a much improved effort from the Falcons but they came up against a talented opposition who won the game by 30 points.

With nine regions within New Zealand represented, the team experienced the AFL culture in Melbourne from grass roots footy all the way up to the elite level.

The team travelled to the Hastings Football Club (the oldest club in the Mornington Peninsula) for a mixed training session with their Mornington Peninsula opposition followed by a welcome function and jumper presentation.

The tour included a visit to the redeveloped Moorabin Oval to train at the St Kilda Football Club before touring the new facility. St Kilda’s New Zealand listed player Rowan Marshall (Taranaki) and Jesse Wardlaw who spoke to the team before a team training on the main oval. The team also attended an AFL clash between Bulldogs and Hawthorn

AFL International Cup NZ Falcons and NZ Kahu

Held every three years, the AFL International Cup includes teams from North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. New Zealand were to field both a Men’s and Women’s team for the first time in the competitions history. Teams will solely comprise of footballers who must be nationals of the country they represent. No expatriate Australians are eligible to play. A seventeen tour of Australia including 5 matches ensures that participants are treated to an amazing experience.

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

In 2017 there were 26 teams (18 men’s and eight women’s teams) that represented 21 different nations. Papua New Guinea won the men’s final while Ireland won the women’s final.

New Zealand Falcons vs All Stars

In a first for AFL New Zealand, the NZ All Stars, New Zealand Falcons game will be an addition to the calendar and provide a solid contest for players currently playing at the highest level. With international travel restrictions now disappearing, it is expected that a surge of opportunities will present themselves to the New Zealand Teams Programme.

Lucas Jellyman-Turner lighting up the field on his Falcons debut

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

NZ Heritage stars Indy Tahau and Jesse Wardlaw going head to head

NZ Heritage star Jasmine Garner kicks opening goal in AFLW Grand Final

Nz Heritage Team member Rowan Marshall celebrating a huge goal for St Kilda

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

Future NZ superstar Indy Gibson playing in the 2023 Morningtour campaign for the Youth Girls

Talented youngster Tane Kirton, playing for the Western Crows in the 2023 Premiership

2023 saw the long awaited Falcons vs All Stars match come to fruition

AFL New Zealand Premiership

The Men’s and Women’s national competition provides the highest standard of football in NZ.

The AFL New Zealand Premiership targets 200 talented male and female athletes from throughout New Zealand, with players allocated selection in the teams through a retained players list, regionality and by way of the “National Draft” as required.

The Premiership is the perfect opportunity for a higher level competition providing an extension to the traditional regional league seasons spanning between August to December each year.

The seasons timing also provide the opportunities to utilise Australian based players within team selections. Players from 7 regions to participate in the competition including over 370 individual flights to Auckland and Christchurch throughout the season.

The Women’s Premiership takes place in conjunction with the current Men’s Premiership between February and April.

The female competition will provide the perfect environment for girls transitioning from the Youth Competition formats to senior football and is the next step in finalising the pathway for women to participate in AFL within New Zealand.

MEN’S PREMIERSHIP

The 2023 Premiership season saw the inclusion of the first ever Christchurch based matches at QE2 Park. 2024 will see a continuation of these fixtures with 2025 to add Wellington to the schedule as the competitions third Premiership base.

WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP

The female competition will provide the perfect environment for girls transitioning from the Youth Programme formats to senior football and is the next step in finalising the pathway for women to participate in AFL within New Zealand.

The Women’s Premiership continues to exapnd with the introduction of three new teams. The Central Shakers, Northern Storm and Western Ravens will run out for the first time when the Women’s Premiership also returns in 2023

The Womens Premiership continues to expand in 2024 with the introduction its newest team, the Southern Stars based

Rising Star Indy Gibson

in Canterbury. The team will host a home fixture as the season opener.

RISING STAR AWARD

The AFL New Zealand Rising Star award was awarded weekly to a standout young player in the AFL New Zealand Premiership. Each week the award was allocated to those who show ability that favours the core components it takes to become an AFL Player. To be eligible to be nominated for the award, a player must be born in 2004 or younger.

Previous Rising Star Winners

• Will Warbrick

• Carlos Donell-Brown

• Misilifi Faimalo

• Josh Mackie

• Declan Crann

• Oliver Giamblanco

• Tane Kirton

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Each week throughout the Premiership season, AFL New Zealand announced the ‘Team of the week’ which featurde the 24 best players from the previous weekends round. The teams were selected by the coaches of each team and targeted stand out players who show the attributes of what it takes to be a successful player. The 6 best players from each team will make up the team of the week. At the culmination of the season, AFL New Zealand announced the Premiership Team

of the year which consisted of the players who have featured in the team of the week category.

DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS

The AFL New Zealand Premiership will provide a number of talented players from the AFL New Zealand Academy the opportunity to participate in the Premiership as development players. The opportunity will be utilised to further develop and manage the environment for young players and their introduction into senior football. The preparation they receive will potentially see them drafted and playing in the 2024 AFLNZ Premiership as a full time participant.

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

Those announced are all born in the year 2005 and are not guaranteed to play in the premiership or play every week. High Performance management will distribute development players to team’s week to week dependant on several factors including;

• The players stage of development

• The players physical preparedness and capability

• Approval from AFLNZ, the participants parents and the participant

Development Players will train with the Premiership group in their region along with their Academy commitments. Development opportunities on game day will be managed by AFL New Zealand and respective coaches this will include specific timing, rotation, opposition match ups and player review throughout the day.

PAST WINNERS MEN’S WOMEN”S

2016 Western Crows

2017 Southern Saints

2018 Central Giants

2019 Western Crows Lions

2020 Southern Siants Bulldogs

2021 Central Giants Bulldogs

2023 Central Giants Central Shakers

2023 Shakers winning Coach and Captain, Peter Geale and

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

Sam Lightfoot

The Central Giants went back to back in 2023

AFLNZ Regional Youth Programmes

AFL New Zealand Youth Programme provides new pathways to participate in AFL

The Youth Programme, established in 2015, is designed to support the development of participants who aspire to excel in AFL.

The programme aims to enhance the skills and fitness of the athletes in a fun and engaging environment. It offers a comprehensive training, game and development programme that covers the essential aspects of the AFL pathway.

In 2023, the Youth Programme operated in four locations: two in Auckland, and one each in Wellington and Christchurch. The programme attracted participants from 28 Secondary and Intermediate Schools across the Northland, Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury regions.

The programme focuses on improving the athletes’ skills and fitness through a structured and progressive training, game and development programme. It prepares the participants for the transition from other sports and connects them to club football and lifelong involvement with the sport. AFL New Zealand has set a goal to increase the number of participants in all age groups and regions where the programme is delivered. The participants are selected from various sources, such as:

• Secondary School Programmes

• Intermediate Programmes

• Talent Identification Personnel

• Current Players

The 2023 programme involved 28

Secondary

and Intermediate schools.

KICK! CATCH! BOUNCE!

Alastair Maisey Community and Communications Manager

Funding Support

AFL New Zealand would like to acknowledge our funding partners involvement in supporting our Programmes.

AFL New Zealand extends its sincere gratitude to our valued funding partners for their unwavering support throughout the year. Their involvement has been integral to the success of our programmes, ensuring that AFL New Zealand continues to offer opportunities for youth and adults across the community to engage with the sport. With multiple programme locations spanning New Zealand, including youth divisions for both boys and girls, as well as competitions for men and women, our partners’ financial support has been crucial in alleviating the ongoing resource and training demands necessary for the sustainable growth of AFL at the grassroots level.

Within our comprehensive Youth Programme, generously supported by our partners, lies the highlight event of festival days. These festive occasions, made possible by our partners, bring together participants from various locations for a day filled with fun and AFL camaraderie.

Festival days serve as a cornerstone of our Youth Programme, fostering a sense of community and excitement among participants as they celebrate their love for the sport and showcase their skills.

AFL New Zealand’s Youth Programme, made possible through the support of our funding partners, provides new players with an inclusive and enjoyable pathway into AFL. Emphasising skill development, fitness improvement, and personal growth, this program offers participants opportunities for advancement, including potential selection into the AFL New Zealand Academy and representation at the national level. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our funders for their impactful contributions throughout 2023, which have significantly enriched the AFL landscape in New Zealand.

KICK! CATCH! BOUNCE!

2023 AFLNZ Men’s Heritage Team

The eleventh AFL New Zealand Men’s Heritage team has been selected for 2023, showing the depth of involvement New Zealanders have in AFL at the highest level

The 2023 Heritage team boasts an exciting mix of established AFL stars such as Max Gawn from the Melbourne Football Club, Richmond Tigers star Dustin Martin, youthful talent and home grown New Zealand players.

To meet the criteria to be selected in the AFLNZ Heritage team, each player must either have been born in New Zealand or have New Zealand parentage.

Mykelti Lefau scores for Richmond VFL in return from injury

The 2023 team consists of 12 players listed with AFL Clubs, and 4 VFL listed players

Max Gawn Captains the side again and Ben Rutten, assistant coach of the Richmond Club has been named as the NZ Heritage coach.

The team also features home grown talent, Misilifi Faimalo, a star studded product of the AFL New Zealand development pathway, Misilifi has worked his way into the Richmond VFL squad where his defensive pressure in the forward line receives continuous praise from his coaches.

The development programmes run by AFL New Zealand have a vision of AFL as a New Zealand sport. At every level of the game, from teaching schoolchildren the fundamentals through the AFL KiwiKick programme, to high performance training for athletes looking for a pathway in sport, to regional leagues played around the country, AFL in New Zealand is on a roll. The introduction of the AFLNZ Youth Programme in 2015 was a major success in placing High School aged students on the pathway to AFL.

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

Jake Patmore North Adelaide

Connor Ballenden Woodville-West Torrens

Dylan Clarke Port Melbourne

Oskar Baker Bulldogs

Lucas Jellyman-Turner Broadbeach AFC

Archie Perkins Essendon

Khan Haretuku Frankston

Louis Butler Bulldogs

Mykelti Lefau Richmond

Sam Weideman Melbourne

Mark Blicavs Geelong

Jordan Ridley Essendon

Rowan Marshall St Kilda

Max Gawn Melbourne Dustin Martin Richmond

Zac Fisher Carlton

On Ballers

Misilifi Faimalo Richmond

Sam Durdin Carlton

Toby Wooller Carlton

Cameron Ilett Nightcliff

Interchange

Luke Jackson Melbourne

Ryan Clarke Sydney

Ben Rutten

Coach

2023 AFLNZ Women’s Heritage Team

This is the third Women’s Heritage team to be announced, with the side continuing to grow as the AFLW grows

The 2023 team consists of 20 players currently playing regularly in the AFLW competition for their respective clubs.

This season, the side remains largely unchanged, with Gold Coast star, Lucy Single making her first appearance in the side, and Kristy Stratton returning to the side. The Team continues to boast an exciting mix of established AFL stars such as Jasmine Garner from the North Melbourne Football Club, St Kilda star Jesse Wardlaw, youthful talent as well as home grown New Zealand representatives.

This season saw the continuation of the growth made in season 7 and after a huge off season trade period, saw a much more balanced competition, shown by a very different final ladder.

The Calibre of players spread across the team shows the immense talent spread across the AFLW, with Abbey Dowrick, and Ange Stannett both taking out their clubs Best and Fairest awards, and Jasmine Garner being crowned as the 2023 AFLW Players’ MVP

Richelle Cranston makes her final appearance in the side, after struggling with health issues all season, she has made the difficult decision to retire.

To meet the criteria to be selected in the AFLNZ heritage team, each player must either have been born in New Zealand or have New Zealand parentage.

Youth development programmes implemented by AFL New Zealand continue to work towards a lifetime of involvement with the sport. Equal importance is placed on both the starting point of teaching school children the fundamentals by way of the AFL KiwiKick programme, involvement in Regional Leagues throughout New Zealand all the way through to high performance training for athletes seeking higher honours with AFL.

Lucy Single had a breakout season for Gold Coast

PASS! BOUNCE!

Najwa Allen Adelaide

Angelique Stannett Freemantle

Lucy Single Gold Coast

Lauren Pearce Melbourne

Stevie-Lee Thompson Adelaide

Celine Moody Bulldogs

Tahlia Randall North Melbourne

Makaela Tuhakaraina Freemantle

Dee Heslop Brisbane

Vaomua Laloifi Carlton

Kristy Stratton Hawthorn

Breann

Jesse Wardlaw St Kilda

Brooke Walker Essendon

2023 Scores and Results

Senior Regional Leagues

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

Canterbury’s Naia Toalamai-Holden showcasing the regions potential in the Premirship

As at 31 October 2023

*These Statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the Financial Statements and Audit Report.

Mariska Van Deventer

AFL New Zealand Finance Manager

*These Statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the Financial Statements and Audit Report.

Society Directory as at 31 October 2023

Michael Nettlefold (Elected 25 March 2015) (Re-Elected 19 March 2016) (Re-Elected 16 March 2019) (Re-Elected 15 March 2022)

Andrew McKenzie (Elected 15 March 2015) (Re-Elected 17 March 2018) (Re-Elected 14 March 2021)

Bernard Saundry (Chairman) (Appointed 26 February 2018) (Re-Appointed 20 October 2022)

Liza McNally (Appointed 20 September 2018) (Re-Appointed 18 October 2023)

Chris Mundell (Elected 14 March 2023)

Chris Brooks (Elected 27 October 2020)

Peter Summers (Appointed 28 October 2021)

PASS! BOUNCE!

Wellington AFL Women’s players running hard

Notes to the Financial Statements

NOTE 1 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

AFL NEW ZEALAND INCORPORATED is an Incorporated Society established under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. The Financial Statements of AFL New Zealand Incorporated have been prepared in accordance with the stated accounting policies and are therefore considered to be special purpose. These Special purpose financial statements are used by management and the board in fulfilling their reporting requirements to the members of AFL New Zealand Incorporated and therefore may not be fit for another purpose.

Measurement Base

The accounting principles recognised as appropriate for the measurement and reporting of earnings and financial position on an historical cost basis have been used in the preparation of these financial statements.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure directly attributable to the acquisition of assets and includes the cost of replacements that are eligible for capitalisation when these are incurred. Depreciation rates as follows:

• Jumpers/Shorts/Socks: 30% DV

• Plant and Equipment: 10-50% DV

• Computers and Software 50% DV

Jumpers/Shorts/Socks are used for training and coaching purpose by AFLNZ Staff.

Inventory

Inventory has been stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

The entity is registered for GST. All amounts are stated exclusive of goods and services tax (GST) except for accounts payable and accounts receivable which are stated inclusive of GST.

Income Tax

AFL New Zealand Incorporated is wholly exempt from New Zealand income tax having fully complied with all statutory conditions for these exemptions.

Receivables

Receivables are stated at expected realisable value. Bad debts are written off during the period in which they are identified.

Liabilities

Liabilities are stated at the estimated amounts payable and include all obligations that can be reliably estimated. Current liabilities include the amounts payable within twelve months of these financial statements.

Changes in Accounting Policies

There have been no changes in accounting policies during the year.

NOTE 2 LEASE COMMITMENTS

The Club has no non-cancellable operating lease commitments. (2022 – Nil).

NOTE 3 INCOME

Income shown in the Statement of Financial Performance comprises the amounts received and receivable for services supplied to customers in the ordinary course of business, except for contributions received from players with respect to their attendance at international tournaments which are recognised on cash receipt basis.

NOTE 4 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

There were no Contingent Liabilities as at 31 October 2023 (2021– Nil).

NOTE 5 CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

There were no outstanding Capital Commitments as at 31 October 2023 (2022– Nil).

NOTE 6 AFL AGREEMENT

The Society’s most significant source of income is the AFL Grant. Under its current format the AFL Agreement is renewed annually and any significant adverse change in the grant would affect the financial viability of the Society

NOTE 7 GRANTS AND DONATIONS WITH CONDITIONS

The Prepayments Received $32,523 (2022 - $47,100) represent the proportion of Grants received during the financial year which relate to after 31 October 2023. Funding grants that are subject to use or return conditions are recognised as income when the conditions have been met.

NOTE 8 LOAN

This loan is payable to the Inland Revenue Department, unsecured and at an interest rate of 3% per annum (interest starts April 2024 and the final repayment date is 30 April 2027).

NOTE 9 EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE DATE

KICK! CATCH! PASS! BOUNCE!

The Society is not aware of any other matter or circumstances that has or may significantly affect their operations.

NOTE 10 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

As the AFL has capacity to appoint the majority of Directors it is deemed to be a related party. Duration the year ended 31 October 2023, AFL NZ Incorporated received a grant from the AFL of $252,161 (2022: $149,983).

NOTE 11 Going Concern

The Society generated a loss for the year of $16,198 from a profit of $2,274 in the previous financial year. The Board acknowledges the significant reliance of the Society to obtain grant funding and consistent with many Societies, to sustain its current operations and continue its operations into the foreseeable future.

2024 Secured Funds

AFL – Development Funding Grant $235,000 AUD

Sport New Zealand Funding - $25,000

Auckland Council - $6,179

NOTE 12 BUSINESS MASTER CARD

The AFL New Zealand has a Limit of $20,000 (2022: $20,000) on their Business MasterCard facility as at year end.

NZ Academy star Cooper Clark

Independent Auditor’s Report

Qualified Opinion

We have audited the special purpose financial statements of AFL New Zealand Incorporated (the Society) on pages 2 to 8, which comprise the statement of financial position as at 31 October 2023 and the statement of financial performance and statement of movement in equity for the year then ended, and notes to the special purpose financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion, the accompanying special purpose financial statements of the Society for the year ended 31 October 2023 are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the stated accounting policies.

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) (ISAs (NZ)). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Special Purpose Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Society in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Other than in our capacity as auditor we have no relationship with, or interests in, AFL New Zealand Incorporated.

Emphasis of Matter – Basis of Accounting and Restriction on Distribution

We draw attention to Note 1 to the special purpose financial statements, which describes the basis of accounting. The special purpose financial statements are prepared in accordance with the stated accounting policies and are intended for use by the members of AFL New Zealand Incorporated. As a result, the special purpose financial statements may not be suitable for another purpose. Our report is intended solely for the members of the Society, as a body and should not be distributed to other parties. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

Emphasis of Matter - Going Concern

We draw attention to Note 11 to the special purpose financial statements which describes the ability of the Society to continue to operate as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

The Board of Directors’ Responsibilities for the Financial Statements

The Board of Directors are responsible on behalf of the Society for the preparation of the special purpose financial statements in accordance with the accounting policies as disclosed in special purpose financial statements and for such internal control as the Board of Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of special purpose financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. The Board of Directors are also responsible for determining that the special purpose reporting framework, is acceptable in the Society’s circumstances.

In preparing the special purpose financial statements, the Board of Directors are responsible for assessing the Society’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Society or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the special purpose financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (NZ) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the decisions of users taken on the basis of these special purpose financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (NZ), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit.

We also:

• Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the special purpose financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Society’s internal control.

• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimatesand related disclosures made by management.

• Conclude on the appropriateness of the use of the going concern basis of accounting by those charged with governance and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Society’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the special purpose financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Society to cease to continue as a going concern.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

PH +64 9 448 0305

AFL New Zealand, PO Box 300 633

Albany, New Zealand aflnz.co.nz

@aflnz aflnz aflnz

AFLNZ would like to thank: