The matches will be played in Auckland on 24 and 26 October and will coincide with AFL New Zealand’s National Provincial Championships.

β€œThe tour will provide an opportunity for the VAFA to reward and develop high achieving under-age players within our competition, as well as assist with the development of Australian Rules in an evolving market,” said VAFA Chief Executive Michael Sholly.

β€œThere is much interest in Australian Rules Football in New Zealand, which has a talent pool yet untapped by AFL clubs. The VAFA is delighted to provide NZ’s national representatives the opportunity to compete against a representative side from football’s heartland.”

β€œThe VAFA side has been selected from players who competed in our very successful inaugural U18 section and all eight clubs are represented.

β€œOur U18 competition has already proven to be a pathway to senior football as well as a strong complement to our U19 competition and will expand in 2010 with more of our clubs fielding teams,” Mr Sholly said.

The team, which will depart 23 October and return 27 October, will be coached by former VAFA senior representative players Michael Hazell and Jeremy Bourke.