Bombers target new crop of players to defend title

BALLINA Bombers will defend its Northern Rivers Aussie Rules title as the competition returns for its second season.

The competition will run over eight weeks, with each team hosting a round of games from Saturday May 16.

Growing participation is driving hopes of a long-term revival of senior men’s football in the region.

Tweed Tigers are the only local team still playing in a regular competition with AFL Queensland on the Gold Coast.

Ballina Bombers player-coach Jai Stafford said the team had put together a solid preseason while attracting new players.

“We’re looking forward to it. We’ve lost about a third of the squad, but we’ve brought a lot of new guys in,” Stafford said.

“It’s been great so far. Hopefully we can keep growing it and bring some new teams in.

“Hosting a round is great because there’s three games and you get to have a good look at everyone else.”

The Bombers’ home round will be held on May 30, with Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, Casino, Lennox Head, Lismore and Nimbin competing.

 

The competition has received support from AFL Queensland, with the end goal of clubs returning to a regular winter season in the next few years.

Teams elected to pull out of playing on the Gold Coast last year after struggling to nominate the required two senior men’s teams per club.

Will Alexander, who plays for the Nimbin Demons and is helping to run the Northern Rivers competition, said strong player numbers reflected increasing interest in the code.

“The competition is really growing. We’re expecting a lot more players this year, which shows how strong Aussie Rules is becoming in the Northern Rivers,” Alexander said.

“It’s exciting to see the mix of traditional clubs and newer teams coming through. There’s a real sense that this is the start of a new era for footy in the region.”

The grand final will be held at Oakes Oval in Lismore on July 18.