BREAKING: AFL’s Sydney footy revolution as full details of major 2027 changes revealed

The AFL has revamped footy in New South Wales, creating a new premier competition in an attempt to supercharge Sydney’s pathways to the elite level.

The Sydney Football League (SFL), beginning in 2027, will feature nine clubs who’ve been granted a license after being assessed by NSW footy heavyweights including AFL Commissioner Andrew Ireland and Sydney premiership coach John Longmire.

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The SFL will sit on the same level as competitions like Queensland’s QAFL and provide another home for Talent League prospects, with four divisions - Senior Mens, Senior Womens, Under 19.5 Mens and Under 20 Women.

The name is a throwback to the 1980s and 90s, borrowing the title the league held when the Swans moved from South Melbourne. In 2009 it merged with the former Sydney Football Association, evolving into the current AFL Sydney competition.

Beginning in April 2027, the Match of the Round across Senior Mens and Senior Womens will be broadcast live via Kayo Freebies.

“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 COO Tom Harley said on Wednesday.

“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 nine clubs initially granted a license are:

- 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)

The tender process required clubs to satisfy a series of prescribed minimum and optimal standards, while the panel carefully considered the geographic spread of clubs to ensure a truly Sydney-wide competition representative of the key regions in Greater Sydney.

“The Sydney Football League is the result of a deliberate and strategic shift in how we support and develop Australian Rules Football in New South Wales,” Head of AFL NSW/ACT Andrew Varasdi said.

“Demand for AFL in New South Wales has never been stronger, and the SFL has been designed to meet that demand by providing a premier competition that can cater to emerging talent and keep them or attract them to New South Wales.

“Together with our investments in participation, facilities, club development and talent programs, the SFL will help ensure our football system keeps pace with the growth of the game while creating stronger pathways and higher standards across the board.

“We are investing in the people, clubs and competitions that will drive the next phase of growth for Australian Rules Football in New South Wales, and the SFL will play a critical role in that future.”

The SFL will sit above AFL Sydney, which remains a community-based competition with divisions for Men and Women plus underage leagues and Masters (35+).

“We invest more than $1 billion each year in sports rights and production to bring fans closer to the game and support the pathways and grassroots programs and community facilities that help the game grow and drive greater participation outcomes for girls and boys. It’s something our business is extremely proud of,” Foxtel Group Executive Director, Commercial Sport Adam Howarth said.

“As the official streaming partner of the Sydney Football League, Kayo Freebies is bringing more visibility and accessibility to a vital tier of the AFL competition, lifting the profile of players, clubs and competitions, and supporting the continued growth of Australian Rules Football in New South Wales.

“It also complements our unrivalled AFL coverage on Kayo Sports, including every AFL game of every round, every match of the AFLW season and a game of the week in VFL, giving fans access to every level of the game.”

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