Greater Western Sydney player Josh Kelly with NAB AFL Superkick participants. Picture: AFL Photos

AS THE 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series heats up, footy fever is taking over the country – from grassroots to the elite stage, with participation in Australian Rules Football surpassing 600,000 in 2025.

Breaking the AFL’s all-time registered participation record of 580,000 in 2024, and with more ways to play showcased by a genuine pathway from NAB AFL Auskick, through to the elite game, registered participation has increased by seven per cent nationally compared to this time last year.

The total figure includes registered participants across community football (junior, youth and senior), AFL Nines, NAB AFL Auskick, NAB AFL Superkick and AFL Schools Competition.

For the first time in the game’s storied history, both Queensland clubs have qualified for the 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series and in a thrilling twist, are set to face off this weekend in a blockbuster Semi-Finals QClash.

As the elite game thrives across the Sunshine State, so too does grassroots participation. Queensland leads the nation with a 13 per cent spike in participation, growing to nearly 85,000 participants. Women and girls now make up nearly 32 per cent of participation in the state, while NAB AFL Superkick registrations have soared by 117 per cent year-on-year.

Supported by a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in participation in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, with over 73,000 people lacing up their boots, Aussie Rules continues to flourish up north; with over a quarter of all participants in 2025 from Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

In the Northern Territory, girls’ participation in NAB AFL Auskick has grown by 49 per cent, and as the Tasmania Football Club is set to enter the VFL and VFLW in 2026, grassroots participation has increased by 12 per cent year-on-year.

Traditional footy heartland in Victoria (245,000), South Australia (69,800) and Western Australia (88,300) continues to drive strong participation numbers across all levels of footy.

More women and girls are picking up the footy, experiencing growth across the country and accounting for over 22 per cent of grassroots football registrations, with participation growing by over 10 per cent year-on-year.  

Women and girls’ involvement in community footy is further highlighted by the number of umpires growing by nearly seven per cent compared to this time last year. Coaching saw a nine per cent increase year-on-year, and now account for over 10 per cent of community coaches across the country.

Developing footy skills in a welcoming and inclusive environment, NAB AFL Auskick and NAB AFL Superkick continue to kick goals for kids and families. Over 172,000 boys and girls are registered nationwide, with combined participation growing by over 14 per cent in 2025.

This comes as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation grows by nine per cent year-on-year, plus over 114,000 participants who have a parent born overseas playing Aussie Rules in 2025.

Executive General Manager of Game Development, Rob Auld, said he was delighted to see so many people connect with Australian Rules Football and actively participate in the game.

“To see more than 600,000 Australians actively participating in Aussie Rules this year is an incredible milestone that reflects the deep passion communities have for our game,” said Auld.

“These results are only possible thanks to the time, effort and emotional connection from our community clubs, coaches, umpires and thousands of volunteers right across the country who make up the heartbeat of our game, supported by the incredible work of our state and territory teams. On behalf of the AFL, I’d like to thank every single registered participant who has picked up a footy this year.

“As we strive to have footy in every home and work towards our goal of one million participants by 2033, it’s vital we continue to create welcoming, inclusive and flexible opportunities for everyone to get involved.

“Encouraging people to find their way to play, whether it’s through NAB AFL Auskick, and NAB AFL Superkick, Community football or AFL Nines, is central to that vision, and backed by the 10 per cent enshrined investment into Game Development that supports programs and participation across all levels of the game.

“It’s important we continue to provide support to our traditional footy heartlands and continue to fuel the growth in Queensland and New South Wales.

“The AFL remains committed to supporting grassroots football and recognises that challenges still exist in local footy. To sustain the game for future generations, we need a strong foundation – and it’s the passion and dedication of everyone involved that make these milestone results possible. We thank you for all your invaluable contributions.”

The 2025 record figure is expected to climb and comes off the back of AFLW pioneer Tayla Harris being announced as the latest ambassador for NAB AFL Superkick, which aims to empower young girls across the country to discover the fun of footy and kick with confidence.

Heading into spring, NAB AFL Auskick, NAB AFL Superkick and AFL Nines term three school holiday and term four programs are set to roll out nationwide. To find out how you can play and connect with Australian football, visit: play.afl