The AFL is pleased to announce a three-year partnership extension between the Victorian Football League (VFL) and Smithy’s.

The extension will see Smithy’s continue as the VFL’s naming rights partner through to at least the end of the 2026 season.

The partnership agreement between the VFL and Smithy's continues the rich heritage of community football with Thomas Henry Smith or “Smithy”, who helped draft the original rules for the game and whose pioneering spirit inspired the creation of the beer that bears his name.

AFL Head of State League Competitions, Jennie Loughnan, said the partnership extension was something all VFL fans could celebrate.

"We are delighted to announce our close partnership with Smithy’s has been extended for a further three years. This is fantastic news for both the VFL and Smithy’s and allows us to continue our collaboration and further strengthen our relationship.

“We are extremely proud of the VFL’s rich history and Smithy’s has been a great supporter of our competition and the broader football community across the past two years.

“20 VFL-listed players made their way onto AFL lists during the 2023 season which shows how important the VFL is in the talent pathway system and we thank Smithy’s for their continued support of our competition.

“With a wide range of Australian-made products and named after one of the founding fathers of our game, Smithy’s is the ultimate crowd pleaser.”

Smithy’s Senior Marketing Manager Brylie Dauparas said she was excited to support another season of the VFL and to once again crown the Smithy’s Snag of the Week each round of the season. 

“Across the past two seasons Smithy’s and the VFL have created a strong partnership that pairs our much loved and historic competition with a beer for the fans.
 
“We are thrilled to be able to continue our work with the VFL for a further three years and are committed to going bigger and better as we continue to build strong links with local communities throughout Australia.”