History & Award Winners
History
The Tamworth Australian Football League (TAFL) was established in 1997 as a new, travel-free competition following the dissolution of the North West NSW League. Initially comprising four Tamworth-based teams, the league has since expanded to include clubs from across Northern NSW.
League Development
1997–1998: Competition founded with Prime Magpies, David Mitchell Swans, Courthouse Eagles and Nuttsy’s Bulldogs.
1999–2002: New England Nomads and Gunnedah & District Bulldogs join. Several clubs rebrand, including the formation of the Tamworth Swans and Tamworth Kangaroos.
2003–2005: Muswellbrook Cats, Narrabri Eagles and Inverell Saints join, growing the league to seven senior clubs. Auskick participation strengthens, and the Golden Whistle umpiring award is introduced.
Competition Evolution
2006: Senior football moves to an 18-aside format with extended quarters. Junior and reserves competitions are trialled, with varying success.
2007: Inverell Saints complete an undefeated season and claim the premiership.
2008: Drought impacts club viability, with Narrabri going into hiatus. Muswellbrook face player shortages, while Tamworth Swans and New England Nomads rebuild. Tamworth Kangaroos secure the premiership. Gerry Griffiths becomes the TAFL’s first Life Member.
2009: A new Executive Committee is appointed and Country Energy becomes the league’s major sponsor. Moree explores entry but cannot form a team, and Narrabri remain inactive. The competition is closely contested, culminating in the Tamworth Swans defeating the Inverell Saints by nine points in the grand final before a 1500-strong crowd in Inverell.
Award Winners
SENIOR MEN
- 2025 - Tamworth Swans 8.8 (56) def Inverell 5.5 (35)
- 2024 - Inverell 11.14 (80) def Tamworth Swans 7.4 (46)
- 2023 – Inverell 10.12 (72) def Tamworth Swans 8.8 (56)
- 2022 – New England Nomads 11.10 (76) def Tamworth Swans 10.10 (70)
- 2021 – No finals due to COVID-19 pandemic
- 2020 – Gunnedah 18.16 (124) def Tamworth Swans 11.6 (72)
- 2019 – Gunnedah 13.12 (90) def New England Nomads 11.13 (79)
- 2018 - Inverell 11.12 (78) def Gunnedah 10.2 (62)
- 2017 - Gunnedah 15.16 (106) def New England Nomads 13.8 (86)
SENIOR WOMEN
- 2025 - Inverell 3.6 (24) def Gunnedah 2.2 (14)
- 2024 - Inverell 4.4 (28) def Gunnedah 3.4 (22)
- 2023 – Gunnedah 4.10 (34) def Inverell 2.9 (21)
- 2022 – Inverell 5.5 (35) def Gunnedah 5.4 (34)
- 2021 – No finals due to COVID-19 pandemic
- 2020 – Gunnedah 4.10 (34) def Tamworth Swans 4.0 (24)
- 2019 – Inverell 5.5 (35) def Tamworth Kangaroos 1.1 (7)
- 2018 - Tamworth Kangaroos 4.2 (26) def Inverell 1.6 (12)
- 2017 - Inverell 8.0 (48) def Tamworth Kangaroos 2.8 (20)
The Best & Fairest award recognises a player who performs at a high level all season while showing strong sportsmanship & integrity.
WOMEN'S BEST & FAIREST
2025 - Anna George (Tamworth Swans)
2024 - Katrina Rekunow (Gunnedah)
2023 - Sophie Ranken (Tamworth Swans)
2022 – Eliza Hand (Tamworth Swans)
2021 – Gabby Mooney (Inverell Saints)
2020 – Billie Mitchell (Tamworth Swans)
2019 – Gabby Mooney (Inverell Saints)
2018 – Katherine Penberthy (Inverell Saints) and Lisa Raymond (New England Nomads)
2017 – Eleanore Ford (Inverell Saints)
TONY GILLIES MEDAL (MEN'S BEST & FAIREST)
2025 - Matthew Hall (Tamworth Kangaroos)
2024 - Nick Fisher (Tamworth Swans)
2023 - Matthew Hall (Tamworth Kangaroos)
2022 – Josh Jones (Tamworth Swans)
2021 – Liam Dunn (Tamworth Swans)
2020 – Joshua Chiavaroli (Gunnedah)
2019 – Andrew George (Gunnedah) and Edward George (Tamworth Swans)
2018 – Edward George (Tamworth Swans)
2017 – Jason Spackman (Gunnedah)
2016 – Jed Ellis-Cluff (New England Nomads) and Daniel Leon (Tamworth Kangaroos)
2015 – Hayden Chappel (Inverell)
2014 – Andrew George (Gunnedah)
2013 – Matthew Hodge (Tamworth Kangaroos)
2012 – Alex Hudson (Tamworth Kangaroos)
2011- Paul Brown (Gunnedah) and Matthew Hodge (Tamworth Kangaroos)
2010 – Corey Wheeler (Inverell)
2009 – Peter Heath (Inverell), Sam Naismith (Gunnedah) and Damien Wendt (Tamworth Swans)
2008 – Tim Cotter (Tamworth Kangaroos)
2007 – Lachlan Rowling (Tamworth Swans)
2006 – Cameron Douglas (Tamworth Kangaroos)
2005 – Lachlan Rowling (Tamworth Swans)
2004 – Adam White (Muswellbrook Cats)
2003 – Adam White (Muswellbrook Cats)
2002 – Mick Day (Tamworth Kangaroos) and Stacey Gogas (Gunnedah)
2001 – Matthew Sadlier (David Mitchell Swans)
2000 – Stephen Fisher (New England Nomads) and Damien Wendt (Prime Magpies)
1999 – Matthew Cattle (Cargill Kangaroos)
1998 – Justin ??? (Courthouse Eagles)
1997 – Damien Hickey (David Mitchell Swans)