AFL Nines Sydney Classic
Registrations are now open for the 2025 AFL Nines Sydney Classic as the competition makes its long-awaited return to the Harbour City this December.
On Saturday 6 December, over 50 AFL Nines teams from across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory will descend on Macquarie University’s Playing Fields for the AFL Nines Sydney Classic – the first time the competition has been held in nearly eight years.
To mark the competition’s blockbuster return to Sydney, a total prize pool of $16,000 will be on the line for teams to compete for their share in across all six divisions of competition.
Divisions include Men’s and Women’s (Tier 1 and Tier 2) as well as Mixed and Master’s (Tier 2 only), with 130 matches of AFL Nines to be played throughout the single-day tournament.
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said: “The AFL Nines Sydney Classic is a beloved competition among the footy community in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, and we are proud to revitalise the tournament and bring it back in 2025.
“Returning the competition to our community AFL schedule is representative of the increasing popularity of AFL Nines across the state and territory. People are searching for more ways to play while managing their busy lives, and AFL Nines is the answer to that.
“Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced player, AFL Nines welcomes all participants and is a simple way to connect through footy, while keeping active and having fun.
“We’re looking forward to ushering in a new era of the AFL Nines Sydney Classic in 2025, and welcoming participants of all levels of experience to play their way this December.”
AFL Nines is a dynamic footy format which – as its name suggests – comprises of nine a side. The games are shorter, set on smaller fields and are tackle-free, ensuring everyone gets a touch and feels welcome regardless of their experience and ability. Nines is an easy and flexible way to connect with Australian footy.
Over 1,400 players took part in the last AFL Nines Sydney Classic when the competition was last held in 2017, with a host of familiar faces forming part of the competing teams, including former Sydney Swans Premiership players Jude Bolton and Rhyce Shaw alongside AFL greats Lenny Hayes, Mark McVeigh and Kane Cornes.
The 2025 AFL Nines Sydney Classic will be the first major AFL competition held at the Macquarie University Playing Fields since its recent upgrades to the ground surface and change rooms, as well as new matchday amenities including coaches’ boxes.
Teams at the AFL Nines Sydney Classic are required to have a minimum of nine players, all aged 18+. A registration fee of $250 per team applies.
To learn more and register for the 2025 AFL Nines Sydney Classic, visit play.afl/nswact/nines-sydney-classic
2025 AFL Nines Sydney Classic
When: Saturday, December 6
Where: Macquarie University Playing Fields, Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Divisions: Men’s and Women’s (Tier 1 and Tier 2), as well as Mixed and Master’s (Tier 2 only)
Prize pool breakdown:
Men’s Tier 1: $5K first place, $1k second place
Women’s Tier 1: $5K first place, $1K second place
Men’s Tier 2: $1K first pace
Women’s Tier 2: $1K first place
Mixed Tier 2: $1K first place
Masters Tier 2: $1K first place
Register here
About AFL Nines
- AFL Nines is a modified version of AFL. It is tackle-free, social and a shorter season with no coaching or training required
- It is a great introduction to AFL for those with zero or limited experience, or current and past players looking to keep fit and play footy with friends
- Played with nine players per side on a smaller field, tackling is replaced by one-handed touch
- Schedule flexibility and less demands physically makes AFL Nines ideal for those keen to play team sport without any pressure
- With Youth, Senior and Master grades, find your closest competition and register to play here: https://play.afl/club-finder-map?formats=nines
