Australia is a nation of sports enthusiasts, and football—whether it’s Australian Rules Football (AFL), soccer, rugby league, or rugby union—commands a passionate following. Each code of football has its own set of teams, with professional leagues and grassroots clubs spanning the country. But with so many teams across multiple sports, it can be tricky to keep track of them all.
This article provides a comprehensive list of football teams in Australia, organized by code. Whether you’re a fan of the AFL, the A-League, the NRL, or Super Rugby, you’ll find all the information you need right here.
Australian Rules Football (AFL) Teams
The Australian Football League (AFL) is the top-tier competition for Australian Rules Football. The league features 18 teams, spread across the country.
AFL Teams
- Adelaide Crows (Adelaide, SA)
- Brisbane Lions (Brisbane, QLD)
- Carlton Blues (Melbourne, VIC)
- Collingwood Magpies (Melbourne, VIC)
- Essendon Bombers (Melbourne, VIC)
- Fremantle Dockers (Perth, WA)
- Geelong Cats (Geelong, VIC)
- Gold Coast Suns (Gold Coast, QLD)
- Greater Western Sydney Giants (GWS) (Sydney, NSW)
- Hawthorn Hawks (Melbourne, VIC)
- Melbourne Demons (Melbourne, VIC)
- North Melbourne Kangaroos (Melbourne, VIC)
- Port Adelaide Power (Adelaide, SA)
- Richmond Tigers (Melbourne, VIC)
- St Kilda Saints (Melbourne, VIC)
- Sydney Swans (Sydney, NSW)
- West Coast Eagles (Perth, WA)
- Western Bulldogs (Melbourne, VIC)
For fixtures, results, and team stats, visit the AFL Official Website.
Soccer Teams (A-League Men and A-League Women)
The A-League Men and A-League Women are Australia’s premier professional soccer leagues. Both leagues feature teams from across the country and one from New Zealand.
A-League Men Teams
- Adelaide United (Adelaide, SA)
- Brisbane Roar (Brisbane, QLD)
- Central Coast Mariners (Gosford, NSW)
- Macarthur FC (Campbelltown, NSW)
- Melbourne City (Melbourne, VIC)
- Melbourne Victory (Melbourne, VIC)
- Newcastle Jets (Newcastle, NSW)
- Perth Glory (Perth, WA)
- Sydney FC (Sydney, NSW)
- Wellington Phoenix (Wellington, NZ)
- Western Sydney Wanderers (Sydney, NSW)
- Western United (Melbourne, VIC)
A-League Women Teams
Most A-League Men teams have women’s teams, with a similar structure. The competition is expanding to provide equal representation and more opportunities for female players.
Explore more about Australian soccer at the A-League Official Website.
Rugby League Teams (NRL)
The National Rugby League (NRL) is the top-tier competition for rugby league in Australia. The league consists of 17 teams, including one from New Zealand.
NRL Teams
- Brisbane Broncos (Brisbane, QLD)
- Canberra Raiders (Canberra, ACT)
- Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (Sydney, NSW)
- Cronulla Sharks (Sydney, NSW)
- Dolphins (Redcliffe, QLD) – New team added in 2023.
- Gold Coast Titans (Gold Coast, QLD)
- Manly Sea Eagles (Sydney, NSW)
- Melbourne Storm (Melbourne, VIC)
- Newcastle Knights (Newcastle, NSW)
- New Zealand Warriors (Auckland, NZ)
- North Queensland Cowboys (Townsville, QLD)
- Parramatta Eels (Sydney, NSW)
- Penrith Panthers (Sydney, NSW)
- South Sydney Rabbitohs (Sydney, NSW)
- St. George Illawarra Dragons (Sydney/Wollongong, NSW)
- Sydney Roosters (Sydney, NSW)
- Wests Tigers (Sydney, NSW)
Check out the latest NRL updates at the NRL Official Website.
Rugby Union Teams (Super Rugby Pacific)
Super Rugby Pacific is the premier competition for rugby union in Australia, featuring teams from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
Super Rugby Teams in Australia
- ACT Brumbies (Canberra, ACT)
- Queensland Reds (Brisbane, QLD)
- New South Wales Waratahs (Sydney, NSW)
- Melbourne Rebels (Melbourne, VIC)
- Western Force (Perth, WA)
Learn more about rugby union at Rugby Australia.
State and Community Football Teams
National Premier Leagues (NPL)
The NPL is a semi-professional soccer league featuring teams from each state and territory. It serves as the second tier of Australian soccer.
Local and Amateur Teams
Across AFL, soccer, rugby league, and rugby union, thousands of local and amateur teams compete in state leagues, junior competitions, and community matches. These teams are the backbone of Australian football culture.
How Many Football Teams Are There in Australia?
Summing up:
- AFL: 18 teams
- A-League Men: 12 teams
- NRL: 17 teams
- Super Rugby Pacific: 5 teams
- A-League Women and NPL: Numerous teams at professional and semi-professional levels
This diversity reflects the rich sporting culture in Australia.
Conclusion
Australia boasts a vast array of football teams across multiple codes, including AFL, soccer, rugby league, and rugby union. Whether you’re cheering for the Sydney Swans in the AFL, Melbourne Victory in the A-League, or the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby, there’s a team for every fan to support.
These teams not only represent their cities and regions but also play a crucial role in uniting communities and fostering a love for the game. With such a vibrant sporting culture, it’s no wonder Australia is a nation that loves its football.
Call to Action
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External High-Authority Links
- AFL Official Website: For all AFL team information and updates.
- A-League Official Website: Explore Australia’s professional soccer leagues.
- NRL Official Website: Stay updated on rugby league news and fixtures.
- Rugby Australia: Learn more about rugby union in Australia.
See Also: How Big Is an AFL Field?
