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Aussie Rules at UNE, since the 1960s.

The New England Nomads were founded in 1999 but the story of Aussie Rules at the University of New England stretches back to the early 1960s, woven through the development of the game across the New England region.

Quick facts

1962First game played in Armidale, NSW
1999Reformed as Nomads
UNEWhere it all began
BellevueHome oval, Armidale

Milestones

  1. 2004

    A third Tamworth AFL flag, defeating the Tamworth Kangaroos, capped by a reunion of UNE footballers in Melbourne.

  2. 2000

    The Nomads win the Tamworth AFL premiership — their first flag.

  3. 1999

    The UNE club reforms as the New England Nomads, joins the Tamworth AFL and makes Bellevue Oval its home.

  4. 1992

    The UNE competition is reformed, keeping university footy alive through the decade.

  5. 1977

    The Saints are established, and Armidale New England wins the Northern zone of the NSW Country Championships.

  6. 1976

    The New England AFL is formed as the game spreads across the region.

  7. 1964

    The UNE college competition is formed between Robb, Wright and Earle Page colleges.

  8. 1962

    Aussie Rules first played in Armidale — a match between the University of New England and Moree.