Nimbin to host battle of the codes in Gaelic football exhibition match

NIMBIN will host the inaugural battle of the sporting codes when the Demons Aussie Rules team takes on the Headers soccer club in a Gaelic football exhibition match.

Video: Doug Rothwell

The contest will be played at Headers Sport Field on Saturday, February 7, showcasing a hybrid sport that blends elements of Australian Rules and soccer.

Demons player Will Alexander came up with the concept as a pre-season fitness challenge following the club’s return to competition in 2025 after a 15-year hiatus.

“It’s an unprecedented event and it all came about as something we could do in the pre-season for a bit of extra fitness,” Alexander said.

“I was speaking to my father, and we thought how about we challenge the soccer guys to a game of Gaelic football.

“Parts of the game suit each team and there will be an element of surprise and not knowing what to expect.

“They’ve won premierships and have a bit of a following; you combine that with our crowd and there is no reason why we can’t get a few hundred people there.”

Both clubs have started training together under the guidance of Irish coach Jerone McMurray, who has experience with Gaelic football.

Gaelic football has 15 players per side and blends elements from other sports including basketball.

It is played on a rectangular pitch with H-shaped goals.

Players advance a round ball by carrying, kicking, bouncing, and hand-passing it, aiming to score by kicking it over the crossbar or under into the net.

“It will be a friendly match, but I’m sure once we cross that white line it will be on,” Alexander said.

“Some of the big centre backs in the soccer team will be hard to handle and will enjoy the contact.

“All things going well we’ll extend an invite to clubs in Lismore and Casino next year and make it an afternoon and evening event.”

Proceeds from the match will go towards both clubs to help fundraise for the upcoming season.