How to Understand, Appreciate, and Experience the Greatest Rivalries in Footy

There’s nothing quite like an AFL rivalry. Whether you’re a die-hard fan who’s been barracking for the same club since you were knee-high to a grasshopper, a newbie trying to figure out why your mates lose their absolute minds on game day, or a grassroots coach looking to teach your young players about the history behind the jumper, understanding these rivalries is the key to truly appreciating our great game.

By the time you finish this guide, you’ll know exactly what makes each rivalry tick, how to experience them properly, and—most importantly—why they matter so much to Australian football history. Let’s dive in.

What You’ll Need Before We Start

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s what you’ll want handy:

A basic understanding of AFL rules (don’t stress if you’re new)
Access to a TV, streaming service, or radio to catch the big rivalry games live
A mate who supports the rival club (optional, but highly recommended for the banter)
An open mind—some of these rivalries go back over a century, and the stories are wild
A cold beverage of your choice (tradition demands it)

Righto, let’s get into the steps.

Step 1: Get to Know the Big Ones—The Rivalries That Built the Game

Not all rivalries are created equal. Some are based on geography, some on history, and some on pure, unadulterated hatred that’s been simmering for generations. Here are the heavy hitters.

Essendon vs. Collingwood

This is one of the oldest rivalries in the game, and it’s an absolute ripper. These two clubs have been at each other’s throats since the early days of the VFL. The Bombers and the Magpies have met in many Grand Finals, and the animosity runs deep. Essendon fans will tell you Collingwood supporters are arrogant; Collingwood fans will say the same about Essendon. Both are probably right.

Key moment: The 1990 Grand Final. Collingwood broke a long premiership drought by beating Essendon. You still hear about it today.

Carlton vs. Collingwood

If you want passion, this is it. Carlton and Collingwood are two of the biggest clubs in Victoria by supporter base, and they absolutely despise each other. The rivalry peaked in the 1970s and 1980s when they met in multiple Grand Finals, including the famous 1979 decider where a boundary line call sparked controversy—and the rest is history.

Key moment: The 1979 Grand Final. Controversy, drama, and a Carlton win. Collingwood fans still haven’t forgotten.

West Coast Eagles vs. Fremantle Dockers (The Western Derby)

This one’s a bit newer but every bit as fierce. When Fremantle entered the competition in the mid-1990s, they split Perth’s footy community right down the middle. The Western Derby is famous for its intensity, with players often needing to be separated before the first bounce. It’s family versus family in some households.

Key moment: A qualifying final in the mid-2010s saw West Coast defeat Fremantle in front of a massive crowd at Domain Stadium. The Eagles went on to the Grand Final; the Dockers went home.

Adelaide Crows vs. Port Adelaide Power (The Showdown)

South Australia’s version of the Western Derby, the Showdown is pure chaos. Port Adelaide has the history (they were a powerhouse in the SANFL before joining the AFL), while Adelaide has the modern success. The hatred is real, and the games are always physical.

Key moment: A memorable Showdown where Port Adelaide kicked a goal after the siren to win by one point. Absolute bedlam.

Step 2: Understand the History—Why These Rivalries Matter

You can’t truly appreciate a rivalry without knowing where it came from. Here’s the thing: AFL rivalries aren’t just about footy. They’re about identity, community, and sometimes even class.

The Suburban Divide

Melbourne’s inner suburbs were once fiercely independent communities. Collingwood was a working-class area; Essendon was more affluent. When these clubs played, it wasn’t just a game—it was a clash of cultures. The same goes for Carlton and Richmond. These rivalries are rooted in the very fabric of Melbourne’s history.

The Interstate Factor

When the AFL expanded beyond Victoria in the 1980s and 1990s, new rivalries were born. West Coast vs. Sydney became a modern classic, born from multiple Grand Final clashes. Brisbane vs. Collingwood has got a bit of everything—geography, recent history, and a healthy dose of bad blood.

The Grand Final Factor

Nothing fuels a rivalry like meeting on the last Saturday in September. Essendon and Collingwood have done it multiple times. Carlton and Collingwood have done it several times. Hawthorn and Geelong have met in Grand Finals, including a famous upset that still haunts Cats fans.

Step 3: Watch a Rivalry Game the Right Way

Right, so you’ve got the history down. Now it’s time to experience the real thing. Here’s how to do it properly.

Pick the Right Game

Not all rivalry games are created equal. If you can, go to the game in person. The atmosphere at the MCG or the SCG during a big rivalry match is something you’ll never forget. If you can’t make it, watch it live on TV—don’t you dare watch a replay. The tension is part of the experience.

Dress the Part

Wear your club’s colours proudly. If you’re at the game, you’ll see thousands of others doing the same. If you’re watching at home or at the pub, same deal. It’s about showing your allegiance.

Get Involved in the Banter

This is where having a mate who supports the other team comes in handy. The banter is half the fun. Just keep it good-natured—nobody likes a sore winner or a sore loser. And for crying out loud, don’t start a fight. It’s footy, not a war.

Learn the Chants and Songs

Every club has its own song, and rivalry games are the time to belt it out. Learn the words. Sing it loud. If you’re at the game, join in with the crowd. There’s nothing quite like thousands of fans singing their club song after a big win.

Step 4: Respect the Traditions—Even the Weird Ones

AFL rivalries come with their own unique traditions. Some are fun, some are bizarre, and some are sacred. Here are a few you should know.

The ANZAC Day Clash

Essendon vs. Collingwood on ANZAC Day is one of the biggest home-and-away games of the year. It’s a tradition that started in the mid-1990s and has become a national institution. The pre-game ceremony, the minute’s silence, the roar of the crowd—it’s spine-tingling stuff.

The Dreamtime at the ‘G

Richmond vs. Essendon on the weekend of the AFL’s Indigenous Round is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. The game is preceded by a traditional dance ceremony, and the atmosphere is electric. It’s one of the most beautiful traditions in Australian sport.

The Showdown Medal

In the Adelaide vs. Port Adelaide Showdown, the best player on the ground gets the Showdown Medal. It’s a big deal—players treat it like a personal honour, and fans argue about it for weeks afterwards.

Step 5: Pass It On—Share the Rivalry with the Next Generation

If you’re a parent, coach, or mentor, you’ve got a responsibility to pass on the love of the game—and that includes the rivalries. Here’s how to do it right.

Tell the Stories

Kids love a good story. Tell them about famous Grand Finals. Tell them about the time a legendary player kicked a goal after the siren to win a preliminary final. These stories are the lifeblood of the game.

Take Them to a Game

Nothing beats being there. Take your kids, your nieces, your nephews—anyone who’ll come. Let them feel the roar of the crowd, see the players up close, and experience the passion firsthand.

Teach Them Respect

Rivalries are about passion, not hatred. Teach the next generation to respect the opposition, the umpires, and the game itself. The rivalries will take care of themselves.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes

Pro Tips

Do your homework: Before a big rivalry game, read up on the history. It makes the experience so much richer.
Get to the ground early: The pre-game atmosphere is half the fun. Watch the warm-ups, listen to the crowd, soak it all in.
Join a supporters’ group: Whether it’s the Cheer Squad or a local footy club, being part of a community makes the rivalries mean more.
Keep a rivalry journal: Write down your memories of big games. You’ll thank yourself in 20 years.

Common Mistakes

Taking it too seriously: It’s a game. Don’t let it ruin your weekend or your relationships.
Being disrespectful: Booing is one thing. Personal insults are another. Keep it classy.
Missing the history: If you don’t know why the rivalry exists, you’re missing the point.
Watching a replay: The magic of a rivalry game is the live tension. Don’t cheat yourself.

Checklist Summary

Here’s your quick-reference checklist for understanding and experiencing AFL club rivalries:

Learn the history of the major rivalries (Essendon vs. Collingwood, Carlton vs. Collingwood, Western Derby, Showdown)
Understand the cultural and geographic roots of each rivalry
Watch a rivalry game live, either at the ground or on TV
Wear your club colours with pride
Get involved in the banter—keep it good-natured
Learn your club’s song and chants
Respect the traditions (ANZAC Day, Dreamtime, Showdown Medal)
Share the stories and experiences with the next generation
Take kids to a rivalry game to experience the atmosphere
Teach respect for the opposition, the umpires, and the game
Avoid taking it too seriously or being disrespectful
Keep a record of your favourite rivalry memories

AFL rivalries are what make our game so special. They’re the reason we pack the stands, the reason we argue with our mates, and the reason we feel that knot in our stomach before a big game. They connect us to the past, to our communities, and to each other.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting started, I hope this guide helps you appreciate the rivalries that define Australian football history. Now go on—get out there, watch a game, and enjoy the ride.

And remember: it’s only a game. But it’s the best game in the world.

AFL Club Rivalries That Define Australian Football History