The AFL upgraded football in New South Wales, creating a top-line competition in a bid to boost the growth of Sydney's pathways to the elite level.
The Sydney Football League (SFL), beginning in 2027, will feature nine clubs that have been granted a license after being assessed by NSW footy heavyweights, including AFL Commissioner Andrew Ireland and Sydney premiership coach John Longmire.
The premise behind the new league is to ensure local talent remain in the state, with fears growing surrounding state leagues like the VFL, WAFL and SANFL picking up those who don't find their way onto a list.
Swans veteran Dane Rampe is the perfect example of how the SFL will benefit football in the state.
Passed over as a teenager, Rampe ventured to the VFL and spent three seasons with Williamstown before returning to dominate the local Sydney competition with UNSW-Eastern Suburbs. He was eventually drafted via the AFL Rookie Draft in ahead of the 2023 season, launching a stellar career consisting of captaincy, an All-Australian blazer, a best and fairest and 285 games and counting.
The SFL will sit on the same level as leagues like Queensland's QAFL and complement existing pathways such as the Talent League, with four divisions: Senior Men's, Senior Women's, Under 19.5 Men's and Under 20 Women's.
“The AFL has a long-term commitment to grow Australian Rules Football in New South Wales, and the Sydney Football League represents a significant investment by the AFL in the state's football landscape," AFL chief operating officer (COO) Tom Harley said.
“The depth of talent emerging from the state is undeniable. We are seeing more AFL and AFLW draftees from New South Wales, more local coaches progressing through the talent pathway and more officials making an impact across the game.
“The SFL has been designed to support and accelerate that growth and will provide a clear and accessible pathway for those aspiring to reach the highest level.
“This is about ensuring New South Wales continues to produce elite football talent, while strengthening the foundations of the game for generations to come.”
The inaugural competition will commence in April with the following nine clubs competing.
- South West Sydney Blues (South West)
- St. George Dragons (South)
- Sydney University (City and Inner West)
- UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs (East-Bayside)
- UTS Bats (East Parkside)
- North Shore Bombers (North Shore)
- Manly Warringah Wolves (Northern Beaches)
- Pennant Hills Demons (North West)
- East Coast Eagles (West)
As of August 2026, New South Wales and the Australia Capital Territory boasts over 78,000 registered AFL participants, with over 39,000 participants in Greater Sydney alone.
Western Sydney continues to steadily rise in AFL participation, seeing over 12,000 participants in 2026.
The SFL will operate as the only premier-level competition in New South Wales, sitting above AFL Sydney's community competitions.
With the establishment of the SFL, AFL Sydney will remain as a vibrant, inclusive, community-based competition with divisional football for Men and Women, underage competitions, and Masters football (35+).
The SFL ‘Match of the Round' across Senior Mens and Senior Womens will be broadcast live via Kayo Freebies on Kayo SPORTS when the competition commences in 2027.
