Junior age group profile: Youth Girls

With the start of the Junior competition just three days away we take a look at the newest age group – Youth Girls.

The Youth Girls age group started in 2017 and has provided many girls with an intro to club AFL. It’s also provided a launching platform for talented players to progress along the pathway just like April Devine who played earlier today for the Allies at the National Under 19 Championships.

How is 2021 shaping up?

The Youth Girls age group will have five teams competing  in 2021 which sees it return to the pre-COVID levels of 2018 and 2019.

Youth Girls footy is one of the fastest growing age groups in our region and throughout the state with girls attracted by the physicality, fitness, and welcoming attitude of people in club land.

The teams

• Bellingen Bulldogs
• Coffs Harbour Breakers
• Grafton Tigers
• Port Macquarie Magpies
• Sawtell Toormina Saints

Team changes in 2021

Port Macquarie Magpies have been striving for several years to re-establish a Youth Girls team and have finally achieved their goal. It’s great to see the Magpies back up and about after a two year break and they will be welcomed with open arms by the other teams.

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 Youth Girls, 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