Throughout the ‘80s Moree AFL clubs won a swag of premierships before disappearing in the early 90s. Now a group of locals is trying to resurrect the code in 2015. 

“We’ll meet Sunday week (January 18) at 2pm and the Harborne Oval for a kick around,” Sharon Lather said. 

“If enough turn up, we’ll form a committee.” 

Winston Heywood – who coached the Moree Saints side which won its first premiership in 1980 and went on to claim a ‘three-peat’ with victories in ‘81 and ‘82 – said that a new club would have plenty of support if it could gather the numbers. 

“The Sydney Swans and the AFL are keen to develop the game in regional NSW, especially in the north,” Winston said. “I’m sure the Swans would get on board with a coaching clinic if enough people got organised.” 

Former club president Mike Montgomery said the glory days of AFL in Moree came about after irrigation development drew farmers from Victoria, South Australia and southern NSW.

“Then the locals took over, like Warren Hammond and his brothers Mick Ivanov, and we still kept winning the competition,” said Winston. 

The club was so successful it was split, with the Saints representing north Moree and the Swans the south. 

Both clubs would go on to claim premierships in the late 80s. 

“By ‘91 it had been disbanded after Tamworth refused to play away,” said Mike. 

“The two teams in Armidale pulled out, they were mainly filled with university students, Coonabarabran went to the Dubbo competition, Gunnedah played in Tamworth.”  

Organisers say Tamworth AFL is keen to accept a Moree side, however an application would need to be submitted by the end of January. 

Those interested in getting involved can contact Sharon on 0427 869 819 or turn up at the Harbourne Oval on the afternoon of January 18.