Discover the Best Australian Football Leagues and Teams to Follow in 2023
As a longtime follower of Australian rules football, I've spent over a decade tracking the evolution of the sport's competitive landscape. When I think about what makes certain leagues and teams worth following in 2023, I'm reminded of something Philippine basketball player Terrence Romeo once said about his team's approach: "We have our moment where we're still Terrafirma, so we need to give our best every game for the team. Then we'll think about what happens after our moment is over." This mindset perfectly captures what makes following Australian football so compelling - it's about embracing the journey rather than just chasing trophies.
The Australian Football League remains the undeniable premier competition, with its 18 teams drawing average crowds of over 35,000 spectators pre-pandemic. Having attended matches across three different states, I can confidently say the atmosphere at Collingwood games at the MCG is unlike anything else in Australian sport. The Magpies' resurgence under Craig McRae has been remarkable to watch, with their membership swelling to over 100,000 this season. Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses like Richmond and Geelong continue to demonstrate why they've been so successful - their development pathways have produced nearly 70% of their current senior lists. What I particularly admire about the AFL is how it balances tradition with innovation, introducing new technologies like player tracking systems while maintaining the physical intensity that's characterized the sport for generations.
Beyond the AFL, the state-level competitions offer their own unique appeal. The SANFL in South Australia maintains a fiercely loyal following, with Port Adelaide's Magpies maintaining an unbroken lineage dating back to 1870. Having spoken with numerous players across these secondary competitions, I've noticed they embody that same mentality Romeo described - giving their absolute best regardless of their league's profile. The VFL in Victoria serves as both a development pathway and a destination for players who simply love the game, with several clubs maintaining average attendances between 2,000-5,000 despite minimal media coverage. Personally, I've found following a VFL team alongside an AFL club provides a more complete picture of Australian football's ecosystem.
Women's football represents the fastest-growing segment of the sport, with the AFLW expanding to 18 teams this year after beginning with just 8 in 2017. The skill level has improved dramatically - scoring has increased by approximately 40% since the inaugural season despite shorter quarters. I make a point to attend at least a few AFLW games each season because the accessibility for fans is incredible - you can often chat with players after matches, creating connections that are increasingly rare in professional sports.
What makes 2023 particularly exciting is the emergence of new rivalries and the resurgence of traditional ones. The Sydney vs. GWS derby has developed genuine intensity, while the Western Derby between West Coast and Fremantle remains one of the most heated contests in sport. Having witnessed both firsthand, I'd argue the Western Australian showdown carries more raw emotion, partly because of the state's relative isolation breeding a distinctive football culture. Following these rivalries provides narrative threads that make the entire season more engaging, much like following a long-running television series with characters you've grown to love or loathe.
Ultimately, choosing which teams to follow comes down to what you value most in sports. If you want guaranteed success, Melbourne after their 2021 premiership drought-breaking win might appeal. If you prefer an underdog story, St Kilda's quest for their second-ever flag provides endless drama. For me, there's something special about supporting a team through its "Terrafirma moments" - those building phases where every game matters not for trophies but for establishing identity and culture. That's where you often see the most authentic expressions of what makes Australian football great - the relentless effort, the strategic innovation, and the emotional investment that transcends wins and losses. Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned follower, 2023 offers compelling stories across multiple competitions that capture the unique spirit of Australian rules football.