So you're looking to get across the AFL in 2024? Whether you're a new fan trying to figure out who's who, a parent whose kid just announced they're barracking for a team you've never heard of, or a seasoned footy head wanting to make sure you haven't missed any changes—you've come to the right place.

The AFL landscape shifts every season. New players arrive, old legends hang up the boots, and sometimes even clubs themselves evolve. With the 2024 season in full swing, having a solid grasp of every club on the list is your ticket to following the action, understanding rivalries, and knowing exactly who's who when you're watching at the MCG or catching the highlights.

In this checklist, we'll walk you through every AFL club competing in 2024, break down what makes each one tick, and give you the practical know-how to navigate the season like a local. By the end, you'll be able to name every club, recognise their home grounds, and understand the key storylines shaping the competition.

Let's get into it.

What You'll Need Before We Start

Before we dive into the clubs themselves, here's what you'll want handy:

A way to watch or stream games – Fox Footy, Kayo, or the AFL's official app will do the trick.
The 2024 AFL fixture – You can grab it from the AFL website or any sports app.
A basic understanding of the game – If you're brand new, just know it's 18 players per side, four quarters, and the goal is to kick the oval ball between the big sticks. We'll keep it simple.
Your curiosity – That's the main ingredient. Footy clubs have rich histories, fierce rivalries, and passionate fanbases. The more you dig, the more you'll enjoy the ride.

Step 1: Get to Know the 18 AFL Clubs for 2024

The AFL currently has 18 clubs, split across five Australian states. Let's run through them in alphabetical order so you can tick them off one by one.

Adelaide Crows (Adelaide, South Australia)

Home ground: Adelaide Oval
Established: 1990
Song: "The Pride of South Australia" (to the tune of "We're the Pride of South Australia")
Notable for: A fierce rivalry with Port Adelaide. The Crows have a passionate fanbase and are known for their strong home record.

Brisbane Lions (Brisbane, Queensland)

Home ground: The Gabba
Established: 1996 (merger of Fitzroy and Brisbane Bears)
Song: "The Pride of Brisbane Town" (to the tune of "The French National Anthem")
Notable for: A recent resurgence under coach Chris Fagan. The Lions are a genuine contender in 2024.

Carlton Blues (Melbourne, Victoria)

Home ground: Marvel Stadium (primary), MCG (occasional)
Established: 1864
Song: "We Are the Navy Blues" (to the tune of "Lily of Laguna")
Notable for: One of the oldest and most successful clubs, with a long rebuild behind them.

Collingwood Magpies (Melbourne, Victoria)

Home ground: MCG
Established: 1892
Song: "Good Old Collingwood Forever" (to the tune of "Good Old Collingwood Forever")
Notable for: Having the biggest fanbase in the league and playing a high-pressure, exciting brand of footy.

Essendon Bombers (Melbourne, Victoria)

Home ground: Marvel Stadium (primary), MCG (occasional)
Established: 1872
Song: "See the Bombers Fly Up" (to the tune of "The British Grenadiers")
Notable for: A rich history and fans who are among the most loyal—and impatient—in the league.

Fremantle Dockers (Fremantle, Western Australia)

Home ground: Optus Stadium
Established: 1994
Song: "Freo Way to Go" (to the tune of "The Marines' Hymn")
Notable for: A strong defensive identity and building towards sustained success.

Geelong Cats (Geelong, Victoria)

Home ground: GMHBA Stadium (Kardinia Park)
Established: 1859
Song: "We Are Geelong" (to the tune of "The Cat Came Back")
Notable for: Strong home-ground advantage, an elite development system, and the legendary career of Patrick Dangerfield.

Gold Coast Suns (Gold Coast, Queensland)

Home ground: People First Stadium (Carrara)
Established: 2009
Song: "We Are the Suns" (original tune)
Notable for: Showing signs of improvement under coach Damien Hardwick.

Greater Western Sydney Giants (Sydney, New South Wales)

Home ground: Giants Stadium (Sydney Olympic Park), Manuka Oval (Canberra)
Established: 2009
Song: "There's a Big Big Sound" (original tune)
Notable for: A strong list and a genuine wildcard in 2024.

Hawthorn Hawks (Melbourne, Victoria)

Home ground: MCG (primary), University of Tasmania Stadium (Launceston)
Established: 1902
Song: "The Hawks' Song" (to the tune of "The Yankee Doodle Boy")
Notable for: A promising young core.

Melbourne Demons (Melbourne, Victoria)

Home ground: MCG
Established: 1858
Song: "It's a Grand Old Flag" (to the tune of "It's a Grand Old Flag")
Notable for: A dominant midfield and a fierce defensive unit.

North Melbourne Kangaroos (Melbourne, Victoria)

Home ground: Marvel Stadium (primary), Blundstone Arena (Hobart)
Established: 1869
Song: "Join in the Chorus" (to the tune of "The Kangaroo Song")
Notable for: Developing young talent.

Port Adelaide Power (Adelaide, South Australia)

Home ground: Adelaide Oval
Established: 1996 (entered AFL; club founded 1870)
Song: "Power to Win" (to the tune of "The Marines' Hymn")
Notable for: A strong SANFL heritage and a fierce rivalry with the Crows. They're a consistent finals contender.

Richmond Tigers (Melbourne, Victoria)

Home ground: MCG
Established: 1885
Song: "We're from Tigerland" (to the tune of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic")
Notable for: One of the most passionate fanbases and a chaotic, high-pressure game style.

St Kilda Saints (Melbourne, Victoria)

Home ground: Marvel Stadium (primary), MCG (occasional)
Established: 1873
Song: "When the Saints Go Marching In" (traditional)
Notable for: A history of near-misses and a rebuild under coach Ross Lyon.

Sydney Swans (Sydney, New South Wales)

Home ground: SCG
Established: 1874 (moved from Melbourne in 1982)
Song: "Cheer, Cheer the Red and the White" (to the tune of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic")
Notable for: Their "Bloods" culture and consistent competitiveness.

West Coast Eagles (Perth, Western Australia)

Home ground: Optus Stadium
Established: 1986
Song: "We're the Eagles" (to the tune of "The Wild Colonial Boy")
Notable for: A strong history and a massive supporter base.

Western Bulldogs (Melbourne, Victoria)

Home ground: Marvel Stadium (primary), Mars Stadium (Ballarat)
Established: 1877
Song: "Sons of the 'Scray" (to the tune of "Sons of the Sea")
Notable for: A blue-collar identity and passionate fans.

Step 2: Understand the AFLW Clubs Too

While we're focused on the men's competition, it's worth noting that the AFLW has its own set of clubs. Many of the same teams exist, but there are some differences. If you're following the women's game, check out our dedicated AFLW teams guide for the full rundown.

Step 3: Know the Key Grounds

Each club has a home ground, but some share venues. Here are the iconic stadiums you'll hear about all season:

MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) – The home of footy. Collingwood, Melbourne, Richmond, and Hawthorn play most of their home games here. It's also the venue for the grand final.
Marvel Stadium – Home to Carlton, Essendon, St Kilda, North Melbourne, and the Western Bulldogs. It's a roofed stadium, so weather is never an issue.
Adelaide Oval – Shared by Adelaide and Port Adelaide. One of the most picturesque grounds in the league.
Optus Stadium – Home to West Coast and Fremantle. A modern marvel with a brilliant atmosphere.
SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground) – The Swans' home ground. Tight dimensions make for a different style of footy.
The Gabba – Brisbane Lions' fortress. Known for its heat and humidity in early-season games.
GMHBA Stadium – Geelong's home. A tough place for visiting teams.

For a deeper dive, check out our guide to iconic grounds across the AFL and cricket world.

Step 4: Learn the Major Rivalries

Rivalries are what make footy special. Here are the big ones to watch:

Carlton vs Collingwood – The oldest and most bitter rivalry in the game. These two hate each other.
Essendon vs Collingwood – Another classic. The "Anzac Day" clash is a must-watch.
Adelaide vs Port Adelaide – The "Showdown." Pure hatred, every single time.
West Coast vs Fremantle – The "Western Derby." Split the state in two.
Geelong vs Hawthorn – A modern rivalry built on finals clashes and mutual respect.
Sydney vs GWS – The "Sydney Derby." The new kids vs the established club.

For the full story on each, check out our club rivalries guide .

Step 5: Get to Know the 2024 Storylines

Every season has its narratives. Here's what's shaping 2024:

Collingwood's title defence – Can the Magpies go back-to-back?
Carlton's rise – The Blues are back in finals contention after years of pain.
Brisbane's window – The Lions are stacked. Is this their year?
The rebuilds – Hawthorn, North Melbourne, West Coast, and St Kilda are building for the future.
The veterans – Players like Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Pendlebury, and Lance Franklin are winding down. Savour them while you can.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

Do:

Watch a few games before picking a team – You'll naturally gravitate towards a style or a club culture that resonates.
Learn the club songs – They're catchy, and you'll hear them after every win.
Follow social media – Clubs post training updates, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.

Don't:

Assume all Victorian clubs are the same – Each has its own identity, history, and fanbase.
Forget about the AFLW – The women's competition is growing fast and deserves attention.
Get too caught up in ladder positions early – The season is long. Things change quickly.

Checklist Summary

Here's your quick-reference checklist for the 2024 AFL season:

Know all 18 AFL clubs by name and home ground
Understand the AFLW clubs too (check our AFLW teams guide )
Identify the key grounds: MCG, Marvel Stadium, Adelaide Oval, Optus Stadium, SCG, Gabba, GMHBA Stadium
Learn the major rivalries (Carlton vs Collingwood, Showdown, Derby, etc.)
Follow the 2024 storylines (Collingwood's defence, Carlton's rise, rebuilds)
Watch a few games to find your team
Learn the club songs
Follow clubs on social media for updates
Don't forget the AFLW
Enjoy the season – footy is the greatest game on earth

There you have it—your complete checklist for the 2024 AFL season. Whether you're a die-hard or a curious newcomer, knowing the clubs, the grounds, and the rivalries will make every game more meaningful.

Now get out there, pick a team, and join the conversation. And if you want to dive deeper into the legends who've shaped the game, check out our legendary players page. See you at the footy.

Complete List of AFL Clubs: Your 2024 Season Checklist