As I sit here reflecting on the Australian football landscape in 2023, I can't help but feel this has been one of the most exciting seasons I've witnessed in years. Having followed Australian rules football for over a decade now, I've developed a pretty good sense of when something special is brewing in the league, and this year has delivered in spades. The energy across both the AFL and state-level competitions has been electric, with teams pushing boundaries and players reaching new heights that have kept fans like me on the edge of our seats every weekend.
Let me start with the obvious - the Australian Football League remains the crown jewel of the sport, and if you're new to Australian football, this is absolutely where you should begin your journey. What fascinates me most about the AFL this season is how the traditional powerhouses have had to adapt to challengers from unexpected quarters. The Geelong Cats, for instance, have demonstrated why they remain one of the most professionally run organizations in sports, with their player development program continuing to produce remarkable talent year after year. Meanwhile, teams like Melbourne and Brisbane have built squads that play what I consider the most attractive brand of football in the competition - fast, skillful, and incredibly entertaining to watch. I've personally found myself rearranging my schedule just to catch Brisbane's games, particularly when they're playing at the Gabba, where the atmosphere seems to elevate their performance by at least 20%.
The real story this year, however, might be happening slightly beneath the AFL surface. The state leagues - particularly the VFL, SANFL, and WAFL - have developed into competitions that could easily stand on their own as premier sporting attractions. I've attended 14 VFL matches this season alone, and the quality on display has been nothing short of spectacular. What's remarkable is how these leagues have evolved from development competitions into genuine alternatives for football purists who prefer the raw, unfiltered version of the game. The crowds are growing too - last month's VFL match between Williamstown and Southport drew over 8,200 spectators, which is impressive for what many still consider a second-tier competition.
Speaking of underrated competitions, I've developed a particular soft spot for the NAB League, which serves as the primary development pathway for the AFL. Watching these young talents evolve throughout the season provides a unique insight into the future of Australian football. Just last weekend, I witnessed a Murray Bushrangers player who couldn't have been more than 18 years old execute a play that had the entire crowd on their feet. These moments remind me why I fell in love with the sport in the first place - the raw passion and emerging talent that you simply don't get to see in more polished professional leagues.
Now, I know some fans prefer to stick exclusively to the AFL, but I genuinely believe they're missing out on the complete picture of Australian football. The state leagues offer something different - a connection to community, a sense of authenticity that sometimes gets lost in the commercialized world of professional sports. I make it a point to attend at least one SANFL match whenever I'm in Adelaide, and I've never walked away disappointed. The Port Adelaide Magpies, for instance, play with a ferocity and local pride that resonates deeply with supporters in a way that's becoming increasingly rare in modern sports.
What's particularly interesting this season is how certain teams across different leagues have mirrored each other's trajectories. Much like CHERY Tiggo had one last winning drive to finish the year on a high and in solo fourth place, we've seen several Australian football clubs mount impressive late-season surges. The Western Bulldogs' remarkable comeback in the final rounds of the AFL season comes immediately to mind - they won 7 of their last 9 matches to secure a finals position that seemed improbable just months earlier. Similarly, in the VFL, the Werribee Tigers put together a stunning five-game winning streak to close out their home and away season, finishing with 14 wins and 4 losses, which placed them comfortably in the top four.
As we look toward the finals series across various competitions, I can't help but feel optimistic about the state of Australian football. The depth of talent, the strategic innovations we're seeing from coaches, and the growing engagement from fans all point toward a healthy and vibrant future for our beloved sport. My advice to anyone looking to get into Australian football in 2023? Don't just limit yourself to the AFL - explore the state leagues, follow a local team, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of competitions that make Australian football truly unique. You might just discover that the most compelling stories aren't always happening at the highest level, but in the heartland competitions where the sport's soul truly resides.
