In 1989, with the agreement of clubs and in parallel with the commencement of a new governance structure under an independent Commission, the Victorian Football League evolved into the AFL and the league expanded into a national competition.

Since then, Australia’s only indigenous football code has experienced unprecedented growth in popularity and participation, and has seen the establishment of two new clubs in Queensland and New South Wales as part of the AFL’s efforts to cement its position as ‘Australia’s Game’ across the nation.

The AFL now has 18 clubs located in five States and during the season holds matches each week in front of big crowds at first class stadiums and to huge television audiences. There has also been success in growing the game beyond Australia’s shores.

While much of the AFL’s growth has been underpinned by lucrative broadcast rights agreements and other commercial arrangements, its real success has been in engaging with the community at all levels. By working collaboratively with clubs, players and community leagues as well as governments and other stakeholders, the AFL has used its position to lead the way on a number of key social issues, particularly the promotion of diversity and inclusion, and ending violence against women.