Nomads getting AFL in Armidale back on track
THE New England Nomads are taking giant strides towards returning to the AFL North West’s senior competition in 2025.
The Nomads went into recess for the 2024 season due to a lack of player numbers in the senior ranks but the club has taken steps in recent times to move toward a return to the playing field.
The club has appointed its committee after conducting a successful Annual General Meeting and more excitingly, has named the coach of its mens team for 2025.
Ashley Arkit recently moved to Armidale from Adelaide and has playing experience in the SANFL and at Teal Cup level to call upon as he calls the shots to the players.
The 49 year-old who is a non-playing coach said he thinks the base for AFL is ripe in New England and that there is hunger for the gam but his goal is to find ways to see the group try and realise its full potential.
“I’m a fresh face offering a fresh take on a really solid team,” Arkit said.
“With my experience in Operations Management and SANFL, I’m confident putting systems and processes in place now to move our team forward successfully in April next year to perform at a very high level.”
Ashley Arkit.
Club president Adrian Walsh said the club’s AGM saw the executive positions filled quickly with Nic Leopardi being the treasurer and Kayla Hall and Harrison Munday sharing the secretary role.
“There are a lot of positives happening at the club that has us feeling good about the future,” Walsh said.
“On top of that, during pre-season the club will be running an AFL 9s competition for players to come and play in to help improve their fitness and the new lights at Bellevue Oval are being installed during the season which will enormously improve the way the club is able to train.”
