In a move aimed at making the footy even more inclusive and accessible, the AFL has announced the introduction of closed captions on each AFL Club theme song.

For the first time, closed captions will be displayed on the big screens for club theme songs on match days, allowing football fans from the Deaf and hard of hearing community the opportunity to be involved in their club’s song.

The AFL has worked closely with all 18 clubs and Expression Australia to deliver the initiative, with AFL Club theme songs reviewed by community members and experienced Auslan translators to ensure all accessibility requirements and considerations were met.

The closed caption initiative will commence from Round 1 of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and run across all games nationally throughout the home and away season.

With one in six Australians experiencing hearing loss across the country, AFL Executive General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said the initiative is another step forward to making Australian Football more accessible for fans.

“There’s nothing better than being at the football and singing your club song after a win, so I’m thrilled the AFL has introduced closed captions for all 18 AFL Club songs to extend this joy to AFL fans from the Deaf and hard of hearing community,” Ms. Hosch said.

“I’d like to thank all 18 AFL Clubs for their support of this initiative who join with us in wanting to ensure that our game remains inclusive for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.”