THERE will be an eastern seaboard state league competition after the NEAFL joined forces with the VFL.

As revealed by AFL.com.au in May, the second-tier competition will see the NEAFL amalgamated into the VFL. 

The AFL clubs in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria will be able to either field a standalone team, align with an existing second-tier club or spread their AFL-listed players across multiple second-tier clubs. 

The AFL confirmed the news on Monday as part of a new model for the talent pathway and second-tier competitions after the hit of COVID-19. 

Next Generation Academies will be implemented by the AFL, while investment is expected to be boosted for clubs with northern Academies. 

As has previously been reported by AFL.com.au, the talent pathway will undergo some significant shifts, with the under-16s and under-18s programs for boys and girls to be changed to under-17s and under-19s level. 

The draft age, however, will remain at 18.