Big jump in participation in Aussie rules in Queensland

Participation in AFL programs is up across the board in Queensland, and the league says it is just the start.

Auskickers pose with Ben King and Claudia Whitfort of the Suns and Daniel Rich and Natalie Grider of the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/Getty Images

AFL Queensland has smashed its all-time participation record this year with more than 68,000 registered participants – an increase of almost 10,000 on 2022.

Head of AFL Queensland Trisha Squires on Thursday revealed Queensland was the fastest-growing state for participation in the country, with a “12 to 13 per cent” year-on-year increase.

The landmark total of 68,000 takes in Auskick and community football participation and does not include the 35,000 boys and girls registered to school-based competitions across the state.

As part of Thursday’s announcement, Squires revealed the Auskick program had ticked over 125,000 participants nationally, with 30,000 of those from Queensland.

She stressed the Auskick numbers consisted of opt-in, registered participants only.

“In southeast Queensland we’re seeing a lot of growth in the junior and youth competitions, which is a 40 per cent increase on 2019,” Squires said.

“There’s a 12 per cent increase in youth boys and 10 per cent increase in female participation across the state.

“We are the fastest-growing AFL state across the country. It’s something we are really proud of.

“To grow 12 to 13 per cent in one year – generally if we grow two to three per cent that’s pretty standard for most states, so we are certainly the fastest growing state across Australia.”

The Brisbane Lions’ move to Springfield has coincided with a massive 45 per cent boost to Auskick participation in the Western Corridor, making it the fastest growing region in the state, while the Gold Coast enjoyed a 37 per cent uptick in participation year-on-year.

“It’s a very significant increase,” Squires said.

“More people are playing our game than ever before and that’s something we’re really proud of, and we see our game booming here in Queensland.

“AFL is one of the most popular sports here in Queensland and we’re continuing to grow.”

Originally published as Big jump in participation in Aussie rules in Queensland