Herald Sun Shield
Herald Sun Shield
The Herald Sun Shield is Victoria’s longest-running school football competition showcasing some of the best young football teams and players.
For many Victorian school footballers and officials, the Herald Sun Shield provides a pathway to higher level talent programs and for some it is even the first step towards a career in the AFL or AFLW.
The competition is played across a three-month window between July and September at a variety of venues throughout Victoria.
Schools must be nominated by their School Sport Associations (SSA) to participate in the Herald Sun Shield Competition (not including AFL Nines). The following School Sport Associations and their aligned schools participate in the Herald Sun Shield Division 1 and 2:
- Associated Catholic Colleges
- Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria
- Associated Public Schools
- Association of Coeducational Schools
- Ballarat Associated Schools
- Catholic Girls Sports Association of Victoria
- Christian Schools Events Network
- Eastern Independent Schools Melbourne
- Geelong Independent Schools Sports Association
- Girls Sport Victoria
- Independent Country Co-Educational Schools
- School Sport Victoria
- Southern Independent Schools
- Sports Association of Coeducational Catholic Secondary Schools
- South Eastern Independent Schools Association
The Herald Sun Shield is split into Division 1 & 2 and encompasses Intermediate Boys, Intermediate Girls, Senior Boys and Senior Girls age groups. Association rankings for 2026 are as below:
AFL Nines Secondary School Competitions
The Herald Sun Shield AFL Nines State Championships will return in 2026, bringing together schools from across Victoria for an exciting day of AFL Nines action.
In this gala day style tournament, schools will compete against one another to be crowned AFL Nines State Champions.
Competition details:
Victorian Schools AFL Nines Tournament: Compete against schools from across Victoria in a modified, fast-paced football format to determine the 2026 AFL Nines State Champions.
Wednesday 16th September 2026, Footscray Park, Footscray
Year 7 Girls
Year 7 Boys
Year 8 Girls
Year 8 Boys
This year, Schools are not required to qualify through regional events and can simply submit an expression of interest to attend. Schools interested in participating are encouraged to register their interest early to secure their place in the competition.
Expressions of Interest are now open. Schools can register their interest to be part of the 2026 AFL Nines State Finals by completing the online form below.
Contact: damon.guy@afl.com.au for more information.
More Information
Match Replays
Rules & Regulations
Contact Us
