After the success of the senior men’s competition, the first junior under 17 season found its way on to the field in 2016 and then the women’s in 2017. 

This year will see an under 14s competition introduced and North West AFL’s junior coordinator Jamie Moore said it was to keep up with the large increase in participation numbers. 

“Percentage-wise I think we are averaging about six per cent [increase] a year,” he said. 

“Inverell has probably gone about 20 per cent but clubs like Moree, Armidale and Tamworth have been a bit slower.

“When we first started in 2014 we had 11 kids and last year we had 22.”

The sport’s governing bodies have recognised the growth within our region and plan on investing more in the future. 

“We have got a strong focus from AFL now, they have seen potential here and with a few kids going down to Sydney it has definitely opened up a few more doors for AFL in the region, that's for sure,” Moore said. 

“When the women's competition was introduced, I don't think they were planning on it being as successful as what it was. The idea is to start bridging that gap for the women's league. 

“The future is looking that we will have an under 14 competition for girls and an under 14 competition for boys and an under 17s competition for boys and an under 17s competition for girls.”

Sydney Swans players are also set to visit the region in coming weeks.