Footy fans in the city of Port Moresby are expected to see some changes to the lineup of teams that will be participating in this year’s AFL competition, as they prepare to welcome the 2024 season.
According to the President of the Port Moresby AFL Association, Mr. Douglas Lai, this is because two clubs could face exclusion from the competition this year; one for its involvement in the on-field violence witnessed during the 2023 finals, while the other for not meeting certain requirements to continue in this year’s competition.
The Port Moresby AFL Association members, following their meeting this week, submitted their recommendations regarding the two clubs to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) AFL Commission for deliberation.
Mr. Lai said the association is now awaiting further instructions from the PNG AFL Commission on whether to go ahead with the exclusions, or not.
He added that if the exclusion does go ahead, this will mean both the men’s and women’s teams of these two particular clubs be removed from the competition.
This then would see only eight clubs left to participate this season.
Nevertheless, the 2024 AFL season is set to kick off this month says the president.
“The pre-season will start on the 16th of March with the proper season to commence on the following week,” President Lai said.
The AFL Easter Cup will be on again this year with the event set for April.