Flagging down new players: American football’s future in Geelong

It is a behemoth in the United States, but tucked away in Corio, American football has been growing in Geelong for two decades.

Founded in 2003, the Geelong Buccaneers field senior and junior tackle sides and are looking towards the rapid expansion of non-contact flag football.

With flag football set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, Buccaneers director of flag football Deanne Dunne said the format is gaining momentum both globally and locally.

The club is working to establish a Geelong-based flag competition to help bring new people into the sport.

“Flag football is opening doors for more participation, welcoming athletes of all backgrounds and abilities, and creates a fast, inclusive version of the game anyone can enjoy,” Buccaneers president Daniel Noonan said.

“For our club, it’s not just about growing numbers – it’s about building a broader, more connected football community.”

The push comes as the NFL targets Australia as a key growth market, with commissioner Roger Goodell announcing in April that schools nationwide will receive free flag football kits.

Dunne said the move reflects a clear commitment to expanding the game at grassroots level, with schools proving a natural entry point due to the sport’s non-contact, fast-paced format.

Played in teams of seven on smaller fields, matches are split into two 20-minute halves and place a premium on agility and movement rather than size.

“If you can shimmy your hips, you can be really elusive,” Dunne said.

“It’s not about how big you are, which tends to be the case in tackle football. If you’re nimble and agile, if you’ve got good dexterity to pull a flag, you’ve really got an advantage in flag football.

“That’s the kind of thing that makes it a lot more approachable for people.”

The Buccaneers hope to build a regional flag competition for players across Geelong and the Surf Coast.

Dunne encouraged anyone interested in exploring American football – tackle or flag – to contact the club.

“We love having new people and teaching new people,” she said.

“The sport has lots of great coaches who are fantastic at developing kids and adults and getting people to learn and get involved.

“We’re very happy to have novices or people who may have played elsewhere before come along as well.”

The broader football community is already eyeing the opportunities linked to the 2028 Olympics, with several Buccaneers players recently representing Victoria at the Flag National Championships.

Dunne expects that exposure to drive a surge in participation locally.

The Buccaneers’ tackle season begins in September, with games played across Geelong and Melbourne.

The club has recently farewelled a number of players who have progressed to opportunities in North American high school and college programs.