THE Village Green Grafton Tigers Aussie Rules Club has busily been getting ready for its premiership defence.

The team has been training rain, hail or shine at Ellem Oval preparing for April 13, when round one of the North Coast AFL competition kicks off.

"Numbers at training have been excellent with most of the guys returning from last year and number of new guys coming to club," club representative Wayne Phillips said.

"Senior coach Ryan Sheather has stepped into his new role comfortably, with a number of the Tigers faithful stepping up and supporting Ryan in his first year as senior coach."

The club will celebrate the start of the new season with a golf day at Westlawn golf course on March 16, starting at 12 noon.

Cost for day is $15. Contact Rod on 0411 780 074 to book or for more details.

The wet weather, however, has disrupted junior training.

"The junior Tigers have missed a little bit of training with the weather over the last few weeks but are back in action now,"Phillips said.

"Our come-and-try day was washed out so we have been inviting anyone interested in trying Aussie Rules to join our U11 and U13 training on a Tuesday and Thursday night from 5pm."

"The club is also keen to get an U15 team on the field this year.

"The games are played on Sundays, starting mid-April.

"We have a number of kids in this age group already but are still looking for more."

For further information on the junior competition, phone Wayne Phillips on 0409 459 565.