SANFL to host AFL Blind exhibition series

21 May 2025

By ALEXANDRA BULL

SANFL is hosting its first AFL Blind Exhibition Series this month, allowing South Australians who are visually impaired to participate in footy.

The series kicked off on Saturday May 17, with the matches being held over the next two weekends at the AFL Max indoor facility at West Beach.

The game of AFL Blind is an adapted version of Australian Football that enables people with blindness or low vision to play football in a fun and inclusive environment.

The game is played indoors to support players who rely on their hearing to track the ball, with the ball equipped with speakers which push out a continuous sound.

Goal umpires use rattle shakers when the football enters the scoring zone so players can identify the location of the goal.

Previously, AFL Blind player Reuben Fairbank had to travel interstate to play AFL Blind in the Victorian Blind Football League but is now excited by the opportunity to play in his home state.

“I am keen to see everyone come out and try AFL Blind, whether it be learning new skills, playing for the first time or simply enjoying the game with their mates,” Fairbank said.

SANFL Inclusion Programs Coordinator Nathan Pepper said AFL Blind was an exciting new inclusive football program being trialled as part of both the AFL and SANFL’s strategy to provide opportunities for everyone to play our game.

SANFL already runs the successful APM SANFL Inclusive League for males with intellectual disability, as well as the Novita SANFL Wheelchair League.

“We are very excited to work with Blind Sports SA to generate interest in the sport, and to play at the fantastic AFL Max facility will help to elevate the experience for all involved,” Pepper said.

“The aim is that the exhibition series will eventuate into an AFL Blind competition in South Australia.

“There has been great interest from players for the exhibition series, so we encourage anyone thinking about giving AFL Blind a go to come down and give it a shot with no footy experience necessary.”

For more information or to register for the AFL Blind series, email [email protected]