On the brink of the 2026 season, AFL Chief Andrew Dillon shared ambitious plans to elevate Australian rules football to the Olympic stage during the Brisbane 2032 Games. While promoting the upcoming Opening Round, which will feature all four clubs from New South Wales and Queensland, Dillon assured that the Origin and Opening Round events are set to continue.
Dillon spoke in Sydney on Monday, highlighting the successful format of the Opening Round, which has drawn substantial crowds in recent years. “What we”ve discovered over the last couple of years is that focusing on New South Wales and Queensland has significantly increased awareness in these regions without detracting from our round one,” Dillon stated. He noted that the past two opening rounds have achieved record attendance, exceeding 400,000, with last year reaching an impressive 451,000 spectators.
Looking beyond the 2026 season, Dillon expressed his commitment to bringing Australian rules football to the international spotlight at the Olympics. He mentioned discussions with Brisbane 2032 head Andrew Liveris and pointed to the precedent set in 1956 when Australian rules served as an exhibition sport during the Melbourne Olympics. Dillon believes the sport deserves a place in the Olympic arena and plans to collaborate with the Olympic Committee on how that representation might unfold.
The AFL”s global ambitions took center stage earlier this year when Dillon traveled to India, where he observed a growing interest in the game, citing nearly 10,000 youth participating in football activities. “I witnessed the national championships with 10 states represented,” Dillon commented, emphasizing the potential for expansion in that market.
Closer to home, Dillon received positive feedback from players who participated in the recent State of Origin match between Western Australia and Victoria. He indicated that the concept will likely continue to evolve over the next three to five years but did not confirm whether a combined team of players from Queensland and New South Wales would definitely be included. “The players expressed a desire for a longer time in camp,” Dillon noted, reaffirming that the event would persist in some form.
Furthermore, Dillon showed optimism regarding recent rule changes aimed at enhancing gameplay. While some players, including Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn, have raised concerns, Dillon remained focused on the goal of accelerating the pace of the game. “What we will see are modifications that will increase the speed of play and keep the ball in motion longer, which is what our fans want,” he said, emphasizing the demand for fast-paced football.
