Footy participation soars across Tasmania as Devils excitement builds

New data from AFL Tasmania has the introduction of the Devils as the AFL’s 19th team is having a major impact at community level. See the numbers behind the rise.

Tasmania has seen a significant growth in junior participation in SuperKick and AusKick kids. Picture: Jacob Doole

Footy participation is surging across the state according to new data from AFL Tasmania.

Since the announcement of the Tasmania Devils as the AFL’s 19th team, participation has risen by 45 per cent according to the state’s governing body.

As the Tasmanian Government upper house prepares to vote on the Macquarie Point Stadium project, which will be critical to deciding the Devils’ future, AFL Tas has revealed Auskick has also grown by 65 per cent in the last two years.

Community footy participation grew 13 per cent alone in 2025.

AFL Tasmania’s community football manager Tom Barwick said there were no signs numbers would be slowing down.

AFL Tasmania's community football manager Tom Barwick (middle back) with Auskick kids. Picture: Jacob Doole

“There has never been a better time to play footy in Tasmania and the numbers show the excitement is palpable right across our communities,” Barwick said.

“A big thank you must go to our associations and clubs, and of course the mums and dads. Volunteers drive our game, and this growth is only possible because of the many passionate footy people who make it happen.

Tasmania has seen a significant growth in junior participation in SuperKick and AusKick kids. Picture: Jacob Doole

“More girls and boys than ever are joining their local Auskick and Superkick centres and we’re pleased to see more girls realising their passion for our game.

“Inside two years since the Devils were launched participation has soared by 45 per cent and Auskick continues to explode with a 65 per cent jump across two football seasons.

“We have also seen a whopping 77 per cent increase in Superkick from 2024 is a demonstration of the eagerness for footy as excitement around Devils grows stronger.

“Our vision is for footy to be the heartbeat of all Tasmanian communities and this year’s growth shows that we’re well on our way.”

AFL Superkick, which are one hour sessions focusing on skills games and activities, has experienced a 140 per cent increase in the southern region alone.

Girls make up 39 per cent of participants in the program.

Originally published as Footy participation soars across Tasmania as Devils excitement builds