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| AFL Premierships | |
|---|---|
| Name | AFL Premierships |
| Sport | Australian rules football |
| Country | Australia |
| Founded | 1897 |
| Administrator | Australian Football League |
| Current champion | 2023 Grand Final |
| Website | AFL.com.au |
AFL Premierships
The AFL Premierships are the annual championships awarded to the winning club of the Australian Football League finals series, contested by clubs such as Collingwood Football Club, Essendon Football Club, Carlton Football Club, Richmond Football Club, and Hawthorn Football Club. Originating from the Victorian Football League in 1897, the competition evolved through interactions with organisations like the South Australian National Football League, the West Australian Football League, and national expansion involving clubs such as the West Coast Eagles and Brisbane Bears. The premiership has been decided in marquee events including the VFL Grand Final and the modern AFL Grand Final staged at venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground and sometimes toured to venues such as Perth Stadium.
The premiership concept grew from the formation of the Victorian Football League in 1897, which separated from the Victorian Football Association as clubs including Essendon and Geelong sought structured competition and gate revenue. Early premierships were influenced by administrators such as Harry Curtis and players like Roy Cazaly, while intercolonial contests involved representative sides from South Australia and Western Australia. Post-war developments saw clubs like Melbourne Football Club and Richmond dominate eras, with key figures such as Ron Barassi and Kevin Sheedy shaping tactics and recruitment. The 1980s and 1990s nationalisation, led by commissioners and executives including Andrew Demetriou and Paul Kelly, introduced interstate clubs like the Adelaide Football Club and Port Adelaide Football Club, aligning broadcasting deals with networks including Seven Network and Fox Sports.
Finals qualification is determined by ladder positions after the home-and-away season, with clubs such as Sydney Swans, Fremantle Football Club, and GWS Giants vying for top-eight finishes. The finals system has featured formats like the Page–McIntyre system and the current final eight, influenced historically by administrators across the Australian Football League Commission and match officials drawn from bodies such as the AFL Tribunal. Player list rules, salary cap enforcement and draft mechanisms link premiership contention to institutions including the AFL Draft, the Rookie Draft, and the Salary Cap Tribunal, while coaching structures emphasise figures like Alastair Clarkson and Leigh Matthews.
The Grand Final is the culmination of the season, staged predominantly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, attracting dignitaries from organisations like the Australian Government and celebrities linked to institutions such as the National Australia Bank and media personalities from the ABC. Iconic performances by players such as Tony Lockett, Gary Ablett Sr., and Nathan Buckley have become part of the event's lore. Ceremonial elements have included musical acts associated with festivals and events like AFL Grand Final Parade and awards such as the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground, with premiership cup presentations officiated by league presidents and club presidents from teams like West Coast Eagles and St Kilda Football Club.
Winners span historic clubs and modern entrants: early champions included Essendon and Carlton, mid-century powerhouses featured Melbourne and Collingwood, while contemporary success has come from clubs like Hawthorn, Geelong, and Sydney Swans. Expansion clubs such as Brisbane Lions (merger of Brisbane Bears and Fitzroy), Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs have also secured premierships. The premiership roll reflects eras associated with coaches such as Mick Malthouse and John Longmire and captains like Dustin Fletcher and Chris Judd.
All-time records include most premierships by clubs like Carlton and Essendon, individual scoring feats by players such as Jason Dunstall and Tony Lockett, and coaching records held by figures like Jock McHale and Alastair Clarkson. Attendance milestones were set at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and during interstate matches in Perth and Adelaide, while broadcasting records were established in partnerships with the Seven Network and digital rights holders. Statistical compilations reference medal winners (e.g. Brownlow Medal recipients), club honour boards, and player milestone games recorded by the AFL Players Association.
Historic premiership moments include the 1966 Grand Final featuring St Kilda's solitary flag, the dramatic 1999 decider involving North Melbourne, the 2005 upset by Sydney ending a long drought, and the 2010s dynasties driven by clubs like Hawthorn and Geelong. Memorable incidents involve players such as Dermott Brereton, controversial umpiring decisions reviewed by the AFL Tribunal, and Grand Final performances that produced moments replayed in media outlets including Channel Seven and Nine Network highlight packages.
Premierships shape Australian cultural institutions from Melbourne-centric celebrations to national broadcast events engaging corporations such as Telstra and Commonwealth Bank. Economic effects touch stadium revenue at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, hospitality in precincts like the Docklands, and tourism in cities including Perth and Adelaide. The premiership legacy is reflected in club museums, halls of fame associated with the Australian Football Hall of Fame, and community programs run by clubs like Richmond and Western Bulldogs that link sporting success to civic identity.