The AFL has today provided an update on the schedule for National Talent ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Draft in November.
While COVID-19 continues to impact the community, the health and welfare of our players and the community remains the priority.
The AFL continues to focus on holding as many NAB AFL Draft Events as possible but acknowledge the challenges surrounding the COVID situation across Australia. Where events aren’t permitted, the AFL will continue to explore alternative plans to give players and AFL clubs the best opportunity for talent identification.
The 2021 NAB AFL Draft is scheduled to be held on Wednesday November 24.
While the current situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic sees variations in restrictions across the country, for the second year, the annual NAB AFL Draft Combines will be state-based in 2021. The 2021 NAB AFL Draft Combine was scheduled to be held at Marvel Stadium commencing Wednesday September 29 but will not proceed due to the Victorian State Government restrictions.
All states and territories will be represented at the 2021 AFL Draft Combines with a spread of talent across Australia including Queensland, NSW/ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmania.
The 2021 NAB AFL Draft Combine will assess each player’s strength and skills through several tests including 20-metre sprint, agility tests and vertical jump. The first state-based NAB Draft Combine is scheduled to be held this Friday in Bendigo for the Victoria Country combine invitees.
2021 NAB AFL Draft Combine – State-based (subject to State Government restrictions)
Friday October 1 – Victoria Country (for players nominated from regional Vic areas) at La Trobe University Athletics Track, Bendigo
Saturday October 9 – Victoria Metro (TBC)
Sunday October 10 – Queensland at Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Carrara
Monday October 11 – Tasmania (Venue TBC)
Saturday October 16 – South Australia at University South Australia, Mawson Lakes
Sunday October 17 – Western Australia at Wesley College, South Perth
Northern Territory players will be tested in either Queensland or South Australia. The AFL is exploring all options to test players located in New South Wales and the ACT.
All data will be available to AFL Clubs at the conclusion of each state-based NAB AFL Draft Combine.
Following the curtain-raiser blockbuster at Optus Stadium on AFL Grand Final day on Saturday, the NAB AFL U19 Challenge matches continue in October with two matches scheduled over the next two weeks. The Allies team will make their 2021 debut on Sunday at the Adelaide Oval as the curtain-raiser to the 2021 SANFL Grand Final.
2021 NAB AFL Draft U19 Challenge Games (subject to State Government restrictions)
Sunday October 3 at 9.50am AEDT – South Australia v Allies at Adelaide Oval, South Australia
Sunday October 10 (Time TBC) – South Australia v Western Australia at Thebarton Oval, South Australia
The NAB Draft Combine is part of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.
The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program comprises the following elements:
• NAB AFL Rising Star
• NAB AFL Draft
• NAB AFL Draft Combine
• NAB AFL Under-19 Championships
• NAB AFL Academy
• NAB AFL Under-17 Championships
• NAB League
NAB has proudly supported footy for over a decade, providing boys and girls with a clear pathway from NAB AFL Auskick to the big time.
