The 2025 Toyota AFL Open kicks off in Melbourne next week, marking the second installment of the AFL’s flagship national event for elite footballers with an intellectual impairment and wheelchair players.
Taking place from Monday 27 to Thursday 30 October at the La Trobe University Sports Precinct in Bundoora, Victoria, the 2025 AFL Open will bring together around 300 players, coaches and support staff from across the country, representing every state and territory.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event in Queensland, which marked the first time the championships were hosted concurrently at one major tournament, the 2025 Toyota AFL Open continues to celebrate the skill, passion and determination of athletes across the inclusion, wheelchair and blind & low vision categories.
Over four action-packed days, teams will compete for coveted national titles in:
2025 Toyota AFL Open – Wheelchair2025 Toyota AFL Open – Inclusion
Across the Wheelchair and Inclusion divisions, the first two days will feature lightning rounds to determine divisional standings, culminating in Grand Finals on Thursday 30 October.
As participation continues to rise and more people connect with the game, the 2025 Toyota AFL Open will also have a focus on building inclusion pathways for women and girls and building opportunities to showcase and highlight modified versions of footy.
Featuring two exhibition games on Tuesday 28 October, a Women and Girls Inclusion exhibition game between Victoria and a state/territory allies team will take place, followed by a Blind and Low Vision Exhibition Match, featuring players from the Victorian Blind Football League.
Aiming to elevate and strengthen the overall event experience, boosting the exposure of the pathway system for people with disability from grassroots to elite, the 2025 Toyota AFL Open is FREE to attend for all fans and the final two days of competition can be viewed LIVE and FREE via AFL Play YouTube and Kayo Freebies.
AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development Rob Auld said the anticipation is building for the return of the Toyota AFL Open.
“The Toyota AFL Open has quickly become one of the most inspiring and important events on our football calendar,” said Auld.
“We’re thrilled to see it return in 2025 with even greater diversity of participation – including the addition of the women and girls inclusion and blind & low vision exhibition games.
“Our goal is clear – to make footy accessible and open to everyone, with strong pathways that allow people with a disability to develop and compete – from NAB AFL Auskick all the way to elite.
“With a vision for everyone to love and connect with Australia’s game, the 2025 AFL Open is a testament in showcasing the range of modified formats that can make our game so uniquely adaptable and inclusive.
“It’s fantastic to see the continued growth of our inclusion and wheelchair programs, and I pass on a huge thank you to Toyota for their continued support and commitment. Their passion for the game and commitment to make it accessible for everyone is what makes events like this possible.
“Best of luck to all the athletes – I can’t wait to see the action unfold next week.”
Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer Vin Naidoo emphasised Toyota’s continued commitment to inclusion and innovation at the 2025 Toyota AFL Open.
“Toyota is proud to once again support the AFL Open, a celebration of talent, diversity, and the power of sport to unite communities.
“Whether it is through our support of grassroots and elite level footy, or events like the AFL Open, Toyota is driven by a belief that sport should be open to everyone. This year’s event showcases not only the best in modified footy, but also the best in community spirit and collaboration.
“On behalf of Toyota, I congratulate every athlete, coach, volunteer, and supporter involved in the 2025 Toyota AFL Open. We are excited to see the competition continue to grow and we are inspired by the growing commitment to inclusive pathways for all players.”
For all Toyota AFL Open team announcements head to play.afl and follow the AFL NSW/ACT social media accounts for all the latest updates.