History & Award Winners

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.