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
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