NSW/ACT AFL development coordinator Jarrod Moore says some of the players stepping up from the under 16s last season will be the ones to keep an eye on. 

“Those young guys will probably be the ones to watch,” he said. “They did good things in the 16s and will be a great addition in their first full year of senior play.

“There is a few really good kids running around out there.”

A strong contingent of local men’s sides will contest the Cup, while a six-team ladies draw will run in unison as teams contest the short-format round robin.

There has been a few shake ups around the clubs and Moore expects more balance in the competition. 

He said the Merimbula Diggers had lost some big name players, as had Pambula, but some of the northern clubs gaining momentum with new signings at the Bermagui Breakers and Narooma Lions. 

“I think team-wise, Narooma has probably got as good a chance as ever to not only take out the Lightning Cup, but also win the season,” Moore said. 

“They’ve got the addition of the Nugent boys, but in saying that, Bermagui should be big improvers with players like Scotty Proctor and Marcus Shaw coming on board and few returning players.”

Pambula still has strength in numbers and will host two teams in the Cup, but says they’re aiming to balance their pool across both sides, not enter a top side and a reserve team. 

“In the ladies draw, Merimbula is taking the field for the first time, which is exciting for them, it’s a good gauge to get more exposure for the women’s comp around the region,” Moore said. 

“And our competition is still quite young, so we also wanted the opportunity to give them as many games as possible.”

He said the Eden Whalers would be back to take charge at another year after taking out the inaugural premiership, while Tathra hopes to re-assert it’s dominance in the ladies draw. 

There has also been growth in women’s play for the upcoming regular season, with Moore saying both Bega and Merimbula had confirmed teams to take part. 

Matches will run from 9am with finals to go ahead around 4pm on Saturday. 

“It’s an exciting day with plenty of good games and see what level the clubs are at.”

“It’s a great family day and we’ll have a few footies for the kids to kick around.”