World Footy News

The two best AFL teams in Auckland are set to go head to head, with the Waitakere Magpies and the Mt Roskill Saints both qualifying for the Auckland AFL final.

The current Premiers are the Mt Roskill Saints, who have also enjoyed a strong season in 2013, finishing top of the table. Young James McKenzie has been a significant presence in the side, and has also recently been part of the Under-18 New Zealand Hawks, along with Saints team-mates Taylor Alaelua and Gray Samuels. Veteran Australian Dan Carman, Michael Boyce, son of AFLNZ legend Peter Boyce, and Matt Kemp will all be players to watch out for too in the final.

This has been an exciting season for the four team top division in Auckland with the two Grand Finalists and the always strong University Blues all a chance for top spot before the commencement of the final round.

Waitakere Magpies boast a star-studded lineup, including current New Zealand Hawks Michael Gregson, Shane Leat and veteran David Rattenbury, who was also awarded the Best and Fairest Award for the Auckland AFL in 2013. The Magpies also feature players who have excelled in other codes, notably former Auckland cricket representative Dusan Hakaraia.

AFL in Auckland has benefitted heavily from players being involved in the AFL New Zealand High Performance programme. Young players have come through New Zealand age-representative teams. Many senior players have been hardened through their involvement with the New Zealand Hawks.

The curtain raiser match, to decide the winner of the Plate competition will be played between Manurewa Raiders, who topped Division 2 will play North Shore Tigers who finished bottom of Division 1.
The Auckland AFL was formed in 1974, and in recent years has been incredibly competitive. Four different clubs have won Premiership titles over the past 5 years, showing the strength and depth that exists in the league.

Auckland AFL Grand Final

Mt Roskill Saints vs Waitakere Magpies
Sunday 1st December, 2.00pm
Onepoto Domain

Auckland AFL Plate Final
North Shore Tigers vs Manurewa Raiders
Sunday 1st December, 12.00pm
Onepoto Domain

For more see:-
http://aflnz.co.nz/waitakere-magpies-...and-final/