World Footy News

Whilst 9-a-side footy has become a widely-used development tool around the world, particularly in the context of Metro Footy in the USA or 9s comps in Europe such as the EU Cup, footy in Australia has largely remained the preserve of 18-a-side purists.

However, there are some signs that Aussies are opening their eyes to the potential of the smaller format game, with the Campbelltown Blues holding a 13-a-side pre-season cup on March 13th.

The Campbelltown AFC, a member of the AFL Sydney's Premier Division, offered entry to all clubs in all divisions of the Sydney suburban league. The reponse exceeded expectations, so much so that they had to turn away some interested clubs.

Games will be played 13-a-side, with 7 interchange, and all other rules as per AFL Sydney AFL competition. Official NSW/ACT AFL umpires will be officiating and the matches will be 2 x 15 minute halves, with a 6 minute halftime break.

The Campbelltown Council have undertaken major works to completely resurface and install a new sprinkler system at the Blues' home ground Monarch Oval, with the club rating the new facilities as the best suburban Aussie Rules ground in Sydney.

For more information, see the article AFL Carnival Test for Upgraded Oval from the Camden Chronicle newspaper.