In 2025, NAB AFLW celebrated 10 seasons of competition. In Queensland, the impact of the introduction of the league has been profound on participation numbers, with more women and girls playing AFL than ever before.
More than 22,000 women and girls participated in community Australian Rules Football competitions or programs across Queensland in 2025.
There is now a complete all-girls pathway available in South East Queensland, from NAB AFL All Girls Auskick all the way through to the elite game.
In 2025, for the first time, an All-Girls Under-8 competition was introduced, which had more than 25 teams participating.
Head of AFL Queensland and International Trisha Squires said across the ten seasons, participation in Queensland for women and girls has grown by more than 150 per cent.
“They’ve (Brisbane Lions AFLW) really inspired the next generation of Queenslanders to play AFL,” she said.
“And we want to see as many women and girls involved in our game, not just in participation.
“We have more women umpiring, coaching and in administrative roles at our community clubs than ever before.
“We want all women and girls across Queensland to know they have a place in our game.”
Last week Squires was joined by Head of Women’s Football at the Brisbane Lions Bree Brock, Lions AFLW inaugural player Shannon Campbell, pioneer of women’s AFL in Queensland and Mt Gravatt legend Kate Guy and junior Kenmore Bears player Dahlia to celebrate the participation growth, ahead of the Lions’ sixth consecutive Preliminary Final against Carlton this Saturday at Brighton Homes Arena.
L-R Kenmore Bears junior Dahlia Neary, Lions AFLW player Shannon Campbell and Mt Gravatt's Kate Guy.
Campbell, in her tenth season and a dual AFLW premiership player said it was so pleasing to see the options available for girls to play.
“The fact we now have a female pathway from five years old is really cool to see,” she said.
Campell played in mixed teams for Maroochydore until she was 12, but had to stop once tackling was introduced.
“To see the pathway change now so that girls can participate up to women’s is so encouraging.”
Brock, who has led the Lions AFLW program since the introduction of the AFLW, said the growth of the game in Queensland has been a joy to watch.
“To be there from the beginning and help form and grow the Brisbane Lions team and program has been such a privilege and honour,” she said.
Brock said it had been wonderful to see the success of the AFLW positively impact participation for women and girls in community football, Auskick and talent pathways.
“Queensland girls footy has had a strong reputation for a long time,” she said.
“About 86 per cent of our team is from Queensland, we have been very strong on that.
“We want young girls playing AFL in Queensland to know that they could be drafted by the Lions.”
Header photo: L-R Kenmore Bears junior Dahlia Neary, Mt Gravatt's Kate Guy, Head of AFL Queensland and International Trisha Squires, Lions AFLW player Shannon Campbell and Head of Women's Football at Brisbane Lions Bree Brock