North West player numbers on the increase
THE number of players who’ve registered to play in the AFL North West in 2025 has surpassed a milestone.
This year saw the New England Nomads senior teams return to playing after spending a season in recess and the return of the Nomads has helped player numbers exceed the number of registrations from 2023.
But if one was to say that the return of the Nomads is the sole cause of the jump in numbers would be doing a disservice to the incredible volunteers at all of our clubs who work so hard according to AFL Northern NSW Community Football and Competition Manager Brad Greenshields.
“While the bulk of the new registrations in 2025 are attached to the Nomads, a look at the Year-on-Year numbers shows that all clubs have contributed to the growth,” Greenshields said.
“The junior numbers have grown from 95 last year to 117 so far this year. That’s growth of 23.16%. With the second junior Gala Day being held in Tamworth this Sunday, that number is sure to grow not just this week but as the season progresses when further Gala Days are held.”
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
| Glen Innes | 17 | 11 | 11 |
| Gunnedah Juniors | 32 | 24 | 27 |
| Gunnedah Seniors | 75 | 49 | 57 |
| Inverell Juniors | 13 | 12 | 18 |
| Inverell Seniors | 62 | 66 | 74 |
| Moree (42 players in 2022) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Narrabri (15 players in 2022) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| New England Nomads Juniors | 14 | 31 | 31 |
| New England Nomads Seniors | 68 | 4 | 55 |
| Tamworth Kangaroos | 52 | 54 | 57 |
| Tamworth Swans | 76 | 74 | 73 |
| Tamworth Roosters | 21 | 17 | 30 |
| TOTAL | 430 | 342 | 433 |
| GROWTH DECLINE Yr-on-Yr | – | -20.47% | +26.61% |
| Overall growth since 2023 | – | -20.47% | +0.70% |
