How do you get into the AFL without making regional teams like Oakleigh Chargers?

The way to get someone to take note of you is to tell them that you don't want them! lol!

I, inadvertently, 'used' this method with 2 different top league sides back in about 1970: one in WA, the other in Victoria.

All you do is go up to the secretary of the club you are zoned to, and tell him you want a "Clearance" to play for another team of that league!!!

They'll have you, quick smart, out there on the track training with the big boys ;)

As one secretary explained to me when I went there for a clearance to another club [In this case, my request was genuine though! But you could use it as reverse psychology]: He said, "I can't give you a clearance just off the street. If you turn out to be a good player, I could lose my job!"