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.
Celebrate Box Coffee's 11th Birthday with free coffee, free food, a live DJ and the chance to take home $500 cash!
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.
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 has been named a finalist for Gold Coast’s Best Sporting Club at the 57th Gold Coast Sports Awards
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.
A new chapter in our commitment to community care. Southport Sharks is proud to expand our partnership with the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation, with Mantra at Sharks now serving as the Foundation’s Emergency Accommodation Provider.
One night in a cardboard box to make a real impact. Southport Sharks CEO Dean Bowtell is stepping up to support homeless Australians, participating in the St Vincent de Paul CEO Sleepout at Cbus Stadium.
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.
Southport Sharks proudly donated $9,828 to headspace Southport, supporting youth mental health initiatives, social programs, and community engagement to help young people build resilience and connection.
The Northern Gold Coast’s newest go-to hotspot for margaritas and mezcal, tequila and tacos, Kaktus Bar, will officially open next week, on Thursday 18 December 2025.
Be Here to Hear, Because a Conversation Could Change a Life
Saturday 7 February 2026 will go down as a historic day not only for Southport Sharks, but for the entire City of Gold Coast.
In a major coup for the region, Southport Sharks hosted the Queensland leg of Laneway Festival for the first time in the 21-year tenure of the event.
Over 37,000 ...
