2016 NEAFL Fixture Released
The North East Australian Football League (NEAFL) has released its fixture for the 10-team competition in 2016.
Next season will feature the first ever NEAFL game in Townsville when Gold Coast hosts the GIANTS at Tony Ireland Stadium on ANZAC Day weekend in Round 4.
Three other regional matches in Wagga, Newcastle and Alice Springs are also included in the fixture, as well as regular matches across key cities Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra and Darwin.
There is also an increase to 28 curtain raisers or curtain closers to AFL matches in 2016, with every non-AFL club getting the chance to be showcased on an AFL venue at least twice throughout the season.
Other highlights include the Grand Final rematch between NT Thunder and Aspley at TIO Stadium in Round 3, and double-headers at Yeronga (Brisbane) and Drummoyne Oval (Sydney).
The competition will retain a three-week finals series featuring the top six teams. The season will commence on April 2 and teams will play 18 games over 21 weeks.
Each team will have three byes, with the Grand Final to be held on September 10 or 11.
National AFL Second Tier Manager, Simon Laughton, said the fixture aims to maximise the exposure of talent in the northern states of Australia as the competition continues to grow in standard.
"We are pleased the 2016 NEAFL fixture will offer more opportunities for clubs to showcase their talent through an increase of matches at AFL venues," he said.
"The competition is also committed to growing the game in regional areas, highlighted by our first ever game in Townsville between Gold Coast and the GIANTS.
"By retaining a top six finals format over three weeks in a 10-team competition, we are confident the fixture will allow for another competitive season coming off a thrilling Grand Final in Darwin in front of a record crowd of nearly 6000 fans."
2016 NEAFL season at a glance:
90 regular season matches with three-week finals format
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4 regional matches in Townsville, Newcastle, Wagga and Alice Springs
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26 matches in Sydney
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25 matches in Brisbane
Last Modified on 25/11/2015 15:58