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 excited to reintroduce our Community Benefits Fund, with Macleods Refuge as our newest charity partner. This Gold Coast-based not-for-profit provides safe emergency accommodation for women and children escaping family violence.
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...
Be Here to Hear, Because a Conversation Could Change a Life
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.
Over 12 hours, our team and members will take on a continuous bike challenge — with someone riding every 30 minutes — to raise awareness and funds for those who need it most.
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.
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.
Southport Sharks has been named a finalist for Gold Coast’s Best Sporting Club at the 57th Gold Coast Sports Awards
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.
Southport Sharks is marking International Women’s Day by celebrating the women who contribute to the organisation every day.
Southport Sharks and Laneway Festival confirm the music festival will return to Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds in 2027 following a stint on the Gold Coast which attracted more than 30,000 people and reinforced the city’s long-term opportunity to host major cultural events.
Laneway Festival thank...
Celebrate Box Coffee's 11th Birthday with free coffee, free food, a live DJ and the chance to take home $500 cash!
