Implementation of an Elevated Level of Competition in Greater Sydney – Season 2027
Following a comprehensive Top End Competition Review to determine the best long-term structure to support aspirational players, coaches and umpires across Greater Sydney, the Sydney Football League have announced the introduction of an Elevated League to commence in Season 2027.
In February 2026, the Pennant Hills Demons AFL Club officially submitted its application for license to the Elevated League Competition.
Detailed information below regarding the Elevated League has been taken from the Official Memorandum from AFL NSW/ACT regarding the implementation of the Elevated Level of Competition in Greater Sydney. The full memorandum can be found here.
Minimum & Optimal Standards Framework
The Sydney Football League will operate under a clearly defined Minimum and Optimal framework that sets expectations for all participating clubs and underpins the long-term sustainability and professionalism of the competition.
Minimum Standards establish the baseline requirements clubs must meet to be licensed for the 2027 season. These standards focus on core areas such as football department capability, coaching accreditation, governance and administration, financial management, medical and
welfare support, facilities, and match-day delivery. Meeting these minimum thresholds ensures all clubs can compete safely, professionally and consistently from day one.
Optimal Standards outline a higher level of professionalism and performance that clubs will progress toward over time. These standards represent best practice in areas such as high-performance environments, talent development, facilities enhancement, media and marketing, and strategic planning.
Implementation Timeline
The Sydney Football League will commence in 2027, with 2026 serving as the preparation and licensing year.
During this time, AFL NSW/ACT will work closely with clubs through the structured tender process and ongoing education and support.
- A simplified overview of the implementation timeline is as follows:
2025 – Review completed; consultation with clubs; confirmation of SFL model - 2026 – Licensing, tendering, policy development education and support for clubs preparing
for SFL entry - 2027 – Competition Launch
Competition Structure
The final competition structure and club make-up of the SFL are yet to be determined; however, it is anticipated that the SFL in 2027 will comprise six (6) to eight (8) clubs. Licence allocation will consider a range of factors, including geographic distribution, demonstrated ability to meet the Minimum Standards, aspiration to meet the optimal standards, and the sustainability of the participation & talent pathway within each club’s region.
The SFL will feature four competitions;
- Senior Men’s
- Senior Women’s
- Under 19.5 Men’s
- Under 20 Women’s
Importantly, there will be no required changes to the AFL Sydney divisional structure. Since 2020, AFL Sydney has experienced consistent year-on-year growth including multiple years of double-digit growth, and the existing divisional model is considered best practice. This structure will continue unchanged in 2026 and beyond.
SFL clubs will continue to field additional teams within the AFL Sydney divisional competitions, with team placement determined through the standard grading processes.
What the SFL Aims to Deliver
The Sydney Football League is being designed to provide:
- A higher standard of senior football in Sydney
- Stronger alignment with junior pathways and the talent system
- Improved governance, match-day operations and football department capability
- Enhanced facilities and a more consistent competition environment
- A balanced geographic spread of clubs to support Greater Sydney wide representation
These foundations will help strengthen the long-term sustainability and professionalism of football across Greater Sydney.
The SFL vision is to ‘create a sustainable nationally recognised, aspirational state league competition that attracts, develops, and retains talented players, coaches, and officials in Sydney.’
