IT looked like the region would not have a presence in NSW's top AFL competition after the Illawarra Lions withdrew from Sydney AFL at the end of last season.
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But those fears were dispelled when South Coast Thunder were formed to play in the Sydney AFL Division One under-19s competition.
While the Lions' 19s enjoyed their fair share of success, playing finals football in the previous two years, the emergence of the AFL South Coast-backed Thunder has been lauded by many in the wider AFL community.
With the support of AFL South Coast, rather than one club, the Thunder are considered a more viable long-term option in developing the region's top youngsters and giving them a shot at playing AFL.
Thunder 19s coach David Forst said the new club's aim was to promote its best young players and ensure they had a clear pathway from juniors to senior football.
The Thunder will be a mix of representative juniors from South Coast and Illawarra, including the Illawarra Storm program, plus players in the Sydney Swans Academy.
Last year five Illawarra juniors played for the Swans' reserves, up from three or four players just a couple of years earlier.
"The pathway is all geared towards reaching the next level in a junior's career, from under-12s through to the Swans Academy and the Thunder, and hopefully being drafted into the AFL," Forst said.
Among the top young Thunder players is promising forward Samuel Wilson, who played in the Lions senior team as a teenager, plus onballer Callum McFadden.
Forst said while some of the top Sydney clubs will be more experienced and have a greater mix of players in the 18-19 years' age band, the Thunder will be very competitive.
"This year we will have a bigger group of 16 and 17-year-olds compared to many other sides, but bringing them through and getting the experience into them will be a great benefit next year," he said.
The Thunder begin their season away to last season's grand finalists North Shore on Saturday at Gore Hill Oval.
The AFL South Coast seniors competition also kicks off this weekend.
In Saturday's opening round, Bomaderry host Nowra, Northern Districts are at home to Kiama, Shellharbour welcome Port Kembla and Wollongong Lions host the Bulldogs.
