It was formed at the end of the 1999 season with a combination of clubs from the Central Coast and Newcastle Football Leagues.

The league comprises 11 clubs.  In 2007 eight in first grade, eleven in 1st Division and ten in the Under 18 competition.  Plans are for 10 clubs in each grade in 2008.

Six of the clubs are Hunter based whilst another five are on the Central Coast. The most northern club in the league is Nelson Bay, Singleton is the most Western and the most southern is Woy Woy Peninsula

Not all clubs field three grades but the league has given those clubs which don’t, a time frame in which to work towards a full complement.

The initial premier in the League was the Terrigal-Avoca Panthers in 2000 then West Newcastle Wallsend Demons in 2001, Cardiff Hawks in 2002, Newcastle City Blues in 2003 and the Hawks again in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

The premiership trophy in the league is the Black Diamond Cup which was first played for in 1888 and won by the Wallsend Club. The trophy is said to be the oldest Australian sporting trophy still being contested. It even outdates cricket's Sheffield Shield.

The League has an Umpires Association and both the Central Coast and Newcastle have junior competitions. This group forms a region which in total fields 83 teams with approximately 2,000 players registered.

It is administered by an independent Board of Management who oversee all aspects of the competition.

The day to day activities are managed by a part time general manager. It is one of the league's goals to have this position revert to full time.

All goals include finals

Where exactly are we?

The Black Diamond AFL is north of Sydney and covers an area of more than 150 lineal kms from Woy Woy in the South to Nelson Bay in the north. The Singleton Club is 40 minutes drive west of Newcastle.

Most clubs are located around the Newcastle and Central Coast areas, approximately one-two hours drive north of Sydney, check out the map below.

Mission Statement 

To maintain and develop a healthy competition that provides a quality environment and league structure allowing opportunities for players and officials to develop and participate in Australian Football throughout the greater Newcastle and Central Coast region of NSW.

(c) copyright Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia) 1996