This week the AFL released its 2025 participation data, confirming that Aussie Rules has hit a national record of 625,000 participants.
Queensland has become the second-largest state for participation behind Victoria, with more than 91,000 Queenslanders involved in the game this year. Women’s participation grew by 14% nationwide and now represents 25% of all participants.
In 2025, Southport also reached a club participation record, with 769 players across our junior and senior programmes — a 5% increase on 2024. This growth continues to be driven by female participation, with 42% of all Southport Sharks participants now being female.
Female participation at Southport grew by 10% this year, rising to 323 players. Since 2019, female participation at the club has increased by an extraordinary 240%.
A major catalyst has been the introduction of the senior women’s programme in 2020. Since then, Southport has become a recognised powerhouse in women’s Aussie Rules, with 15 players signing with AFLW clubs in the past five years. The Sharks have also claimed two QFAW Division 1 premierships, three QAFLW Reserves premierships and two QAFLW Senior premierships.
Southport Sharks CEO Dean Bowtell said, “It is amazing to see Aussie Rules participation growing so rapidly, especially here in Queensland. The growth of women’s football has also been incredible. We are really proud of our female football pathway — from Auskick right through to AFLW — and it has been fantastic to see so many of our girls achieve their dream of becoming AFLW players.
“Our Masterplan will be a game-changer for female sport, providing dedicated training and competition facilities on the Gold Coast to support the continued rise of women’s sport.”
“Participation growth is only made possible by the generous support of so many volunteers who put in countless hours behind the scenes, and I want to thank every one of you for everything you do.”
Photo Credit: AFL
Similar Articles
These articles are similar to the one you are reading.
Southport Sharks is marking International Women’s Day by celebrating the women who contribute to the organisation every day.
Sharky hit the track! Southport Sharks were proud to be part of the Gold Coast Recreation & Sport Inc Annual Athletics Championships, where young athletes with disabilities got the chance to compete, shine, and celebrate sport.
The Southport Sharks would like to congratulate VFL Vice-Captain Zac Foot who is set to play his 50th game for the club this Saturday against the Gold Coast Suns.
Southport Sharks’ new DOSA is now open — a spacious, light-filled area with lounge seating, bar tables, and permanent overhead heaters. Accessible to the left, past the Gaming Cashier via button-operated doors.
Southport Sharks is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting Laneway Festival on Saturday, 7 February 2026!
Since 2007, Laneway Festival has been a leader in the Brisbane summer cultural calendar, and for the first time the Gold Coast will now become the home of this iconic event.
As an over 1...
Southport Sharks has been named a finalist for Gold Coast’s Best Sporting Club at the 57th Gold Coast Sports Awards
Southport Sharks has been named the 2025 Gold Coast Club of the Year at the 57th Gold Coast Sports Awards, proudly presented by Triple M.
Bridging the gap between education and real-world experience. Through our Community Study and Development Program, Southport Sharks has partnered with Griffith University to provide students with valuable, hands-on hospitality and marketing experience.
Southport Sharks has always believed in the power of community, and at Gold Coast Hospital Foundation's donor event, we saw just how far that impact reaches.
Be Here to Hear, Because a Conversation Could Change a Life
Sustainability and sport go hand in hand. Southport Sharks has teamed up with Sports Environment Alliance (SEA) to champion eco-friendly initiatives and create a greener future for our community.
Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained and yourself sane these Easter school holidays? We’ve got you covered.
