Registrations

When does the 2026 season start?

The start of the SMJFL 2026 season is on Sunday, April 19.

How old do I have to be to play?

The minimum age for both boys and girls is 7 years by 30^th April.

Do I have to have played Auskick before?

There is no requirement to have played Auskick before participating in SMJFL competitions.

When do games get played?

The majority of games are played on Sundays throughout the season. Occasionally a club may request a night game on a weeknight but this needs to be agreed to by both clubs.

Will there be scoring and finals?

Scoring and finals are part of the season for Boys (including mixed) U11 and above and for Girls U11 and above. Teams in lower age groups finish their seasons with a Lightning Carnival, which is a round robin style event organised by the SMJFL.

Where do games get played?

Teams will play around half of their games at their home ground and the other half at opponents grounds.

What time will games be played?

Generally speaking, the younger the age group the earlier the games but this really depends on what your club requests at the start of the season.

How long do games go for?

What exactly are the modified rules?

The SMJFL publishes a Rule Variation Matrix which summaries the rule modifications each year and how they apply to each age group. To the view the matrix, click here.

For modified rules competitions are played by the U10 and U12 girls (excluding Div 1), the following applies:

• Zones – ground split into 3 equal zones. Players wear different coloured wrist bands to show which third they are allowed to in.
• Positions are rotated throughout the game
• Modified Tackle – players can be tackled but must not be brought to ground.

Can I play with the boys in a mixed team if I want to?

Girls can play in mixed teams with the boys up to and including U14s. After this time, girls must play in girls only competitions.

What pathways are available for players that want to continue after they finish playing at SPFC?

There are various elite pathways and training programs available from U15 to open age. These include interleague competitions, TAC Cup (Oakleigh Chargers and Sandringham Dragons), and the ultimate level of the AFL and AFLW.

AUSKICK

The NAB AFL Auskick program makes learning to play AFL fun, safe and easy for boys and girls aged 4+ years. Through weekly coaching sessions they will learn the skills of the game in an exciting, social and safe environment.

Children will learn the fundamental motor skills vital for future physical activity and sport participation as well as learning how to interact with other children as part of a team in small group activities.

The program also provides a great opportunity for parents to interact with their kids through the activities, have the opportunity to make new friends, learn about the game and spend quality time with their children.

Come along and join in all the fun and learn how to play Aussie Rules Football.

For those ready to play AFL games we start with Under 8s. Girls can play in mixed teams right through to U14s. We also have U10, U12, U14, U16 & U18 girl teams.

Auskick 2026 starts on May 2nd!

Saturdays – 9:00am – 10:15am

No manual payments can be accepted.

We look forward to seeing lots of familiar faces returning for the 2026 season, but we’re also really looking forward to welcoming lots of new faces to Centre……Hope to see you and your kids there!

For enquiries, please contact East Bentleigh Auskick Co-ordinator – Brett McMerrin – at auskick@stpetersfc.com.au or call 0427 965 717.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – AUSKICK

How old does my child need to be to join?

Auskick is for boys and girls ages 4 to 12. They need to turn 5 in the year they are playing Auskick.

What is required of family members?

Assistance! In Auskick nothing is achieved without the help of parents, family, and friends, you can always ask our Auskick Co-ordinator where help is required. NAB AFL Auskick encourages the participation of parents, of all abilities and fitness levels! Many parents see Auskick as a time to spend quality time with their children, and research indicates that children are more likely to persist with, and enjoy activities when their parents are involved. Parents are invited to join in skills sessions and activities with their kids, and may even learn a thing or two!

Can girls play?

Girls are very much encouraged to join Auskick.

What sort of boots / clothing do we need?

Football boots can be worn, but runners are fine as well. Most players wear their favourite teams football jumper.

What happens if it rains, hails, snows, or is very hot or windy? Will Auskick still be on?

St Peters Auskick is always on rain, hail or shine. However, if the coaches believe that the ground conditions are not suitable play may be cancelled. This decision will be made on the morning of the Auskick session at the ground.

Do we need a mouthguard?

At Auskick level, the benefits that a mouth guard provides are negligible as the games are slower, tackling is not allowed and players cannot kick off the ground.

My son or daughter is in grade 5. Can he/she still do Auskick?

Yes, the Auskick program is designed for players from Prep to Year 6. At St Peters we break up the playing group into three groups i.e. Preps, One and Two and Three to Six. This allows us to fit the drills to the relevant age group.

Can my child play Under 8’s and 9s and still stay in Auskick?

Not only can they, but they should. Auskick is the ideal way to keep improving football skills; many players continue Auskick training until 11 or 12. Under 8’s and 9’s should train with Auskick in addition to their weekly club training session.

My child does not have the same ability of other children. Is there any point in joining?

Absolutely. Auskick gives children of all ability levels an opportunity to learn in a relaxed and enjoyable environment, whilst early participation in physical activity develops important motor skills and social abilities that can become the foundation for a lifetime participation in sport and recreation.

When does my child get to play a half time game in an AFL game?

The AFL allocate games to all Auskick centres around Australia. St Peters Auskick has no control over when and where we are allocated games. The AFL’s policy is for the older children (grades 5 and 6) to play the central game, if there are insufficient numbers from those grades we may on occasions offer places to grade 2 players.