Junior age group profile: Under 15

In this third edition of the Junior age group profiles we take a look at the last age group in the Junior ranks for male players – Under 15.

Last year’s Grand Final in the Under 15 age group was widely acknowledged as being the best Junior footy match on the North Coast in many years, possibly ever. We look forward to plenty more highlights from these teams in the coming season.

How is 2021 shaping up?

The Under 15 age group will have seven teams competing which is a huge step forward from 2018 when there were just four teams. Growth over the past three years reflects the transition through from the big numbers in younger age groups as clubs have worked tirelessly to keep players engaged and moving through the age groups.

The teams

• Bellingen Bulldogs
• Coffs Harbour Breakers
• Grafton Tigers
• Nambucca Valley Lions
• Northern Beaches Blues
• Port Macquarie Magpies
• Sawtell Toormina Saints

Team changes in 2021

Northern Beaches Blues have been building for a number of years and are now at the point where a core number of players have graduated from Under 13, meaning the club will field an Under 15 team for the first time in many years.

Nambucca Valley Lions are back for their second year in the Under 15 age group. With a number of players moving up from the back to back Under 13 team the Lions are expected to be a much more competitive outfit in 2021.

Rule changes in 2021

The location of the mark at a kick-in will be 15 metres from the top of the goal square (rule 2.10.5).

All Junior age groups, including Under 15, will play the last disposal rule when the ball goes out of bounds. This means that the opposing team will be awarded a free kick to return the ball to play after the ball goes out of bounds from a kick or handball but not a smother or spoil (rule 2.10.14).

Finals format will see the top four teams play two elimination semi finals (1 v 4, and 2 v 3) with the two winners progressing straight to the Grand Final (rule 10.1).

For more details see the 2021 version of the AFL North Coast Rules.

Key dates

• Sunday 18 April – round 1
• Sunday 25 April – general bye (ANZAC Day)
• Saturday 1 May – North Coast Force rep trial
• Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 June – North Coast Force at Hunter Carnival
• Sunday 13 June – general bye (Queen’s Birthday long weekend)
• Sunday 4 July – general bye (school holidays)
• Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 July – North Coast Force at Coffs Carnival
• Sunday 1 August – round 13 (last round of home and away)
• Sunday 8 August – Semi Finals
• Sunday 15 August – Grand Final