2025 is shaping up to be a big year for the Northern High School Sports Association (NHSSA) AFL winter roster.
The NHSSA, the largest school sport competition in Tasmania, provides AFL opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities across the region.
This year sees 33 teams competing across the male and female rosters, with 19 teams also taking part in the senior roster every Wednesday.
An exciting highlight for 2025 is the return of the senior girls team from Cressy after being unable to field a side in 2024.
NHSSA President Tom Doyle said it’s fantastic to see more students pull on the boots and get involved in our great game.
“It’s great to see the increasing number of students and teams each year being entered into the NHSSA AFL competitions.
“As an association we want to enable as many kids across Northern Tasmania to be able to play sport as possible, regardless of ability, geographic location, or socio-economic background.
“I think the number of students playing AFL for their school shows we’re hitting the mark here, especially with the growing number of regional schools now in the competition.”
AFL Tasmania’s Participation Manager Aaron Roberts said this is where the AFL pathway begins for some players.
“School football is an important element of the AFL system, with over 700 kids each week representing their schools across Northern Tasmania”
The most exciting development in 2025 is the commitment from regional schools to participate in the competition with Cressy, St Marys and Port Dalrymple all entering teams across most age groups”
The NHSSA AFL rosters will run across Term 2 and Term 3, with the winning senior first girls and boys teams going on to represent the region at the Tassie Hawks Cup in September.