Photo; L- R: Jacqui Scruby, Member of Parliament for Pittwater. Andrew Varasdi Head of AFL NSW/ACT. Chris Davison, President Pittwater Tigers. Sue Heins, Mayor. Sara Archer, Registrar Pittwater Tigers, Pittwater Tigers team members. Pic: NBC/JS
Council announced on Thursday May 8 the Pittwater Tigers AFL club has secured a $50,000 grant for the redesign of the underused area of the North Narrabeen Reserve fields to allow the installation of a new junior Auskick field and to upgrade the amenities.
The Pittwater Tigers Auskick program is for Children aged 5 to 7 years, and includes 15 Sunday sessions, commencing Sunday 27th April, 8:30am to 9:30am at Tigerland, the Tigers home ground at North Narrabeen Reserve. There will also be optional weekly training sessions.
AFL Auskick is a program designed to introduce children aged 5-12 to the sport of Australian Rules Football. It focuses on fun and engagement, with a non-contact, modified version of the game to cater to all skill levels. Auskick is often the first introduction to football for many children and serves as a starting point for their participation in the sport.
Auskick is a stepping stone for children who want to progress to more structured junior football leagues. Auskick participants may have the chance to play during halftime at key AFL and AFLW games. See: Auskick Match Rules – 5 to 8 Years
Register here for Pittwater Tigers Auskick sessions.
The Pittwater Junior AFL Club was founded in April 1970 as the Pittwater Australian Rules Football Club with the official uniform at formation being a yellow jumper with black sash and yellow and black hooped socks. The Tigers have won numerous Premierships across a number of different age groups over their 55 years and have built a culture around being a family friendly local club.
The club states:
‘’We have strong values of Pride, Fun and Community Spirit and our club is run by passionate parents and volunteers. From coaches, team managers, ground managers and a club committee committed to growing our club into the future.
In 2025 we have over 300 young tigers and we have seen significant growth in both the younger groups of Auskick and Under 8’s and huge growth in Youth Girls Footy.
We welcome all kids across all age groups regardless of experience or ability.
Pittwater Tigers Junior AFL Club is the only AFL Club in Pittwater.
We pride ourselves on being a family-oriented Club, teaching young AFL players skills, sportsmanship, team work and Club values. Ages 5 to 17, boys and girls, we welcome everyone to our Club regardless of experience or ability. Come and have a go!’’
Find out more at: www.pittwatertigers.com.au
The Pittwater Tigers are on a roll with the club hosting Swans players Jack Buller and Sam Wicks in late April for an inspirational meet and greet at North Narrabeen.
Sam played junior football for the Manly Bombers and Manly Warringah Wolves. He was recruited from the Manly-Warringah (NSW)/Sydney (NEAFL) and has played as a forward with the Swans. Wicks has been moved into the backline at the Swans this year and featured in every game as a small lockdown defender.
"It is a big change; it came about in my end of season review last year. The coaches asked how I felt about doing some training down back and I said I'd be open to it and then really loved it and the coaches loved having me there, so it's been a good fit," Wicks told AFL.com.au earlier in April
"One thing that's really helped me is knowing what a small forward likes and doesn't like from playing that role. If I can put little things into my game that opposition small forward's hate, it’ll help the team out."
The Sydney Swans Academy player was rookie-listed in November 2018 and was a consistent stand-out for the Sydney Swans’ NEAFL side in 2019. He became Sydney's fifth debutant of season 2020 when he was named to face Collingwood in Round 10, before finishing the season with seven appearances to his name. He enjoyed a breakout 2021 season that saw him make 21 appearances and become a key part of the club's return to finals football. In 2023 he signed a two-year contact which will keep him at the club until the end of 2025.
Fellow Pittwater Tigers visitor was 22-year-old West Australian Jack Buller, who joined Sydney via pick 13 in the 2023 Mid-season Draft from the Claremont Football Club. He is a key forward and ruck.
Some of the Pittwater Tigers cohort
The Manly Warringah Wolves were successful as well, receiving a $11,000 grant that allowed the council to relocate the goal posts at Frank Gray Oval to allow for a second open-age field adding an extra 10 playing hours a week.
The council states this improvement will be further enhanced by the female amenities upgrade due to completed by it in September.
Mayor Sue Heins said, "These grants will not only enhance the facilities for the AFL Clubs but also ensure the community has more opportunities to connect and improve their health and wellbeing."
The council states it is committed to supporting the growth and development of local sports clubs and actively works with local groups to secure grants through third parties as well as the council grants program.
“With continued investment in facilities and programs, the Council aims to pave the way for future opportunities for growth and development, creating a thriving culture that benefits all residents,” Mayor Heins added.
Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said "We are thrilled to support our community clubs and councils to provide high-quality, accessible and welcoming facilities through the NSW Facilities Fund initiative.
"The Northern Beaches Council boasts the highest AFL participation of all local government areas in Sydney, and we hope the upgrade to North Narrabeen Reserve fields and Frank Gray Oval strengthen the foundations of grassroots footy locally and invite greater participation in our game.
"Creating the best environments that are fit for purpose so our players, parents and volunteers can enjoy our great game is of utmost importance to the AFL, and we look forward to seeing the community embrace these facility upgrades over the coming months." Mr Varasdi added.
Works to North Narrabeen Reserve fields are being done outside of the AFL season to reduce any impact to teams
The 2025 NSW Facilities Fund was established by AFL NSW/ACT to:
- Maximise carrying capacity of existing venues by upgrading facilities and providing high-quality infrastructure.
- Develop new and increased carrying capacity by constructing new ovals in growing communities and exploring innovative facility solutions.
- Ensure inclusivity and accessibility, with particular emphasis on creating female-friendly environments and supporting the growing participation of women and girls.
- Enhance the talent pathway, including resources for umpiring, dedicated spaces for volunteers, and maintaining landmark heritage sites associated with the game.
- Facilitate partnerships with government and non-government bodies to improve the quantity, quality, and welcoming nature of community football venues.
- Provide immediate support to those affected by natural disasters, ensuring community venues remain safe, accessible, and resilient.
Some more on this great grrrr- ant from Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby: