AFL in 2026: Growth, Big Money, Grassroots Passion & Why Footy Feels Bigger Than Ever
If you live in Australia, chances are you’ve heard someone talking about AFL this week. It might be at work, at a café, on social media, or even in your own living room. Australian Rules Football isn’t just trending — it’s shaping conversations across the country.
As we move deeper into 2026, AFL continues to grow in ways that feel exciting, powerful, and deeply connected to Australian culture. From record participation numbers to rising player salaries and stronger community programs, the game is evolving fast.
And honestly? It feels like footy matters more than ever.
Let’s break down what’s happening — and why it’s important.
Player Salaries Are Rising — And Everyone’s Talking About It
One of the biggest talking points right now is money.
A record number of AFL players now earn over $1 million per season. That’s a huge shift from even a decade ago. The average player salary has also climbed significantly, reflecting the league’s growing financial strength.
For young athletes, this news feels inspiring. When I was younger, kicking the footy around with friends, becoming a professional player felt like a distant dream. Today, that dream looks more realistic — and more financially rewarding — than ever before.
Clubs now operate in a more professional environment. They invest heavily in player development, sports science, coaching, and welfare programs. Higher salaries reflect the physical demands, training intensity, and public pressure that elite players handle every week.
Of course, rising pay also sparks debate. Some fans wonder whether large contracts could create imbalance between clubs. Others ask whether teams might focus too heavily on star players instead of teamwork. These discussions aren’t negative — they show how deeply people care about the fairness and long-term health of the game.
Overall, though, most supporters see this as a sign of progress. AFL continues to strengthen its position as one of Australia’s most powerful sporting competitions.
Participation Numbers Are Breaking Records
Here’s something even more impressive than big salaries: more Australians are playing footy than ever before.
Grassroots participation has reached record levels. Hundreds of thousands of boys, girls, men, and women now register each year to play Australian Rules Football. Local clubs feel busier. Junior programs fill up quickly. Community ovals host games nearly every weekend.
I’ve noticed this personally. Drive past almost any suburban oval on a Saturday morning and you’ll see kids in oversized guernseys chasing the ball with huge smiles. Parents cheer from the sidelines. Volunteers cook sausages at the canteen. It feels alive.
Women’s and girls’ participation continues to grow rapidly. The AFLW pathway has encouraged more young girls to see football as their sport too. That shift has changed the culture of the game in a positive way. It feels more inclusive, more welcoming, and more reflective of modern Australia.
Junior programs also continue to thrive. Entry-level initiatives introduce kids to footy in a safe, supportive environment. They focus on skills, teamwork, and fun rather than pressure. That approach builds confidence early and creates lifelong fans.
Participation growth matters because it protects the future of the sport. Today’s Auskick player could become tomorrow’s professional star — or simply a lifelong supporter who keeps local clubs alive.
Strong Financial Results Show a Healthy League
Behind the scenes, the AFL remains financially strong. The league has reported healthy operating results and stable revenue growth. Club memberships continue to rise, and attendance numbers remain impressive.
Large crowds at major matches show that fans still love the live experience. There’s nothing quite like sitting in a packed stadium when the game sits on a knife’s edge in the final minutes. The tension, the noise, the shared emotion — television simply can’t replicate it.
Membership numbers tell another story. More Australians are committing to their clubs long term. That loyalty creates stability and allows teams to invest confidently in facilities, youth programs, and community outreach.
Financial stability doesn’t just benefit elite players. It flows back into development programs, facility upgrades, and regional support initiatives. That balance between professional success and grassroots investment keeps the system strong.
Community Investment Is Strengthening Local Football
One of the most encouraging trends this year involves direct investment in local communities.
The league and its partners continue to fund grassroots programs, regional facilities, and youth pathways. These investments help rural towns maintain their footy clubs — which often act as the social heart of the community.
In many regional areas, the local football club serves as more than a sporting venue. It’s where families gather. It’s where friendships form. It’s where communities connect.
I’ve visited small towns where match day feels like a festival. Everyone shows up — from toddlers to grandparents. When funding supports better lighting, safer grounds, or new equipment, it strengthens that entire social ecosystem.
That’s what makes AFL unique. It doesn’t only thrive in major cities. It connects urban stadiums with dusty regional ovals across the country.
AFL’s National Expansion Continues
Historically, Australian Rules Football dominated Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. But today, the game is expanding further into Queensland, New South Wales, and the ACT.
Participation in northern states continues to rise steadily. More schools now include AFL in physical education programs. Local competitions attract growing numbers of young players.
Professional clubs in these regions actively promote the game through clinics, school visits, and development academies. They don’t simply rely on match-day success. They build relationships.
This expansion strengthens AFL’s national identity. It moves the sport beyond state-based tradition and reinforces its position as a truly Australian game.
Cultural Conversations Are Evolving
Modern AFL doesn’t ignore social issues. Players and clubs increasingly speak about identity, inclusion, and respect. The league promotes diversity and works to create safe environments for athletes and fans alike.
These conversations matter. Sport influences culture, especially among young people. When players share personal experiences or advocate for inclusivity, they help build understanding across communities.
The AFL has also supported Indigenous recognition initiatives and multicultural engagement programs. Celebrating diversity strengthens the sport’s connection to modern Australia.
Footy has always brought people together. Today, it does so with greater awareness and responsibility.
Why AFL Still Feels Personal
Despite the financial headlines and national expansion, AFL still feels deeply personal.
It’s the smell of freshly cut grass at a local oval.
It’s the nervous energy before a finals match.
It’s the joy of kicking your first goal in a junior game.
I still remember the first time I attended a live AFL match. The crowd erupted after a spectacular mark, and I felt goosebumps. That moment turned me from a casual viewer into a lifelong fan.
Many Australians share similar memories. Footy creates experiences that stay with you.
That emotional connection explains why AFL trends so strongly every season. It isn’t just about statistics or salary caps. It’s about shared identity.
Looking Ahead: What 2026 Could Bring
As the 2026 season progresses, several themes will likely dominate discussion:
Competitive balance between top clubs
Continued growth of AFLW
Expansion of grassroots programs
Financial sustainability
Stronger engagement in emerging states
The league stands at an interesting point. It balances tradition with modernisation. It honours history while building new pathways.
If current trends continue, AFL will remain Australia’s leading winter sport for years to come.
Final Thoughts
AFL in 2026 represents more than a professional sports league. It reflects Australia’s evolving culture, economy, and community values.
Player salaries show financial growth.
Participation records show grassroots strength.
Community investment shows responsibility.
National expansion shows ambition.
Most importantly, the passion remains unchanged.
Footy still unites families. It still fills stadiums. It still sparks debates at dinner tables and barbecues.
And as long as kids continue to chase a Sherrin across suburban ovals, AFL will keep thriving.
Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or someone newly curious about the game, this season feels like an exciting chapter in Australian football history.
Footy isn’t slowing down — it’s just getting started.
