Fun, fitness, tackle-free footy - get involved in AFL Nines

This spring it's time to hit the park for a new season of AFL Nines – a dynamic footy format that's perfect for staying active, having fun and connecting with friends.

Since the AFL launched its revitalised Nines program last year, the format has attracted more than 6,600 registered participants across Australia in 2024, with that number set to rise as the peak spring and summer periods kick off.

This fast-paced format of the game centres around developing skills through modified match play, while reaping the benefits of keeping fit, having fun and building friendships.

Playing one game a week at local venues for a season no longer than 10 weeks in duration, the nine-a-side game is set on a smaller field and is tackle-free ensuring everyone gets a touch, feels welcome and safe to give it a go – ideal for those keen to have fun playing a team sport without pressure, big time commitments or footy experience.

Nines is also suited to those who have played the game but are maybe looking for a more relaxed way to participate, or their full-on footy career is behind them and Nines presents an opportunity to run around and have a kick with mates. women and girls make up nearly 35 per cent of the national total of Nines participants. 

Competitions vary depending on where you live, simply register for the grade that suits you. There's Youth (13-17), Seniors (18-34) and Masters (34+) in male, female and mixed divisions.

There are 10 centres located in Victoria. Find the AFL Nines centre near you at play.afl/nines

AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development, Rob Auld, said AFL Nines is a flexible format that suits all standards and abilities

“Whether you're new to Australian Rules Football or you've grown up with the game, AFL Nines is an easy way to connect with footy, and an ideal way to stay active and have fun,” Auld said.

“As we create more ways to play it was important to ensure AFL Nines fits into people's busy lives, so all venues are local, the games are tackle-free and there's no mid-week training, it's just one game a week.

“It's simple to register, you can bring your mates together and register a team, or sign up as an individual and be placed in a team and make new friends.

“It was great to see the staff at AFL House have a go at Marvel Stadium on Thursday, to have the opportunity for everyone to get involved was fantastic.”

For more information about AFL Nines and to register visit: play.afl/nines

Know your Nines:

Nine-a-side with a maximum of 10 games per seasonThere's no training, just one mid-week game per weekPlayers are only permitted to take one bounceGame time consists of two twenty-minute halves plus a five-minute break at half timeThe modified ground is 100m x 50mThere's no minimum distance for a mark to be awardedA mark will be paid if reasonable control is shown, and players are protected by a drop zone when attempting a markThere is one field umpirePlayers start in three zones – three in defence, three in the middle and three in the forward zone

NAB AFL Superkick (for kids aged 8-12)

With AFL Nines being for those aged 13 and above, kids aged 8-12 can give NAB AFL Superkick a go, which is similar in that it's for anyone wanting to get a feel for footy, without the pressure. You'll learn new skills through skill-based activities in weekly sessions, then show them off in games straight after. More information available at play.afl/play/superkick