AFL Sydney

Last updated

AFL Sydney
Current season, competition or edition:
AFL current event.svg2023
Afl sydney logo.png
Sport Australian rules football
Founded1903;121 years ago (1903)
No. of teams22
Most recent
champion(s)

Men's Premier Division: UNSW-ES Bulldogs

Women's Premier Division: East Coast Eagles
Official website sydneyafl.com.au

AFL Sydney is an Australian rules football League, based in metropolitan Sydney, Australia which has been run since 1903. The AFL Sydney competition comprises 118 teams from 22 clubs which play across seven senior men's divisions, five women's divisions, a Master's Division and two under 19 men's competitions in season 2023.

Contents

The competition is technically Sydney's division of the New South Wales Australian Football League.

History

The Sydney AFL began as the NSW Australian Football Association in 1903. In 1980 it became known as the "Sydney Football League". It was renamed the "Sydney AFL" in 1998 before a new name change for season 2009, "AFL Sydney".

11 clubs contested the opening season in 1903 (including: East Sydney FC, Ashfield Electorate FC, North Shore FC, North Sydney FC, South Sydney FC, YMCA FC, Paddington FC, Redfern FC, West Sydney FC, Newtown FC, Sydney FC and Balmain FC), [1] with East Sydney taking out the first premiership with a 6-point win over North Shore. 100 years later, similar to the repeated result of the centenary cricket Test in 1977; in the centenary season in 2003, East Sydney (by now known as UNSW-Eastern Suburbs) again defeated North Shore by 6 points.

Over the years many clubs have come and gone, with the turnover of teams continuing to the present day. By 1998 the league consisted of 7 teams – Balmain, Pennant Hills, North Shore, St George, East Sydney, Western Suburbs and Baulkham Hills.

Australian Rules football has been played in Sydney since 1881. Following a brief hiatus between the years of 1894 and 1902, a competition named the ‘NSW Australian Football Association’ was formed in 1903. In 1980 the ‘NSW Australian Football Association’ became known as the ‘Sydney Football League’, and was then renamed the ‘Sydney AFL’ in 1998. In 2009, the league became known as ‘AFL Sydney’, as it is known today. In 2019 the AFL Sydney competition consisted of two senior men’s competitions with the Premier Division and Platinum Division each having seniors and reserves divisions. AFL Sydney has three divisionalised men’s competitions, two U19’s divisions and four women’s divisions. The AFL Sydney competition hosts 26 clubs represented by over 100 registered teams. In 2018 AFL Sydney celebrated 115 years of senior football in Sydney, since the ‘NSW Australian Football Association’ was formed in 1903.

YMCA Football Club in 1909 YMCA Football Club from The Star Sydney 2 June 1909 pg 14.png
YMCA Football Club in 1909
Paddington Football Club in 1909 Paddington Football Club from The Star Sydney 2 June 1909 pg 14.png
Paddington Football Club in 1909
Newtown Football Club in 1911 Newtown Football Club from The Sun 25 September 1911 pg 10.png
Newtown Football Club in 1911
East Sydney Football Club 1911 premiers East Sydney Football Club from The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser 31 January 1912 pg 30.png
East Sydney Football Club 1911 premiers
Newtown NSWFL premiers in 1929 Newtown premiers from Referee Sydney 25 September 1929 pg 13.png
Newtown NSWFL premiers in 1929
East vs Newtown Trumper Park Oval in 1931 East vs Newtown Trumper Park from The Daily Telegraph 13 July 1931 Pg 12.png
East vs Newtown Trumper Park Oval in 1931

1999

In 1999, Campbelltown returned to the Sydney AFL after a 3-year stint in AFL Canberra. The Blues, as they were then known, were an exceptionally strong club at the time and dominated the league in their first year back in Sydney. In the grand final, Campbelltown 18.5 (113) were far too good for Balmain 13.13 (91) to take out the premiership by 22 points.

2000

In 2000, after the AFL's reserve grade competition was abolished, the Swans fielded a team in the Sydney AFL, known as the Redbacks. This move didn't turn out to be successful, with the existing clubs unable to compete against full-time professional footballers who had far superior training resources. The games were generally one-sided, to the point where the rules were changed halfway through the season to allow other clubs to field an extra player against the Redbacks. The Redbacks finished top of the ladder, but elected not to compete in the finals; and in their absence Pennant Hills took out their first premiership with a 15.12 (102) to 12.7 (79) win over North Shore in the grand final. During the 2000 season, several Sydney AFL clubs had formed strategic alliances with clubs in the AFL. As part of this, some Sydney AFL clubs were to change their identity over the next few years. North Shore had always been black and red but took on the Bombers nickname of Essendon. St George renamed themselves the St George Crows and began wearing the navy, gold and blue strip of Adelaide. But the biggest change in identity was Baulkham Hills, who changed their colours to blue and gold and took on the new name of the East Coast Eagles. Other clubs were to follow suit. Another change in 2000 was the merger of traditional powerhouse East Sydney with the University of NSW club to form the UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs.

2001

In 2001, with the Redbacks concept having not been considered a success, the Swans entered an alliance with Port Melbourne in the VFL and fielded their reserves with Port Melbourne. They continued to field a Redbacks team for the next 2 years, mainly as a junior development and talent-spotting team; but the Redbacks were never to make the top 4 again. Instead it was North Shore who led from start to finish in 2001, and although the grand final was tight the Bombers got critical goals when it mattered to record a 12.12 (84) to 10.9 (69) victory over Campbelltown.

2002

2002 saw a resurgent Uni NSW-Eastern Suburbs team return to the top, and despite a strong challenge from North Shore the Bulldogs finished the season as minor premiers. But the Bulldogs would have to go the long way into the grand final after North Shore came from behind to beat them by 3 points in the major semi-final. But UNSW-ES bounced back to win the preliminary final and earn a grand final berth, something that no major-final loser has managed to do in the 4 years since. On grand final day, despite the bright sunshine and perfect conditions, no side was able to score for the first 17 minutes as the defences of both teams held tight. But eventually it was to be North Shore that cracked, and although they fought back in the third term to come into the last break only a few points behind, they never led. Instead, it was UNSW-ES who ran away with the game in the last quarter to record a 16.10 (106) to 11.6 (72) win and their first premiership since the merger. This was the last grand final to be played at Macquarie University.

2003

The Redbacks finally withdrew from the Sydney AFL in 2003 and the competition was reduced to 8 teams. North Shore got the season off to a flying start and were undefeated for the first 14 rounds, the Bombers losing only 2 home & away games all season. Campbelltown returned to form early in the season, but after being badly beaten by North Shore at Gore Hill in round 7 they fell away and only just scraped into the finals and have yet to make the finals since. Instead it was St George that came in 2nd, with reigning premiers UNSW-ES coming third. North Shore qualified first for the grand final, while UNSW-ES eliminated Campbelltown. In the prelim final, St George were held goal-less in the second half and for the 4th year in a row had been defeated in the prelim final. And so the grand final in the league's centenary year, which was played at Monarch Oval in Campbelltown, would involve the same teams that played in the first grand final. And the result was to repeat. North Shore went in as the hottest of favourites, but poor kicking and excellent pressure from the Bulldogs saw them pull off a stunning upset. UNSW-ES 12.10 (82) defeated North Shore 10.16 (76), an exact repeat of the very first Sydney AFL grand final.

2004

In 2004, the Sydney AFL adopted Henson Park as its finals venue. In later years, the Marrickville ground which also hosts the Newtown Jets in the NSW Rugby League would play a bigger role in Sydney football and be the venue for representative fixtures and night matches. North Shore were again front-runners, remaining undefeated until the second half of the season and again losing only 2 home & away games. Tennis ace Patrick Rafter played a few reserve grade games for the Bombers during this season but was never picked in the senior team. North Shore finished top after the home & away season, with UNSW-ES finishing 2nd. But this time the Bulldogs were to miss out on a grand final berth and instead St George finally broke through the preliminary final hurdle to qualify for the big day. Having lost the previous 2 grand finals the Bombers were nervous, and even more so when St George led by 4 points at half time. But the Bombers pulled away with the wind in the third term and the Crows were unable to respond when they had the win in the last quarter. So it was North Shore who took out the premiership, with a 10.11 (71) to 7.4 (46) victory.

2005

In 2005, the Wollongong Lions were admitted to Premier Division, creating a 9-team league. The Lions are well-run off the field, and proved competitive on it. Western Suburbs and Pennant Hills were the leaders for much of the season, Wests remaining undefeated until round 9 and Pennant Hills until round 10. The round 9 loss was to be Wests' only loss in the home & away season. Pennant Hills lost much of their edge after captain Barnaby Howarth suffered a stroke after training and was unable to play again, but bounced back to finish 2nd after the home & away season. Wests and Pennant Hills were a long way in front of other teams and were widely fancied to play in the grand final. Wests made it through in the major semi-final, but in a stunning upset Pennant Hills went down in the preliminary final to reigning premiers North Shore. The Bombers were to turn on an even more stunning upset in the grand final, getting on top after half-time to record a 13.9 (87) to 6.10 (46) win over Wests and take out back-to-back flags. Premier Reserves: UNSW-ES def East Coast Eagles 1st Division Seniors: Sydney Uni Students def UTS Bats 1st Division Reserves: Sydney Uni Students def UTS Bats 2nd Division: Nor-West Jets 10.10 (70) def Sydney Uni Blue 4.11 (34)

2006

Two ruckmen contest the bounce in a Sydney AFL game between the East Coast Eagles AFC and Campbelltown Kangaroos AFC, 2006. Ar contesting-web.jpg
Two ruckmen contest the bounce in a Sydney AFL game between the East Coast Eagles AFC and Campbelltown Kangaroos AFC, 2006.

Before the 2006 season, East Coast Eagles recruited heavily in a bid to get to the top. The Eagles had been close to the finals for years without making it into the top 4, but this was to change in 2006 and the Eagles took all before them in an undefeated home & away season. Sydney's drought had a major bearing on this season, with several grounds being hardened dustbowls and the turf on many grounds going out of shape; so that even small amounts of rain caused puddles to form and the grounds to be closed. All clubs faced rising injury tolls due to the ground conditions. After an undefeated home & away season and an easy win in the major semi-final, East Coast Eagles went into the grand final at Henson Park against Pennant Hills as the hottest of favourites. But this was the day the drought was to break, with conditions more resembling water polo than football. The Eagles' running game was negated by the conditions and by Pennant Hills' pressure tactics, while the Demons' tactic of peppering the goals from a distance and keeping the scoreboard paid dividends. Although the Eagles scored 2 more goals, the constant scoring got Pennant Hills over the line, 5.20 (50) to 7.6 (48). There have been many upsets in recent years in Sydney AFL grand finals, but this one more so than any of the others. Premier Reserves: East Coast Eagles def Pennant Hills 1st Division Seniors: UTS Bats def Sydney Uni Students 1st Division Reserves: UTS Bats def Sydney Uni Students 2nd Division: Nor-West Jets 8.9.(57) def UNSW/ES Bulldogs 6.5 (41)

2007

In 2007, Sydney University was re-admitted to Premier Division, making a 10-team competition. 18 home & away rounds were played, with each team playing each other twice; although the first match between North Shore and Balmain was postponed twice, leading to the two clubs playing each other twice within 4 days. Reigning premiers Pennant Hills finished top of the ladder, and were joined in the finals by St George, North Shore and Campbelltown. But the Demons were upset in the major semi-final after St George got off to a flying start and maintained their lead to qualify first for the grand final. Campbelltown made the finals for the first time since 2003, but were no match for North Shore in the minor semi. North Shore maintained their winning form in the prelim final, comfortably accounting for Pennant Hills – the 5th year in a row the loser of the major semi has again lost in the prelim final. Grand final day was fine and warm, and in ideal conditions at Henson Park North Shore led by 15 points at half-time and extended the lead in the third term. But a determined charge by St George closed the gap to just 4 points at three-quarter time. The Crows looked to have the momentum, but North Shore steadied to score the only two goals in the last quarter and record a 12.15 (87) to 9.12 (66) victory. Ryan Davis was awarded the Podbury Medal for best on ground in the grand final. Premier Reserves: East Coast Eagles 11.7 (73) def Pennant Hills 10.12 (72) 1st Division Seniors: Manly-Warringah Wolves 10.14 (74) def Southern Sharks 9.9 (63) 1st Division Reserves: UTS Bats 9.10 (64) def Manly Warringah Wolves 5.4 (34) 2nd Division: Pennant Hills 10.4 (64) def UNSW/ES Bulldogs 6.4 (40)

2008

2008 commenced with a marathon day at Henson Park, in which all five Premier Division Seniors matches for round 1 were played back to back. Bad weather and construction delays meant that East Coast Eagles were unable to move into their new home ground at Bruce Purser Reserve in 2008, but the Eagles put those frustrations behind them to qualify for the finals. Also returning to finals action in 2008 after missing out in 2007 was UNSW-ES, who finished top of the ladder after the home & away season. A five-team finals series was re-introduced for 2008; and reigning premiers North Shore bounced back from a slow start to the season to qualify for the finals. But the Bombers were to go no further than the first week of the finals. Also qualifying for the playoffs were Pennant Hills and St George. East Coast finished 4th after the home & away series, but won three finals matches to qualify for the grand final. Their opponent in the grand final was Pennant Hills. All finals matches were again played at Henson Park except for the second semi-final which was played in wet conditions at North Dalton Park. The grand final was played in 33-degree heat, the hottest grand final day in the history of the Sydney AFL competition. After a tight and low-scoring first half, Pennant Hills took complete control after half-time to cruise to a comprehensive 105-point victory. Pennant Hills' Scott Reed was awarded the Podbury Medal as best on ground, and will join Collingwood's rookie list for 2009.

Premier Division Seniors Pennant Hills 20.13 (133) def East Coast Eagles 3.10 (28) Premier Division Reserves East Coast Eagles 12.15 (87) def Sydney University 2.5 (17) U18s Premier Cup North Shore Bombers 15.11 (101) def East Coast Eagles 8.11 (59) 1st Division Seniors UTS Bats 13.16 (94) def. Manly-Warringah Wolves 11.12 (78) 1st Division Reserves UTS Bats 17.12 (114) def. Manly-Warringah Wolves 10.2 (62) U18s Challenge Cup UNSW/Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 23.18 (156) def. Southern Sharks 4.5 (29) 2nd Division Pennant Hills Demons 18.10 (118) def. Sydney Uni Blue Students 13.5 (83)

2009

2009 saw the introduction of a Divisional structure, with promotion and relegation through the lower divisions (see the Divisional Structure section further down this page). 2009 was also notable for the opening of two new football venues in Sydney. Bruce Purser Reserve was opened in February when it hosted an AFL trial match between the Sydney Swans and the Western Bulldogs, and through the course of the year served as the home ground for East Coast Eagles; as well as a backup venue for wet weather, with Pennant Hills, Western Suburbs and North Shore also playing home games at the venue. The Second Semi-Final was also played there. And later in the season, Blacktown Olympic Park began operations, firstly as the venue for the Representative fixture where Sydney AFL defeated AFL Canberra. In August the ground held a spectacular opening ceremony, with fireworks and Aboriginal dance as well as a match between Western Suburbs and Pennant Hills. The venue was then the host for all the finals except for the Second Semi Final. On the field, St George returned to tradition; going back to their traditional red and white colours and the Dragons name, but it was to be a tough year on the field as they missed the finals for the second time this decade. Also missing out on finals action for the second time since the turn of the millennium was North Shore. East Coast Eagles, strengthened by finally having a home ground to call their own, took out the minor premiership and were first to qualify for the Grand Final after a comfortable win over Wests in the Second Semi Final, a match where East Coast's full forward Gus Seebeck kicked his 100th goal for the season. Campbelltown returned to finals action after missing out in 2008, but were eliminated in the first week of finals action. Week 2 saw the demise of reigning premier Pennant Hills; while the Preliminary Final saw UNSW-ES qualify for the Grand Final at the expense of Wests. The Grand Final was played in perfect weather, but was to be a one-sided contest. East Coast took control of the game early and won every quarter to record a comfortable 54-point win. Gus Seebeck kicked 10 goals for the Eagles to win the Podbury Medal.

Premier Division – East Coast Eagles 22.12 (144) d UNSW-ES 13.12 (90) First Division – UTS 21.10 (136) d East Coast Eagles 5.7 (37) Second Division – Macquarie Uni 11.15 (81) d UTS 8.5 (53) Third Division – UNSW-ES 9.4 (58) d UTS 6.12 (48) Fourth Division – Sydney Uni 16.6 (102) d UNSW-ES 8.8 (56) Under 18s Premier – North Shore 8.9 (57) d St George 6.9 (45) Under 18s Challenge – Sydney Uni 16.14 (110) d Southern Power 2.5 (17)

2010

Sydney Uni, on the back of a 14-game winning streak, were minor premiers. Also finishing in the final five were Wests, East Coast, North Shore and Pennant Hills.

East Coast Eagles win back to back premierships, defeating Sydney University in the Grand Final (13.9 – 87) (10.10 – 70).

UTSAFC are admitted to Premier Division.

2011

UTSAFC finished 10th in their first year in the Premier Division winning 3 games. Campbelltown finished last, failing to win a game.

The East Coast Eagles won the minor premiership, joining them in the finals were Balmain, Sydney University, North Shore and Pennant Hills.

Results in the 2011 Finals Series: Qualifying Final: Balmain 14.8 (92) defeated Sydney University 10.12 (72) Elimination Final: North Shore 17.10 (112) defeated Pennant Hills 8.8 (56) Major Semi Final: East Coast 11.12 (78) defeated Balmain 7.18 (60) Minor Semi Final: Sydney University 24.11 (155) defeated North Shore 10.4 (64) Preliminary Final: Balmain 13.7 (85) defeated Sydney University 12.10 (82)

Grand Final: East Coast 17.12 (114) defeated Balmain 10.11 (71)

2012

The same eleven teams competed in Premier Division in 2012, but with East Coast Eagles (now renamed Sydney Hills Eagles) and Sydney Uni joining the NEAFL, the Premier Division teams for those two clubs were their reserves teams. Neither made the finals, and the Eagles' run of premierships ended after their three-peat from 2009 to 2011. UNSW-ES were the form team of the 2012 season, spearheaded by a Phelan Medal performance from Dane Rampe that would result in him being drafted by the Swans. UNSW-ES finished top of the ladder, and would meet Balmain in the Grand Final. Pennant Hills, North Shore and St George completed the top five. The grand final was played as a twilight match at Blacktown International Sportspark. The lead see-sawed for three-quarters, with the Bulldogs leading by four points at the last change. But a run of seven goals to one in the final term saw the Bulldogs run our comfortable 42-point winners; their first premiership since 2003 and condemning Balmain to their second straight grand final defeat.

Premier Division: UNSW-ES 13.11 (89) d Balmain 7.5 (47) Division One – Manly 11.15 (81) d Southern Power 9.2 (56) Division Two – St George 7.8 (50) d UNSW-ES 6.10 (46) Division Three – UTS 15.4 (94) d Blacktown 8.5 (53) Division Four – Penrith 9.16 (70) d Gosford 8.6 (54) Division Five – Sydney Uni 10.6 (66) d UTS 9.7 (61) Under 18s One – Sydney Hills Eagles 14.14 (98) d Illawarra 11.10 (76) Under 18s Two – Southern Power 9.11 (65) d Manly 3.4 (22) Women – Balmain 7.9 (51) d Sydney Uni 2.1 (13)

2013

The 2013 season saw Manly added to Premier Division, making a 12-team competition. This resulted in six games per round in an 18-round home and away season, with not all teams playing each other twice. Manly, the newcomers to the top division, would make an immediate impact as they won their first nine games in Premier Division; shooting straight to the top of the ladder on their way to the minor premiership. Sydney Uni and Sydney Hills Eagles fielded teams in the NEAFL in 2013; with their Premier Division teams being the clubs' reserves teams. Neither qualified for the finals in Premier Division; with the Eagles finishing on the bottom of the ladder. The season was a fall from grace for Balmain. The Dockers, after playing in the last two Grand Finals, crashed down the ladder in 2013; and internal tensions boiled over late in the season as 11 players staged a walk-out after five minutes, causing the club to forfeit a Premier Division clash against Wests. The walk-out was to be the end of Balmain in Premier Division, as AFL Sydney relegated them to Division One for 2014. Also playing their last season in Premier Division this year was Illawarra, after nine years in the top division without a finals appearance and winning only one game this season. This season would also be the last for Auburn Tigers as a men's club, after forfeiting several games in Division Two. However, Auburn would continue as a women's club until 2018. Manly finished the regular season as minor premiers, and defeated St George in the Major Semi-Final to be first team through to the Grand Final. Their opponents in the Grand Final would be Pennant Hills, who finished fourth in the regular season but defeated UNSW-ES, North Shore and St George in the finals to make their way through. The Demons led by eight points at the long break, but the Wolves made the decisive move in the premiership quarter with three goals to one to turn the half time deficit into a six-point lead at three quarter time. The Demons hit the lead early in the last, but the Wolves regained the momentum to regain the lead and take out the Grand Final by eight points; a remarkable achievement in their first season at the top level.

Grand Final winners 2013: Premier Division – Manly 11.14 (80) def Pennant Hills 11.6 (72) Division One – Southern Power 16.9 (105) def UNSW-ES 3.2 (20) Division Two – Sydney Uni 8.14 (62) def Manly 7.6 (48) Division Three – Blacktown 11.11 (77) def Randwick City 10.6 (66) Division Four – Pennant Hills 14.11 (95) def Sydney Uni 4.4 (28) Division Five – Randwick City 13.8 (86) def UTS 6.7 (43) Under 19s Division One – Pennant Hills 10.10 (70) def UNSW-ES 10.7 (67) Under 19s Division Two – Manly 20.24 (144) def Holroyd-Parramatta 3.5 (23) Women's Division One – Sydney Uni 7.9 (51) def Balmain 3.7 (25) Women's Division Two – Macquarie Uni 7.11 (53) def Southern Power 4.1 (25)

2018

In season 2018 the Camden Cats were promoted to the Men's Premier Division to again bring the number of clubs in Sydney's top flight back to 10 after Campbelltown Blues withdrew at the conclusion of the 2014 season. AFL Sydney continues to grow with thirteen Divisions across men's, women's, U19s and Masters Football.

2018 Grand Finals
PremierPremier's Score

G.B (T)

Runners-upRunners-up Score

G.B (T)

Premier Division UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 8.10 (58) Sydney University Students 7.13 (55)
Premier Division Reserves Pennant Hills Demons 7.18 (60) Sydney University Students 6.9 (45)
Women's Premier Division UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 7.3 (45)Macquarie University3.4 (22)
Platinum Division Penrith Rams 8.10 (58) Western Magic 6.5 (41)
Platinum Division Reserves Southern Power 9.5 (59)Macquarie University7.8 (50)
Men's Division 1 Pennant Hills Demons 8.6 (54) Sydney University Students 6.10 (46)
Men's Division 2 UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 6.9 (45) Sydney University Students 4.3 (27)
Men's Division 3 Sydney University Students 7.12 (54) Camden Cats 1.2 (8)
Under 19s Division 1 UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 14.11 (95) North Shore Bombers 5.8 (38)
Under 19s Division 2 Southern Power 7.10 (52) UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 6.3 (39)
Women's Division 1 Western Magic 6.4 (40)Wollongong Saints0.4 (4)
Women's Division 2 Holroyd-Parramatta Goannas 7.8 (50) Camden Cats 1.5 (11)
Masters St George Dragons 12.7 (79)North West Sydney Redbacks4.6 (30)

2019

The 2019 season saw an extra Women's division created to accommodate the rapid grown of Women's football in Sydney. In this division, the St George Dragons finished in 5th place but 4 sudden-death finals win in a row saw them defeat minor premiers, Holroyd-Parramatta Goannas in the Grand Final. Similarly, the St George Dragons Premier Division Reserves team also came from 5th to defeat Minor Premiers, the Pennant Hills Australian Demons. In the Premier Division competition the UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs went back-to-back by defeating Sydney University. Macquarie University defeated East Coast Eagles by 6 points to win the Women's Premier Division Grand Final. This season saw the Western Suburbs Magpies change their name to Inner West Magpies to further distinguish between themselves and the South West Sydney Magpies (formerly Moorebank).

2019 Grand Finals
PremierPremier's Score

G.B (T)

Runners-upRunners-up Score

G.B (T)

Premier Division UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 10.9 (69) Sydney University Students 6.15 (51)
Premier Division Reserves St George Dragons 10.7 (67) Pennant Hills Demons 5.9 (39)
Women's Premier DivisionMacquarie University5.5 (35) East Coast Eagles 4.5 (29)
Platinum Division Southern Power 10.10 (70)Macquarie University5.8 (38)
Platinum Division Reserves Southern Power 4.4 (28) Western Magic 3.8 (26)
Men's Division 1 Sydney University Students 7.3 (45) Pennant Hills Demons 2.8 (20)
Men's Division 2 UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 8.12 (60) St George Dragons 8.4 (52)
Men's Division 3 North Shore Bombers 3.10 (28) UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 3.6 (24)
Under 19s Division 1 UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 10.6 (66) Sydney University Students 4.8 (32)
Under 19s Division 2Wests Goannas6.12 (48) North Shore Bombers 1.4 (10)
Women's Division 1Wollongong Saints7.6 (48) Manly-Warringah Wolves 6.5 (41)
Women's Division 2 East Coast Eagles 9.5 (59)Macquarie University2.1 (13)
Women's Division 3 St George Dragons 10.6 (66) Holroyd-Parramatta Goannas 7.12 (54)
Masters St George Dragons 6.13 (49) Inner West Magpies 2.2 (14)

2020

The 2020 season was severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and due to the NSW Government's restrictions only 9 Home and Away rounds were able to be played before the finals. The finals were played in September–October rather than the traditional August–September. Sydney University won their first Premier Division flag since 1992 with a win over UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs at Kanebridge Oval. Manly-Warringah, in their first season in the Women's Premier Division Premiership won the flag by defeating the Inner West Magpies. Southern Power made both the Platinum Division and Platinum Division Reserves Grand Finals at Rosedale Oval but lost to the Penrith Rams and Macquarie University (in a come-from-behind win) respectively. The Newtown Breakways inaugural men's team won the Men's Division 3 Grand Final by defeating North Shore. Grand Finals were played at Rosedale Ovals (for lower grades) and Kanebridge Oval due to the unavailability of Blacktown International Sportspark due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was also the reason there was no Master's Grand Final in 2020.

2020 Grand Finals
PremierPremier's Score

G.B (T)

Runners-upRunners-up Score

G.B (T)

Premier Division Sydney University Students 8.6 (54) UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 6.9 (45)
Premier Division Reserves UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 5.11 (41) North Shore Bombers 4.4 (28)
Women's Premier Division Manly-Warringah Wolves 6.10 (46) Inner West Magpies 4.1 (25)
Platinum Division Penrith Rams 14.7 (91) Southern Power 5.7 (37)
Platinum Division ReservesMacquarie University7.9 (51) Southern Power 7.7 (49)
Men's Division 1 Sydney University Students 11.11 (77) North Shore Bombers 11.1 (67)
Men's Division 2 Sydney University Students 11.6 (72) North Shore Bombers 4.4. (28)
Men's Division 3Newtown Breakaways7.12 (54) North Shore Bombers 0.3 (3)
Under 19s Division 1 North Shore Bombers 14.13 (97) UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 7.7 (49)
Under 19s Division 2 Southern Power 6.8 (44) Sydney University Students 3.1 (19)
Women's Division 1 Parramatta Goannas 4.10 (34) Camden Cats 0.1 (1)
Women's Division 2 Western Magic 12.7 (79) St George Dragons 3.2 (20)
Women's Division 3 Campbelltown Blues 9.4 (58)Wollondilly Knights4.3 (27)

2021

The 2021 season saw the introduction of a 5th Division of Women's Football known as "Women's Division 4". 7 teams took part in this new division. There was also an additional 12 teams across all Men's and Women's divisions. On the 24th of June, the season was put on hold due to the outbreak COVID-19 Delta variant throughout Greater Sydney. The 2021 season was eventually cancelled on the 16th of August. Accordingly, no premierships, medals or awards were given for 2021 cancelled competitions.

2022

The 2022 season saw a slight reduction in overall teams from 135 to 126. This season also saw the merger of South West Sydney Magpies and Campbelltown Blues to form the South Western Sydney Blues. This proved to be a successful season for the merged entity as they went on to win the Platinum Division Premiership and finish Runners-Up in the Platinum Division Reserves Competition. This wasn't the first time that the clubs had aligned, with the two clubs previously entering a combined U19s side in the Division 2 competition. Other club changes were Nor-West Jets being renamed to Hawkesbury Jets and the North West Sydney Redbacks no longer entering a team in the Masters competition.

2022 Grand Finals
PremierPremier's Score

G.B (T)

Runners-upRunners-up Score

G.B (T)

Premier Division UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 7.10 (52) North Shore Bombers 2.10 (22)
Premier Division Reserves St George Dragons 9.7 (61) Sydney University Students 7.11 (53)
Women's Premier Division East Coast Eagles 6.5 (41) Manly-Warringah Wolves 2.11 (23)
Platinum DivisionSouth West Sydney Blues6.9 (45) Camden Cats 3.4 (22)
Platinum Division Reserves Southern Power 11.6 (72)South West Sydney Blues3.6 (24)
Men's Division 1 North Shore Bombers 8.10 (58) Sydney University Students 3.9 (27)
Men's Division 2 UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 7.9 (51) East Coast Eagles 4.3 (27)
Men's Division 3 Manly-Warringah Wolves 9.9 (63)Wollondilly Knights2.6 (18)
Under 19s Division 1 Sydney University Students 9.6 (60) UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 7.8 (50)
Under 19s Division 2 North Shore Bombers 9.6 (60) Manly-Warringah Wolves 6.5 (41)
Women's Division 1 Parramatta Goannas 3.5 (23) East Coast Eagles 2.3 (15)
Women's Division 2 Pennant Hills Demons 3.3 (21) Penrith Rams 3.1 (19)
Women's Division 3 North Shore Bombers 4.11 (35) Parramatta Goannas 1.2 (8)
Women's Division 4South West Sydney Blues1.9 (15) East Coast Eagles 1.1 (7)
Masters St George Dragons 7.4 (46)Southern Dingoes6.3 (39)

2023

The 2023 season saw another reduction in overall teams from 126 to 120. This season also saw the women's programs of the Macquarie University Warriors and Parramatta Goannas clubs merge to form the Macquarie University Goannas. This merged entity entered a team in 4 of the 5 women's divisions. Other notable changes were the 3rd and 4th grades men's sides from Sydney University and North Shore entering teams in the Platinum Division and Platinum Division Reserves competitions respectively. Also in 2023, Randwick City no longer entered teams in the Platinum Division or Platinum Divisions Reserves competition. Another notable change in the women's competitions was Inner West no longer entering a Premier Division side.

2023 Grand Finals
PremierPremier's Score

G.B (T)

Runners-upRunners-up Score

G.B (T)

Premier Division UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 10.6 (66) North Shore Bombers 6.10 (46)
Premier Division Reserves North Shore Bombers 6.7 (43) Sydney University Students 5.10 (40)
Women's Premier Division East Coast Eagles 8.8 (56) UTS Bats 1.6 (12)
Platinum DivisionSouth West Sydney Blues10.8 (68) Camden Cats 4.12 (36)
Platinum Division Reserves North Shore Bombers 7.5 (47) Camden Cats 4.5 (29)
Men's Division 1 Randwick City Saints 8.8 (56) UTS Bats 4.12 (36)
Men's Division 2 North Shore Bombers 7.4 (46) Manly-Warringah Wolves 5.9 (39)
Men's Division 3 UTS Bats 10.8 (68) Camden Cats 2.2 (14)
Under 19s Division 1 Sydney University Students 9.8 (62) UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 9.7 (61)
Under 19s Division 2 Manly-Warringah Wolves 6.6 (42) Sydney University Students 2.6 (18)
Women's Division 1 St George Dragons 2.2 (14) UTS Bats 1.2 (8)
Women's Division 2 Randwick City Saints 11.12 (78)Newtown Breakaways7.4 (46)
Women's Division 3 Camden Cats 6.5 (41)Macquarie University Goannas6.0 (36)
Women's Division 4 Randwick City Saints 5.7 (37)Newtown Breakaways2.0 (12)
Masters UTS Bats 4.7 (31) Pennant Hills Demons 3.5 (23)

Audience

Attendances for the Sydney AFL are very small in comparison to state level leagues elsewhere in Australia, however Grand Final crowds sometimes reach as high as 3,000 though historically they were much higher towards 15,000 .

In 2007, in a first for Australian rules football in Sydney, it was announced that Foxtel would be televising an edited match of the week and a magazine-style segment on the public Television Channel Aurora. The program contained footy news from around NSW/ACT as well as showing highlights from the "Match of the Week". In 2008 the magazine style was dropped in favour of a 1-hour dedicated highlights show of the Match of the Week. Digital Sports Productions [2] continued this format in 2009 and the show is aired on the Main Event Channel each Friday night in NSW and QLD before the AFL Friday night game. [3]

2021 also saw the introduction of a Men's and Women's Premier Division Women's "Match of the Round" being live-streamed on Kayo Sports which could be watched for free.

AFL Sydney Clubs

Current Clubs

ColorsFootball Club NameNicknameLocation(s)Football Club's Home Ground(s)Founded
RichmondDesign.svg
Balmain Tigers Marrickville HJ Mahoney Park1903
Geelong icon.svg
Camden Cats Harrington Park Fairfax Reserve1982
West Coast Eagles Football Club colours.jpg
East Coast Eagles Kellyville Kanebridge Oval1976
Inner West Magpies Football Club colours.jpg
Inner West Magpies Croydon Park Picken Oval1926
Traralgondesign.png
Manly-Warringah Wolves Curl Curl Weldon Oval1969
Macquarie University Football Club colours.jpg
Macquarie University Warriors Macquarie Park Macquarie University Oval1969
Newtown Breakaways Football Club colours.jpg
NewtownBreakaways Marrickville HJ Mahoney Park2002
EssendonDesign.svg
North Shore Bombers St Leonards Gore Hill Oval1903
NMFC AFL.png
Nor-West Jets Richmond Lowlands Bensons Lane2001
Parramatta Football Club colours.jpg
Parramatta Goannas Smithfield Gipps Road Oval1979
Pennant Hills Football Club colours.jpg
Pennant Hills Demons Cherrybrook Mike Kenny Oval1971
Penrith Football Club colours.jpg
Penrith Rams Cranebrook Greygums Oval1981
Randwick City Football Club colours.jpg
Randwick City Saints Malabar Pioneers Park2010
South West Sydney Blues Football Club colours.jpg
South West SydneyBlues Macquarie Fields, Warwick Farm Bob Prenter Oval, Rosedale Oval1975
Southern Dingoes Football Club colours.jpg
Southern DingoesDingoes Sutherland Lincoln Oval (Waratah Park No 4)2018
Southern Power Football Club colours.jpg
Southern Power Power Sutherland Lincoln Oval (Waratah Park No 4)1972
Clarence Football Club colours.jpg
St George Dragons Penshurst Olds Park1929
Sydney University Football Club colours.jpg
Sydney University Students Camperdown University Oval 1887
Westernbulldogssymbol.png
UNSW-ES Bulldogs Daceyville Village Green1880,1999
UTS Football Club colours.jpg
UTS Bats Paddington Trumper Park Oval 2000
Western Magic Football Club colours.jpg
Western Magic Magic Rooty Hill Blacktown International Sportspark 2012
Robinvale Euston Football Club colours.jpg
WollondillyKnights Wilton Hannaford Oval1989

Former Clubs

ColoursFootball Club NameNicknameLocation(s)Home Ground(s)FoundedFate
RichmondDesign.svg
Auburn Tigers Auburn Mona Park2010Folded - 2018
Carlton 2018 AFL.png
Campbelltown Blues Macquarie Fields Rosedale Park1975Merged with South West Sydney Magpies
to form South West Sydney Blues
Gosford Football Club colours.jpg
GosfordTigers West Gosford Adcock Park1971Moved to AFL Hunter Central Coast
Redpa Football Club colours.jpg
North West SydneyRedbacks Kellyville Kanebridge Oval ?Folded - 2022
Wollongong Football Club colours.jpg
Illawarra Lions Fairy Meadow North Dalton Park 1971Moved to AFL South Coast.
Now known as Wollongong Lions
South West Sydney Magpies Football Club colours.jpg
South West SydneyMagpies Warwick Farm Bob Prenter Oval1947Merged with Campbelltown Blues
to form South West Sydney Blues
Figtree Saints Football Club colours.jpg
WollongongSaints Fairy Meadow North Dalton Park 2010Moved to AFL South Coast.
Now known as Figtree Saints

Location of Current Clubs

2023 Men's Divisions

ClubPremier DivisionPremier Division ReservesPlatinum DivisionPlatinum Division ReservesDivision 1Division 2Division 3U19s Division 1U19s Division 2MastersTotal Teams
Balmain Tigers Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg3
Camden Cats Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg3
East Coast Eagles Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg3
Hawkesbury Jets Yes check.svg1
Inner West Magpies Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg5
Macquarie University Warriors Yes check.svgYes check.svg2
Manly-Warringah Wolves Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg6
Newtown BreakawaysYes check.svgYes check.svg2
North Shore Bombers Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg8
Parramatta Goannas Yes check.svgYes check.svg2
Pennant Hills Demons Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg7
Penrith Rams Yes check.svgYes check.svg2
Randwick City Saints Yes check.svgYes check.svg2
South West Sydney BluesYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg6
Southern DingoesYes check.svg1
Southern Power Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgThis team is a joint venture with UNSW 2.5
St George Dragons Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg5
Sydney University Students Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg8
UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgThis team is a joint venture with Southern Power Yes check.svg4.5
UTS Bats Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg6
Western Magic Yes check.svg1
Wollondilly KnightsYes check.svg1
Totals9999787105881

2023 Women's Divisions

ClubPremier DivisionDivision 1Division 2Division 3Division 4Total Teams
Camden Cats Yes check.svg1
East Coast Eagles Yes check.svgYes check.svg2
Inner West Magpies Yes check.svg1
Macquarie University GoannasYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg4
Manly-Warringah Wolves Yes check.svgYes check.svg2
Newtown BreakawaysYes check.svgYes check.svg2
North Shore Bombers Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg4
Pennant Hills Demons Yes check.svgYes check.svg2
Penrith Rams Yes check.svg1
Randwick City Saints Yes check.svgYes check.svg2
South West Sydney BluesYes check.svgYes check.svg1.5
Southern Power Yes check.svg1.5
St George Dragons Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg3
Sydney University Bombers Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg3
UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs Yes check.svgYes check.svg2
UTS Bats Yes check.svgYes check.svgYes check.svg3
Western Magic Yes check.svg1
Wollondilly KnightsYes check.svg1
Totals9887537

First Grade (Men's) Premiers

List of First Grade Men's (currently Premier Division) premiers. [4]

List of premiers

SeasonPremiersRunners-upScore
1903East Sydney (1)North Shore6.4 (44) d. 4.2 (26)
1904North Shore (1)Balmain5.13 (43) d. 2.8 (20)
1905Sydney (1)YMCA7.9 (51) d. 7.8 (50)
1906Newtown (1)Redfern9.8 (62) d. 1.14 (20)
1907Sydney (2)Newtown9.6 (60) d. 1.4 (10)
1908YMCA (1)East Sydney15.6 (96) d. 5.8 (38)
1909North Shore (2)YMCA7.5 (47) d. 5.5 (35)
1910YMCA (2)East Sydney5.18 (48) d. 3.6 (24)
1911East Sydney (2)Sydney4.5 (29) d. 2.4 (16)
1912Sydney (3)Paddington5.13 (43) d. 2.3 (15)
1913Sydney (4)Paddington9.16 (70) d. 6.6 (42)
1914South Sydney (1)Sydney7.7 (49) d. 4.15 (39)
1915Paddington (1)Newtown9.5 (59) d. 5.11 (41)
1916Paddington (2)Balmain3.14 (32) d. 1.8 (14)
1917Paddington (3)East Sydney12.20 (92) d. 3.10 (28)
1918East Sydney (3)Newtown14.12 (96) d. 6.7 (43)
1919Paddington (4)East Sydney11.10 (76) d. 8.8 (56)
1920Paddington (5)Newtown15.5 (95) d. 9.15 (69)
1921North Shore (3)Newtown10.7 (67) d. 7.12 (54)
1922Paddington (6)Newtown8.6 (54) d. 5.14 (44)
1923Sydney (5)Newtown10.7 (67) d. 8.15 (63)
1924Paddington (7)Newtown11.8 (74) d. 9.14 (68)
1925Sydney (6)Paddington9.13 (67) d. 7.10 (52)
1926Eastern Suburbs (4)Western Suburbs6.10 (46) d. 4.7 (31)
1927Eastern Suburbs (5)Newtown9.16 (70) d. 6.13 (49)
1928Newtown (2)Eastern Suburbs10.16 (76) d. 4.5 (29)
1929Newtown (3)North Shore10.8 (68) d. 6.6 (42)
1930Newtown (4)South Sydney9.17 (71) d. 7.13 (55)
1931Sydney (7)Newtown6.7 (43) d. 4.14 (38)
1932Newtown (5)South Sydney7.12 (54) d. 5.5 (35)
1933Newtown (6)Sydney10.3 (63) d. 7.16 (58)
1934South Sydney (2)Newtown17.12 (114) d. 12.6 (78)
1935South Sydney (3)St George21.9 (135) d. 11.17 (83)
1936Newtown (7)South Sydney17.8 (110) d. 10.10 (70)
1937St George (1)South Sydney11.16 (82) d. 6.9 (45)
1938St George (2)Newtown6.20 (56) d. 1.9 (15)
1939Newtown (8)St George10.25 (85) d. 10.3 (63)
1940Newtown (9)Eastern Suburbs10.11 (71) d. 8.8 (56)
1941Eastern Suburbs (6)South Sydney7.10 (52) d. 8.3 (51)
1942Newtown (10)South Sydney14.14 (98) d. 9.10 (64)
1943St George (3)South Sydney12.19 (91) d. 9.10 (64)
1944Sydney Naval (1)R.A.A.F11.15 (81) d. 8.17 (63)
1945Newtown (11)R.A.A.F20.18 (138) d. 12.14 (86)
1946Newtown (12)St George16.13 (109) d. 10.6 (66)
1947Newtown (13)Eastern Suburbs18.14 (122) d. 10.6 (66)
1948Newtown (14)Sydney Naval16.17 (113) d. 6.15 (51)
1949Newtown (15)Eastern Suburbs15.10 (100) d. 14.15 (99)
1950Newtown (16)Sydney Naval13.16 (94) d. 8.7 (55)
1951Western Suburbs (1)Eastern Suburbs11.15 (81) d. 10.9 (69)
1952North Shore (4)Western Suburbs11.7 (73) d. 9.12 (66)
1953Eastern Suburbs (7)Western Suburbs21.22 (148) d. 15.12 (102)
1954Eastern Suburbs (8)Newtown13.20 (98) d. 11.8 (74)
1955Eastern Suburbs (9)North Shore13.12 (90) d. 7.10 (52)
1956Eastern Suburbs (10)Western Suburbs10.12 (84) d. 9.17 (71)
1957Eastern Suburbs (11)Sydney Naval12.18 (90) d. 9.16 (70)
1958Eastern Suburbs (12)Western Suburbs15.11 (101) d. 8.11 (59)
1959Eastern Suburbs (13)Newtown14.11 (95) d. 7.11 (53)
1960Sydney Naval (2)Newtown9.12 (66) d. 9.9 (63)
1961North Shore (5)Sydney Naval11.15 (81) d. 4.11 (35)
1962Sydney Naval (3)Newtown18.20 (128) d. 14.13 (97)
1963Western Suburbs (2)Newtown14.14 (98) d. 12.16 (88)
1964St George (4)Western Suburbs14.18 (102) d. 4.18 (42)
1965Western Suburbs (3)St George17.15 (117) d. 12.9 (81)
1966Western Suburbs (4)St George15.22 (112) d. 10.10 (70)
1967Newtown (17)Western Suburbs9.16 (70) d. 8.12 (60)
1968Newtown (18)Western Suburbs22.11 (143) d. 10.18 (78)
1969Western Suburbs (5)Newtown13.17 (93) d. 12.16 (88)
1970Newtown (19)North Shore15.16 (106) d. 10.16 (76)
1971East Sydney (14)Western Suburbs19.15 (129) d. 15.22 (112)
1972Western Suburbs (6)East Sydney22.23 (149) d. 12.14 (86)
1973East Sydney (15)Western Suburbs22.18 (144) d. 18.9 (117)
1974Western Suburbs (7)East Sydney18.25 (133) d. 17.21 (123)
1975Western Suburbs (8)East Sydney18.18 (126) d. 12.16 (88)
1976East Sydney (16)North Shore23.12 (150) d. 10.13 (73)
1977Western Suburbs (9)North Shore18.25 (133) d. 14.9 (91)
1978North Shore (6)Western Suburbs17.17 (119) d. 13.12 (90)
1979North Shore (7)Western Suburbs13.17 (93) d. 9.22 (76)
1980East Sydney (17)North Shore30.24 (204) d. 12.11 (83)
1981East Sydney (18)Newtown19.16 (130) d. 3.23 (41)
1982East Sydney (19)Pennant Hills8.8 (56) d. 5.8 (38)
1983East Sydney (20)Balmain18.23 (131) d. 15.3 (93)
1984East Sydney (21)North Shore20.13 (133) d. 5.4 (34)
1985North Shore (8)Campbelltown18.19 (127) d. 14.12 (96)
1986Campbelltown (1)North Shore17.13 (115) d. 13.14 (92)
1987Campbelltown (2)St George25.16 (166) d. 12.7 (79)
1988Campbelltown (3)East Sydney13.10 (88) d. 8.9 (57)
1989Campbelltown (4)North Shore10.12 (72) d. 6.9 (45)
1990Holroyd-Parramatta (1)North Shore9.15 (69) d. 9.8 (62)
1991North Shore (9)Holroyd-Parramtta10.13 (73) d. 7.9 (51)
1992Sydney University (1)North Shore18.16 (124) d. 8.11 (59)
1993St George (5)North Shore17.13 (115) d. 9.26 (80)
1994Campbelltown (5)North Shore13.16 (94) d. 12.15 (87)
1995Campbelltown (6)Pennant Hills16.19 (115) d. 9.5 (59)
1996Western Suburbs (10)Pennant Hills12.16 (88) d. 11.10 (76)
1997Balmain (1)St George17.13 (115) d. 11.14 (80)
1998Balmain (2)Pennant Hills12.13 (85) d. 9.11 (65)
1999Campbelltown (7)Balmain18.5 (113) d. 13.13 (91)
2000Pennant Hills (1)North Shore15.12 (102) d. 10.7 (67)
2001North Shore (10)Campbelltown12.12 (84) d. 10.9 (69)
2002UNSW/ES (22)North Shore16.10 (106) d. 11.6 (72)
2003UNSW/ES (23)North Shore12.10 (82) d. 10.16 (76)
2004North Shore (11)St George10.11 (71) d. 7.4 (46)
2005North Shore (12)Western Suburbs13.9 (87) d. 6.10 (46)
2006Pennant Hills (2)East Coast5.20 (50) d. 7.6 (48)
2007North Shore (13)St George12.15 (87) d. 9.12 (66)
2008Pennant Hills (3)East Coast20.12 (132) d. 3.10 (28)
2009East Coast (1)UNSW/ES22.12 (144) d. 13.12 (90)
2010East Coast (2)Sydney University13.9 (87) d. 10.10 (70)
2011East Coast (3)Balmain17.12 (114) d. 10.11 (71)
2012UNSW/ES (24)Balmain13.11 (89) d. 7.5 (47)
2013Manly-Warringah (1)Pennant Hills11.14 (80) d. 11.6 (72)
2014Manly-Warringah (2)Pennant Hills8.20 (68) d. 2.10 (22)
2015Pennant Hills (4)East Coast14.5 (89) d. 7.12 (54)
2016East Coast (4)St George17.5 (107) d. 9.12 (66)
2017Pennant Hills (5)Sydney University10.6 (66) d. 7.18 (60)
2018UNSW/ES (25)Sydney University8.10 (58) d. 7.13 (55)
2019UNSW/ES (26)Sydney University10.9 (69) d. 6.15 (51)
2020Sydney University (2)UNSW/ES8.6 (54) d. 6.9 (45)
2022UNSW/ES (27)North Shore7.10 (52) d. 2.10 (22)
2023UNSW/ES (28)North Shore10.6 (66) d. 6.10 (46)

Number of Premierships by Club

Number of PremiershipsClubYears
28 East Sydney/Eastern Suburbs/UNSW-Eastern Suburbs 1903191119181926192719411953195419551956
1957195819591971197319761980198119821983
19842002200320122018201920222023
19Newtown1906192819291930193219331936193919401942
194519461947194819491950196719681970
13 North Shore 1904190919211952196119781979198519912001
200420052007
10 Western Suburbs/Inner West 1951196319651966196919721974197519771996
7Sydney1905190719121913192319251931
7Paddington1915191619171919192019221924
7 Campbelltown 1986198719881989199419951999
5 St George 19371938194319641993
5 Pennant Hills 20002006200820152017
4 East Coast 2009201020112016
3South Sydney191419341935
3Sydney Naval194419601962
2YMCA19081910
2 Sydney University 19922020
2 Balmain 19971998
2 Manly-Warringah 20132014
1 Holroyd-Parramatta/Parramatta 1990

First Grade (Women's) Premiers

List of First Grade Women's (currently Women's Premier Division) premiers.

Number of Premierships by Club

Number of PremiershipsClubYears
6 Newtown Breakaways 2002200320042005200920102015
4 Sydney University Bombers/Gold/Sydney University 2001200720132014
3 Western Wolves/Inner West Magpies 200020062008
3 UNSW-Eastern Suburbs 201620172018
2 Balmain Dockers/Balmain Tigers 20112012
2 East Coast 20222023
1 Macquarie University 2019
1 Manly-Warringah 2020

Best and fairest awards

The Phelan Medal is an annual award given in the Sydney AFL. It is awarded to best and fairest player of the premier division competition each year. It is seen to be the AFL Sydney equivalent to the Brownlow Medal. The Mostyn Medal is awarded to the best and fairest player in the premier division of the women's league.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penrith Australian Football Club</span>

The Penrith Australian Football Club is an Australian rules football club based in the western Sydney suburb of Penrith, which plays its home games at Greygums Oval, Cranebrook. It competes in the Sydney AFL competition, running in season 2020 Senior and Reserve grade open-age grade sides, as well as a women's AFL team competing in Division 1.

Adam Nable is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s. He played for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Wakefield Trinity, Balmain Tigers, Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys. He later played for the New York Knights in the American National Rugby League, and was vice-captain there. He is the brother of player-turned-filmmaker Matt Nable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sutherland AFC</span>

The Sutherland Australian Football Club is an Australian rules football club based in the Sydney region of the Sutherland Shire. The Southern Power(as they are known) play their home games at Lincoln Oval in Sutherland. The club competes in the Sydney AFL competition, with 3 Men's and 1 Women's sides. Seniors compete in the Sydney AFL Platinum Division, Reserves in Platinum Division Reserves, Under 19s Division 2 and Women's Premier Division. There are also Youth Girls teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manly Warringah Wolves</span>

The Manly-Warringah Australian Football Club are an Australian rules football club that play in the Sydney AFL Premier League and is the only senior club located on Sydney’s northern beaches. The club colours are maroon and white. The Wolves' have men's teams in Premier Division, Premier Division Reserves, Division 2 and a Division 1 under 19's team. In the Women's competition, the Wolves field a Division 1 and a Division 3 side in 2019.

The Sydney Shield is a rugby league football competition played in Sydney, New South Wales. The competition is administered by the New South Wales Rugby League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UTS Sport</span>

The UTS Sport are the athletic teams that represent the University of Technology Sydney, located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. They compete at all events of UniSport.

References

  1. "THE AUSTRALIAN GAME". The Sydney Morning Herald . No. 20, 327. New South Wales, Australia. 4 May 1903. p. 4. Retrieved 29 March 2023 via National Library of Australia.
  2. "Digital Sports Pty Ltd". Digital Sports. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  3. Lane, Daniel (18 March 2007). "Dockers drop anchor on Swans' turf". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  4. "First Grade Men's Premiers (Premier Division)". AFL Sydney. Retrieved 16 November 2021.