View source for Australian Football League

{{Short description|Australian rules football competition}}
{{About|the Australian sporting organisation|the sport itself|Australian rules football|the women's league|AFL Women's|the Australian national men’s soccer league|A-League Men}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox sports league
| title           = Australian Football League
| upcoming_season = 
| current_season  = 2025 AFL season
| last_season     = 
| logo            = AFL-Logo RGB white border.png
| pixels          = 250px
| caption         = AFL logo since 2000<ref>{{cite news|title=AFL Record, October 1999|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=4234779269889001&set=pcb.4234782726555322|date=26 April 2021|access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=1999 AFL National Draft|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc6uURTU2KE|date=21 July 2022|access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=1999 AFL Millennium Match|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP4vwa6biiM|date=31 December 2019|access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref>
| formerly        = Victorian Football League (VFL)<br/>(1897–1990)
| sport           = Australian rules football
| founded         = {{Start date and age|df=yes|br=yes|1896|10|02}}
| inaugural       = [[1897 VFL season|1897]]
| teams           = 18
| premiers        = {{AFL BL}}<br/>(4th premiership)
| prem_season     = 
| most_prems      = {{AFL Car}}<br/>{{AFL Col}}<br/>{{AFL Ess}}<br/>(16 premierships)
| headquarters    = [[Melbourne]], Victoria, Australia
| region          = {{flag|Australia}}
| website         = [https://www.afl.com.au/ afl.com.au]
| owner           = 
| ceo             = [[Andrew Dillon (sports administrator)|Andrew Dillon]]
| tv              = '''Australia:'''<br/>[[Seven Network]]<br/>[[Fox Footy]]<br/>'''New Zealand:'''<br/>[[Sky Sport (New Zealand)|Sky Sport]]<br/>'''International:'''<br/>[[#International broadcast partners|See list]]
| streaming       = [[7plus]] (Australia)<br />[[Kayo Sports]] (Australia)<br />WatchAFL (Overseas)
| sponsor         = [[Toyota]]
| domestic_cup    = {{hlist|[[AFL Women's]]|[[Victorian Football League|VFL]]|[[South Australian National Football League|SANFL]]|[[West Australian Football League|WAFL]]|[[Southern Football League (Tasmania)|SFL]]|[[Northern Tasmanian Football Association (1996)|NTFA]]|[[North West Football League|NWFL]]|[[Northern Territory Football League|NTFL]]|[[Queensland Australian Football League|QAFL]]|[[AFL Sydney]]|[[AFL Canberra]]}}
| confed_cup      = [[Australian Football International Cup]]
| related_comps   = 
}}

The '''Australian Football League''' ('''AFL''') is the pre-eminent [[professional sports|professional]] competition of [[Australian rules football]]. It was originally named the '''Victorian Football League''' ('''VFL'''){{efn|group=lower-alpha|Not to be confused with the modern day [[Victorian Football League]], which formerly existed as the Victorian Football Association.}} and was founded in 1896 as a breakaway competition from the [[Victorian Football League#Victorian Football Association|Victorian Football Association]] (VFA), with its [[1897 VFL season|inaugural season]] in 1897. It changed its name to Australian Football League in 1990 after expanding its competition to other Australian states in the 1980s. The AFL publishes its ''[[Laws of Australian football]]'', which are used, with variations, by other Australian rules football organisations.

The AFL competition currently consists of 18 teams spread over Australia's five mainland states, with {{AFL Tas}} to join the league as its 19th team in 2028.<ref name="19thteam-ABC">{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-02/tasmania-granted-19th-afl-licence/102286066|title=Tasmania has signed deal with AFL to establish state team 'after decades of fighting', premier says|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|date=3 May 2023|access-date=3 May 2023}}</ref> AFL premiership season matches have been played in all states and mainland territories, as well as in New Zealand and China to expand its audience.

The AFL premiership season currently consists of a 23-match regular (or home-and-away) season, which runs from March to September. The team with the best record at the end of the home-and-away season is awarded the [[List of VFL/AFL minor premiers|minor premiership]]; the top eight teams then play off in a four-round [[AFL finals series|finals series]], culminating in the [[AFL Grand Final]], which is normally held at the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] each year. The grand final winners are termed the [[List of VFL/AFL premiers|premiers]], the most important team prizes for which are the premiership cup and [[Pennant (sports)|flag]]. {{AFL Car}}, {{AFL Col}} and {{AFL Ess}} are the joint-most successful clubs in the competition, having each won 16 premierships. The [[Brisbane Lions]] are the reigning premiers, having won the [[2024 AFL Grand Final]].

{{TOC limit|limit=4}}

==History==
{{Main|History of the Australian Football League}}

=== VFL era (1897–1989) ===
==== Background and founding ====
[[File:1896 VFA premiership list.jpg|thumb|The final standing of the 1896 VFA ladder. {{AFL Col}}, {{AFL Ess}}, {{AFL Fit}}, {{AFL Gee}}, {{AFL Mel}}, {{AFL SM}}, {{AFL Car}} and {{AFL Stk}} would form the VFL the following year.]]

Several of the AFL's current member clubs date back to the origins of [[Australian rules football|Australian football]] and were instrumental in establishing the sport's popularity and the AFL. The oldest club is [[Melbourne Football Club]], which wrote the first laws of the code, and [[Geelong Football Club|Geelong]], which date back to 1858 and 1859 respectively, while [[Melbourne University Football Club|Melbourne University]], also founded in 1859, is also one of the oldest clubs to have later participated in the competition.

The [[Victorian Football Association]] (VFA) was established in 1877 and quickly went on to become [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]]'s football competition. During the 1890s, an off-field power struggle occurred between the VFA's stronger and weaker clubs, the former seeking greater administrative control commensurate with their relative financial contribution to the game. This came to a head in 1896 when it was proposed that gate profits, which were always lower in matches involving the weaker clubs, be shared equally among all teams in the VFA. After it was intimated that the proposal would be put to a vote, six of the strongest clubs—{{AFL Col}}, {{AFL Ess}}, {{AFL Fit}}, Geelong, Melbourne and {{AFL SM}}—seceded from the VFA and later invited {{AFL Car}} and {{AFL Stk}} to join them in founding a new competition, the Victorian Football League (VFL). The remaining VFA clubs—[[Footscray Football Club|Footscray]], [[North Melbourne Football Club|North Melbourne]], [[Port Melbourne Football Club|Port Melbourne]], [[Richmond Football Club|Richmond]] and [[Williamstown Football Club|Williamstown]]—were given the opportunity to compete as junior sides at a level beneath the VFL but rejected the offer and remained for the [[1897 VFA season]].<ref>{{cite news |title=The Victorian Football Association |date=19 March 1897 |newspaper = North Melbourne Courier and West Melbourne Advertiser |issue=72 |location=North Melbourne |page = 3 }}</ref>

==== 1897–1900s: Inaugural VFL season and early years ====
[[File:Essendon fc 1897.jpg|thumb|left|{{AFL Ess}} won the inaugural VFL premiership by finishing on top of the [[1897 VFL finals series|1897 round robin finals ladder]]. A new finals system was implemented during the [[1898 VFL season]] in order that a final match, or "grand final", should determine the premiers.]]

The VFL's inaugural season occurred in 1897. It made several innovations early on to entice the public's interest, including an annual [[Playoffs|finals]] tournament, rather than awarding the premiership to the team with the best record through the season; and, the formal establishment of the modern scoring system, in which six points are awarded for a goal and one point for a behind.

Although the VFL and the VFA continued to compete for spectator interest for many years, the VFL quickly established itself as the premier competition in Victoria. In 1908, the league expanded to ten teams, with [[Richmond Football Club|Richmond]] crossing from the VFA and [[University Football Club]] from the [[Victorian Amateur Football Association|Metropolitan Junior Football Association]]. Professionalism began from the 1911 season, with clubs permitted to pay players beyond the reimbursement of expenses for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McConville |first1=Andrew |title=Player payments and the great bribery scandal |date=5 May 2020 |url=https://blogs.slv.vic.gov.au/such-was-life/player-payments-and-the-great-bribery-scandal/ |publisher=State Library Victoria |access-date=12 May 2020}}</ref> University, after three promising seasons, finished last each year from 1911 until 1914, including losing 51 matches in a row, in part caused by its players' focus on their studies rather than football and in part because it had chosen to remain amateur; as a result, the club withdrew from the VFL at the end of 1914.<ref>{{cite news|title=The University Team|date=18 September 1914|newspaper=The Argus|location=Melbourne|page=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Exit University – Football League Retirement |date=17 October 1914 |newspaper=The Argus|location=Melbourne|page=20}}</ref>

The [[List of VFA/VFL premiers|premiers of the Victorian Football League]] and the [[List of SANFL premiers|premiers of the South Australian Football League]] met in a playoff matches for the [[Championship of Australia]] beginning in [[1888 Championship of Australia|1888]] with a 3-game playoff between South Melbourne from the VFL and the [[Norwood Football Club|Norwood]] the most successful club in the SAFA. Matches where then held sporadically during the 1890s as single game playoffs and then annually from 1907 until 1914 (except 1912). South Australian clubs won 8 of the 11 Titles of which {{AFL|PA}} was the most successful winning four titles in 1890, 1910, 1913 and 1914. The majority of the matches were held in South Australia at [[Adelaide Oval]]. Following the outbreak of World War 1 the Championship playoff ceased and wasn't revived until 1968.

====1915–1945: Three VFA clubs join the VFL====
{{Main|The VFL during the World Wars}}

[[File:1924 Victorian Football Championship.jpg|thumb|In 1924, [[Footscray Football Club|Footscray]], the premiers of the VFA, defeated Essendon, the VFL premiers, in the [[1924 Championship of Victoria|Championship of Victoria]]. The result played a large part in Footscray, Hawthorn and North Melbourne gaining entry into the VFL the following year.]]

In 1916, [[zoning (Australian rules football)|district football]] was introduced, meaning new players from metropolitan Melbourne were allocated to clubs based on residential address.<ref>Wilson, David; “QC warns of Loopholes in League Rules: VFL Zoning in Doubt”; ''[[The Age]]'', 23 July 1981; p. 26</ref> In 1925, the VFL expanded from nine teams to twelve, with [[Footscray Football Club|Footscray]], [[Hawthorn Football Club|Hawthorn]] and [[North Melbourne Football Club|North Melbourne]] each crossing from the VFA. North Melbourne and Hawthorn remained very weak in the VFL for a very long period. Although [[North Melbourne Football Club|North Melbourne]] would become the first of the 1925 expansion sides to reach a grand final in [[1950 VFL Grand Final|1950]], initially it was [[Footscray Football Club|Footscray]] that adapted to the VFL with the most ease of the three clubs and by 1928 were well off the bottom of the ladder.

From 1927 to 1930, Collingwood became the first, and as of 2025 only, VFL/AFL team to win four successive premierships.

==== 1946–1975: Post-war golden years ====
In 1952, the VFL hosted a national day, when all six matches were played outside Melbourne. Matches were played at the [[Sydney Cricket Ground]], [[Brisbane Exhibition Ground]], [[North Hobart Oval]], [[Albury Sports Ground]] and Victorian country towns [[Yallourn]] and [[Euroa]].

Footscray became the first of the 1925 expansion teams to win the premiership in 1954.

Melbourne became a powerhouse during the 1950s and early 1960s under coach [[Norm Smith]] and star player [[Ron Barassi]]. The club contested seven consecutive grand finals from 1954 to 1960, winning five premierships, including three in a row from 1955 to 1957. The became the only club to win the minor premiership 6 times in a row from 1955 to 1960.

Television coverage for the VFL commenced in 1957 with direct telecasts of the final quarter permitted. At first, several channels competed through broadcasting different games. When the VFL found that television coverage had reduced crowds, it decided that no television coverage was to be allowed for 1960. In 1961 television replays in Melbourne were introduced although direct telecasts were rarely permitted, compared with the rest of Australia where live telecasts happened every Saturday afternoon.

In 1959, the VFL planned the first purpose-built mega-stadium, [[Waverley Park|VFL Park (later known as Waverley Park)]], to give it some independence from the [[Melbourne Cricket Club]], which managed the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]]. VFL Park was planned to hold 155,000 spectators, which would have made it one of the largest stadiums in the world – although it would ultimately be built with a capacity of 78,000. Land for the stadium was purchased at Mulgrave, then farmland but predicted to be near the demographic centre of Melbourne's population.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

The VFL premiership trophy was first awarded in addition to a pennant flag in 1959; essentially the same trophy design has been in use since.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
[[File:VFL Logo 1972-1975.png|thumb|220x220px|VFL Logo used from 1972 to 1975]]
In the 1960s, television coverage began to have a huge impact on the VFL. Spectators hurried home from games to watch replays and many former players took up positions as commentators on pre-game preview programs and post-game review programs. There were also several attempts at variety programs featuring VFL players, who generally succeeded in demonstrating that their skills were limited to the football ground.

The VFL played the first of a series of [[Australian rules football exhibition matches|exhibition matches]] in 1962 in an effort to lift the international profile of the league. In 1967, district football was expanded throughout all of Victoria, clubs now allocated a country zone in addition to their metropolitan districts.<ref>Booth, Ross; “History of Player Recruitment, Transfer and Payment Rules in the Victorian and Australian Football League”; in ASSH Bulletin No. 26 (June 1997); pp. 13–33</ref>

The 1970 season saw the opening of VFL Park, with the inaugural match being played between Geelong and Fitzroy, on 18 April 1970. Construction work was carried out at the stadium as the 1970s progressed, culminating in the building of the now heritage listed Sir Kenneth Luke Stand. [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II]], was a guest at the game and formally opened the stadium to the public. The [[1970 VFL Grand Final|1970 grand final]] between traditional rivals Carlton and Collingwood, arguably the league's most famous game, saw Carlton recover from a 44-point deficit at half-time to win the game by 10 points, featured a famous [[spectacular mark]] by [[Alex Jesaulenko]] and was witnessed by a record crowd of 121,696.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

==== 1976–1981: VFL leaves Australian National Football Council ====
{{See also|Championship of Australia|1976 NFL Championship Series (Australia)|Australian Football Championships Night Series}}

In 1976, the [[Australian National Football Council|National Football League]], which was the peak national administrative body of Australian rules football at the time, established the [[NFL Night Series]] to succeed the [[Championship of Australia]]. The Night Series was played concurrently with the premiership season and was contested among twelve clubs from the VFL, [[South Australian National Football League|SANFL]] and [[West Australian Football League|WAFL]], invited based on their finishing positions from the previous year. The event was mostly played on Tuesday nights, with night games at [[Norwood Oval]] in Adelaide and all games were televised live in colour on [[Nine Network|Channel 9]], which opened up unprecedented revenue streams from television rights and sponsorship opportunities for the sport.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Canberra Times|location=Canberra, ACT|title=First NFL Cup match next month|date=15 April 1976|page=18|author=Barry Rollings}}</ref> The NFL began plans to expand its Night Series to incorporate more teams from the VFL, SANFL and WAFL, as well as state representative teams from other states.

In November 1976, the VFL announced that it was withdrawing from the NFL's competition, having arranged more substantial television and sponsorship deals for its own, rival night competition for 1977 to be based in Melbourne and feature only the VFL clubs. Light towers were erected at VFL Park specifically for the event.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Canberra Times|location=Canberra, ACT|title=Rules pools plan|date=16 November 1976|page=18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Canberra Times|location=Canberra, ACT|title=VFL criticised|date=12 November 1976|page=22}}</ref> The VFL established a [[proprietary limited company]] called Australian Football Championships Pty Ltd in 1978 to run its night competition and offered shareholdings to the other state leagues in an attempt to lure other states into the competition.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Canberra Times|location=Canberra, ACT|title=$2m night-football plan|date=28 June 1978|page=36}}</ref>

For the three years from 1977 until 1979, the NFL and VFL night competitions were run separately as rival night competitions. In 1978, the [[Tasmania Australian rules football team|Tasmanian representative team]] competed in both the NFL and VFL night competitions but all SANFL and WAFL clubs and the minor states teams remained in the NFL Night Series. In 1979, the WAFL clubs and the New South Wales and A.C.T. representative teams defected from the NFL Night Series and joined the VFL's night competition, leaving the NFL Night Series mostly composed of SANFL teams. The NFL Night Series was not revived in 1980 and the SANFL clubs joined the VFL's night competition.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.hardballget.net/npm-nfl-1979-escort-cup.html |first = David |last = Eastman |title = 1979 NFL Escort Cup |access-date = 15 November 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180731062154/http://www.hardballget.net/npm-nfl-1979-escort-cup.html |archive-date = 31 July 2018 |url-status = live }}</ref> Although the NFL itself continued to exist as an administrative body into the early 1990s, the power gained by the VFL as a result of its take-over of night competition was one of the first significant steps in the VFL's spread interstate and ultimately its take-over and control of [[Australian rules football|Australian football]] across Australia.<ref>{{citation |first=John |last = Devaney |page=252 |title = Clubs of the South Australian National Football League |year=2014 |publisher=Full Points Publication |location=Great Britain }}</ref>
[[File:VFL Logo 1976-1989.png|thumb|220x220px|VFL Logo used from 1973 to 1989<ref>{{cite magazine |title=
AFL record 1973 Round 2 |url= http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/125308 |magazine=VFL Record |location=Melbourne |publisher=A. Wood |page=29 |date=
14 April 1973 |access-date=2 October 2024}}</ref>]]
In 1980 and 1981, the first years after the NFL Night Series ended, the VFL night competition was at its largest, with all VFL, WAFL and SANFL clubs plus the four minor states' teams (selected under residential qualification rather than [[state of origin]] qualification) competing for a total of 34 teams. In 1982, the size of the competition was reduced and, thereafter, only the top two or three teams from the SANFL and WAFL, as well as the winner of the minor states' annual carnival were invited.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

In 1987, the night competition reverted to include only the VFL teams. The competition was pushed earlier into the year, with the final played on 28 April.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://australianfootball.com/seasons/season/afl/138/national%2Bpanasonic%2Bcup/11/12/1987/basic |title=National Panasonic Cup |access-date=28 December 2015 |website=AustralianFootball.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220171452/http://australianfootball.com/seasons/season/afl/138/national%2Bpanasonic%2Bcup/11/12/1987/basic |archive-date=20 December 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The following season, the competition did not overlap with the day premiership season at all and became entirely a [[Australian Football League pre-season competition|pre-season competition]]. The night competition is generally considered{{By whom|date=January 2023}} to be of equivalent importance as the pre-season competition and the [[VFL Night Series]] (1956–1971) and records relating to the three competitions are often combined.

With the number of players recruited from country leagues increasing, the wealthier VFL clubs were gaining an advantage that metropolitan [[zoning (Australian rules football)|zoning]] and the Coulter law (salary cap) restricting player payments had prevented in the past. Country zoning was introduced in the late 1960s and while it pushed Essendon and Geelong from the top of the ladder, it created severe inequality during the 1970s and 1980s. Between 1972 and 1987, only six of the league's twelve clubs – Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Richmond – played in grand finals.

====1982–1989: Professionalism, club bankruptcy and expansion====
{{See also|Proposed VFL/AFL clubs}}

{| class="wikitable floatright"
|+
! colspan="7" |Evolution of competition
|-
!Year
!States
!Salary cap
!Average salary
!TV rights per year
!Draft
!Zoning
|-
![[1980 VFL season|1980]]
|· [[Australian rules football in Victoria|Victoria]]
|none
|$11,100
({{Inflation|AU|11000|1980|fmt=eq|cursign=$}})<ref name="Stewart-2017">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6HE9BAAAQBAJ&q=afl+players+wages+1980+1990&pg=PT118 |title=Sport Funding and Finance |edition=2nd |last=Stewart |first=Bob |date=31 July 2017 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781134470846 |access-date=30 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030170351/https://books.google.com.au/books?id=6HE9BAAAQBAJ&pg=PT118&lpg=PT118&dq=afl+players+wages+1980+1990&source=bl&ots=mWHRd2Z4gc&sig=4p021o5oEyHfb0Q8i2S4sl8sszI&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjPuqHxi63eAhXDQY8KHSjvDxk4ChDoATABegQIBhAB#v=onepage&q=afl%20players%20wages%201980%201990&f=false |archive-date=30 October 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|$601,000
({{Inflation|AU|600000|1980|fmt=eq|cursign=$}})<ref name="Footy Industry">{{cite news|url=http://www.footyindustry.com/?page_id=597|title=Timeline of VFL/AFL Broadcast Rights|date=28 July 2014|website=Footy Industry|access-date=30 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090822/http://www.footyindustry.com/?page_id=597|archive-date=30 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|no<ref name="Quayle-2006">{{cite news |url = http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2006/11/17/1163266783992.html |title=When the draft blew in|author-link=Emma Quayle|first=Emma|last=Quayle|work=[[The Age]]|date=17 November 2006 |archive-url = http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=nstore&docID=AGE0611184V1H51J4CQJ |archive-date=18 November 2006}}</ref>
|yes
|-
![[1991 AFL season|1991]]
|· [[Australian rules football in Victoria|Victoria]]<br/>· [[South Australia]]<br/>· [[Western Australia|West Australia]]<br/>· [[New South Wales]]<br/>· [[Queensland]]
|$1,600,000
({{Inflation|AU|1500000|1991|fmt=eq|cursign=$}})
|$46,430
({{Inflation|AU|46430|1991|fmt=eq|cursign=$}})<ref name="Stewart-2017" />
|$7,000,000
({{Inflation|AU|6000000|1991|fmt=eq|cursign=$}})<ref name="Footy Industry" />
|yes<ref name="Quayle-2006"/>
|
|}

The 1980s was a period of significant structural change in Australian football around the country. The VFL was dominant among the Australian football leagues around the country in terms of overall attendance, interest and money and began to look towards expanding its influence directly into other states. The VFL and its top clubs were asserting their financial power to recruit top players from interstate. The resulting rising cost pressures drove the VFL's weaker clubs into dire financial situations. The South Melbourne Swans became the first VFL team to relocate interstate. The South Melbourne Football Club was deeply indebted, including to the VFL which took over the club's Swans team and moved the team's home games to Sydney in 1982 and renamed the team the [[Sydney Swans]] the following year. Under the private ownership of [[Dr Geoffrey Edelsten]] during the mid-1980s, the Sydney Swans became successful on-field. Moving the Swans team to Sydney effectively shifted the debts of a Melbourne club onto Australian football in Sydney and re-directed support and finance to the Swans team to the detriment of existing Australian Football clubs and league competitions in Sydney. However, the Swans team attracted new prominence and supporters for the sport. Despite becoming successful on the field, a succession of owners and transfer to its supporter "members", the Sydney Swans remain indebted to the AFL<ref>Powerplay Limited and Sydney Swans Limited financial reports</ref> and subject to its veto control and reversion rights<ref>Sydney Swans Limited constitution</ref> in what became a model for the AFL control of teams.

Throughout the 1980s, approaches were made by SANFL and WAFL clubs to enter the VFL. Of particular note were approaches by the [[East Perth Royals]] in 1980,<ref>{{cite news |url = http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125628291 |title=AUSTRALIAN FOOTBAll |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |volume=55 |issue=16,459 |date=18 October 1980 |access-date=4 May 2016 |page=48 |via=National Library of Australia }}</ref> the [[Norwood Redlegs]] in 1986<ref>{{cite book |title=The Phoenix Rises|last=Oakley|first=Ross|publisher=Slattery Media Group|year=2014|isbn=9780987420596 |location=Melbourne, Victoria |page=244 }}</ref> and 1988,<ref>{{cite book|title=The Phoenix Rises|last=Oakley|first=Ross|publisher=Slattery Media Group|year=2014|isbn=9780987420596|location=Melbourne, Victoria |page=131}}</ref> and an [[East Fremantle Football Club|East]]–[[South Fremantle Football Club|South Fremantle]] merger proposal in 1987.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Sun News-Pictorial|location=Melbourne|author=Peter Simunovich|page=78|date=24 July 1987|title=Top WAFL clubs eye VFL spot }}</ref> None of these attempts were successful despite Norwood trying again in 1990 and 1994.

In 1986, the [[West Australian Football League]] and [[AFL Queensland|Queensland Australian Football League]] were awarded licences to field expansion teams in the VFL, leading to the establishment of the clubs in Brisbane and Perth ([[Brisbane Bears]] and [[West Coast Eagles]]), who both joined the league in 1987. These [[expansion team]] licences were awarded on payment of multimillion-dollar fees which were not required of the existing VFL clubs. In 1989 financial troubles nearly forced [[Footscray Football Club|Footscray]] and [[Fitzroy Football Club|Fitzroy]] to merge but fees paid by the Brisbane Bears and West Coast Eagles, propped up the struggling VFL sides.

The 1980s first saw new regular timeslots for VFL matches. VFL matches had previously been played on Saturday afternoons but Sydney began playing its home matches on Sunday afternoons and North Melbourne pioneered playing matches on Friday night. These have since become regular timeslots for all teams.

The first [[AFL Draft|national draft]] was introduced in 1986 and a [[salary cap]] was introduced in 1987. District football within Victoria was discontinued around the same time.

===AFL era (1990–present)===
[[File:AFL Logo 1990-1999.png|thumb|220x220px|AFL Logo used from 1990 to 1999]]
The league was renamed the Australian Football League in 1990 to reflect its national composition.<ref name="Football Ltd">{{cite book|last=Linnell|first=Garry|title=Football Ltd|publisher=Pan Macmillan Australia|location=Sydney|year=1995|isbn=0-330-35665-8|page=297}}</ref>

==== 1990–2010: A professional national competition ====

In 1990 the [[AFL Players Association|AFLPA]], the players union, signed its first Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the league which outlined wages and conditions in what was becoming a sole source of income for players who had previously had part-time or full-time jobs outside of football.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.aflplayers.com.au/about-us/|title=About Us|work=AFLPA|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026104316/http://www.aflplayers.com.au/about-us/|archive-date=26 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Functionally, the AFL gave up control over its Victorian-based [[Australian Football League reserves affiliations|minor grades]] at the end of 1991 – clubs continued to field reserves teams in a [[AFL reserves|competition]] run by the new [[Victorian State Football League]] and the under-19s competition and zone-based recruiting were abolished and replaced with an [[NAB League|independent system]].

Midway through 1990, the SANFL's most successful club, [[Port Adelaide Football Club|Port Adelaide]], made a bid for an AFL licence. In response, the SANFL gained an injunction via [[Glenelg Football Club|Glenelg]] and [[Norwood Football Club|Norwood]] against [[Port Adelaide Football Club|Port Adelaide]], allowing it time to establish a composite South Australian team called the [[Adelaide Crows]], which was awarded the licence and joined the league in 1991 as the fourth non-Victorian club. The same year saw the West Coast Eagles become the first non-Victorian club to reach the grand final, which was won by Hawthorn (the same year saw the Brisbane Bears win the reserves premiership). The Eagles would then win the premiership in 1992 and 1994. In 1994, [[Fremantle Football Club|Fremantle]] obtained an AFL licence and joined the AFL in 1995, becoming the fifth non-Victorian club, and the second from Western Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/flashback-1993-fremantle-announced-as-the-16th-afl-team-20181213-p50m2a.html|title=Flashback 1993: Fremantle announced as the 16th AFL team|newspaper=The Age|last1=Browne|first1=Ashley|last2=Brown|first2=Mal|date=14 December 2018|access-date=13 July 2020}}</ref>

The [[Victorian Football Association|VFA]] took over the [[Victorian Football League]] name in 1996.<ref name="Football Ltd" /> In 1996 several Victorian clubs were in severe financial difficulties, most notably Fitzroy and Hawthorn. Hawthorn proposed to merge with Melbourne to form the [[Melbourne Hawks]] but the merger ultimately fell through and both teams continued as separate entities. Fitzroy, however, was too weak to continue by itself. The club nearly merged with North Melbourne to form the [[Fitzroy-North Melbourne Kangaroos Football Club|Fitzroy-North Melbourne Kangaroos]] but the other clubs voted against it. In 1994 Port Adelaide was awarded an AFL licence but could not enter until a Victorian team had folded or merged. At the end of 1996 Fitzroy played its last match and merged with Brisbane to form the Brisbane Lions.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.abr.business.gov.au/(z2yvqy2wuqpjll2idwocz5vz)/search.aspx?StartSearch=True&SearchText=43054263473 |title = ABN lookup |date = 8 April 2007 |publisher = [[Australian Government]] |access-date = 14 March 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071016064656/http://abr.business.gov.au/(z2yvqy2wuqpjll2idwocz5vz)/search.aspx?StartSearch=True&SearchText=43054263473 |archive-date = 16 October 2007 |url-status = live }}</ref> This allowed Port Adelaide to enter the AFL for the 1997 season as the sixth and only pre-existing non Victorian club.

Through the 1990s there was a significant trend of Melbourne-based teams abandoning the use of their small (20,000–30,000 capacity) suburban venues for home matches in favour of the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground|MCG]] and [[Waverley Park|VFL Park]], which have and had larger seating capacities. The 1990s saw the last matches played at [[Windy Hill, Essendon|Windy Hill]] (Essendon), [[Moorabbin Oval]] (St Kilda), [[Western Oval]] (Footscray) and [[Victoria Park, Melbourne|Victoria Park]] (Collingwood) and saw [[Visy Park|Princes Park]] abandoned by its long-term co-tenant, Hawthorn. The transition to the use of only two venues in Melbourne was ultimately completed in 2005 when Carlton abandoned the use of Princes Park. In 1999, the league sold [[Waverley Park|VFL Park]] and used the funds in a joint venture to begin construction of a brand-new stadium situated at Melbourne's [[Melbourne Docklands|Docklands]]. Representative state football came to an end, with the last [[State of Origin (Australian rules football)|State of Origin]] match held in 1999.

====2011–present: 18-team era====
In the late 2000s, the AFL looked to establish a permanent presence in [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]], [[Queensland]], which was fast-developing as a major population centre. North Melbourne, which was in financial difficulty and had played a few home games on the Gold Coast in previous years, was offered significant subsidies to relocate to the Gold Coast but declined.<br />The AFL then began work to establish a club on the Gold Coast as a new expansion team.

Early in 2008, a meeting held by the AFL discussed having two new teams enter the AFL competition.<ref>Wilson, Caroline; [http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/its-war-afl-raids-league-heartland/2008/02/15/1202760609307.html Raid on home turf of league] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907171209/http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/its-war-afl-raids-league-heartland/2008/02/15/1202760609307.html |date=7 September 2008 }}; Realfooty.com.au; 16 February 2008</ref> In March 2008, the AFL won the support of the league's 16 club presidents to establish sides on the [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]] and in [[Western Sydney]]. The [[Gold Coast Suns]] were established and joined the AFL in 2011 as the 17th team.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2010/07/23/241201_gold-coast-afl.html |title = AFL |access-date = 6 August 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121005010530/http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2010/07/23/241201_gold-coast-afl.html |archive-date = 5 October 2012 |url-status = live }}</ref> The [[Greater Western Sydney Giants]], representing both Western Sydney and Canberra, were then established and entered the league as the 18th team in 2012.

On 25 April 2013 the [[Westpac Stadium]] in [[Wellington]], New Zealand hosted the first ever Australian Football League game played for premiership points outside Australia. The night game between {{AFL Stk}} and {{AFL Syd}} was played in front of a crowd of 22,183 on [[Anzac Day]] to honour the [[Anzac]] bond between the two countries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Holmesby|first=Luke|title=Riewoldt proud to be part of historic occasion|url=http://www.saints.com.au/news/2013-04-24/riewoldt-proud-to-be-part-of-historic-occasion|website=Official website|publisher={{AFL Stk}}|access-date=27 April 2013|date=24 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023005633/http://www.saints.com.au/news/2013-04-24/riewoldt-proud-to-be-part-of-historic-occasion|archive-date=23 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Caroline|title=We want AFL team: Kiwis|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/we-want-afl-team-kiwis-20130425-2ihk7.html|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=27 April 2013|date=26 April 2013|location=Melbourne|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427070955/http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/we-want-afl-team-kiwis-20130425-2ihk7.html|archive-date=27 April 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

A [[AFL Women's|national women's league]] comprising a subset of AFL clubs began in 2017. Thirteen AFL clubs placed bids to participate in the women's competition. Eight clubs – {{AFL Ade}}, {{AFL BL}}, {{AFL Car}}, {{AFL Col}}, {{AFL Fre}}, {{AFL GWS}}, {{AFL Mel}} and the {{AFL WB}} – were granted licences to participate in the inaugural season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Matthews |first=Bruce |title=Eight teams named for inaugural women's league |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-06-15/eight-teams-named-for-inaugural-womens-league |publisher=Australian Football League |access-date=15 June 2016 |date=15 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616181119/http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-06-15/eight-teams-named-for-inaugural-womens-league |archive-date=16 June 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Six clubs joined the league in the coming years; {{AFL Gee}} and {{AFL NM}} entered the competition in 2019, while {{AFL GC}}, {{AFL Ric}}, {{AFL StK}} and {{AFL WC}} made their debut in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-27/afl-set-to-reveal-new-womens-teams-for-2019 |title=North and Geelong win AFLW expansion race |publisher=Australian Football League |date=27 September 2017 |access-date=14 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102113910/http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-27/afl-set-to-reveal-new-womens-teams-for-2019 |archive-date=2 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> The remaining four clubs—{{AFL Ess}}, {{AFL Haw}}, {{AFL PA}} and {{AFL Syd}}— entered AFL Women's in the [[AFL Women's season seven|seventh season]] in 2022.<ref>{{cite news|last=Black|first=Sarah|title='Changing forever and for the better': Final four clubs complete AFLW|url=https://womens.afl/news/73539|work=womens.afl|date=12 August 2021|access-date=12 August 2021}}</ref>

On 14 May 2017, {{AFL|PA}} and the {{AFL GC}} played the first-ever AFL match for premiership points in [[Shanghai]], China, attracting a crowd of 10,114 at [[Jiangwan Stadium]]. Port Adelaide won the game by 72 points.

In 2020, the AFL season was [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports|severely disrupted]] by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. The first round of matches was played [[Behind closed doors (sports)|in front of no crowds]] due to the pandemic, before the season was suspended on 22 March due to health concerns and strict government regulations on non-essential travel. After nearly two months of planning with the assistance of state governments and health officials, the season resumed on 11 June, with the length of the season reduced from 22 matches per team to 17 matches. The grand final was played in October at [[The Gabba]] in [[Brisbane]], the first time it was held outside of Victoria since the creation of the league due to the spiking cases in that state. The pandemic caused the league to lose out on up to $400 million in anticipated revenue and also precipitated a 20% cut in industry jobs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-rocked-by-huge-job-losses-on-dark-day/news-story/4918197d8fa5b7723d09e263b9a0c4e0|title=AFL rocked by huge job losses on dark day|work=News.com.au|date=24 August 2020}}</ref>

The [[2021 AFL Grand Final|2021 grand final]] was played in September at [[Perth Stadium]] in [[Perth]] because an ongoing [[COVID-19 lockdowns|COVID-19 lockdown]] prevented the match from being played with spectators at the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] in [[Melbourne]], Victoria. It was the first grand final played in Perth and the second consecutive grand final to be played outside Victoria. The event set a new attendance record for Australian rules football in Western Australia, eclipsing the previous record set in 2018 despite not featuring any WA-based teams and being played during the COVID pandemic.

==Clubs==
{{AFL clubs map}}

The AFL operates on a single table system, with no divisions and conferences, nor [[promotion and relegation]] from other leagues.

The league was founded as the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 1897, comprising eight teams only based in the state of [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]]. Over the next century, a series of expansions, a relocation, a merger and a club withdrawal saw the league's teams expand to the 18 teams there are today.

In 1990, the national nature of the competition resulted in the name change to the Australian Football League (AFL). The current 18 teams are based across five states of Australia; the majority (ten) still remain in Victoria, nine of which are located in the [[Melbourne]] metropolitan area. The states of [[New South Wales]], [[Queensland]], [[South Australia]] and [[Western Australia]] have two teams each, while [[Tasmania]] will have a team enter the league in 2028.<ref name="19thteam-ABC" /> The [[Australian Capital Territory]] and [[Northern Territory]] are the only mainland territories not to have AFL clubs, although the Greater Western Sydney Giants have a contract to play at least three home games in the former until 2032, while at least two games per year are played in the latter.

===Current clubs===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style=text-align:center
! rowspan=2 | Club
! rowspan=2 class=unsortable | Colours
! rowspan=2 | Moniker 
! rowspan=2 | State
! rowspan=2 | {{Tooltip|Home venue|Primary venue for home games}}
! rowspan=2 data-sort-type=number | 2024<br/>members<ref>{{cite news|title=AFL club membership sets all-time record|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/1217482/afl-club-membership-sets-all-time-record-in-2024|website=afl.com.au|date=11 September 2024|access-date=11 September 2024|archive-date=11 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911191616/https://www.afl.com.au/news/1217482/afl-club-membership-sets-all-time-record-in-2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
! rowspan=2 | {{Tooltip|Est.|Year of establishment}}
! rowspan=2 class=unsortable | Former league
! colspan=2 | VFL/AFL seasons
! colspan=2 | VFL/AFL premierships
|-
! First
! data-sort-type=number | Total
! data-sort-type=number | Total
! Most recent
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|Ade}}
| [[File:Adelaide Club symbol.svg|20px]] || align=left | Crows || align=left | [[South Australia]] || align=left | [[Adelaide Oval]] || 75,477 || 1990 || — || [[1991 AFL season|1991]] || 34 || 2 || [[1998 AFL Grand Final|1998]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|BL}}
| [[File:Brisbanelions fc icon.png|20px]] || align=left | Lions || align=left | [[Queensland]] || align=left | [[The Gabba]] || 63,268 || 1996 || — || [[1997 AFL season|1997]] || 28 || 4 || [[2024 AFL Grand Final|2024]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|Car}}
| [[File:Carlton 2018 AFL.png|20px]] || align=left | Blues || align=left | [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] || align=left | [[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] || 106,345 || 1864 || VFA || [[1897 VFL season|1897]]<sup>+</sup> || 128 || 16 || [[1995 AFL Grand Final|1995]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|Col}}
| [[File:Collingwood icon.svg|20px]] || align=left | Magpies || align=left | [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] || align=left | [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] || 110,628 || 1892 || VFA || [[1897 VFL season|1897]]<sup>+</sup> || 128 || 16 || [[2023 AFL Grand Final|2023]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|Ess}}
| [[File:Essendonsymbol.png|20px]] || align=left | Bombers || align=left | [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] || align=left | [[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] || 83,664 || 1872 || VFA || [[1897 VFL season|1897]]<sup>+</sup> || 126<sup>†</sup> || 16 || [[2000 AFL Grand Final|2000]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|Fre}}
| [[File:Fremantle Football Club colours.jpg|20px]] || align=left | Dockers || align=left | [[Western Australia]] || align=left | [[Perth Stadium|Optus Stadium]] || 62,237 || 1994 || — || [[1995 AFL season|1995]] || 30 || 0 || —
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|Gee}}
| [[File:AFL Geelong Icon.jpg|20px]] || align=left | Cats || align=left | [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] || align=left | [[Kardinia Park (stadium)|GMHBA Stadium]] || 90,798 || 1859 || VFA || [[1897 VFL season|1897]]<sup>+</sup> || 125<sup>†</sup> || 10 || [[2022 AFL Grand Final|2022]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|GC}}
| [[File:Gold Coast Suns colours.svg|20px]] || align=left | Suns || align=left | [[Queensland]] || align=left | [[Carrara Stadium|People First Stadium]] || 26,157 || 2009 || — || [[2011 AFL season|2011]] || 14 || 0 || —
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|GWS}}
| [[File:GWS Giants Football Club colours.jpg|20px]] || align=left | Giants || align=left | [[New South Wales]] || align=left | [[Sydney Showground Stadium|Engie Stadium]] || 36,629 || 2010 || — || [[2012 AFL season|2012]] || 13 || 0 || —
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|Haw}}
| [[File:Hawthorn Football Club colours.jpg|20px]] || align=left | Hawks || align=left | [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] || align=left | [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] || 83,823 || 1902 || VFA || [[1925 VFL season|1925]] || 100 || 13 || [[2015 AFL Grand Final|2015]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|Mel}}
| [[File:Melbourne Football Club Colours.svg|20px]] || align=left | Demons || align=left | [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] || align=left | [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] || 65,479 || 1858 || VFA || [[1897 VFL season|1897]]<sup>+</sup> || 125<sup>†</sup> || 13 || [[2021 AFL Grand Final|2021]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|NM}}
| [[File:AFL North Melbourne Icon.jpg|20px]] || align=left | Kangaroos || align=left | [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] || align=left | [[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] || 50,628 || 1869 || VFA || [[1925 VFL season|1925]] || 100 || 4 || [[1999 AFL Grand Final|1999]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|PA}}
| [[File:Portadelaidesymbol.png|20px]] || align=left | Power || align=left | [[South Australia]] || align=left | [[Adelaide Oval]] || 66,015 || 1870 || SANFL || [[1997 AFL season|1997]] || 28 || 1 || [[2004 AFL Grand Final|2004]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|Ric}}
| [[File:Richmondsymbol.png|20px]] || align=left | Tigers || align=left | [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] || align=left | [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] || 98,489 || 1885 || VFA || [[1908 VFL season|1908]] || 117 || 13 || [[2020 AFL Grand Final|2020]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|StK}}
| [[File:St Kilda Football Club colours.svg|20px]] || align=left | Saints || align=left | [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] || align=left | [[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] || 60,467 || 1873 || VFA || [[1897 VFL season|1897]]<sup>+</sup> || 126<sup>†</sup> || 1 || [[1966 VFL Grand Final|1966]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|Syd}}
| [[File:AFL Sydney Icon.jpg|20px]] || align=left | Swans || align=left | [[New South Wales]]^ || align=left | [[Sydney Cricket Ground]] || 73,757 || 1874 || VFA || [[1897 VFL season|1897]]<sup>+</sup> || 127<sup>†</sup> || 5 || [[2012 AFL Grand Final|2012]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|WC}}
| [[File:West Coast Eagles 2018 colours.png|20px]] || align=left | Eagles || align=left | [[Western Australia]] || align=left | [[Perth Stadium|Optus Stadium]] || 103,498 || 1986 || — || [[1987 VFL season|1987]] || 38 || 4  || [[2018 AFL Grand Final|2018]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|WB}}
| [[File:Western Bulldogs AFLW icon.png|20px]] || align=left | Bulldogs || align=left | [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] || align=left | [[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] || 62,328 || 1877 || VFA || [[1925 VFL season|1925]] || 100 || 2 || [[2016 AFL Grand Final|2016]]
|- class=sortbottom
| colspan=12 style="font-size:8pt; text-align:center" | ^ denotes that the club relocated from a different state at some point in its existence<br/><sup>+</sup> denotes that the club was a founding member of the VFL<br/><sup>†</sup> denotes that the club did not participate in one or more seasons due to one or both of the World Wars
|}

===Future clubs===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style=text-align:center
! Club
! Colours 
! Moniker
! State
! {{Tooltip|Home venue|Primary venue for home games}}
! Expected first season
|-
! scope=row | {{AFL|Tas}}
| [[File:Tasmania state logo.png|20px]] || align=left | Devils || align=left | [[Tasmania]] || align=left | [[Macquarie Point Stadium]] || 2028
|}

===Former clubs===
Since the league commenced in 1897 as the VFL, only one club, {{AFL|Uni}}, has withdrawn from the competition. It last competed in 1914 and withdrew because, as an amateur club, it was unable to remain competitive in a time when player payments were becoming common;<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Argus|title=The University Team|date=18 September 1914|page=4|location=Melbourne}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Argus|title=Exit University – Football League Retirement|date=17 October 1914|page=20|location=Melbourne}}</ref> the club still competes to this day in the [[Victorian Amateur Football Association]] (VAFA).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vafa.com.au/sections/premier/university-blues/|title=University Blues Football Club|website=Victorian Amateur Football Association|access-date=12 July 2020}}</ref> Two other clubs, {{AFL|Fit}} and the {{AFL|BB}}, merged in 1996 to form the {{AFL|BL}}; however, after coming out of financial administration in 1998, Fitzroy resumed its playing operations in 2009 and competes in the VAFA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24771588-19742,00.html|title=The old Lion roars again as Fitzroy is reborn|first=Damian|last=Barrett|access-date=12 July 2020|date=9 December 2008|website=Herald Sun|archive-date=5 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505050145/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24771588-19742,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style=text-align:center
! rowspan=2 | Club
! rowspan=2 class=unsortable | Colours
! rowspan=2 | Moniker
! rowspan=2 | State
! rowspan=2 | {{Tooltip|Home venue|Primary venue for home games}}
! rowspan=2 | {{Tooltip|Est.|Year of establishment}}
! rowspan=2 class=unsortable | Former league
! colspan=3 | VFL/AFL seasons
! colspan=2 | VFL/AFL premierships
|-
! First
! Last
! data-sort-type=number | Total
! data-sort-type=number | Total
! Last
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|BB}}
| [[File:Brisbane Bears Football Club colours.jpg|20px]] || align=left | Bears || align=left | [[Queensland]] || align=left | [[Carrara Stadium]] || 1986 || — || [[1987 VFL season|1987]] || [[1996 AFL season|1996]] || 10 || 0 || —
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|Fit}}
| [[File:AFL Fitzroy icon.png|20px]] || align=left | Lions || align=left | [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] || align=left | [[Brunswick Street Oval]] || 1883 || VFA || [[1897 VFL season|1897]]<sup>+</sup> || [[1996 AFL season|1996]] || 100 || 8 || [[1944 VFL Grand Final|1944]]
|-
! scope=row style=text-align:left | {{AFL|Uni}}
| [[File:AFL University icon.png|20px]] || align=left | Students || align=left | [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] || align=left | [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] || 1859 || [[Victorian Amateur Football Association|MJFA]] || [[1908 VFL season|1908]] || [[1914 VFL season|1914]] || 7 || 0 || —
|- class=sortbottom
| colspan=12 style="font-size:8pt; text-align:center" | <sup>+</sup> denotes that the club was a founding member of the VFL
|}

===Timeline of clubs===
<timeline>
DateFormat = yyyy
ImageSize = width:1000 height:auto barincrement:20
Period = from:1858 till:2040
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal
PlotArea = right:20 left:0 bottom:50 top:5 #> to display a count on left side of graph,  use "left:20" to suppress the count, use "left:20"<#
Colors = id:barcolor
 id:line value:pink
 id:bg   value:white
 id:AFL value:rgb(0.4,0.80,0.1) # Use this color to denote a team that is a current league member
 id:VFA value:rgb(0.6,0.8,1) # Use this color to denote a team that is a former league member
 id:VFL value:rgb(0.35,0.55,1)
 id:SANFL value:rgb(0.996,0.4,0.4) # Use this color to denote when team that has moved in from a different league was active in the prior league(s)
 id:Interclub value:RGB(0.7,0.7,0.7)
 id:Marker value:rgb(0,0,0)

PlotData =
 width:15 textcolor:black shift:(5,-5) anchor:from fontsize:s
 bar:1  color:Marker from:1896 till:1897 text:  VFL formed (1897)
 bar:1  color:Marker from:1989 till:1990 text:  VFL renamed AFL (1990)
 bar:2  color:Interclub from:1858 till:1876 text:Melbourne (1858)
 bar:2  color:VFA from:1877 till:1896 text:
 bar:2  color:VFL from:1897 till:1990 text:
 bar:2  color:AFL from:1990 till:2024 text:
 bar:3  color:Interclub from:1859 till:1876 text:Geelong (1859)
 bar:3  color:VFA from:1877 till:1896 text:
 bar:3  color:VFL from:1897 till:1990 text:
 bar:3  color:AFL from:1990 till:2024 text:
 bar:4  color:Interclub from:1864 till:1876 text:Carlton (1864)
 bar:4  color:VFA from:1877 till:1896 text:
 bar:4  color:VFL from:1897 till:1990 text:
 bar:4  color:AFL from:1990 till: 2024 text:
 bar:5  color:Interclub from:1871 till:1877 text:Essendon (1871)
 bar:5  color:VFA from:1878 till:1896 text:
 bar:5  color:VFL from:1897 till:1990 text:
 bar:5  color:AFL from:1990 till: 2024 text:
 bar:6  color:Interclub from:1873 till:1876 text:St Kilda (1873)
 bar:6  color:VFA from:1877 till:1879 text:
 bar:6  color:Interclub from:1880 till:1880 text:
 bar:6  color:VFA from:1881 till:1882 text:
 bar:6  color:Interclub from:1883 till:1885 text:
 bar:6  color:VFA from:1886 till:1896 text:
 bar:6  color:VFL from:1897 till:1990 text:
 bar:6  color:AFL from:1990 till: 2024 text:
 bar:7  color:Interclub from:1874 till:1878 text:South Melbourne (1874)
 bar:7  color:VFA from:1879 till:1896 text:
 bar:7  color:VFL from:1897 till:1981 text:
 bar:7  color:VFL from:1981 till:1981 text: Relocated to Sydney, Sydney Swans (1982)
 bar:7  color:AFL from:1990 till: 2024 text:
 bar:7  color:VFL from:1982 till:1990 text: 
 bar:7  color:AFL from:1990 till: 2024 text:
 bar:8  color:VFA from:1883 till:1896 text: Fitzroy (1883)
 bar:8  color:VFL from:1897 till:1990 text:
 bar:8  color:AFL from:1990 till:1996 text:
 bar:8  color:AFL from:1996 till:1996 text: Merged with Brisbane Bears
 bar:9  color:VFA from:1892 till:1896 text: Collingwood (1892)
 bar:9  color:VFL from:1897 till:1990 text:
 bar:9  color:AFL from:1990 till: 2024 text:
 bar:10  color:Interclub from:1859 till:1884 text: University (1859)
 bar:10  color:VFA from:1885 till:1888 text: 
 bar:10  color:Interclub from:1889 till:1907 text:
 bar:10  color:VFL from:1908 till:1915 text:
 bar:11  color:VFA from:1885 till:1907 text: Richmond (1885)
 bar:11  color:VFL from:1908 till:1990 text:
 bar:11  color:AFL from:1990 till: 2024 text:
 bar:12  color:Interclub from:1869 till:1876 text:North Melbourne (1869)
 bar:12  color:VFA from:1877 till:1924 text:
 bar:12  color:VFL from:1925 till:1990 text:
 bar:12  color:AFL from:1990 till: 2024 text:
 bar:13  color:Interclub from:1877 till:1885 text: Footscray (1877)
 bar:13  color:VFA from:1886 till:1924 text:
 bar:13  color:VFL from:1925 till:1990 text:
 bar:13  color:AFL from:1990 till:1996 text:
 bar:13  color:AFL from:1996 till: 2024 text: Renamed Western Bulldogs (1996)
 bar:14  color:Interclub from:1902 till:1913 text: Hawthorn (1902)
 bar:14  color:VFA from:1914 till:1924 text:
 bar:14  color:VFL from:1925 till:1990 text:
 bar:14  color:AFl from:1990 till:2024 text:
 bar:16  color:VFL from:1987 till:1990 text: Brisbane Bears (1987) Merged with Fitzroy
 bar:16  color:AFL from:1990 till:1996 text: 
 bar:17  color:VFL from:1987 till:1990 text:West Coast (1987)
 bar:17  color:AFL from:1990 till: 2024 text:
 bar:18  color:AFL from:1991 till: 2024 text:Adelaide (1991)
 bar:19  color:AFL from:1995 till: 2024 text:Fremantle (1995)
 bar:20  color:AFL from:1997 till: 2024 text: Brisbane Lions (1997)
 bar:21  color:Interclub from:1870 till:1876 text: Port Adelaide (1870)
 bar:21  color:SANFL from:1877 till:1996 text: 
 bar:21 color:AFL from:1997 till: 2024 text:
 bar:22  color:AFL from:2011 till: 2024 text:Gold Coast (2011)
 bar:23  color:AFL from:2012 till: 2024 text:Greater Western Sydney (2012)
 bar:24  color:AFL from:2028 till: 2030 text:Tasmania Devils (2028)

ScaleMajor = gridcolor:line unit:year increment:10 start:1860
TextData =
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</timeline>

{{Font color||{{RGB|178|178|178}}|Non-formal/junior competitions †}}<br/>{{Font color||{{RGB|168|203|253}}|Victorian Football Association (1877) †}}<br/>{{Font color||{{RGB|107|139|251}}|Victorian Football League (1897, later renamed AFL)}}<br/>{{Font color||{{RGB|140|203|55}}|Australian Football League (1990, formerly VFL)}}<br/>{{Font color||{{RGB|223|102|102}}|South Australian National Football League (1877) †}}

† Not all teams shown. These competitions are current.

==Venues==
{{Main list|List of Australian Football League grounds}}

Throughout the history of the VFL/AFL to [[2023 AFL season|2023]], there have been 50 grounds used.<ref name="groundslist">[http://afltables.com/afl/venues/overall.html All venues] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023042344/http://afltables.com/afl/venues/overall.html |date=23 October 2014 }} – AFL Tables. Retrieved 1 November 2012.</ref> The largest-capacity ground in use is the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] (MCG), which has a capacity of over 100,000 people and hosts the grand final each year (see [[AFL Grand Final location debate]]).<ref>[http://www.austadiums.com/stadiums/stadiums.php?id=71 Melbourne Cricket Ground] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004033407/http://austadiums.com/stadiums/stadiums.php?id=71 |date=4 October 2012 }} – austadiums. Retrieved 1 November 2012.</ref> The MCG is shared by six teams as a home ground, while the other grounds used as home venues by multiple teams are [[Docklands Stadium]] in Melbourne (five teams), [[Adelaide Oval]] in [[Adelaide]] (two teams) and [[Perth Stadium]] in [[Perth]] (two teams). The AFL has had exclusive ownership of Docklands Stadium (commercially known as [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] Stadium) since late 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-10-07/done-deal-afl-signs-off-on-etihad-stadium-purchase|title=Done deal: AFL signs off on Etihad Stadium purchase|date=7 October 2016|work=Australian Football League|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007123015/http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-10-07/done-deal-afl-signs-off-on-etihad-stadium-purchase|archive-date=7 October 2016}}</ref>

Prior to the expansion of the competition, most grounds were located in suburban Melbourne, with [[Princes Park (stadium)|Princes Park]], [[Victoria Park, Melbourne|Victoria Park]], the [[Junction Oval]], [[Waverley Park]] and the [[Lakeside Stadium|Lake Oval]] each having hosted over 700 games.<ref name="groundslist"/> However, since the introduction of a national competition, each [[States and territories of Australia|state and territory]] of Australia has hosted AFL games.<ref>[http://www.afl.com.au/venue%20information/tabid/82/default.aspx AFL Venues] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127064136/http://www.afl.com.au/venue%20information/tabid/82/default.aspx |date=27 November 2012 }} – Australian Football League. Retrieved 1 November 2012.</ref> On 25 April 2013 ([[Anzac Day]]), a match took place between St Kilda and Sydney at [[Wellington Regional Stadium]] in [[Wellington]], New Zealand, being the first AFL match played outside Australia for premiership points.<ref>[http://www.saints.com.au/news/2012-09-12/nz-all-your-questions-answered.default NZ: All your questions answered  | St Kilda website. Retrieved 17 April 2013] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411131418/http://www.saints.com.au/news/2012-09-12/nz-all-your-questions-answered.default |date=11 April 2013 }}</ref>

===Current venues===
Below are the venues that are hosting AFL matches during the [[2025 AFL season|2025 season]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:100%;"
|-
! [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]]
! [[Perth Stadium|Optus Stadium]]
! [[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]]
! [[Adelaide Oval]]
|-
| [[Melbourne]], Victoria
| [[Perth]], Western Australia
| [[Melbourne]], Victoria
| [[Adelaide]], South Australia
|-
| Capacity: 100,024
| Capacity: 61,266
| Capacity: 56,347
| Capacity: 53,500
|-
| [[File:2017 AFL Grand Final panorama during national anthem.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:2021 AFL Grand Final, Perth Stadium, Simon Goodwin and Max Gawn hoist up the cup together, 25 September 2021.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Telstra Dome Panoramic.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Adelaide Oval crop.jpg|200px]]
|-
! [[Sydney Cricket Ground]]
! [[Kardinia Park (stadium)|GMHBA Stadium]]
! [[The Gabba]]
! [[Carrara Stadium|People First Stadium]]
|-
| [[Sydney]], New South Wales
| [[Geelong]], Victoria
| [[Brisbane]], Queensland
| [[Gold Coast, Queensland]]
|-
| Capacity: 48,000
| Capacity: 40,000
| Capacity: 37,000 
| Capacity: 25,000
|-
| [[File:Sydney Cricket Ground September 2018.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Kardinia Park crop.png|200px]]
| [[File:The_Eastern_end_of_The_Gabba_at_sunset_during_an_AFL_game.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Adelaide v Gold Coast - Carrara crowd.jpg|200px]]
|-
! [[Sydney Showground Stadium|Engie Stadium]]
! [[Bellerive Oval|Ninja Stadium]]
! [[York Park|University of Tasmania Stadium]]
! [[Manuka Oval]]
|-
| [[Sydney]], New South Wales
| [[Hobart]], Tasmania
| [[Launceston, Tasmania]]
| [[Canberra]], Australian Capital Territory
|-
| Capacity: 23,500 
| Capacity: 19,500
| Capacity: 15,000
| Capacity: 15,000
|-
| [[File:SkodaStadiumSouthernEnd.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Bellerive oval hobart.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs - 31st May 2008 181.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Manuka Oval.JPG|200px]]
|-
! [[Marrara Oval|TIO Stadium]]
! [[Eureka Stadium|Mars Stadium]]
! [[Norwood Oval]]
! [[Traeger Park|TIO Traeger Park]]
|-
| [[Darwin, Northern Territory]]
| [[Ballarat]], Victoria
| [[Adelaide]], South Australia
| [[Alice Springs]], Northern Territory
|-
| Capacity: 12,215
| Capacity: 11,000
| Capacity: 9,700
| Capacity: 7,200
|-
| [[File:Marrara Oval grandstand.png|200px]]
| [[File:Mars_Stadium_Ballarat_(Winter_2022).png|200px]]
| [[File:Norwood Oval NAB cup.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Traeger Park 4916.jpg|200px]]
|-
! [[Hands Oval]]
! [[Lyndoch Recreation Park|Barossa Park]] 
|-
| [[Bunbury, Western Australia]]
| [[Lyndoch, South Australia]] 
|-
| Capacity: 8,000
| Capacity: 5,000
|-
| 
| [[File:Barossa_Park.png|200px]]
|-
! rowspan="4" colspan="2" | {{location map+|float=center|Australia|width=450|caption=|places=
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|31|58|S|115|51|E}}|position=top|label=[[Optus Stadium]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|12|24|S|130|54|E}}|position=right|label=[[TIO Stadium]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|28|0|S|153|22|E}}|position=bottom|label=[[People First Stadium]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|27|29|S|153|2|E}}|position=top|label=[[The Gabba]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|35|59|S|149|8|E}}|position=right|label=[[Manuka Oval]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|41|25|S|147|8|E}}|position=left|label=[[York Park|UTAS]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|34|55|S|138|35|E}}|position=left|label=[[Adelaide Oval]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|38|9|S|144|21|E}}|position=bottom|label=[[Kardinia Park (stadium)|GMHBA]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|37|32|S|143|50|E}}|position=left|label=[[Eureka Stadium|Mars]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|37|49|S|144|49|E}}|position=right|label=[[Melbourne Cricket Ground|MCG]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|37|49|S|144|57|E}}|position=top|label=[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|33|53|S|151|13|E}}|position=right|label=[[Sydney Cricket Ground|SCG]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|33|51|S|151|4|E}}|position=left|label=[[Sydney Showground Stadium|Engie]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|42|50|S|147|19|E}}|position=right|label=[[Bellerive Oval|Ninja Stadium]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|23|43|S|133|53|E}}|position=left|label=[[TIO Traeger Park]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|34|55|S|138|37|E}}|position=right|label=[[Norwood Oval|Norwood]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|33|21|S|115|38|E}}|position=right|label=[[Hands Oval|Hands Oval]]}}
{{Location map~|Australia|coordinates={{coord|34|36|S|138|53|E}}|position=top|label=[[Barossa Valley|Barossa Park]]}}
}}
|}

==Players==
{{See also|List of current AFL team squads|Category:VFL/AFL players}}
[[File:Luke Hodge 2008.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Luke Hodge]], the first pick in the [[2001 AFL draft]]. Hodge has played the most VFL/AFL games of any [[Australian Football League draft#Number-one draft picks|number-one draft pick]] (346 games played), is the only number-one draft pick to win a [[Norm Smith Medal]], is one of just three number-one draft picks to have won a premiership, and has won the most premierships of any number-one draft pick (4)]]
AFL players are drawn from a number of sources; however, most players enter the league through the [[AFL draft]], held at the end of each season. A small number of players have converted from other sports, or been recruited internationally. Prior to the nationalisation of the competition, a [[Zoning (Australian rules football)|zoning system]] was in place. At the end of the season, the best 22 players and coach from across the competition are selected in the [[All-Australian team]].

The AFL has tight controls over the player lists of each club. Currently, apart from the recently added expansion clubs who have some additional players, each team can have a senior list of 38 to 40 players plus 4 to 6 [[Rookie list|rookie players]], to a total of 44 players<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/152285/default.aspx|title=New Tigers unveiled today – Official AFL Website of the Richmond Football Club|date=11 December 2012|publisher=Richmond Football Club|access-date=11 December 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212045641/http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/152285/default.aspx|archive-date=12 December 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> (following a reduction by two of the number of rookies in 2012) and up to three development rookies (international, alternative talent or New South Wales scholarship players).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/2012/MemoRookiesAug14.pdf|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6JoyRrgWr?url=http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/2012/MemoRookiesAug14.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 September 2013|title=Rookie Rule Amendments|last=Anderson|first=Adrian|date=14 August 2012|publisher=AFL|page=3|access-date=11 December 2012}}</ref> Changes to playing lists are permitted only in the off-season: clubs can trade players during a [[AFL trade week|trade period]] which follows each season and recruit new players through the three [[AFL draft]]s, the national draft, the [[AFL pre-season draft|pre-season draft]] and the rookie draft, which take place after the trade period. A mid-year draft was conducted between 1990 and 1993.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/players-trade-surprise-20110805-1iflg.html|title=Players' trade surprise|date=6 August 2011|first=Samantha|last=Lane|location=Melbourne|work=The Age|access-date=3 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812200403/http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/players-trade-surprise-20110805-1iflg.html|archive-date=12 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The national draft is the primary method of recruiting new players and has been used since 1986. The draft order is based on reverse-finishing position from the previous year but selections can be traded. [[Free agency (sports)|Free agency]] player movements have only been permitted since the 2012/13 offseason,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/free-agency-becomes-a-reality/story-e6frg7mf-1225833630075 |title=Free agency becomes a reality |first=Greg|last=Denham |work=The Australian |date=24 February 2010}}</ref> previously having been rejected by the AFL.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/24/1066974315369.html |title=AFL rejects free agency |first=Craig |last=O'Donoghue |date=25 October 2003 |location=Melbourne |work=The Age |access-date=3 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031207235651/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/24/1066974315369.html |archive-date=7 December 2003 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Salary cap===
{{main|AFL salary cap}}
A [[salary cap]] (known as the Total Player Payments or TPP) is also in place as part of the league's equalisation policy; this was $9,130,000 for the 2013 season with a salary floor of $8,673,500 except for the [[Gold Coast Suns|Gold Coast]], whose salary cap was $9,630,000 with a salary floor of $9,171,500 and [[Greater Western Sydney Giants|Greater Western Sydney]], whose salary cap was $9,987,000 with a floor of $9,530,500. As part of the AFL's enhanced equalisation policies, in 2014 the league announced an increase of the TPP for the '''2015''' and '''2016''' seasons. TPP increased an additional $150,000 per club in 2015 above previously contracted amounts, increasing from $9.92m to $10.07m in 2015 and $10.22m to $10.37m in 2016.<ref>[http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-06-04/equalisation-changes-explained The AFL's equalisation changes explained] ({{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605081440/http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-06-04/equalisation-changes-explained |date=5 June 2014 }})</ref>

The salary cap was set at $1.25 million for 1987–1989 as per VFL agreement, with the salary floor set at 90% of the cap or $1.125 million; the salary floor was increased to 92.5% of the cap in 2001 and 95% of the cap for 2013 due to increased revenues. Both the salary cap and salary floor has increased substantially since the competition was rebranded as the AFL in 1990.

Salaries of draft selections are fixed for two years. Salaries for senior players are not normally released to the public, though the average AFL player salary at the conclusion of the 2012 season was $251,559<ref name="afl.com.au">{{cite web|url = http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-01-25/millionaires-club-explodes|title = Millionaires' club explodes|website = www.afl.com.au|first1 = Nick|last1 = Bowen|first2 = Peter|last2 = Ryan|date = 25 January 2013|access-date = 20 December 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131220081232/http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-01-25/millionaires-club-explodes|archive-date = 20 December 2013|url-status = dead}}</ref> and the top few players can expect to earn up to and above $1,000,000 a year.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21424440-23211,00.html?from=news |title = Massive pay hike for AFL top dog |work = Fox Sports |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070328174906/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21424440-23211,00.html?from=news |archive-date= 28 March 2007 |last = Denham |first = Greg |date = 22 March 2007 }}</ref> Upon successfully trading to the [[Sydney Swans]] in 2013, marquee player [[Lance Franklin]] signed a 9-year contract with the club, reportedly worth over $10&nbsp;million and resulting in subsequent payments of $1.8&nbsp;million annually in consecutive seasons.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/afl-clears-buddys-10m-move/story-fnca0u4y-1226735072406 |newspaper = The Australian |title = AFL clears Buddy Franklin's $10m move |date = 8 October 2013 |first = Greg |last = Denham |access-date = 20 December 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140515061116/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/afl-clears-buddys-10m-move/story-fnca0u4y-1226735072406 |archive-date = 15 May 2014 |url-status = live }}</ref> The Total Player Earnings (TPE) – or total amount of revenue spent on reimbursement of AFL listed players – at the conclusion of the 2012 season was $173.7&nbsp;million, up by 13 per cent from $153.7&nbsp;million in 2011.<ref name="afl.com.au" />

In June 2017, the AFL and [[AFL Players Association]] agreed to a new [[Collective Bargaining Agreement|CBA]] deal which resulted in a 20% increase in players' salaries. The six-year deal, which began in 2017 and ends in 2022 means that the average player wage rises from $309,000 to $371,000 and the player salary cap from $10.37m to $12.45m. In 2022, the final year of the agreement, the average player wage will be $389,000 with a salary cap of $13.54m.<ref>{{cite web |first1 = Nathan |last1 = Schmook |first2 = Lee |last2 = Gaskin |url = http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-20/players-get-20-per-cent-pay-rise-in-new-cba |title = Players get 20 per cent pay rise in new CBA |website = AFL.com.au |date = 20 June 2017 |access-date = 20 June 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170620120200/http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-20/players-get-20-per-cent-pay-rise-in-new-cba |archive-date = 20 June 2017 |url-status = live }}</ref>

The breaches of the salary cap and salary floor regulations outlined by the AFL are: exceeding the TPP; falling below the salary floor; not informing the AFL of payments; late or incorrect lodgement or loss of documents; or engaging in draft tampering. Penalties include fines of up to triple the amount involved ($10,000 for each document late or incorrect lodged or lost), forfeiture of draft picks and/or deduction of premiership points. The most significant breach of the salary cap was that of the [[Carlton Football Club salary cap breach|Carlton Football Club in the early 2000s]].

===Demographics===
{{Main|List of VFL/AFL players born outside Australia|VFL/AFL players with international backgrounds|List of Indigenous Australian VFL/AFL and AFL Women's players}}
{{update section|date=August 2022}}
[[File:Shaun Burgoyne 2017.1.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Shaun Burgoyne]], the record holder for the most VFL/AFL matches played by an Indigenous Australian (407). Although comprising only 2.7% of the broader Australian population, Indigenous Australians make up 9% of AFL players.]]
There were 801 players on AFL club senior, veteran, rookie and international lists in 2011, including players from every [[States of Australia|state and mainland territory]] of Australia.<ref>[http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=104876 2011 club lists] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106035358/http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=104876 |date=6 November 2010 }} – afl.com.au. Published 7 December 2010. Retrieved 11 September 2011.</ref> As of 2014, there were 68 [[Indigenous Australian]] players on AFL club lists, comprising approximately 9% of the overall playing population.<ref>[http://aflcommunityclub.com.au/index.php?id=790 2014 Indigenous Players List] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606194335/http://aflcommunityclub.com.au/index.php?id=790 |date=6 June 2014 }}– aflcommunityclub.com.au. Retrieved 5 June 2014.</ref>

There were 12 players recruited from outside Australia on AFL lists in 2011, including 10 from [[Ireland]], all [[List of players who have converted from one football code to another|converts]] from [[Gaelic football]] drafted as part of the [[Irish Experiment]] and one each from the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]. There were also another five overseas-born players who emigrated to Australia at an early age on AFL lists.<ref>[http://www.worldfootynews.com/staticpages/index.php/AFL_players_international_connections Current AFL players with strong international connections] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812005054/http://www.worldfootynews.com/staticpages/index.php/AFL_players_international_connections |date=12 August 2011 }} – WorldFootyNews. Last updated 7 January 2010. Retrieved 11 September 2011.</ref>

An international rookie list and international scholarship list were introduced in 2006. The international rookie list includes up to two players between the ages of 15 and 23 who are not Australian citizens. These players may remain on this list for up to three years before they must be transferred to the senior or rookie list. For the first year, payments made to international-rookie-listed players fell outside the salary cap. The international scholarship list gives AFL clubs the option of recruiting up to eight players from outside Australia (other than Ireland). Irish players are required to either be placed on clubs' senior or [[rookie list]]s.<ref>[http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/20080317000031196 International recruitment about to explode?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605082605/http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/20080317000031196 |date=5 June 2011 }} – WorldFootyNews. Written by Brett Northey. Published 17 March 2008. Retrieved 11 September 2011.</ref> At the beginning of 2011, there were 14 international scholarship players.<ref>[http://www.worldfootynews.com/staticpages/index.php/International_Scholarship_Listed Current players listed via the AFL's International Scholarship List] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903195049/http://www.worldfootynews.com/staticpages/index.php/International_Scholarship_Listed |date=3 September 2011 }} – WorldFootyNews. Last updated 25 February 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2011.</ref>

Of the 121 multicultural players, more than half have one parent from [[Anglophone]] countries, mainly the [[United Kingdom]], Ireland and [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite news|title=A multicultural AFL? Not quite|url=http://www.theage.com.au/comment/a-multicultural-afl-not-quite-20130712-2pvik.html#ixzz2tCInzIJn|work=The Age|date=13 July 2013|first=Ian|last=Syson|access-date=11 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402191025/http://www.theage.com.au/comment/a-multicultural-afl-not-quite-20130712-2pvik.html#ixzz2tCInzIJn|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Season structure==

===Pre-season===
{{Main|Australian Football League pre-season competition}}
From 1988 until 2013, the AFL ran a pre-season competition that finished prior to the commencement of the premiership season, which served as both warm-up matches for the season and as a stand-alone competition.

It was mostly contested as a four-week [[knock out tournament]] but the format changed after the expansion of the league beyond sixteen clubs in 2011 and has frequently been used to trial rule changes.

In 2014, the competition format was abandoned and practice matches are now played under the sponsored name '''Marsh Community Series'''. This consists of all 18 clubs playing two matches each, which are played on some weekdays and weekends, throughout February and early March.

===Premiership season===
{{See also|2025 AFL season}}
The AFL home-and-away season at present lasts for 24 rounds, starting in mid-March and ending in late August. As of the [[2025 AFL season]], each team plays 23 matches, consisting of 11 home games, 11 away games, [[Gather Round|1 neutral game]], and one bye. Teams receive four premiership points for a win and two premiership points for a draw. Ladder finishing positions are based on the number of premiership points won. "Percentage", calculated as the ratio of points scored to points conceded throughout the season, is used as a tie-breaker when teams finish with equal premiership points. Further tie-breakers, if required, are the premiership points accumulated in head-to-head matches between the tied teams and then the percentage earned in such matches, with a final tie-breaker being a random drawing of lots.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/a-coin-toss-how-afl-tie-breakers-work-on-the-final-round-ladder-20190820-p52iyx.html|title=A coin toss? How AFL tie-breakers work on the final round ladder|website=The Age|date=20 August 2019|access-date=16 August 2022}}</ref>

===={{anchor}}Themed rounds and special matches====
[[File:Anzac Day 2011 game 3.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Anzac Day clash]], one of the marquee fixtures in the AFL home and away season]]
{{see also|#LGBTIQ policy}}
Several teams also play against each other at set times each year, with the most prominent of these being when Collingwood play Essendon in the annual [[The Anzac Day clash|Anzac Day clash]] at the MCG.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mcg.org.au/whats-on/latest-news/2019/april/collingwood-and-essendon-leave-lasting-anzac-day-legacy|title=Collingwood and Essendon leave lasting Anzac Day legacy|website=Melbourne Cricket Ground Organisation|publisher=[[Melbourne Cricket Club]]|date=18 April 2019|access-date=7 July 2019}}</ref> Other prominent matches include the [[King's Birthday match (AFL)|King's Birthday match]] between Collingwood and Melbourne and the [[Easter Monday]] clash between Geelong and Hawthorn.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/bartel-easter-monday-is-cats-annual-blockbuster-20140420-zqwwv.html|title=Bartel: Easter Monday is Cats' annual blockbuster|website=The Age|last1=Bartel|first1=Jimmy|date=20 April 2014|access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/afl-broadcast-schedule-big-freeze-at-the-g-queens-birthday-35787981.html|title=Big Freeze 3 at the 'G and the annual Queen's Birthday clash on Seven|website=Yahoo! Sports|date=7 June 2017|access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref>

{{As of|November 2023}} the men's league had no plans to introduce a Pride Round in the men's game, although the [[AFLW]] had established [[Pride Round (AFLW)|their pride round]] in 2021.<ref name=bourke2023/>

There are [[List of individual match awards in the Australian Football League|separate trophies]] for matches between several clubs.

===={{anchor}}Sir Doug Nicholls Round====
[[File:Liam Baker 25.05.19.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Liam Baker]] at a [[Dreamtime at the 'G]] match in 2019. During the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, players wear guernseys featuring specially commissioned artwork by an Indigenous artist]]
Perhaps the most well-known of the themed rounds is the '''Indigenous Round'''. In 2007, following the success of the [[Dreamtime at the 'G]] matches in 2005 and 2006, the AFL nominated a specific Indigenous Round (round 9), which has become an annual event in which the Dreamtime at the 'G match takes centre stage on a Saturday night. The success of the annual match, which now usually features crowds in excess of 80,000, led to the two clubs agreeing to cement the match arrangement for an additional decade in May 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-05-25/essendon-richmond-lock-in-dreamtime-match|title=Tigers, Dons lock in Dreamtime at the 'G|date=26 May 2016|work=Richmond FC|access-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312201139/http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-05-25/essendon-richmond-lock-in-dreamtime-match|archive-date=12 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, the round was named after [[Sir Doug Nicholls]], the only VFL player to have been [[Knight Bachelor|knighted]] and who served as a state [[Governor of South Australia|governor]] (of [[South Australia]]). The round is now officially named the '''Sir Doug Nicholls Round'''.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/28/afl-to-honour-sir-doug-nicholls-in-2016-indigenous-round|title=AFL to honour Sir Doug Nicholls in 2016 Indigenous round|date=28 October 2016|access-date=30 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529025053/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/28/afl-to-honour-sir-doug-nicholls-in-2016-indigenous-round|archive-date=29 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Sir Doug Nicholls Round | website=afl.com.au | date=23 December 2019 | url=https://www.afl.com.au/sir-doug-nicholls-round | access-date=16 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216031538/https://www.afl.com.au/sir-doug-nicholls-round | archive-date=16 February 2020 | url-status=live }}</ref> Each year, each player in all 18 clubs wears a specially commissioned artwork by an Indigenous artist on their guernsey,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-indigenous-guernseys-revealed-and-the-stories-behind-them-20190521-p51pme.html|newspaper=The Age|title=AFL Indigenous guernseys revealed and the stories behind them|first=Charlotte|last=Grieve|date=22 May 2019|access-date=30 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530021800/https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-indigenous-guernseys-revealed-and-the-stories-behind-them-20190521-p51pme.html|archive-date=30 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and some clubs rebrand with Indigenous club names in place of their regular names for the duration.

===Finals series===
{{See also|List of Australian Football League premiers}}
[[File:Premiership Cup - 2019 Grand Final Parade.jpg|thumb|left|The AFL Premiership Cup on display at the 2019 AFL Grand Final parade]]
The top eight teams at the end of the AFL Premiership season compete in a four-week [[AFL finals series|finals series]] throughout September, culminating in a [[AFL Grand Final|grand final]] to determine the premiers. The finals series is played under the [[AFL final eight system]], and the grand final is traditionally played at the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] on the afternoon of the last Saturday in September.

The winning team receives a silver premiership cup, a navy blue premiership flag – a new one of each is manufactured each year – and is recorded on the perpetual E. L. Wilson Shield. The flag has been presented since the league began and is traditionally unfurled at the team's first home game of the following season. The Wilson Shield, named after [[Edwin Lionel Wilson]], was first awarded after the 1929 premiership.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Herald Sun|location=Melbourne|title=Old tradition returns|date=1 September 2016|page=69|author=Gilbert Gardiner}}</ref> The premiership cup was first introduced in 1959 and is manufactured annually by Cash's International at their metalworks in [[Frankston, Victoria]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitchell |first1=Peter |title=Mitch Matters: Brownlow medals are made in Frankston |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/south-east/mitch-matters-brownlow-medals-are-made-in-frankston/news-story/3a04558c7302e64b06c4782de90a1a8b |website=Mornington Peninsula Leader |access-date=12 November 2021 |date=10 September 2018 |quote=Cash’s created the first Premiership Cup in 1959, from a design drawn by then VFL President, Sir Kenneth Luke....Incredibly, that’s not the end of Cash’s work with the AFL. You name any AFL or AFLW award and it is made in Frankston, including the Premiership Cups.}}</ref> Additionally, each player in the grand final–winning team receives a premiership medallion.

==Awards==
[[File:First Brownlow Medal (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|The [[Brownlow Medal]] is awarded the played deemed to the [[best and fairest|fairest and best]] player in the league]]

* [[Brownlow Medal]] – to the [[best and fairest|fairest and best]] player in the league, voted by the umpires
* [[Coleman Medal]] – to the player who kicks the most [[Goal (Australian rules football)|goals]] during the home-and-away season
* [[All-Australian team]] – a squad of 22 players deemed the best in their positions, voted by an AFL-appointed committee
* [[AFL Rising Star|Rising Star Award]] – to the fairest and best young player (under the age of 21 and with fewer than ten games' experience at the beginning of the year), voted by the All-Australian committee
* [[Norm Smith Medal]] – the best player on the ground in the grand final, voted by a committee
* [[Jock McHale Medal]] – the coach of the premiership-winning team
* [[Mark of the Year]] – to the player who takes the best or most [[spectacular mark]] during the season
* [[Goal of the Year (Australia)|Goal of the Year]] – to the player who kicks the best or most spectacular goal during the season
* [[Leigh Matthews Trophy]] – to the best player in the league, voted by the players through the [[AFL Players' Association]]
* [[Ron Barassi Medal]] - to the winning captain in the Grand Final. Introduced in 2024 in honour of the late [[Ron Barassi]], who died in September 2023, aged 87. Ron Barassi was an inaugural member and earnt the Legend status within the AFL Hall of Fame when it was founded in 1996. Barassi won 10 premierships, 6 as a player for [[Melbourne Demons]] (1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, and 1964) and 4 as a coach (2 with the [[Carlton Blues]] in 1968 & 1970, and the other 2 with the [[North Melbourne Kangaroos]] in 1975 & 1977). AFL Chief Executive [[Andrew Dillon]] said, "it was only fitting the Ron Barassi Medal was now etched into our game's history".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/1210945/ron-barassi-medal-to-be-awarded-on-grand-final-day#:~:text=Picture%3A%20AFL%20Photos-,The%20AFL%20is%20pleased%20to%20announce%20the%20introduction%20of%20the,team%20on%20Grand%20Final%20day | title=Ron Barassi Medal to be Awarded on Grand Final Day | date=September 2024 }}</ref>

Other independent [[best and fairest]] awards are presented by different football and media organisations.

===Team of the Century===
To celebrate the 100th season of the VFL/AFL, the "AFL Team of the Century" was named in 1996.

{{Aussie rules team | title = VFL/AFL Team of the Century
| backpocket1 = [[Bernie Smith]] ([[Geelong Football Club|Geelong]], [[West Adelaide Football Club|West Adelaide]])
| fullback = [[Stephen Silvagni]] ([[Carlton Football Club|Carlton]])
| backpocket2 = [[John Nicholls (footballer)|John Nicholls]] ([[Carlton Football Club|Carlton]])
| halfbackflank1 = [[Bruce Doull]] ([[Carlton Football Club|Carlton]])
| centrehalfback = [[Ted Whitten]] ([[Footscray Football Club|Footscray]]) ''Captain''
| halfbackflank2 = [[Kevin Murray (Australian footballer)|Kevin Murray]] ([[Fitzroy Football Club|Fitzroy]], [[East Perth Football Club|East Perth]])
| wing1 = [[Francis Bourke]] ([[Richmond Football Club|Richmond]])
| centre = [[Ian Stewart (Australian rules footballer)|Ian Stewart]] ([[Hobart Football Club|Hobart]], [[St Kilda Football Club|St Kilda]], [[Richmond Football Club|Richmond]])
| wing2 = [[Keith Greig]] ([[North Melbourne Football Club|North Melbourne]])
| halfforwardflank1 = [[Alex Jesaulenko]] ([[Carlton Football Club|Carlton]], [[St Kilda Football Club|St Kilda]])
| centrehalfforward = [[Royce Hart]] ([[Richmond Football Club|Richmond]])
| halfforwardflank2 = [[Dick Reynolds]] ([[Essendon Football Club|Essendon]])
| forwardpocket1 = [[Leigh Matthews]] ([[Hawthorn Football Club|Hawthorn]])
| fullforward = [[John Coleman (Australian footballer)|John Coleman]] ([[Essendon Football Club|Essendon]])
| forwardpocket2 = [[Haydn Bunton Sr.]] ([[Fitzroy Football Club|Fitzroy]], [[Subiaco Football Club|Subiaco]], [[Port Adelaide Football Club|Port Adelaide]])
| ruck = [[Polly Farmer|Graham 'Polly' Farmer]] ([[Geelong Football Club|Geelong]], [[East Perth Football Club|East Perth]], [[West Perth Football Club|West Perth]])
| ruckrover = [[Ron Barassi]] ([[Melbourne Football Club|Melbourne]], [[Carlton Football Club|Carlton]])
| rover = [[Bob Skilton]] ([[Sydney Swans|South Melbourne]])
| interchange1 = [[Gary Ablett Sr.]] ([[Hawthorn Football Club|Hawthorn]], [[Geelong Football Club|Geelong]])
| interchange2 = [[Jack Dyer]] ([[Richmond Football Club|Richmond]])
| interchange3 = [[Greg Williams (Australian footballer)|Greg Williams]] ([[Geelong Football Club|Geelong]], [[Sydney Swans|Sydney]], [[Carlton Football Club|Carlton]])
| coach = [[Norm Smith]] ([[Melbourne Football Club|Melbourne]], [[Fitzroy Football Club|Fitzroy]], [[Sydney Swans|South Melbourne]])
}}

[[Jack Elder (umpire)|Jack Elder]] was declared the ''Umpire of the Century'' to coincide with the Team of the Century. Since the naming of this side, most AFL clubs have nominated their own teams of the century. An [[Indigenous Team of the Century]] was also selected in 2005, featuring the best Aboriginal players of the previous 100 years from both the VFL/AFL and other state leagues.

==Representative football==

===State football===
{{Main article|Interstate matches in Australian rules football}}
State representation football in the AFL initially ended in 1999. The concept has been revived twice since then in 2008 and 2020 when a Victorian state team took on all stars teams (in 2008 against ''The Dream Team'' and in 2020 against the ''All Stars'').<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21284443-5012456,00.html |title=Cornes calls for Origin return |last=Robertson |first=Doug |access-date=13 January 2009 |archive-date=10 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310213753/http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21284443-5012456,00.html |url-status=dead |website=[[The Advertiser (Adelaide)|Adelaide Now]] |date=25 February 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/rodney-eade-supports-return-of-state-of-origin/story-e6frf9jf-1226351811775 |title=Rodney Eade supports return of State of Origin |first=Jon |last=Anderson |work=[[Herald Sun]] |date=10 May 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905172501/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/rodney-eade-supports-return-of-state-of-origin/story-e6frf9jf-1226351811775 |archive-date=5 September 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

====History of the VFL/AFL's involvement====
[[File:Ted Whitten statue.jpg|thumb|upright|Statue of Footscray legend and leading State of Origin proponent [[Ted Whitten]], after whom the [[E. J. Whitten Legends Game]] is named]]
VFL players first represented the Victoria representative team in 1897 regardless of their state of origin.

Being the dominant league drawing many of the country's best players, the [[Victoria Australian rules football team]] (nicknamed the "Big V" and composed mostly of VFL players) dominated interstate matches until the introduction of State of Origin selection criteria by the [[Australian National Football Council|Australian Football Council]] in 1977, after which Victoria's results with the other main Australian football states became more even.

The AFL assumed control of interstate football in 1993{{How|date=January 2023}}{{Explain|date=January 2023}}{{Citation needed|date=January 2023}} and coordinated an annual [[Representative matches in Australian rules football|State of Origin]] series typically held during a mid-season bye round.

However, after the 1999 series, the AFL declared the concept of interstate football "on hold", citing club unwillingness to release star players and a lack of public interest. Indeed, the 1999 series, where Victoria defeated South Australia by 54 points, was played in wet conditions in front of a crowd of 26,063, whereas 10 years earlier, the same match-up with a plethora of star players attracted a crowd of 91,960.

The AFL shifted its focus of representative football to the International Rules Series, where at the time in the late 1990s, drew a greater television revenue. A once-off representative match, known as the [[AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match]], was played in 2008 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the sport between a team of players of Victorian origin and a team of players of interstate origin (the "Dream Team"), which was won by Victoria.

In 2020, the AFL hosted a [[State of Origin for Bushfire Relief Match|special one-off State of Origin match]], with the money raised from the event going towards affected bushfire communities. On 28 February, the game took place at Marvel Stadium, with Victoria defeating an All-Stars team and [[Dustin Martin]] being declared best on ground.

Since 1996, some past AFL players participated and helped with the promotion of the [[E. J. Whitten Legends Game]], although this, too, was put on indefinite hiatus following the 2019 edition.

==Global market==
Although no [[professional sports|professional]] leagues or teams exist outside Australia, the AFL has stated that it wishes to showcase Australian rules football to other countries such as the United States of America to create a global following, thus creating more exposure for its sponsors in the increasing North America markets.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-hopes-to-net-china/story-e6frf9jf-1225857803219 |title=AFL hopes to net China|work=Herald Sun |access-date=30 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615074835/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-hopes-to-net-china/story-e6frf9jf-1225857803219 |archive-date=15 June 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/crowd-packs-stadium-for-first-official-aussie-rules-match-in-india/news-story/f3045e99cdc3e72e1d2d7ef727b85e86 |title=Crowd packs stadium for first official Aussie rules match in India |publisher=Herald Sun |date=27 July 2017 |access-date=27 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731003446/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/crowd-packs-stadium-for-first-official-aussie-rules-match-in-india/news-story/f3045e99cdc3e72e1d2d7ef727b85e86 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 October 2010, AFL clubs [[Melbourne Football Club|Melbourne Demons]] and [[Brisbane Lions]] played an exhibition game in front of 7,000 people at the [[Jiangwan Sports Center]] in Shanghai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/10/18/jurrah-stars-as-demons-win-in-shanghai|title=Melbourne Demons down Brisbane Lions in Shanghai|date=18 October 2010|work=The Roar|access-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917132700/http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/10/18/jurrah-stars-as-demons-win-in-shanghai/|archive-date=17 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> This was the first professional AFL game to be played in China. Since then, AFL premiership matches have been played in New Zealand and China, and the competition developed some interest in North America amidst the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/afl/american-sports-fans-lose-their-mind-over-afl-nrl-action-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/d16ea99e-0217-44b3-bc6d-3b930e1d644b|date=21 March 2020|work=Wide World of Sports|title='About 6 punts a minute': US sports fans fall in love with Aussie footy codes amid COVID sports hiatus}}</ref>

===International Rules Series===
{{See also|International rules football}}
The AFL has garnered increased interest in Ireland due to the introduction of the [[International Rules Series]] played between an AFL-picked [[Australia international rules football team|Australian Team]] (sourced entirely from [[All-Australian team|All-Australian]] players since 2004) and [[Ireland international rules football team]] beginning from 1984. The series is organised under the auspices of the AFL and the [[Gaelic Athletic Association]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aussierulesinternational.com/home/world/europe/ireland/international_rules/croke_park_had_never_seen_anything_like_it|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720005645/http://www.aussierulesinternational.com/home/world/europe/ireland/international_rules/croke_park_had_never_seen_anything_like_it|url-status=usurped|archive-date=20 July 2012|work=Aussie Rules International|title=Croke Park had never seen anything like it|access-date=18 February 2019}}</ref> The game itself is a [[hybrid sport]], consisting of rules from both Australian football and Gaelic football. The series provides the only outlet for AFL players to represent their nation.<ref>{{cite web|title=International Rules history, rules and results|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/event-news/international-rules/history|publisher=.afl.com.au|access-date=3 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403200354/http://www.afl.com.au/news/event-news/international-rules/history|archive-date=3 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> This series encouraged young Irish footballers switching code to join AFL teams because, whilst the [[Gaelic Football]] is strictly amateur, the AFL is fully professional, thus players can make a living out of playing AFL. However, some Irish players fail to make the grade into the very competitive AFL.{{CN|date=April 2025}} This also paved the way for extended news coverage and increased broadcasting in the United Kingdom and Ireland.{{citation needed|date=September 2012}}

Around the same time that the inaugural International Rules Series commenced, [[Australian Football Hall of Fame#Legends|Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend]] [[Ron Barassi]] launched the [[Irish experiment (Australian rules football)|Irish experiment]], which scouted and recruited dozens of Irishmen (usually Gaelic footballers) with potential for crossing over to playing in the AFL. This resulted in successful recruitmant and training of Australian Hall of Famer [[Jim Stynes]] among other successful players.

==Corporate governance==
{{Main|AFL Commission}}
{{See also|List of VFL/AFL commissioners and club presidents}}
[[File:Andrew Dillon (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Andrew Dillon]], the incumbent CEO of the AFL]]
The AFL is governed by directors known as the [[AFL Commission]]. The commission was established in December 1985 and replaced the board of directors elected by and representing the original member clubs in 1993,<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Age|location=Melbourne|pages=37–38|author1=Stephen Linnell|author2=Patrick Smithers|date=20 July 1993|title=United club stand forces AFL to back down on expulsion power}}</ref> after the club parochialism and self-interest which came with the traditional club delegate based administrative structure threatened to undermine the competition.{{Explain|date=January 2023}}{{Citation needed|date=January 2023}}

The commission chairman is [[Richard Goyder]], who took over from [[Mike Fitzpatrick (footballer)|Mike Fitzpatrick]] on 4 April 2017. The CEO of the AFL is [[Andrew Dillon (sports administrator)|Andrew Dillon]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beveridge |first=Riley |date=1 May 2023 |title='Truly humbled': Andrew Dillon appointed new AFL CEO |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/913155/-truly-humbled-andrew-dillon-appointed-new-afl-ceo |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=Australian Football League}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The AFL Administration |url=https://www.afl.com.au/about-afl/afl-administration |publisher=AFL |access-date=23 July 2024}}</ref>

In addition to administering the national competition, the AFL is heavily involved in promoting and developing the sport in Australia. It provides funds for local leagues and in conjunction with local clubs, administers the [[Auskick]] program for young boys and girls.

The AFL also plays a leading role in developing the game outside Australia, with projects to develop the game at junior level in other countries (e.g. South Africa) and by supporting affiliated competitions around the world (See [[Australian football around the world]]).

The players of the AFL are represented by the [[AFL Players Association]], the coaches are represented by the [[AFL Coaches Association]], the umpires are represented by the [[AFL Umpires Association]] and the related media employees are represented by the Australian Football Media Association.

==Audience==
The AFL was the [[2012 Australian football code crowds|best-attended sporting league in Australia in 2012]].<ref>[http://www.convictcreations.com/football/battlestats.html Australia's Battle of the Codes – Statistics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402123416/http://convictcreations.com/football/battlestats.html |date=2 April 2013 }} – Convict Creations. Retrieved 18 February 2012.</ref> According to market research, the AFL is the second-most-watched sporting event in Australia, behind [[cricket]].<ref>[http://www.roymorganonlinestore.com/News/Cricket-and-AFL-dominate-sports-watched-on-TV.aspx Cricket and AFL dominate sports watched on TV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228122855/http://www.roymorganonlinestore.com/News/Cricket-and-AFL-dominate-sports-watched-on-TV.aspx |date=28 February 2012 }} – Roy Morgan Online. Published 25 January 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.</ref> Currently, broadcast rights for the AFL are shared between the [[Seven Network]] ([[free-to-air]]), [[Foxtel]] (pay TV) and [[Kayo Sports]] (internet). In 2019, a record 1,057,572 people were members of an AFL club.<ref>[https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-membership-ladder-2019-carltons-shock-rise-richmond-top-the-chart-sa-clubs-drop-off/news-story/8a5227832e7966699d48c83695ffa9cc "AFL membership ladder 2019: Carlton’s shock rise, Richmond top the chart, SA clubs drop off"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808165505/https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-membership-ladder-2019-carltons-shock-rise-richmond-top-the-chart-sa-clubs-drop-off/news-story/8a5227832e7966699d48c83695ffa9cc |date=8 August 2019 }} (27 September 2019), ''Fox Sports''. Retrieved 27 September 2019.</ref> TV audiences during the [[2022 AFL season]] totalled 125.4 million viewers, with an average of 537,000 people watching each match; the TV audience for the [[2023 AFL Grand Final]] was 4.98 million—plus an additional 756,000 on [[7plus]], for a total of 5.736 million<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Aaron |date=2023-10-01 |title=Ratings {{!}} Seven's AFL Grand Final goes sky high – TV Central |url=https://tvcentral.com.au/ratings-sevens-afl-grand-final-goes-sky-high/ |access-date=2023-10-01 |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-01 |title=AFL grand final ratings fall short of Matildas |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/afl-grand-final-ratings-fall-044741822.html |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hope |first=Shayne |date=2023-10-01 |title=AFL grand final ratings fall short of Matildas |url=https://www.mailtimes.com.au/story/8370077/afl-grand-final-ratings-fall-short-of-matildas/ |access-date=2023-10-01 |website=The Wimmera Mail-Times |language=en-AU}}</ref>—and the game was seen by 100,024 stadium spectators, which was exactly the same as the [[2022 AFL Grand Final]]. Excluding the grand final (which is exclusive to Seven Network in Australia), 54% of viewers watched using the paid services of Foxtel or Kayo in 2022, while 46% watched the Seven Network's free-to-air broadcasts.<ref>{{cite web |title=2022 AFL TV Ratings |url=http://www.footyindustry.com/?page_id=136820 |access-date=9 November 2022 |website=Sports Industry AU }}</ref>

===Attendance===
The following are the most recent season attendances:
{| class="wikitable sortable"  style="text-align: center;"
|-
!Year||Home and Away||Average||Finals<sup>1</sup>||Average<sup>1</sup>||Grand final
|-
| [[2024 AFL season|2024]] || 7,753,251<sup>2</sup>   || 37,455<sup>2</sup> || 533,520  || 59,280 || 100,013
|-
| [[2023 AFL season|2023]] || 7,474,684|| 36,110 || 664,780 || 73,864 || 100,024<sup>2</sup>
|-
| [[2022 AFL season|2022]] || 6,112,431 || 30,871 || 639,980 || 71,109 || 100,024<sup>2</sup>
|-
| [[2021 AFL season|2021]]<sup>6</sup> || 3,976,228  || 19,209 || 272,746  || 30,305 || 61,118
|-
| [[2020 AFL season|2020]]<sup>6</sup> || 826,458 || 6,665 || 206,579 || 22,953 || 29,707<sup>7</sup>
|-
| [[2019 AFL season|2019]] || 6,954,187 || 35,122 || 563,460 || 62,607 || 100,014
|-
| [[2018 AFL season|2018]] || 6,894,772 || 34,822 || 700,393<sup>2</sup> || 77,821<sup>2</sup> || 100,022
|-
| [[2017 AFL season|2017]] || 6,734,062 || 34,010 || 553,818 || 61,535 || 100,021
|-
| [[2016 AFL season|2016]] || 6,311,656 || 31,877 || 558,343 || 62,038 || 99,981
|-
| [[2015 AFL season|2015]] || 6,367,302 || 32,321 || 518,694 || 57,663 || 98,633
|-
| [[2014 AFL season|2014]] || 6,403,941 || 32,343 || 570,568 || 63,396|| 99,454 
|-
| [[2013 AFL season|2013]] || 6,372,784 || 32,186 || 558,391 || 62,043 || 100,007
|-
| [[2012 AFL season|2012]] || 6,238,876 || 31,509 || 538,934 || 59,882 || 99,683
|-
| [[2011 AFL season|2011]] || 6,533,138 || 34,937 || 614,250 || 68,250 || 99,537
|-
| [[2010 AFL season|2010]] || 6,494,564 || 36,901 || 651,764 || 65,176 || 100,016<sup>4</sup> and 93,853<sup>5</sup>
|-
| [[2009 AFL season|2009]] || 6,375,622 || 36,225 || 615,463 || 68,385 || 99,251
|-
| [[2008 AFL season|2008]] || 6,512,999 || 37,006<sup>2</sup>|| 571,760 || 63,258 || 100,012
|-
| [[2007 AFL season|2007]] || 6,475,521 || 36,793 || 575,424 || 63,936 || 97,302
|-
| [[2006 AFL season|2006]] || 6,204,056 || 35,250 || 532,178 || 59,131 || 97,431
|-
| [[2005 AFL season|2005]] || 6,283,788 || 35,703 || 480,112 || 53,346 || 91,898<sup>3</sup>
|-
| [[2004 AFL season|2004]] || 5,909,836 || 33,579 || 458,326 || 50,925 || 77,671<sup>3</sup>
|-
| [[2003 AFL season|2003]] || 5,876,515 || 33,389 || 478,425 || 53,158 || 79,451<sup>3</sup>
|-
| [[2002 AFL season|2002]] || 5,648,021 || 32,091 || 449,445 || 49,938 || 91,817
|-
| [[2001 AFL season|2001]] || 5,919,026 || 33,631 || 525,993 || 58,444 || 91,482
|-
| [[2000 AFL season|2000]] || 5,731,091 || 32,563 || 566,562 || 62,951 || 96,249
|-
| [[1999 AFL season|1999]] || 5,768,611 || 32,776 || 472,007 || 52,445 || 94,228
|-
| [[1998 AFL season|1998]] || 6,119,861 || 34,772 || 572,733 || 63,637 || 94,431
|-
| [[1997 AFL season|1997]] || 5,853,449 || 33,258 || 560,406 || 62,267 || 99,645
|-
| [[1996 AFL season|1996]] || 5,222,266 || 29,672 || 478,773 || 53,197 || 93,102
|-
| [[1995 AFL season|1995]] || 5,119,694 || 29,089 || 594,919 || 66,102 || 93,678
|-
| [[1994 AFL season|1994]] || 4,723,023   || 28,624 || 514,375  || 57,153 || 93,860
|-
| [[1993 AFL season|1993]] || 4,185,388   || 27,903 || 472,101  || 67,443 || 96,862
|-
| [[1992 AFL season|1992]] || 4,332,917   || 26,260 || 481,348  || 68,764 || 95,007
|-
| [[1991 AFL season|1991]] || 3,797,177   || 23,013 || 381,707  || 54,530 || 75,230<sup>8</sup>
|-
| [[1990 AFL season|1990]] || 3,587,495   || 23,295 || 475,790  || 67,970 || 98,944
|}

<sup>1</sup> Finals total and Finals average include grand final crowds.
<br /><sup>2</sup> Record.
<br /><sup>3</sup> Capacity reduced due to MCG refurbishment.
<br /><sup>4</sup> Crowd for the drawn grand final.
<br /><sup>5</sup> Crowd for the grand final replay, played one week after the drawn grand final.
<br /><sup>6</sup> Attendance reduced due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].
<br /><sup>7</sup> Capacity reduced due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].
<br /><sup>8</sup> [[Waverley Park]] was used for the Grand Final due to the [[Great Southern Stand]] at the [[MCG]] being under construction.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/04/20/why-waverley-park-was-such-a-unique-venue/ | title=Why Waverley Park was such a unique venue }}</ref>

===Television===

====Australian television====
{{See also|List of Australian Football League television shows}}AFL matches are currently broadcast in Australia by the free-to-air [[Seven Network]] and subscription television provider [[Foxtel]]. The current deal was announced in August 2015 and covered the inclusive 2017–2022 seasons.<ref name="CurrentTVrightsOverview">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-18/afl-announces-record-breaking-242.5-billion-television-deal/6706738|title=AFL announces record-breaking $2.5 billion television deal, pledges to establish code as Australia's foremost|work=ABC News|date=19 August 2015|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626014116/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-18/afl-announces-record-breaking-242.5-billion-television-deal/6706738|archive-date=26 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, the deal was extended until 2024 inclusive.

The Seven Network broadcasts an average of three-and-a-half games a round; Friday Night, Saturday Night, Sunday Afternoon and any Thursday or Monday Night matches that may occur throughout the year. Channel Seven also airs the AFL Finals Series and the [[AFL Grand Final]]. Foxtel broadcasts every match through their [[Fox Footy]] channels, including simulcasts from the Seven Network except for the grand final, which is aired exclusively on Channel Seven. Foxtel also has the rights to air rounds on their internet protocol television platform titled [[Foxtel Now]], as well as via the sports streaming service [[Kayo Sports|Kayo]].

====Telecast history====
The 1957 VFL season was the first broadcast after the commencement of television in Australia (introduced in 1956 to coincide with the [[Melbourne Olympic Games]]). During the late 1950s and 1960s, all Melbourne stations ([[ABV2]], [[HSV7]], [[GTV9]] and, after it commenced in 1965, [[ATV10|ATV0/ATV10]]) broadcast some games. However, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the VFL was concerned that direct telecasts may affect attendances and stations were only permitted to telecast a delayed replay of the last quarter of games. From 1974 until 1986, the [[Seven Network]] and the [[ABC (Australian TV channel)|Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] (ABC) were given exclusive rights to VFL/AFL games. The only year Seven did not telecast games was [[1987 VFL season|1987]] when the rights were bought by Broadcom, which on-sold the rights to the ABC in Victoria. Seven regained the rights in [[1988 VFL season|1988]] and also exclusive rights.

With the launch of subscription television in Australia, AFL match coverage commenced on cable television. [[Optus Vision]] bid for and won exclusive pay-TV rights from 1996 to 2001, screening coverage on its own 24-hour AFL channel, branded ''Sports AFL'' in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne (where available). The Sports AFL channel was later closed due to financial issues and relaunched in March 1999 as [[C7 Sport]] by the [[Seven Network]] with AFL match coverage also transferred to the new channel. C7 Sport became available in regional areas not in the [[Foxtel]] or [[Optus Vision]] licence area via [[Austar]] soon after the re-launch. The AFL coverage was not available through Foxtel at this time as the Seven Network and Foxtel disagreed on the cost of carrying the C7 channel. These issues regarding C7 and AFL broadcasting rights evolved into a court case between not just the Seven Network and [[News Limited]] but Seven against the owners of the Nine Network and Network Ten in the years that followed.

On 25 January 2001, the Seven Network's main rivals, the [[Kerry Packer]] led [[Nine Network]], [[Network Ten]] and pay-TV's [[Foxtel]] set up a consortium which bid $500&nbsp;million for the right to broadcast the [[2002 AFL season|2002]]–[[2006 AFL season|2006 season]]s inclusive. Seven had purchased a guaranteed right to make the last bid in 1995,<ref name="SevenFox">Day, Mark (1 February 2007); [http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21149551-7582,00.html Pay TV strikes a deal on AFL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218211115/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21149551-7582,00.html |date=18 February 2007 }}; The Australian</ref> but decided not to outbid their rivals.<ref>Reynolds, Fiona (25 January 2001); [http://www.abc.net.au/pm/stories/s238069.htm Seven gives up AFL rights] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619011954/http://www.abc.net.au/pm/stories/s238069.htm |date=19 June 2010 }}; PM (ABC radio)</ref> The games were split between the networks, with Nine screening [[Friday Night Football (AFL)|Friday Night Football]], a live Sunday afternoon game in the east and, if needed, a doubleheader for WA and SA, Ten screened a Saturday afternoon and a Saturday night match, with the remaining three matches shown on Foxtel. Foxtel set up its own version of a dedicated AFL-only channel, the [[Fox Footy Channel]], which showed every game on replay during the week, as well as many news, [[Talk radio|talkback]] and general interest shows related to Australian rules football.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/21/1029114135689.html Live and sweaty] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013095646/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/21/1029114135689.html |date=13 October 2008 }}; 22 August 2002</ref>

When the rights were offered again in January 2006 for the [[2007 AFL season|2007]] to 2011 seasons, Seven formed an alliance with Ten and used its guaranteed last bid rights to match Nine's offer of $780&nbsp;million to win back the broadcast rights in what was the biggest sport telecasting deal in Australian history at the time. After lengthy negotiations, Foxtel agreed to be a broadcast partner and showed four live matches each week, although no longer on a dedicated AFL channel.<ref name="SevenFox"/> Seven took back the Friday night match and only one game on Sunday, while Ten retained showing two matches on Saturdays. Foxtel showed two games on Saturday and two on Sunday, including a late afternoon or twilight game.<ref>Barrett, Damian (20 January 2007); [http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21087638-11088,00.html Foxtel in footy twilight zone]; Herald Sun</ref>

The 2012–2016 rights were bought by Seven, Foxtel and Telstra for $1.25 billion, the biggest sport telecasting deal in Australian history at the time. As part of the deal, Foxtel would show all home-and-away AFL matches live, as well as all Finals bar the grand final, via the resurrected Fox Footy. Telstra would broadcast all matches via mobile and Seven would broadcast three live matches (Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon) and one delayed match (Saturday afternoon). Seven also had the option to on-sell one game a week to either Nine or Ten; this did not happen.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.news.com.au/finance/fans-the-real-winners-as-seven-bounces-footy-rivals/news-story/0951ae6f73fbfff31f8e4fafeb49d35a |title=Fans the real winners as Seven bounces footy rivals |access-date=14 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023120241/http://www.news.com.au/finance/fans-the-real-winners-as-seven-bounces-footy-rivals/news-story/0951ae6f73fbfff31f8e4fafeb49d35a |archive-date=23 October 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://resources.news.com.au/files/2011/04/28/1226046/391336-hs-file-afl-tv-rights-deal.pdf|title=AFL Television Broadcast Rights 2012 – 2016|publisher=AFL|access-date=23 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516040433/http://resources.news.com.au/files/2011/04/28/1226046/391336-hs-file-afl-tv-rights-deal.pdf|archive-date=16 May 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The 2017–2022 rights were re-bought by Seven, Foxtel and Telstra for $2.5 billion, besting the previous deal to become the most lucrative in Australian history at the time. Under the terms of the deal, Seven broadcasts at least three live matches per round as well as all Finals matches, whilst Foxtel broadcasts (or simulcasts Seven's feed) all nine matches per round, as well as all Finals bar the grand final, which is exclusively broadcast by Seven. Telstra continues to maintain exclusive mobile broadcast rights to all matches.<ref name="CurrentTVrightsOverview"/> There are some variations in broadcasting dependent on the relevant [[States and territories of Australia|state or territory]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afl.com.au/tv-radio/20172022-broadcast-rights|title=2017–2022 AFL Broadcast Rights Summary|work=AFL.com.au|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413221730/http://www.afl.com.au/tv-radio/20172022-broadcast-rights|archive-date=13 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The agreement with Seven, Foxtel and Telstra was extended in 2020 by two years to include the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

In 2021 Telstra's AFL streaming service, AFL Live Pass, was removed and replaced with access to [[Kayo Sports|Kayo]], run by [[Hubbl]] (then called Streamotion), a wholly owned subsidiary of Foxtel.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Duckett |first1=Chris |title=Telstra bins AFL and NRL Live Pass streaming for Kayo |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/telstra-bins-afl-and-nrl-live-pass-streaming-for-kayo/ |website=ZDNet |access-date=17 September 2022}}</ref>

The 2025–2031 rights were re-bought by Seven, Foxtel and Telstra for $4.5 billion, once again besting the previous deal to become the most lucrative in Australian history. As part of the deal, Seven would show three-and-a-half games a week on average during the home-and-away season, as well as all Finals and the Brownlow Medal. This includes Thursday Night games for the first 15 rounds of each season and streaming rights to all matches they broadcast via 7+. Fox Footy would continue to show every home-and-away game and every final live bar the Grand Final via Foxtel and Kayo, as well as select matches on Binge. All Foxtel matches will have Fox Footy commentary, including simulcasts of Channel Seven matches, and Saturday matches will be exclusive to Fox Footy for the first fifteen rounds bar any marquee matches. These arrangements differ outside of Victoria, where every local team's match will be broadcast on free-to-air, albeit with Saturday matches on delay for the first eight rounds.<ref>{{cite web |title=Statement from AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan on historic new broadcast rights agreement |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/837391/statement-from-afl-ceo-gillon-mclachlan-on-historic-new-broadcast-rights-agreement |website=AFL.com.au|date=6 September 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Foxtel Group Showcases 2025 Content Slate |url=https://foxtelgroup.com.au/newsroom/foxtel-group-showcases-2025-content-slate |website=Foxtel Group |publisher=Foxtel |access-date=18 October 2024 |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=BINGE to disrupt the streaming game |url=https://foxtelgroup.com.au/newsroom/binge-to-disrupt-the-streaming-game-pushing-play-on-live-and-on-demand-sport-news-entertainment-and-lifestyle-content |website=Foxtel Group |publisher=Foxtel |access-date=18 October 2024 |language=en-AU}}</ref>

=== International broadcasts ===

==== International broadcast history ====
Historically AFL broadcasts in other countries have varied.

In late 1979, the brand new [[ESPN]] cable network signed the league's first international TV contract. Coverage began with the 1980 season with matches airing on late Friday and Saturday nights, sometimes live but usually one or two week tape delayed to up to 2.5 million subscribers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110588904 |title=VFL on American TV |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |volume=54 |issue=16,267 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=9 April 1980 |access-date=14 November 2021 |page=36 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> At the time, reports indicated ESPN paid the VFL nearly $100,000 (the VFL's Australian TV rights deal at the time was just $600,000<ref>[http://www.footyindustry.com/?page_id=597 Timeline of VFL/AFL Broadcast Rights] Sports Industry AU</ref>). The 1983 VFL Grand Final was the first time in history that the Grand Final was broadcast live into the US.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116422971 |title=AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |volume=57 |issue=17,485 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=13 August 1983 |access-date=17 December 2021 |page=43 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> Coverage continued on ESPN until 1986, when the sport was dropped after which it was not broadcast in the US for over a decade.

New Zealand was the second country which held broadcast rights in 1980, with highlight packages with the Grand Final going live into the country.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125621513 |title=Blues set for very tough game with Magpies |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |volume=55 |issue=16,423 |location=Australian Capital Territory, Australia |date=12 September 1980 |access-date=17 December 2021 |page=17 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>

In the early 1990s, American regional sports network [[Prime Sports]] (unrelated to the [[Prime7|Australian regional television network]]) aired Seven's weekly highlight show as well as the grand final. Some other English speaking countries have shown the game, however, it has been since 2008 that channels in other countries began televising matches. From 1998 to 2006 games were broadcast in the United States by the [[Fox Soccer|Fox Sports World]] network.<ref>[http://www.backpagelead.com.au/afl/2585-afl-news-the-day-i-bought-the-afl-rights- The day I bought the AFL TV rights] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411053535/http://www.backpagelead.com.au/afl/2585-afl-news-the-day-i-bought-the-afl-rights- |date=11 April 2013 }}</ref>

In 2007, after the record domestic television rights deal, the AFL secured an additional bonus: greater international television rights and increase exposure to overseas markets, including a five-year deal with [[Setanta Sports]] and new deals with other overseas [[pay-TV]] networks. The deal ended early in 2009 when Setanta stopped broadcasting into Great Britain. ESPN again took up the contract.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/2009080100090050 |title=ESPN picks up AFL in UK and Ireland |access-date=3 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520102652/http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/2009080100090050 |archive-date=20 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Additionally, AFL games can be shown in Irish pubs and sport pubs by request in [[Bangkok]]. Thai's broadcasting rights is under ABC Asia.

==== International broadcast partners ====
The following countries are ranked by the approximate extent of their current television coverage (and whether it is free to air):

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!| Station/Channel || Countries || Free/Subscription || Home & Away || Finals || Grand final || Broadcasting since || Notes
|-
| [[ESPN Africa]] || [[Africa]] || Subscription || Three games per week (live/delay) || Live || || || See also [[Australian rules football in Africa]]
|-
| [[ABC Australia (Asia-Pacific TV channel)|ABC Australia]] || [[East Asia]]<br/>[[Central Asia]]<br/>[[South Asia]]<br/>[[Southeast Asia]]<br/>[[Pacific Islands]] || Free (may require subscription by selected operators) || Six games per week || Yes || Live || ||
|-
| [[TSN2]] || [[Canada]] || Subscription || Two games per week (live/replay) ||  || Live || || See also [[Australian rules football in Canada]], [[AFANA]]
|-
| [[The Sports Network#TSN5|TSN5]] || [[Canada]] || Subscription || One game per week (live/replay) ||  || Live || || See also [[Australian rules football in Canada]], [[AFANA]]
|-
| [[Star Sports (China)]] || [[China]] || Subscription || Three games per week || Live || Live || || See also [[Australian rules football in China]]
|-
| [[Premier Sports Asia]] || [[China]] || Subscription || Two games per week || Live || Live || || See also [[Australian rules football in China]]
|-
| [[Sportdigital|SportDigital1+]] || [[Germany]]<br/>[[Austria]]<br/>[[Switzerland]] || Subscription || Two games per week || Live || Live || || See also [[Australian rules football in Germany]]
|-
| [[Sky Sport (New Zealand)|Sky Sport 3]] || [[New Zealand]] || Subscription || One game per week || Live || Live || || See also [[Australian rules football in New Zealand]]
|-
| [[Sky Sport (New Zealand)|Sky Sport 7]] || [[New Zealand]] || Subscription || Five games per week || Live || Live || || See also [[Australian rules football in New Zealand]]
|-
| [[TNT Sports (United Kingdom)|TNT Sports]] || [[United Kingdom]]<br/>[[Ireland]] || Subscription || Nine games per week || Live || Live || || See also [[Australian rules football in the United Kingdom]]
|-
| [[Fox Sports 2]] || [[United States]] || Subscription || Three games per week, some finals || Yes || Yes || 2013 || See also [[Australian rules football in the United States]], [[AFANA]]
|-
| [[Fox Soccer Plus]] || [[United States]] || Subscription || Six games per week || Yes || Yes || || See also [[Australian rules football in the United States]], [[AFANA]]
|}

===Radio===
The first broadcast of a VFL game was by [[Radio National|3AR]] in 1923, the year that licensed broadcasting commenced in Australia. The first commentator was [[Wallace Shallard|Wallace (Jumbo) Shallard]], a former Geelong player who went on to have a long and respected career in print and broadcast media. The VFL/AFL has been broadcast every year since then by the ABC and (since 1927) by various commercial stations. The saturation period was the early 1960s when seven of the eight extant radio stations ([[Radio National|3AR]], [[3UZ]], [[3DB (Melbourne)|3DB]], [[3KZ]], [[3AW]], [[3XY]] and [[3AK]]) broadcast VFL games each week, as well as broadcasts of Geelong games by local station [[K-Rock (Australia)|3GL]]. (At this time, the only alternative that radio listeners had to listen to the football on a Saturday afternoon were the classical music and fine arts programs that were broadcast by [[3LO]]).

The AFL's contracted radio broadcast partners are:
* National:
* [[ABC Radio Grandstand|ABC Sport]] (broadcasts matches across Australia to selected major cities in ACT/NSW/QLD/SA/TAS/WA)
* [[Triple M Adelaide|Triple M]] [[Adelaide]] *
* [[Triple M Brisbane|Triple M]] [[Brisbane]] *
* [[Triple M Hobart|Triple M]] [[Hobart]]
* [[Triple M Melbourne|Triple M]] [[Melbourne]]
* [[Triple M Perth|Triple M]] [[Perth]] *
* [[Triple M Sydney|Triple M]] [[Sydney]] *
* Community & Local:
* [[SEN SA|SEN SA Radio]] [[Adelaide]]
* [[FIVEaa|FIVEAA Radio]] [[Adelaide]]
* [[4AAA|98.9FM Radio]] [[Brisbane]]
* [[K-Rock (Australia)|K-Rock Radio]] [[Geelong]] *
* [[3AW|3AW Radio]] [[Melbourne]]
* [[1116 SEN|1116 SEN Radio]] [[Melbourne]]
* [[6PR|6PR Radio]] [[Perth]]

* [[Triple M Adelaide|Triple M]] [[Adelaide]] (broadcasts only [[Adelaide Football Club|Adelaide]] and [[Port Adelaide Football Club|Port Adelaide]] matches, including the [[Showdown (AFL)|Showdown]])
* [[Triple M Brisbane|Triple M]] [[Brisbane]] (broadcasts only [[Brisbane Lions|Brisbane]] and [[Gold Coast Suns|Gold Coast]] matches, including the [[QClash]])
* [[K-Rock (Australia)|K-Rock]] [[Geelong]] (includes broadcasts of [[Geelong Football Club|Geelong]] matches)
* [[Triple M Perth|Triple M]] [[Perth]] (broadcasts only [[Fremantle  Football Club|Fremantle]] and [[West Coast Eagles|West Coast]] matches, including the [[Western Derby]])
* [[Triple M Sydney|Triple M]] [[Sydney]] *(broadcasts only [[Greater Western Sydney Giants|Greater Western Sydney]] and [[Sydney Swans|Sydney]] matches,, including the [[Sydney Derby (AFL)|Battle of Sydney]])

====Non-English radio====
The vast majority of radio broadcasting is done in [[Australian English|English]]. However, ethnic radio stations broadcast the AFL in a variety of languages, including [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[Chinese language|Chinese]], [[Greek language|Greek]], [[Hindi]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/am/eam-afl-languages/102915866 | title=Multi-language AFL broadcasts growing | website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | date=28 September 2023 }}</ref> Many also broadcast in [[Australian Aboriginal languages|Indigenous languages]],<ref name="indlang">{{cite web | url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/928077/three-afl-games-to-be-broadcast-in-first-nations-languages | title=Three AFL games to be broadcast in First Nations languages | date=19 May 2023 }}</ref> as the sport is very popular among Indigenous Australians.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Station
! Language
! State/territory
! Reference(s)
|-
| [[Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association]] (CAAMA)
| [[Arrernte language|Arrernte]]
| [[Northern Territory]]
| <ref name="indlang"/>
|-
| [[Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association]] (TEABBA)
| [[Tiwi language|Tiwi]]
| [[Northern Territory]]
| <ref name="indlang"/>
|-
| [[Yolŋu Radio]]
| [[Yolŋu languages|Yolŋu]]
| [[Northern Territory]]
| <ref name="indlang"/>
|}

===Internet===

The AFL's contracted internet/mobile broadcast partner is [[Telstra]]. The AFL also provides exclusive broadband content, including streaming video for international fans, via its website. Telstra also hosts the websites of all the 18 AFL clubs.

However, the website is frequently derided by users for its convoluted [[information architecture]] and [[Software bloat|bloated]] presentation.<ref>[http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=688538 New AFL Website] – Whirlpool forums.</ref><ref>[http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=429368&highlight=website New AFL website – how bad is it?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111174244/http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=429368&highlight=website |date=11 January 2012 }} – BigFooty</ref>

Since 2012, Telstra has broadcast live matches over its [[Telstra#Mobile networks|Next G]] mobile network for a pay-per-view or season fee.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eftm.com.au/2012/02/watch-every-afl-game-this-season-on-your-telstra-mobile-for-50-3792 |title=Watch every AFL game this season on your Telstra mobile for $50 |publisher=www.eftm.com.au |date=13 February 2012 |access-date=15 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321060259/http://eftm.com.au/2012/02/watch-every-afl-game-this-season-on-your-telstra-mobile-for-50-3792 |archive-date=21 March 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Since 2019, [[Kayo Sports|Kayo]] has broadcast every game, except the Grand Final, live. In Feb 2021, Telstra terminated the AFL Live Pass service, replacing it with access to Kayo at a discount for Telstra customers.

Streaming rights outside of Australia for full games are currently held by the Watch AFL subscription service operated by Fox Sports Australia.

==Corporate relations==

===Sponsorship===
The VFL/AFL's competition naming sponsors have been:
* [[Carlton & United Breweries]] (1980–81, 86, 89–94, 2001–03)
* [[Holden]] (1982–83)
* [[Nissan]] (1984–85)
* Sportsplay (1987)
* [[Elders Limited|Elders IXL]] (1988)
* [[Coca-Cola Amatil|Coca-Cola]] (1995–2000)
* [[Toyota Australia|Toyota]] (2004–present)

The AFL's contracted print media partner is [[News Corp Australia]]. The ''[[AFL Record]]'' is a match-day magazine published by the AFL and is read by around 225,000 people each week.

===Membership===
The AFL sells memberships that entitle subscribers to reserve seats for matches at [[Docklands Stadium]] and the [[Melbourne Cricket Ground]] in Melbourne. AFL members also receive priority access to finals. Three levels of memberships are offered, bronze, silver and full (gold). Only full members have guaranteed access to preliminary and grand final matches. Bronze members are restricted to fewer matches at the MCG only.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aflmembership.com.au/join/afl-silver-membership-packages/|title=Home – Australian Football League|access-date=6 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015150301/http://www.aflmembership.com.au/join/afl-silver-membership-packages/|archive-date=15 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Merchandising===
The AFL runs a chain of stores that sell merchandise from all clubs. Merchandise is also available from other retailers.

====AFL World====
A modern museum called the Hall of Fame and Sensation opened in Melbourne in 2003 to celebrate the culture of the AFL and to provide a venue for the [[Australian Football Hall of Fame]]. The museum, a licensed offshoot of the AFL, was originally touted for the MCG but the Hall of Fame failed to receive support from the Melbourne Cricket Club. The new QV shopping centre on Swanston Street was then chosen as the location. However, controversy followed the appointment of an administrator as the museum began running at a loss. Many blamed high entry prices, which were subsequently reduced and the museum remained open to the public. In early 2006 the name was changed to AFL World. It featured various honour boards and memorabilia as well as a range of innovative interactive displays designed to immerse visitors in the experience of elite Australian rules football. It was closed in 2008.

====Video games====
{{Main|AFL (video game series)}}

The following is a list of all the video games from the AFL video game series:
{{Div col|colwidth=}} 
* ''[[Australian Rules Football (1989 video game)|Australian Rules Football]]'' (1989) [[Commodore 64]], [[ZX Spectrum]], [[Amstrad CPC]]
* ''[[Aussie Rules Footy]]'' (1991) [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]]
* ''[[AFL (video game series)#AFL Finals Fever|AFL Finals Fever]]'' (1996) [[Microsoft Windows]]
* ''[[AFL (video game series)#AFL 98|AFL 98]]'' (1997) [[Microsoft Windows]]
* ''[[AFL (video game series)#AFL 99|AFL 99]]'' (1998) [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Microsoft Windows]]
* ''[[AFL Coach 2002|Kevin Sheedy's: AFL Coach 2002]]'' (2001) [[Microsoft Windows]]
* ''[[AFL Live 2003]]'' (2002) [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
* ''[[AFL Live 2004]]'' (2003) [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
* ''[[AFL Live Premiership Edition]]'' (2004) [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
* ''[[AFL Premiership 2005]]'' (2005) [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
* ''[[AFL Premiership 2006]]'' (2006) [[PlayStation 2]]
* ''[[AFL Premiership 2007]]'' (2007) [[PlayStation 2]]
* ''[[AFL Mascot Manor (video game)|AFL Mascot Manor]]'' (2009) [[Nintendo DS]]
* ''[[AFL Challenge]]'' (2009) [[PlayStation Portable]]
* ''[[AFL Live]]'' (2011) [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]]
* ''[[AFL (Wii)|AFL]]'' (2011) [[Wii]], [[iOS]]
* ''[[AFL Live 2]]'' (2013) [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
* ''[[AFL Evolution]]'' (2017) [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]]
* ''[[AFL Evolution 2]]'' (2020) [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]]
* ''[[AFL 23]]'' (2023) [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox Series X/S]]
* ''[[AFL 26]]'' (2025) [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox Series X/S]]
{{Div col end}}

====Gambling====
The AFL is the subject of footy tipping and betting competitions around Australia run by individuals, syndicates, workplaces and professional [[bookmaker]]s. In recent years national website based tipping competitions have started to replace the traditional but more labour-intensive, office or pub run competitions.{{Citation needed|date=May 2016}}

[[Fantasy football (Australian rules football)|Fantasy football]] competitions based on actual player statistics (number of kicks, marks, goals etc.) are also very popular on websites and in newspapers.{{Citation needed|date=May 2016}}

==Activism==
===LGBTIQ policy===
The AFL has declared its support for [[LGBT community|LGBTIQ]] community, organising pride games in June 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-19/afl-pride-game-making-progress-in-fight-against-homophobia/8724542  |title=AFL pride game helping shift attitudes towards LGBTI community, research shows |date=19 June 2017 |access-date=14 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925034038/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-19/afl-pride-game-making-progress-in-fight-against-homophobia/8724542  |archive-date=25 September 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In September 2017, in conjunction with the [[Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey]], the AFL modified its logo sign at [[Docklands Stadium]] support of [[same-sex marriage in Australia|same-sex marriage]] (however, only for 24 hours).<ref>{{cite news  |url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/09/20/same-sex-marriage-afl-redesigns-logo-support-yes-campaign  |title=Same-sex marriage: AFL redesigns logo to support 'Yes' campaign |date=20 September 2017 |access-date=14 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128075855/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2017/09/20/same-sex-marriage-afl-redesigns-logo-support-yes-campaign |archive-date=28 November 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=21 September 2017 |title=The AFL has taken down the 'Yes' logo outside its Docklands headquarters |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/the-afl-has-taken-down-the-yes-logo-outside-its-docklands-headquarters/news-story/5383053cf093dab0abdc45d6305a24b4 |url-status=live |access-date=14 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921010243/https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/the-afl-has-taken-down-the-yes-logo-outside-its-docklands-headquarters/news-story/5383053cf093dab0abdc45d6305a24b4 |archive-date=21 September 2017}}</ref> However, {{as of| 2023}} there has never been an openly [[:Category:LGBTQ players of Australian rules football|gay AFL player]], past or present, making the AFL the only major professional sporting code in the world where this is the case.<ref name="Milligan-2023">{{Cite news |last=Milligan |first=Louise |date=2023-08-21 |title=The AFL's never had an openly gay player. Insiders say a culture of homophobia lingers |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-21/afl-gay-player-culture-homophobia-four-corners/102742466 |url-status=live |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924210442/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-21/afl-gay-player-culture-homophobia-four-corners/102742466 |archive-date=24 September 2023}}</ref> AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has stated that "the pressure and the weight of being... the first AFL player who comes out and plays as an out, gay man" was too much of a burden for the known gay players in the league to come out.<ref name="Milligan-2023" /> The AFL has also stated that it will be "proud to stand shoulder to shoulder" with any player who comes out.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Milligan |first=Louise |date=2023-08-21 |title=There's no openly gay player in the men's AFL. The silence is deafening |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-22/afl-gay-silence-four-corners/102756610 |url-status=live |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925045035/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-22/afl-gay-silence-four-corners/102756610 |archive-date=25 September 2023}}</ref> Former players and officials have suggested that a much stronger reasons for the lack of out gay players is a culture of homophobia and silence within the AFL, with former captain and ally [[Robert Murphy (footballer)|Bob Murphy]] recalling shamefully his offhanded use of homophobic slurs as a young player.<ref name="Milligan-2023" /> Homophobic language remains a problem at games with legal recommendations from the Australian Sports Commission made in 2000 to address this still not implemented.<ref name="Milligan-2023" />

In 2015 the [[Sydney Swans]] played a pre-season game at [[Drummoyne Oval]] against [[Fremantle Dockers]] as a Pride Game. This became an annual event, which has grown from year to year in strength and support. The club has Sydney an official LGBTQIA+ supporter group, Rainbow Swans.<ref>{{cite web | last=Irvine | first=Jason | title=AFL Pride Game remains a continued show of representation and visibility | website=The Inner Sanctum | date=7 August 2021 | url=https://www.theinnersanctum.com.au/afl-pride-game-remains-a-continued-show-of-representation-and-visibility/ | access-date=8 March 2024}}</ref>

In September 2017 the AFL ruled that [[Hannah Mouncey]], a [[transgender]] woman, [[Transgender people in sport|was ineligible]] for selection in the 2018 [[Women's Australian rules football|AFLW]] draft.<ref>{{cite news  |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-17/transgender-footballer-ruled-ineligible-for-aflw-draft/9059108  |title=Transgender footballer Hannah Mouncey ruled ineligible for 2018 AFLW draft |date=17 October 2017 |access-date=14 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109233445/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-17/transgender-footballer-ruled-ineligible-for-aflw-draft/9059108  |archive-date=9 November 2017 |url-status=live  }}</ref><br /> There has been some opposition to the AFL's decision.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://theconversation.com/by-excluding-hannah-mouncey-the-afls-inclusion-policy-has-failed-a-key-test-85900 |title=By excluding Hannah Mouncey, the AFL's inclusion policy has failed a key test |date=19 October 2017 |access-date=14 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123054109/http://theconversation.com/by-excluding-hannah-mouncey-the-afls-inclusion-policy-has-failed-a-key-test-85900 |archive-date=23 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-20/hinds-afl-exclusion-of-hannah-mouncey-from-aflw-highly-damaging/9067542 |title= Hannah Mouncey deserved more than the AFL's policy on the run, writes Richard Hinds |date= 20 October 2017 |access-date= 14 November 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171106064816/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-20/hinds-afl-exclusion-of-hannah-mouncey-from-aflw-highly-damaging/9067542 |archive-date= 6 November 2017 |url-status= live }}</ref>

It has been suggested that the men's game could do more to promote inclusivity, as has been done in the AFLW. The [[Pride Round (AFLW)|AFLW Pride Round]] has been officially held since 2021, although there were individual AFLW clubs who had played Pride games since 2018. The intention of the Pride Round is to celebrate [[gender diversity]], promote inclusion for [[LGBTIQA+]] players, and to help stamp out [[homophobia]].<ref>{{cite web | title=History of AFLW Pride | website=Western Bulldogs | date=18 January 2022 | url=https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1048534/history-of-aflw-pride | access-date=8 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=AFL welcomes first AFLW Pride Round | website=AFL NSW / ACT | date=4 February 2021 | url=https://aflnswact.com.au/afl-welcomes-first-aflw-pride-round/ | access-date=8 March 2024}}</ref> All 18 clubs support the round.<ref>{{cite web | last=Bourke | first=Ed | title=AFL challenged to embrace own pride round | website=The Australian | date=3 November 2023 | url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/aflw-players-hope-afl-can-deliver-own-pride-round-message/news-story/49aaf0625f5c116a4fc15fb92eb20242?nk=7e343132852968b095eea73770a437a7-1709857685 | access-date=8 March 2024}}</ref> {{As of|November 2023}} the men's league had no plans to introduce a Pride Round in the men's game.<ref name=bourke2023>{{cite web | last=Bourke | first=Ed | title=AFL challenged to embrace own pride round | website=news | date=3 November 2023 | url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/aflw/aflw-players-hope-afl-can-deliver-own-pride-round-message/news-story/49aaf0625f5c116a4fc15fb92eb20242 | access-date=8 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Vinall | first=Marnie | title=AFL 2023: League open to dedicated pride round but says no immediate plans to add to existing themed rounds | website=[[The Age]] | date=27 February 2023 | url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-open-to-dedicated-pride-round-but-urged-not-to-rush-in-20230227-p5cnst.html | access-date=8 March 2024}}</ref>

===Voice to Parliament===
The AFL supported the creation of an [[Indigenous Voice to Parliament]], ahead of the [[2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Roy |date=2023-05-18 |title=AFL proud to support Indigenous Voice; Thursday night back in fixture reveal |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-proud-to-support-indigenous-voice-to-parliament-20230518-p5d9dg.html |access-date=2023-05-18 |website=[[The Age]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Lawsuits ==
In 2023, a group of former players began a class-action lawsuit against the league regarding the concussions that they suffered while playing. The case is similar to the cases including cases against the [[National Football League|NFL]] and the [[National Hockey League|NHL]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pearson |first1=Erin |last2=Pierik |first2=Jon |title=Jarman, Schulz reveal brain injuries: Fresh details of AFL concussion class action |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/jarman-schulz-reveal-brain-injuries-fresh-details-of-afl-concussion-class-action-20230320-p5ctmv.html |access-date=8 May 2023 |work=The Age |date=20 March 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Landmark class action chases up to $1bn compensation for alleged long-term concussion damage to AFL players |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/mar/14/landmark-class-action-chases-compensation-for-alleged-long-term-concussion-damage-to-afl-players |access-date=8 May 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=14 March 2023 }}</ref>

In 2023, former female umpire Libby Toovey took the league to the [[Fair Work Commission]], claiming that she was dismissed after uncovering systemic abuse of female umpires by the league.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baum |first1=Greg |title=Sacked female umpire pioneer takes AFL to Fair Work |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/sacked-female-umpire-pioneer-takes-afl-to-fair-work-20230508-p5d6pv.html |access-date=8 May 2023 |work=The Age |date=8 May 2023 }}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal bar|Sports|Australia}}
* [[Australian rules football attendance records]]
* [[History of Australian rules football in Victoria (1859–1900)]]
* [[Rivalries in the Australian Football League]]
* [[Sports attendances]]

; Lists
* [[List of VFL/AFL premiers]]
* [[List of VFL/AFL minor premiers]]
* [[List of VFL/AFL pre-season and night series premiers]]
* [[List of Indigenous Australian VFL/AFL and AFL Women's players]]
* [[List of VFL/AFL players born outside Australia]]
* [[List of VFL/AFL players by ethnicity]]
* [[List of current Australian Football League coaches]]
* [[List of Australian Football League grounds]]
* [[List of sports venues in Australia]]
* [[List of VFL/AFL presidents]]
* [[List of VFL/AFL records]]
* [[List of individual match awards in the Australian Football League]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
<!--see Template:NoteTag for help on how to use this template
{{NoteFoot
|notes =
{{NoteTag|name=where1|Including Fitzroy's victories, 11 in total.}}
{{NoteTag|name=where2|Includes 3 Premierships, from their time as [[Sydney Swans|South Melbourne Football Club]].}}
}}-->

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{official website}}
; Statistics and results
* [http://australianfootball.com/ AustralianFootball]
* [http://afltables.com/afl/afl_index.html AFL Tables]
* [http://www.finalsiren.com/ Final Siren with comprehensive AFL Statistics 1980–2008]
* [http://www.footywire.com/ AFL Statistics by FootyWire]
* [http://www.pro-stats.com.au/ Comprehensive & unique AFL Statistics] by ProWess Sports. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622162625/http://www.pro-stats.com.au/ |date=22 June 2011 }}.
* [http://footystats.freeservers.com/Daily/Diary.html Footystats Diary: AFL records/results/analysis plus news digest]
* [http://www.austadiums.com/sport/comp.php?sid=1 AFL on Austadiums]

; Major AFL news websites
* [http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/ The Age Footy News]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725045941/http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/ |date=25 July 2008 }}.
* [http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/ ''Herald Sun'' Footy News]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820080427/http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/ |date=20 August 2008 }}.
* [http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/ Fox Sports Australia AFL news]

{{Clear}}
{{Australian Football League}}
{{AFL Women's}}
{{AFL reserves}}
{{AFL Under-19s}}
{{Australian rules football}}
{{Sports leagues of Australia}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Australian Football League| ]]
[[Category:Professional sports leagues in Australia]]
[[Category:Seven Sport]]
[[Category:Australian rules football competitions in Australia]]
[[Category:1897 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Sports leagues established in 1897]]
[[Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines]]