AFL Nines Is Back 

As the AFL and WAFL competitions approach Grand Final time the AFL NINES Competition is about to spring to life in WA. 

AFL NINES is a fast, free-flowing game that involves 9 players on each team playing on a smaller field. 

 NINES provides opportunities for a wide range of participants. 

  Female, Male & Mixed Competitions  

• Youth, Senior & O/35 Competitions 

• Tackle-free 

• Modified Play It’s ‘touch football’ with no tackling or bumping, making it suitable for people of any age or skill level. 

With no tackling or bumping, anyone can feel welcome on the field, which is smaller than a regulation field to accommodate smaller teams (nine players per side). 

 “The Game for Everyone” emphasises inclusive competition that is accessible to individuals of all abilities. 

NINES has strong parallels with the traditional game but is easier to play and provides an environment whereby participation, enjoyment and safety are the priority. 

The NINES Program and all centres are a safe and inclusive game environment. 

All Abilities and genders are encouraged to play. 

It’s your team’s responsibility to abide by NINES Rules and respect the venue, officials, volunteers, and fellow players. 

WA’s AFL NINES Competition is now open and taking registrations! 

Simply register as a team for the grade that suits your group (Youth, Senior, Masters). Schedule flexibility and less demands physically makes AFL Nines ideal for those keen to play team sport without any pressure. 

Tom Medhat, who plays for East Perth in the WAFL, is a regular participant in AFL NINES during the off-season. 

“For me, it’s mainly about having some fun with footy,” Medhat said. 

“Playing footy at other levels throughout the year can obviously be serious and high stakes, so NINES gives me a chance to enjoy the game in a completely different environment. 

“I play with a group of mates I went to high school with and played junior footy alongside.  

“Before we started playing NINES, we hadn’t played footy together for years. 

“It gives us a great opportunity to get together each week and play a fun, non-contact but still slightly competitive version of the game that fits easily into everyone’s schedule. 

“There’s always plenty to talk and laugh about after the game and in the days that follow.” 

Medhat has won multiple NINES premierships with Sorrento. 

“Whenever there’s a scoreboard, there’s always going to be some competitiveness, particularly amongst a group of mates,” he said. 

“We want to win, but the stakes aren’t anything like they are at other levels of footy. 

“That’s probably what makes NINES so enjoyable. 

“You can compete and have a crack, but at the same time have a laugh with the opposition and plenty of banter with your teammates when someone does something good or tries something a little too ambitious. 

“Afterwards, everyone can sit around the oval, catch up and debrief on the game together.” 

The social element is a major lure for many participants. 

“For me, it’s probably the biggest part of it,” Medhat said. 

“As you get older and everyone has work, family and their own commitments, catching up with a group of mates is something you look forward to. 

“AFL Nines gives us a set time every Wednesday night where we know we’re going to see each other and spend some time together. 

“The bonus is that we’re doing something we all enjoy, there’s a bit of competition involved and we’re keeping fit without the physicality of traditional footy, particularly heading into summer.” 

 WHERE TO PLAY 

 Monday 12 October – 7 December 

• Sorrento AFL Nines | Seacrest Park, Sorrento – Youth  

• City Beach/Claremont AFL Nines| City Beach Oval, City Beach – Men’s/Mixed Masters 

• Bibra Lake AFL Nines | Meller Park – Men’s 

 Tuesday 13 October- 8 December 

• North Perth AFL Nines | Grenville Reserve – Men’s/Mixed 

• Bibra Lake AFL Nines | Meller Park – Mixed 

 Wednesday 14 October – 9 December 

• Sorrento AFL Nines | Seacrest Park – Men’s/Mixed 

• South Perth AFL Nines |Ernest Johnson Oval – Men’s 

• Lakelands AFL Nines | Lakelands Park Community and Sports Facility – Men’s/Mixed 

 Thursday 15 October – 10 December 

• South Perth AFL Nines | Ernest Johnson Oval – Mixed/Youth 

Competition will begin the week of the 12th of October with Grand Finals being the week of the 7th of December. Teams can find their closest locations and register at 

https://play.afl/club-finder-map