AFL Executive General Manager for Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch speaks to the media on October 22, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

THE AFL and nine AFL clubs will join forces to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Australian football with the Cultural Heritage Series to take place across the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

Kicking off in Round 2, when North Melbourne host Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, the Cultural Heritage Series will engage the football community to unite and celebrate the heritage of every fan, player, coach and administrator that make Australian Rules Football a game for all.

The Cultural Heritage Series will see nine matches throughout the season celebrate the theme, with home clubs bringing the series to life in their own way.

AFL Executive General Manager for Inclusion and Social Policy, Tanya Hosch, said the Cultural Heritage Series is a powerful reflection of how football can bring people together.

“The AFL is proud to launch the Cultural Heritage Series for 2025 and work alongside the nine clubs to foster a deeper sense of belonging and connection through football for people of all cultural backgrounds,” Hosch said.

“With nearly 31 per cent of Australians born overseas, our game has a unique opportunity to embrace and reflect the rich cultural fabric of our nation. Australian football is stronger when every culture feels valued and integral to the community.

"Our clubs already play a vital role in building stronger and more inclusive communities, and this series will shine a light on that work across the nation—celebrating the many ways diverse cultures contribute to the shared spirit of our game."

AFL Executive General Manager Game Development, Rob Auld, said inclusion and uniting communities is essential at all levels of football.

“Around 20 per cent of all participants registered for this season have a parent born overseas. While this is positive, we recognise the need to strengthen connections with culturally diverse communities in meaningful ways,” Auld said.

“Through our new Cultural Diversity Action Plan to be launched later in 2025, we are taking a place-based approach across 21 local government areas nationwide to reduce barriers, create welcoming environments, and ensure our game reflects Australia’s rich cultural diversity.

“Recognising and celebrating the diverse cultures that shape our game through this Cultural Heritage Series – along with the year-round community engagement activities by the AFL and the 18 clubs – will be a powerful driver to ensure Australian football remains inclusive, welcoming, and reflective of communities nationwide, growing the game as a sport for all from the grassroots to the elite.”

The Cultural Heritage Series expands on the former Multicultural Round, with club-nominated home games celebrating the theme with an elevated match-day experience, co-funded by the AFL and clubs.

Clubs have nominated the nine matches, with many aligning to cultural moments and festivals on the calendar to bring the celebrations to life. In addition to food, art, music and entertainment, fans will see match day guides and MCs in diverse languages.

Fans are encouraged to follow club channels for more information throughout the season as the AFL community celebrates the Cultural Heritage Series.  

2025 Cultural Heritage Series matches:

  • Round 2 – North Melbourne v Melbourne, Sunday 23 March, Marvel Stadium
  • Round 6 – Adelaide Crows v GWS GIANTS, Saturday 19 April, Adelaide Oval
  • Round 7 – Hawthorn v West Coast Eagles, Sunday 27 April, Marvel Stadium
  • Round 12 – GWS GIANTS v Richmond, Saturday 31 May, ENGIE Stadium
  • Round 15 – Carlton v North Melbourne, Saturday 21 June, MCG
  • Round 17 – West Coast Eagles v GWS GIANTS, TBC, Optus Stadium
  • Round 21 – Western Bulldogs v GWS GIANTS, TBC, Marvel Stadium
  • Round 22 – Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans, TBC, Gabba
  • Round 22 – Port Adelaide v Fremantle, TBC, Adelaide Oval