Breaking the previous all-time record of 580,000 set last year, participation has grown by seven per cent year-on-year, with more Australians than ever lacing up their boots across community football (junior, youth and senior), AFL Nines, NAB AFL Auskick, NAB AFL Superkick and AFL Schools Competitions.
In 2025, Queensland celebrated a historic year for the game, with the Gold Coast SUNS reaching their first Toyota AFL Finals Series, the Brisbane Lions men’s team claiming back-to-back-premierships, the Lions AFLW team reaching their seventh NAB AFL Women’s Grand Final and 91,312 people across the state participating in AFL competitions and programs.
Queensland now ranks second nationally in participation behind Victoria. Pleasingly, women’s coaching numbers in the Sunshine state have risen by more than 25 per cent, the strongest increase in the country. Umpire registrations also increased in Queensland in 2025, with a surge in women and girls’ registration, up 18 per cent year-on-year.
Nationally, women and girls’ participation has grown by 14 per cent year-on-year and now accounts for nearly a quarter of all participants in Australian rules football. With all-girls programs available, girls’ participation in NAB AFL Superkick has risen by over 212 per cent with almost 10,500 registered participants, reflecting the strength of the entry-level program.
Touted as the ‘older sibling’ of NAB AFL Auskick, boys and girls’ participation in NAB AFL Superkick grew by 155 per cent nationally, with a 110 per cent increase in Queensland. Across NAB AFL Auskick and NAB AFL Superkick, there are now over 179,000 boys and girls registered nationwide.
This comes as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation grows by nine per cent year-on-year, plus over 119,000 participants who have a parent born overseas playing Aussie Rules in 2025.
Ormeau Bulldogs on Maccas SEQJ Grand Final Day.
Executive General Manager of Game Development, Rob Auld, said the record numbers reflect both the strength of the game and the deepening connection Australians continue to build with footy.
“Reaching 625,000 participants this year is a remarkable achievement and a powerful reminder of how footy continues to bring communities together across the country,” Auld said.
“As more Australians find their pathway into the game, our focus remains on making sure footy is welcoming, inclusive and accessible as we strive to have one million participants by 2033.
“Encouraging people to find their way to play - whether it’s through NAB AFL Auskick, NAB AFL Superkick, community football or AFL Nines – sits at the heart of that vision, driven by the 10 per cent enshrined investment into Game Development that supports programs and participation across all levels of the game.
“To sustain the game for generations to come, we need a strong foundation. These results are driven by the thousands of people who give their time, energy and passion to footy every week.
“We know there are challenges in local footy and there is still work that needs to be done to help clubs; but to our clubs, coaches, umpires, volunteers and parents who make all of this possible, thank you and we’re incredibly grateful for everything they do.”
Head of AFL Queensland and International Trisha Squires congratulated everyone involved in Queensland community Australian rules football for a year to remember.
“2025 has been a historic year for Queensland Australian rules football fans and participants,” she said.
“The Brisbane Lions played in both the men’s and women’s Grand Finals and the SUNS made their first Toyota AFL Finals Series.
“We achieved another year of record participation, up 14 per cent year on year. We have also experienced growth in our umpires and coaches and made significant upgrades to facilities across the state.
“All of these achievements and improvements have had a profound impact on the growth and awareness of our game in Queensland, as we now sit second in the country for overall participation.
“I would like to thank our passionate and dedicated players, volunteers, parents, fans, coaches and umpires who are integral to our game thriving in Queensland.”
With the festive season approaching, families can give the gift of footy fun through NAB AFL Auskick and NAB AFL Superkick, with registrations including a welcome pack and a little something extra for under the tree.
To find out how you can play and connect with Australian football, visit: play.afl