The league held an official season launch at the Merimbula RSL last week, where coaches, life members, club representative and AFL NSW/ACT staff flocked to get the season underway. 

As well as key speakers throughout the evening the Pambula under 13s, Narooma under 16s, Pambula development and Pambula senior grades were presented with their 2014 premiership flags after spectacular seasons respectively.

The key message throughout the launch indicated for a exciting and successful Sapphire Coast AFL season in 2015 and beyond.

New initiatives were put in place by clyub,s the board and AFl NSW/ACT to help grow, enhance and professionalise the game of Ausie rules locally. 

This year the compettiion boasts six under 13 teams, four under 16 teams and the introduction of an under 11 competition. 

The Broulee/Moruya Giants have also joined the fold in the junior grades. 

SCAFL chairman Tim Shepherd “believes the competition is moving in a clear and exciting direction with junior football a high priority allowing kids to remain active, meet new friends and learn life skills”.

His aim is to progress the league.

“[My goal is] leaving the game in a better place then when I started in the role,” Mr Shepherd said. 

Junior and senior games get underway on Saturday with local squads the Bega Bombers and Tathra Sea Eagles both out for their first run. 

Both clubs are being headed up by new coaches in the senior grade and will have fit young sides. 

Chris Dwyer has taken the coaching role for the Bega Bombers, while Reggie O’Loghlin heads up the Tathra Sea Eagles. 

AFL coordinator Jarrod Moore said Tathra had “recruited well” in the off-season, while the Bega Bombers are known for causing upsets in the season as both look to knock the Pambula Panthers off their perch. 

The Panthers have not suffered a loss in over 12 months and also claimed a win in the pre-season Lightning premiership. 

“They will start the competition with a target on their back,” Moore said. 

“We’re really excited for the season,” Sea Eagles veteran Luke Taylor said.  

“We’ve recruited well and have great numbers at training.”

“Reggie is goping great in the coaching – the young guys are really keen to get out and have a crack.”

Bombers veteran Matt Fleet echoed the sentiment. 

“They’ve been going well on the track and the numbers haven’t been a problem,” Fleet said. 

“There are also a lot of promising young blokes down there.

“I think the key to it all is being competitive and I think that’s what Chris is after.”

Both the Bombers and the Sea Eagles made the semi-final rounds of the lightning tournament and are shaping as strong contenders this year. 

After a series of premiership wins, coming back after Pambula’s undefeated season has given Tathra a new zest. 

“The pressure is off and we can just concentrate on coming in and doing as well as we can,” Taylor said. 

“[New recruits] Brock Ringland and Jack Hukins – they’re looking like real players.

“Then there is the young players like Bayden Pilbeam who have just been training the house down.”

Meanwhile, the Bombers have stepped up a gear last year and, while not pressing for a flag, will be looking to get as far as they can. 

“With Chris leading the way we’ll see how far we can go,” Fleet said.  

In the junior competition Moore said Pambula and Merimbula will be leading the way, while he welcomed the Giants to the roster. 

“In the under 13 and under 11 competitions Pambula will be looking to continue their 2014 finals form,” he said. 

“Merimbula will have a chip on their shoulder after falling short in the finals when they looked like the team to beat during the regular season.”

Bermagui, the Bombers and the Narooma Lions will all be looking to develop their talented junior ranks and challenge for the top prize. 

The league has also developed two representative teams. 

The junior Sapphire Stringrays will travel to Nowra in June, while their senior counterpart plays matches in Canberra.