Image: David Mariuz SANFL
South Australia is witnessing an increase in Australian Rules football participation, hitting a new record with 70,500 individuals engaged in the sport in 2025. These figures surpass the previous record of 66,700 participants set just a year earlier. This milestone highlights a year-on-year growth rate of six per cent, significantly driven by the continuous success of the AFL Gather Round initiative, now in its third year.
A considerable boost in engagement was observed specifically in the SANFL Schools Competitions, which saw participation from over 2,400 primary school children across metropolitan regions, an increase of 190 per cent from 2024. This dramatic rise followed the introduction of the SANFL’s Gather Round School Competition in March. This new format, a nine-a-side game, spanned four weeks and concluded with more than 400 boys and girls playing their final matches as pre-game entertainment at significant AFL fixtures at Adelaide Oval and Norwood Oval.
The SANFL’s junior programs have also recorded significant increases. The NAB AFL Auskick, which targets children from the age of five, continues to expand, with registrations exceeding 13,000. More remarkable is the growth of NAB AFL Superkick, described as Auskick’s ‘older sibling’ for children aged seven to 14. In 2025, this segment experienced a 145 per cent increase in participation, tallying over 1,900 young players. The introduction of all-girls Superkick programs has led to an increase in female participation, with over 700 girls registering, a 270 per cent increase.
Matt Duldig, SANFL Executive General Manager Football, shared, “We set an ambitious target of reaching over 70,000 registered participants in South Australia and we are absolutely thrilled to have reached this all-time number.
“Grassroots community football is the heartbeat of our great national game, and Gather Round provides SANFL with an incredible opportunity to fulfill our vision of making footy the game loved by all South Australians.”
Matt says the success is not just in participation numbers but also in the comprehensive execution of various programs aimed at deepening engagement with the sport. He emphasised the expansion of programs like the SANFL Schools Competitions, which have been critical in connecting more of the state’s youth with football. “Community footy continues to be the lifeblood of the game in South Australia with over 52,000 footballers playing each weekend at footy clubs right across the State.
“We are committed to working closely with the AFL to do everything possible to continue to build on this success and grow the game even more in the future, ensuring that our game is inclusive and accessible to everyone.”
Looking forward, SANFL is committed to further enhancing these initiatives, working in close collaboration with the AFL. Their joint efforts aim to ensure the sport’s continuous growth and to maintain its inclusivity and accessibility.
Registrations are already underway for the 2026 Term 1 NAB AFL Auskick and NAB AFL Superkick clinics. Participants who register will receive a welcome gift pack.
For more information, click here.
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