AFL Tasmania has reached its target of 28,000 registered football participants two years ahead of schedule, with the organisation saying junior programs drove the growth after the Tasmania Devils licence was awarded.
The 28 by 28 strategy launched in 2023, after the Tasmania Football Club licence was awarded. It aimed to lift participation from around 16,500 registered participants to 28,000 by 2028.
AFL Tasmania said overall participation had risen 70% since the licence was awarded, with the strongest growth among the youngest age groups. This year alone, Auskick grew 40%, Superkick grew 60% and female participation rose 29%.
Female participation is now more than 70% higher than when the licence was awarded, the organisation said.
Head of AFL Tasmania Damian Gill said the milestone reflected the efforts of clubs, volunteers, schools, leagues and communities across the state.
“Today, we celebrate a milestone that belongs to every corner of Tasmanian football,” he said.
“This achievement represents thousands of Tasmanians choosing to play our game.”
At the South East Junior Football Club, junior numbers grew by almost 50% in the past year. The club’s Auskick centre has grown 260% since 2023 to 155 participants. The number of girls taking up football for the first time has risen 200% since the Devils were announced.
Robbie Iles from the club said it had welcomed many new players and families.
“That growth brings new energy to our teams and strengthens the whole club, both on and off the field,” he said.
AFL Tasmania has invested in local football facilities and school infrastructure through the Tasmanian Facilities Fund. Its Kicking Goals initiative will deliver goalposts to more than 50 Tasmanian schools by the end of the year.
Gill said the milestone was not the end goal.
“Our ambition is for Tasmania to have the highest football participation rate per capita in the country,” he said.
“We will continue investing in clubs, volunteers, umpiring, facilities and pathways to stay ahead of this historic growth.”
Last December, AFL Tasmania reported the state was close to 24,000 registered participants. National figures released at the same time showed a record 625,000 participants across Australia in 2025.
