Ranking the AFL's top 10 stadiums

I've been fortunate to cover AFL at pretty much every major stadium in Australia. So what are the best footy grounds in the land as a spectator and media guy? With footy moving to Adelaide for Gather Round this week, and some different venues about to go on show, I've ranked my best from 10 to one. PEOPLE FIRST STADIUM (Gold Coast) Not too far from the bars and restaurants of Broadbeach, we find a laid-back venue with a holiday vibe. A bit of a pain to get in and out off and rarely full, but serves its purpose as a boutique home for the Suns. UTAS STADIUM (Launceston) This is like turning up to a country footy game, and for that it's a welcome point of difference. It's easy to grab a beer or a baked potato. Zero pretentiousness. Rarely is it not blowing a gale though, so stay rugged up. A surprisingly good Chinese restaurant directly across the road! [caption id="attachment_21375" align="alignnone" width="1024"] LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: A general view during the 2018 AFL round 14 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Gold Coast Suns at UTAS Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] ENGIE STADIUM (Western Sydney) A long way out of town, and the surrounds can be dreary. But when you get there, and get settled, it's a handy footy venue. When the place gets rocking, the atmosphere is electric. The Preliminary Final in 2016 was an example of how pulsating this joint can be. Its location marks it down. GABBA (Brisbane) There's a fair drop off from the other major stadiums to the Brisbane venue. She's a bit worn out, the Gabba, and the Olympics can't come quickly enough. It is reasonably close to town, though, and the Pineapple Hotel is a ripping waterhole nearby. [caption id="attachment_42650" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 04: A general view is seen before the round 5 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Port Adelaide Power at The Gabba on July 04, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)[/caption] GMHBA STADIUM (Geelong) Country charm and relaxed feel. The main entry, flanked by a car park and a local club, is a throwback to simpler times. The upgrade makes for comfortable viewing, too, even if the narrowness of the deck can make for some unusually cramped footy and more than usual out on the fulls. SCG (Sydney) It's a bit tired in places and has some of the slowest lifts in the land, but there is real charm here. Love the old grandstand and the generally relaxed vibe. It's not as stiff as the MCG from a staffing point of view. They're more friendly! Plenty of pub options nearby, too, which adds appeal. Just needs to be tricked up in a few areas. MARVEL STADIUM (Melbourne) Much-maligned Marvel probably deserves some more love. The place rocks when 45,000 turn up under the roof and it's a great viewing ground. At the G, at times you can feel too far from the action. It might have been soulless in the past, but new in-stadium restaurants and bars have helped. Getting out is an issue if you are caught in the bottle-neck to Southern Cross Station, but Marvel is a good footy ground. Not so good for concerts (maybe that's for another list)! [caption id="attachment_175037" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: A general view as the roof is seen open during the 2026 AFL Round 04 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Essendon Bombers at Marvel Stadium on April 5, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] OPTUS STADIUM (Perth) Modern comfort, state of the art effects and a wonderful location. This is such an improvement on Subiaco, even though there was some old-fashioned charm there. A goliath of a pub right next door helps the vibe. Only downside? It's perhaps a bit generic. Can't match the character of AO or the G. [caption id="attachment_172948" align="alignnone" width="2560"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 14: Sam Collins of Victoria chases the ball during the 2026 AFL Origin match between Western Australia and Victoria at Optus Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] MCG (Melbourne) An icon, and only pipped because the AO is just about perfect. The G has the history, the aura and the buzz when totally full. It is also surrounded by great pubs. Is there a better place to be in Australia pre-game than Richmond? I am only marking it down a fraction because there can be a lack of vibe at lesser games due to the cavernous nature of this beast of a stadium. Oh so close to No.1, but No.2 it is. ADELAIDE OVAL (Adelaide) Cricket's No.1 ground, and footy's too ... just. Yes, AO is that good. It is the mix of old and new that makes it work ... new stands, an old scoreboard, a giant fig tree and even a hill to stand on. The stadium is not boutique, but not too big. Just right at the 45-50,000 crowd range. Throw in the advantage of an on-site hotel and the fact you can stroll across to the river from the city and this is No.1 in Australia. [caption id="attachment_175036" align="alignnone" width="2560"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: A general view during the 2025 AFL Round 05 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval on April 13, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	WB	4	4	0	16	140.4
2	SYD	4	3	1	12	182.9
3	GC	4	3	1	12	152.6
4	FRE	4	3	1	12	133.4
5	NMFC	4	3	1	12	115.3
6	HAW	4	3	1	12	114
7	MELB	4	3	1	12	102
8	PORT	4	2	2	8	117.6
9	BL	4	2	2	8	110.6
10	COLL	4	2	2	8	93.1

Ranking the AFL’s top 10 stadiums

Warning: The end result might shock you.

3OPTUS STADIUM (Perth)

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