The North East Australian Football League (NEAFL) will return to Wagga next season with the GWS Giants reserve grade side to play Canberra club Eastlake at Robertson Oval again.
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The June 18 fixture is one of four regional matches confirmed for the league next year, with Townsville, Alice Springs and Newcastle also hosting matches.
The Giants’ seconds were comfortable winners over Eastlake when the teams met this year.
The game showcased plenty of Riverina talent including listed Giants players Jake Barrett and Jacob Townsend (now at Richmond), while Jock Cornell, Harry Himmelberg and Matt Flynn were also in action a few months out from being picked up by AFL clubs.
With the excitement generated by Himmelberg, Flynn, Jacob Hopper and Matt Kennedy being drafted by GWS last week, the Giants are sure to spark plenty of interest.
The AFL’s national second tier manager, Simon Laughton, said they’re looking to maximise exposure in the northern states.
“The competition is committed to growing the game in regional areas,” Laughton said.
Robertson Oval is also hosting an AFL NAB Challenge match between Collingwood and North Melbourne in early March.
The campaign to bring an NRL game to Wagga hit a brick wall last week when the release of next year’s draw confirmed regional matches wouldn’t be a regular feature.