North Coast AFL expands competition as teams prepare for epic away trips

Senior men’s sides double in milestone year as rivalries established more than 350 km apart.

The Port Macquarie Magpies will travel more than 350 km to play the Lismore Swans in round 2 of the AFL North Coast senior men’s competion 2021.

One of the biggest away trips in NSW sport will be established this year as the number of senior men’s AFL squads double to eight.

When Port Macquarie Magpies take on Lismore Swans in round two of the North Coast AFL competition, they will have driven a mammoth 350 km just to make it for the first bounce.

Lismore joins Casino Lions, Northern Beaches Blues, and Nambucca Valley Lions as new sides in a competition going from strength to strength in what will be it 40th consecutive year.

The 2021 men’s competition is one of the most hotly anticipated in recent years, with the excitement that comes with the addition of new sides adding to what was already shaping to be a season filled with dramatic storylines.

Will the Grafton Tigers build on last season’s dramatic title after years in the wilderness? Can Sawtell go one better with a side brimming with young talent? Will Coffs Harbour shrug off an inconsistent showing in 2020 to get back to their winning ways?

AFL North Coast competition manager Paul Taylor said clubs were looking forward to the bigger competition.

“Everyone is excited to expand the competition this season,” Mr Taylor said.

“Growing AFL North Coast means we get to travel to some of the most beautiful parts of Australia. It’s going to be great fun.”

President of Lismore Swans, Laura Cahill, said the opportunity to join AFL North Coast was a chance to grow and improve the club.

“The movement to a NSW based league will give us the scope to engage with players in our broader regional area,” Ms Cahill said.

“We are really excited about developing some new healthy rivalries with the existing North Coast teams.”

This year AFL North Coast will be hosting a Festival of Footy pre-season carnival at C.ex Stadium on April 17 with all senior men’s and women’s teams having a hit out before gathering together to celebrate 40 consecutive seasons of the competition.