AFL Nines competition kicks off

THE Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) will again host an AFL Nines competition as the 2025 football season gets closer.

The six-week competition will be held at City Oval on Friday nights from 21 February to 28 March.

The social mixed competition features teams of nine in a no-tackle format on a rectangular field of a maximum of 100 metres by 50 metres.

Tackling is replaced by a one-handed touch or tag and only designated forwards can score goals, from within an official forward zone. Each team has three forwards, three midfielders and three backs, and games are generally of two 20-minute halves.

The ball is moved around the field by either a kick or handball, but no kicking off the ground is permitted.

Players can go anywhere on the field, there is no off-side rule, and like basketball, players must bounce the ball when they run.

Last November’s mixed open tournament in Ballarat attracted six teams, with the Phoenix side remaining undefeated and topping the ladder after four rounds of matches.

Games in the latest season will start at 6pm, and prizes will include $500 and $250 vouchers.

A BFNL spokesperson said players must be aged 16 and older, and players of all abilities are welcome.

“There are no gender ratios, so you can have whatever gender mix on the field as you like,” the spokesperson said.

Teams do not have to field the same players every week, as long as there are nine of them. Uniforms can be worn, but bibs will be supplied if teams do not have a uniform.

“Nines … is all about inclusion and fun, with music pumping, the bar open and (hopefully) the sun shining,” the spokesperson said.

“It’s also a great social scene for work colleagues or sporting clubs.”

Team registrations are open at playhq.com/afl/register/4d15da.