It’s a pleasure to welcome coaches, officials, players and spectators to the inaugural AFL South East Top-Age Competition finals series.

This season has been a very important one for junior football in the region with the introduction of this new competition bringing a fresh and vibrant new look – and increased competitiveness – to the under-17 boys and under-18 girls levels.

To see the Frankston Districts Junior Football League (FDJFL) and South East Juniors (SEJ) unite in competition in a mix of top age, bottom age, hybrid teams and girls competitions has been one of the real highlights for the region in 2019.

The main objective was simple - to create sustainable and even competitions that provide an incentive for boys and girls to continue to play football. The combined FDJFL and SEJ model is certainly in the best interests of football across the region, and clubs are certainly on board in that regard.

Although the objective was simple, the operational challenges were not and I would like to thank AFLSE Chief Operating Officer Shaun Connell and League Operations Managers Pauline Pawsey (FDJFL) and Nicole Edney (SEJ) for their hard work in bringing the new competition to life.

The creation of new competition rules and grading of teams were not easy tasks and the understanding of clubs throughout this process was also very much appreciated. We believe we have a sustainable model in place that will help retain participation numbers in the greatest game of all. 

Congratulations to all teams that have made it through to this stage of the season, with a lot of hard work taking place, both on and off the field, to make this season a rewarding one. 

The next three weeks is always an exciting time of year when the best performed teams come together to test their skills and teamwork against some high-quality opponents.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for the players to showcase their skills in a great environment, with family and friends flocking to venues to offer their support.

We are all excited by this year’s finals series, with semi-finals taking place at Frankston Park, Marriott Waters and Shepley Oval on Sunday August 18 before Frankston Park and Shepley host preliminary finals on Sunday August 25.

And Casey Fields and Frankston Park will host the biggest day of all – grand final day – where the hopes and dreams of 12 very talented football teams will go on the line on Sunday September 1. 

I ask everyone who attends this finals series, the coaches, officials, players and spectators, to keep one thing at the forefront of their mind while at the football.

Respect the game - this is football - this is fun!

The expectation is that the game is treated in a respectful manner both inside and outside the fence.
Parents, guardians and spectators should remember that children play football for fun - they are not miniature professionals – and deserve encouragement, not ridicule or abuse – for making a mistake or losing a game of football.

Players should always play by the rules and support and encourage their teammates.
     
To the umpires who have been selected to officiate in these big games, congratulations on your appointments and we wish you well.

Australian football is one of the most difficult games to officiate.

Split-second decisions are made, and we implore the football community as a whole to respect the umpire’s decision at all times.

To our major partners, Bank of Queensland-Frankston, Melbourne Football Club and Totally Workwear, thank you for your ongoing support and for allowing us to service our clubs.

To our corporate partners - Advanced Trophies, AJ Recruitment, Chisholm, Garrleigh Trophy Centre, Heatstrip, LoCo, McDonalds, SEDA and St Kilda Football Club - thank you for playing a huge role in making the 2019 AFLSE Top-Age Finals Series what it is today.

We are also excited to be continuing our digital record app for this year’s finals series. The digital record app was introduced last year and was a great success, with welcome messages, FAQs, fixtures/results, ladders, team lists, live scores, game-day information and maps and directions available for the duration of the finals series.

Please go to www.aflserecord.com.au to keep up to date with all the AFLSE Top-Age finals action. 

And please remember… respect the game - this is football - this is fun!

John Anderson
Region General Manager
AFL South East

Admission Prices

• Adults (17 years and above) $8
• Pensioners/Concession $5
• Juniors/Players (16 years and under) Free

A ticket purchased from an FDJFL or SEJ finals venue will gain access to AFL South East Top-Age finals venues on the same day.

Entry fees subsidise umpires, paramedics, premiership cups and medallions, digital record, footballs and security.

Digital Football Records

AFL South East is taking an environmentally friendly approach and producing digital records only for the 2019 Junior Finals Series. Being digital eliminates the possibility of running out of records, as has been the case at several venues over the last few years.

A reduction in costs, and ease of access across multiple venues are other benefits of going digital.

The digital record includes a welcome message from AFL South East RGM John Anderson, fixtures/results/ladders, team lists, maps and directions, and offers from AFLSE partners.

Go to www.aflserecord.com.au or scan the QR Code below to access the 2019 AFL South East Finals Record on your mobile device.

Alcohol

No alcohol is to be consumed at any junior game across the AFL South East region. Incidents are to be reported to Ground Marshalls and Ground Management on the day.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited at any junior game across the AFL South East region.

Dogs

Dogs are banned from the AFLSE Top-Age, FDJFL and SEJ junior finals series. Guide Dogs and Service Dogs are the only exception.

Match Manager

Each finals oval will have a host club-appointed Match Manager.

Rooms and Shorts

Clubs will be notified each week regarding home and visitors change rooms and coloured or white shorts.

Officials approaching Umpires

No Officials are to approach the Umpires during the game. Any issues to be addressed are to be presented by the Team Manager to the Match Manager, who will then take up whatever matter that needs to be addressed.

Game Duration

As per the home and away season.

Drawn Games

In the event of a drawn finals Match, the following procedure will apply:

The goal Umpires will confirm the scores;

The Field Umpires will re-commence the Match for a further duration of five (5) minutes and the Teams will not change ends;

The siren will sound after the initial period of extra time, the Teams will change ends and a further five (5) minutes is to be played;

If the Match is still drawn after the second five (5) minute period, the Match will continue until the next score at which time the siren will sound; and

At no stage before or during extra time are Coaches permitted to address Players.

Code of Conduct

Codes of Conduct are designed to help improve the environment for players, coaches and supporters during the home and away season and finals series.

It’s important that everyone involved on match days is familiar with what is considered to be ‘reasonable behaviour’.

Parents and Spectators

Junior Coaches 

Senior Coaches 

Junior Players 

Senior Players