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.
AFL Nines Secondary School Competitions
AFL Victoria is thrilled to announce the introduction of the State AFL Nines Championships for Year 7 - 8 students in 2025, proudly aligned with the Herald Sun Shield. This exciting new event will take place centrally on Wednesday, 10th September.
To qualify for the State Championships, schools must first participate and win their designated regional AFL Nines competitions delivered by AFL Victoria. Please find the available competitions to join below.
Any Secondary School Year 7 – 8 students can participate in an AFL Nines Secondary School regional competition listed above. Please note that spaces are limited, therefore, we highly encourage to express your interest as soon as possible.
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