The AFL undertook a review of the current NGA landscape ahead of Tasmania’s entrance into the AFL in 2028, and has made adjustments to zoning across all state, national and international lines, resulting in a shifting structure of regional zones.
Given that North Melbourne has lost its Tasmanian NGA status, the Kangaroos have been allocated the Northern Corridor, including Wallan, Seymour and Echuca, cutting into Richmond’s previous vast coverage of northern Victoria.
The rezoning also means that for the first time in club history, Carlton will adopt an area of regional Victoria as part of its NGA area, gaining access to eligible prospects from north-east Victoria.
The area covers most of the Murray Bushrangers zoning in Victoria, the Talent League club Carlton’s latest father-son draftee Harry Dean was recruited from, providing access to Shepparton, Euroa, Benalla, Mansfield, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Yarrawonga, and Bright.
The rezoning means Richmond’s current hold over the Goulburn Valley will come to an end, and effectively split in half the Tigers’ access, having maintained just North West regional Victoria (largely Bendigo Pioneers territory).
The new zones won’t transition until 2028 however, allowing Richmond to retain NGA prospects for 2026 and 2027 from Shepparton.
It means Rumbalara’s 2026 draft prospect Tanner Armstrong is still linked to the Tigers NGA due to his Indigenous heritage, and should a bid be matched in November next year, the Murray Bushrangers midfielder will be handed a yellow and black jumper on draft night.
Carlton is already planning on immersing itself into its new zone though, holding a community camp on February 5 and 6.
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