VFL/AFL

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The current logo of the competition now known as the AFL

The logo used by the VFL/AFL pre-1990, and now used by the competition currently known as the VFL

VFL/AFL is the term used to refer to the competition established in 1897 that was originally called the Victorian Football League. After the introduction of several non-Victorian clubs, the VFL changed its name in 1990 to the Australian Football League to reflect its national focus.

Whenever records are published spanning further back than 1990, they are referred to as VFL/AFL records, since they refer to records of the same competition (that simply had a name change).

[edit] VFA/VFL

VFA/VFL is the term used to refer to the competition established in 1877 that was originally called the Victorian Football Association (VFA). It was the first major competition in Melbourne and still operates today. It was renamed the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 1996 when country powerhouse clubs North Ballarat and Traralgon joined the existing nine (9) VFA teams.

Following season 1999 the AFL's reserves competition was disbanded, and most AFL clubs launched their own 'standalone' VFL team. Those clubs were Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Geelong, Kangaroos, Richmond and St Kilda. Box Hill Hawks aligned with Hawthorn, Port Melbourne the Sydney Swans, Sandringham with the Demons, while the Western Bulldogs aligned half their list with Werribee and the other half with Williamstown.

By 2006 only one Victorian based AFL club has its own team rather than align with a traditionaly VFA club - Geelong.

After many years of conflict with the VFL, it is ironic that the competition that began as the VFA now uses the name of its former foe and that the majority of VFL clubs are affiliated with Victorian AFL clubs.