South West Sydney Blues, the storied AFL club founded by the legendary John McLaughlin, will be part and parcel of a new, elite competition from 2027.
Nine clubs across the Sydney metropolitan area have been granted a licence to compete in the Sydney Football League (SFL).
They are South West Sydney Blues, St George Dragons, Sydney University, UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs, UTS Bats, North Shore Bombers, Manly Warringah Wolves, Pennant Hills Demons and East Coast Eagles.
Licences were awarded after a tender and assessment process.
The SFL will consist of four divisions: senior men’s, senior women’s, under 19.5 men’s and under 20 women’s.
In announcing the SFL, the AFL said it will be established as the premier Australian Rules Football competition in NSW.
One of the innovations being introduced is the SFL Match of the Round available to stream live via Kayo Freebies on Kayo Sports from 2027.
Welcoming the announcement, the Blues club said the new premier competition will bring Sydney’s premier metropolitan Australian Rules Football to the Macarthur and South West Sydney region.
“This is a significant milestone for our club and our community, providing local footballers with the opportunity to compete at the highest metropolitan level while proudly representing their own region,’’ said club president Shannon Prenter.
“For years, talented players from South West Sydney have travelled across Sydney to pursue higher-level football. This licence creates a genuine pathway closer to home and recognises the strong governance, sustainable growth and community foundations our young club has worked hard to build,’’ he said.
“This achievement belongs to the many players, coaches, volunteers, committee members, sponsors and supporters who have contributed to the South West Sydney Blues.
“Today is not simply about our football club – it is about our region.
“South West Sydney and Macarthur regions deserve a football club capable of competing at the highest metropolitan level.
“This licence provides a genuine pathway for local players and creates exciting opportunities for current and future generations,’’ Prenter said.
“We are incredibly proud of what our football community has built together.
“While today is a moment to celebrate, it is also the beginning of something much bigger.
“We are building a club that represents our entire region, and we invite everyone to be part of what comes next,’’ he said.
The SFL will be established as a premier competition that develops, retains and attracts talented players, coaches and officials in Sydney and NSW.
“The AFL has a long-term commitment to grow Australian Rules Football in NSW, and the Sydney Football League represents a significant investment by the AFL in the state’s football landscape,’’ said AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley.
“The depth of talent emerging from the state is undeniable. We are seeing more AFL and AFLW draftees from NSW, 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 NSW continues to produce elite football talent, while strengthening the foundations of the game for generations to come.”
The inaugural SFL season will commence in April 2027, with the competition sitting alongside other senior premier competitions like the QAFL in Queensland and complement existing pathways such as the Talent League.
