The competition is one of the primary sources of recruitment for Australian Football League (AFL) clubs from Victoria. It provides an opportunity for talented regional players to participate in a high standard competition without having to relocate too far from their place of origin. The competition has a very successful pathway with players missing AFL selection often being recruited by semi-professional state, country and regional leagues throughout Australia. An identical competition for female footballers, known as the NAB League Girls, is also contested on an annual basis.