Tasmanians have chosen footy in 2024, with participation numbers climbing across the state.
Off the back of the launch of the Tasmania Devils in March this year, there is incredible momentum for the game. Local girls and boys have flocked to their local clubs and to participation programs in droves.
Statewide, participation in football grew 27% compared to 2023, with increases in all three regions.
Importantly, the largest increases came in the entry level programs, with a 38% uptick in NAB AFL Auskick participants.
The Northwest, the North and the South all saw tremendous growth across the program, with southern Tasmania leading the charge with a whopping 104% increase in Auskick participants.
The program grew 25% across the north of the state, and the northwest saw Auskick and Superkick record a combined growth of 40%.
While the northwest is leading the way nationally when it comes to AFL’s newest program ‘Superkick’, Tasmania’s smallest region recording an incredible 4% of the country’s total superkickers.
Across 2024, AFL Tasmania delivered over 170 sessions in local schools as well as initiatives aimed at increasing female engagement in local clubs.
Junior participation grew 8.5% statewide in 2024, that figure to be buoyed further in 2025 by the launch of two new junior clubs in East Ulverstone and Somerset.
Junior girl’s numbers in the north jumped up by 10% and a new northwest under 10 competition resulted in 145 new players in the region.
While in the south 10 new junior teams were formed across the boys’ and girls’ leagues.
AFL Tasmania remains focused on the development of the girl’s community football in the north and northwest in 2025, aided by the introduction of the NTJFA U10 girl’s competition and a school’s competition in the northwest.
Head of AFL Tasmania, Damian Gill said the future is bright for junior footy.
“We are seeing the excitement for footy in Tasmania soar to new heights with more girls and boys than ever joining their local Auskick.
“A 27% rise in participation and a whopping 38% increase in Auskick is a demonstration of the eagerness for footy off the back of the launch of our club.
“Our vision is for footy to be the heartbeat of all Tasmanian communities and this year’s growth is just the start of that, AFL Tasmania are determined to seize this generational moment for our state.
“2024 has been a historic year for the game in Tasmania on many fronts and I think it will be remembered for the start of the wave of momentum in footy participation.”
Participation & Programs Manager Aaron Roberts said AFL Tasmania is dedicated to expanding participation and growing the game across all levels.
“Off the back of over 170 sessions in schools across the state we’ve seen a 48% growth in community Auskick participation in Southern Tasmania and this is a significant boost for STJFL clubs, offering a larger pool of young players to support the long-term sustainability of these clubs.
“Looking ahead to 2025, the connection with the Tasmanian Football Club is set to strengthen further, building on the excitement of a Tasmanian team becoming a reality.”