Macquarie University AFL Club
University Roots and Community Football
The Macquarie University Australian Football Club, known as the Warriors, has been part of Sydney’s football community since 1969. Based at University Oval in Macquarie Park, the volunteer-run club provides men’s and women’s football through AFL Sydney, welcoming players with different levels of experience and ability.
Despite its university connection, players do not need to be Macquarie University students to join. The club offers memberships for both students and community members, along with introductory training opportunities for people interested in trying Australian Rules Football before committing to a full season.
Football at Macquarie University
Men’s Football
In 2026, Macquarie University’s men’s teams competed in AFL Sydney Division Two and Division Six, providing different levels of senior competition within the same club. These programs bring together university students and community players, with opportunities for experienced footballers and those developing their game.
The men’s program celebrated a premiership in 2025, defeating UNSW–Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs 10.8 (68) to 7.10 (52) in the Men’s Division Three Grand Final. Lewis Johnston was named best on ground, helping the Warriors secure a 16-point victory.
Women’s Football
Macquarie University’s women’s program has a history of premiership success, individual honours and players progressing into AFLW. In 2026, the club fielded teams in AFL Sydney Women’s Division Two and Division Three.
The Division Two team enjoyed a strong 2026 campaign, finishing second after the home-and-away season with 14 wins and two losses. The Warriors progressed to the Grand Final against Camden, having pushed the eventual premiers to within four points in their earlier semi-final meeting.
Macquarie finished runners-up, with Camden winning the Grand Final 4.7 (31) to 0.4 (4). The appearance added another significant season to the women’s program’s history.
Home Ground: University Oval
The Warriors play and train at Macquarie University Oval, accessed from Culloden Road, Macquarie Park. The ground provides the club’s base for home matches and training. Its published training arrangements identify Tuesday and Thursday evenings, although players should confirm current schedules directly with the club.
Club History and Premiership Success
From the Kookas to the Warriors
Originally known as the “Kookas” during Macquarie University’s green-and-gold era, the club developed over several decades before winning its first premiership in 1998. Consecutive titles followed in 1999 and 2000, completing three premierships in successive seasons. Another men’s first-grade premiership followed in 2009.
Women’s Premiership Milestones
Macquarie’s women completed an undefeated premiership season in 2013. Amanda Farrugia was named best on ground in the Grand Final and also received the competition’s Best & Fairest award, marking an important period in the program’s development.
A further milestone came in 2019, when the Warriors won the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division premiership, defeating East Coast Eagles. Lisa Steane was named best on ground before being selected by GWS in that year’s AFLW Draft.
AFLW Connections and Individual Honours
Macquarie University has contributed to the development of players who have reached the national women’s competition.
Amanda Farrugia, the inaugural GWS Giants AFLW captain, began playing football with Macquarie University in her twenties. She went on to win the Mostyn Medal three times, recognising her performances as the best and fairest player in AFL Sydney’s leading women’s competition.
Lisa Steane followed her contribution to Macquarie’s 2019 premiership with selection at pick 23 in the 2019 AFLW Draft. GWS’s recruitment announcement specifically recognised her performances with the Warriors and her best-on-ground Grand Final contribution.
Connections with Pennant Hills
Macquarie University and Pennant Hills have also worked together to support women’s football development.
In November 2025, Pennant Hills announced a joint Girls Summer Skills Series with Macquarie University, aimed at players preparing for the 2026 season, including those transitioning out of junior football. Weekly sessions were scheduled at Mike Kenny Oval, providing an opportunity to develop skills and prepare for the next stage of their football journey.
Community Participation and Inclusion
The Warriors’ participation options extend beyond full-season playing membership. The club offers Come & Try sessions and training memberships, allowing prospective players to experience the sport and club environment before deciding whether to join a team.
Its community initiatives also include Pride Cup events. The club’s 2026 program announced its first club-wide Pride round against North Shore, extending an initiative that began with a men’s-led round in 2025 involving Pride Cup and Movember.
AFL Sydney and the Sydney Football League
Macquarie University competes within AFL Sydney and is not among the nine foundation clubs awarded licences for the new Sydney Football League, which begins in April 2027. Historical references to the Warriors and the former Sydney Football League should not be confused with membership of the new competition. AFL Sydney will continue alongside the SFL, providing men’s and women’s divisional football, underage competitions and Masters football. Players seeking information about Macquarie’s teams for the next season should refer to the club’s announcements and published competition gradings.
