 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2017) |
| Country | Australia |
|---|---|
| Governing body | Gridiron Australia |
| National team(s) | Australia |
| Registered players | 2,500 (total) |
| Clubs | 73 |
International competitions | |
Audience records | |
| Single match | 73,811[1] (1999). Denver Broncos vs San Diego Chargers (ANZ Stadium, Sydney) |
American football, known locally as "gridiron", is a participation and spectator sport in Australia. The sport is represented by Gridiron Australia, a member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), and also Gridiron Victoria, which operates independent of Gridiron Australia [2]
The sport has been played in six Australian states and territories across the country since World War II, but has only had regular league play since 1983. There is no uniform gridiron season in Australia. The various state and territory bodies play at different times of the year. There are currently 73 junior and senior teams playing gridiron in Australia. The national team has competed in the IFAF World Cup and other international competitions.
American football has an increasing media profile in Australia. The National Football League is broadcast on both free-to-air television through 7mate and subscription television through the Fox Sports and ESPN channels available on Foxtel and Austar, including the Super Bowl live on the Seven Network. Due to interest in converts from Australian rules football and Rugby League, particularly Ben Graham, Saverio Rocca and Jarryd Hayne, the game is also regularly covered by the Herald Sun and other newspapers.[3]
- ^ Gary Smith (16 August 1999). "During a three-day footy-fest in Sydney, the author didn't - 08.16.99 - SI Vault". Vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com. Archived from the original on 2 January 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
- ^ "Home". gridironvictoria.com.au.
- ^ "Herald Sun | Breaking News and Headlines from Melbourne and Victoria | Herald Sun". Retrieved 22 August 2023.