If you’re ready for the footy to start, why not check out an AFL league like no other in Cockburn this Saturday.

The All Abilities Football Association of WA’s opening round of Blind AFL kicks off tomorrow with a western derby line-up and welcome mat for anyone who wants to participate or just enjoy the match.

Blind Sports WA chair and AFL player Ben Rowe told Millsy at Midday host Steve Mills some of the quirks used in the 6-a-side game to help players.

“There’s a few adaptions to the rules… it’s more touch instead of tackle,” he told Millsy.

“We try to do it indoors to manage the sound, and the umpires and coaches help with a bit more commentary so we can track who’s where and where the ball is … it’s pretty cool.”

Tap PLAY below to hear about the blind league and how it’s played.

Adaptions and modifications:

• The football has an electronic beeper inserted inside it to produce a sound loud enough to help players to find it. The ball used is a soft-touch, hi-visible yellow Sherrin.
• Goals have flashing lights behind each goalpost and there is high contrast meshing behind the goalposts to make them highly visible. Goal umpires shake their rattlers when the footy enters the scoring zone.

Saturday’s match is the first of four from 2pm to 4pm on Saturdays until March 26 at Cockburn ARC. More info here: