WAGGA could be set to host its first AFL pre-season match since 2016 after signing an arrangement with AFL NSW/ACT.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Wagga councillor unanimously agreed to negotiate with AFL NSW/ACT regarding a potential two-year community partnership at its meeting on Monday night.
The negotiations will include the NSW AFL Hall of Fame dinner being hosted in the city in 2021, as well as facility development, multicultural programs and talent carnivals.
In other news:
Under the proposal endorsed by council, the city could be set for a double-header event that will not only see a pre-season match return to Wagga, but an AFLW competition game.
If negotiations are successful, the games will take place at Robertson Oval next year.
Wagga City Council are yet to confirm the details with AFL NSW/ACT, however it is possible the GWS Giants might be one of the clubs represented in both the men's and women's fixtures.
Deputy mayor Dallas Tout said the announcement is yet another win for sports fans throughout the city and Riverina.
The news comes as the council signs on with the AFLW league trials, which is set to take place in November this year.
Earlier this year, the city also hosted the NRL clash between the Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers. The Raiders are preparing for its return next season.
"We are excited to partner with AFL NSW/ACT to jointly implement important community initiatives and hopefully bring elite AFL content and the NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame event to Wagga, which has the potential to attract some of the biggest names in the AFL to the city," Cr Tout said.
"There is also a real connection with the Giants and the Riverina. Many of their players learnt their football in the region so it will be great if the Giants ultimately play here."
The Giants are preparing for their first AFL grand final against Richmond on Saturday with four homegrown talents taking the field.
The last AFL match played in Wagga was a pre-season fixture between Collingwood and North Melbourne at Robertson Oval in March 2016.