Tara Murray
The NAB League Girls competition will kick off in January under changes to the AFL Talent Pathway Program in 2022.
The AFL have announced a remodeled the boys and girls programs following a review into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new calendar of football will have alignment with competitions across Australia and provide talented players with multiple options for football competition to showcase their skills and qualities ahead of the AFL and AFLW Drafts.
It’s hoped the new program will allow for opportunities for elite development while keeping a connection to community football.
The girls season will get underway on January 22, with the grand final to be played on the weekend of April 9.
The boys season will kick off on the weekend of April 2, with the grand final to be played in mid to late September.
Both programs will kick off pre-season in November.
Under-16 and under-18 national championships will run, with the girls championships to run in March and April, while the majority of the boys carnival will be held in June and July.
The national academies for the top players in the country will be announced in December.
AFL national talent development and competitions manager Grant Williams said the model for 2022 will provide talented athletes the greatest opportunity for success – on and off the football field.
“Australian football continues to attract the best young athletes in Australia and to maintain this momentum it is crucial the talent model provides all players and staff the greatest opportunity to succeed,” Williams said.
“The talent pathway program focuses on developing the future of the AFL and AFLW with commitment to improving their on and off field capabilities.”
“Every year we look forward to seeing the next generation grow as people and as footballers and their enthusiasm and commitment to the National program is a clear indicator that our game is strong and our pathway programs are made up of the best Australian sporting talent.”
