If I Were a Betting Woman - The AFT (Agency Football Tournament)

This Friday at Western Springs, the recruitment industry’s biggest flex isn’t about the highest placement fees, but about scoring goals and avoiding calf strains. Sadly, I won’t be able to attend, but that doesn’t mean I’ll miss out on sizing up the competition and placing a few bets!

Organised by Scott Burnett (kudos, mate!)The tournament is not just about glory, it's for a great cause: supporting The Glass Ceiling Arts Collective , an organisation helping young people with disabilities step into roles they never thought possible. A few teams have pulled out, so if you're keen to step in, reach out to Scott Burnett ! 0212934913

Let’s break down the matchups:

84 Recruitment vs Hunter Campbell

I might be biased because my best friend Aata Kearns is fit and fast and Yaman Becerikli is a weapon at the gym so will be carrying the team. But do they have what it takes to slow down Lee Marshall 's fancy footwork and dethrone Hunter Campbell from their recent industry wins?

Verdict: 84 for the win.

Talent Recruitment vs Island Recruitment NZ

I’d keep an eye on the ref—home advantage could easily sway the game! No brainer here. However, word on the street is that Talent has pulled out, so Island FC have a bye bye bye (said in the NSYNC style).

Verdict: Island Recruitment for the bye win*?If you are interested in registering a team, get in touch with Scott Burnett

Mystery Team* vs Assemble Recruitment /Co legal / BrightSpark.io

Lisa Cooley MRCSA from Brightspark is quite the powerhouse, so you can bet there’s a strategy in place with Assemble and Co-Legal backing her. But with the “Mystery Team” keeping their cards close, maybe they’ve got some import players ready to dazzle. Heres hoping it's the triple threat of Matt Tolich Patrick Cairns and Kathryn Edwards from Trade Me Jobs and David Swift 'seeking' the assist for the win.

Verdict: Mystery Team for the win.

Alignz Recruitment vs RWA/ Alexander James

Ben Poluleuligaga from Alignz rates himself as a pie-loving rugby and fitness enthusiast. His fitness, combined with some solid hand-eye coordination, might give the corporate crowd from AJR a run for their money.

Verdict: Alignz Recruitment for the win.

LYNX RECRUITMENT vs Stellar Recruitment

I should back my old team Lynx Peter Stewart , but given the dust on their gym equipment and the number of vapes inhaled, I reckon Stellar has the stamina to go the distance. Don’t be letting me down Kymberly Jones .

Verdict: Stellar Recruitment for the win.

华德士 vs Franklin Smith

Behind the corporate gates of Robert Walters lies potential Oliver S. . But Franklin Smith? They’ve got brute force, and we know they can pack a punch Regan Higgins

Verdict: Robert Walters for the win.

ZEIL vs Hays Zeil's been swiping left, or is it right? To find the best players this week, but with the mystery of who even works at Hays these days, this one’s a toss-up.

Verdict: Zeil with the home advantage.

Potentia / Digital Garage vs Accordant Group

A solid duo here with Guy Day from Potentia and Jamie Blackwell from Digital Garage. Word is that Guy has the wingspan greater than most and should be in goal, supported by a young gun Henry Lloyd who is 24 and fit as an Ox. But will this translate on the field to take down the Accordant conglomerate?

Verdict: Potentia/Digital Garage for the win.

So, who will be crowned the winner? If I were a betting woman, I’d back the Potentia / Digital Garage collab or Stellar Recruitment to take the crown.

But here’s the real question: will there be a physio on-site? With some teams out for victory and others just hoping to survive the first half, one thing is for sure—this tournament is about more than just soccer. It’s about community, fun, and getting together for a great cause.

If you’re up for some questionable footwork and recruiters pretending to be David Beckham, come down and support Friday 11th October, Western Springs.

Good luck, everyone! Wish I could be there!