If you’ve ever bought an AFL football that felt slippery, went out of shape quickly, or just didn’t suit your age group, you’re not alone. Choosing the right footy is mostly about size, surface feel, and where you’ll use it.

How to Choose an AFL Football

What size AFL football do I need?

Start by matching the ball to the player and the competition. Most senior footy uses a size 5 football, while many junior age groups use smaller sizes so players can grip, mark and kick properly. If you’re buying for a kid, check what their club uses on game day and stick with that size for training too. Consistency helps, because the drop and grip feel the same every session.

If you’re unsure, use a quick hand check in-store. If the player can’t hold the ball comfortably with one hand, it’s often too big for clean skill work. A slightly smaller ball usually leads to better handling, better confidence, and more time actually practising.

Leather or synthetic, what’s better for training?

Leather match balls have that classic feel and tend to grip better as they’re worked in. They’re a great choice if you want a traditional touch for set-shot practice, longer kicks, and match-style drills. The trade-off is they need a bit more care, and they can be less forgiving in wet conditions.

Synthetic and poly balls are popular because they’re durable, easy to look after, and often cope better with cold, damp winter sessions. They’re also a practical option for school sport, backyard kicking, and high-use training where the ball gets thumped day after day.

How do I choose a ball for wet Melbourne winter grounds?

Wet-weather footy is all about control. If you train on dewy ovals, muddy goal squares, or under lights after work, consider keeping a tougher synthetic ball for those sessions and saving your leather ball for drier days. That way you’re not stressing about the ball getting soaked, and you’re still getting quality reps in.

After a wet session, wipe the ball down and let it dry naturally indoors. Avoid leaving it in the boot of the car for long stretches, as repeated heat and cold can shorten the life of the outer surface.

What should I check for feel and grip?

When a football feels “right”, it usually comes down to surface texture, firmness, and how the laces sit under your fingers. Pick it up and see if you can control it cleanly with one hand, then do a couple of practice grips as if you’re about to drop punt or handball. If it feels too slick, you may find it harder to mark and handle, especially when your hands are cold.

Firmness is personal. Some players like a firmer ball for a consistent strike off the boot, while others prefer a touch softer for comfort in winter training. If you’re buying for a junior, comfort matters. If the ball is overly firm, basic drills can feel harsh and kids often switch off sooner.

Do I need a match ball, or will a training ball do?

A training ball is the sensible starting point for most families. It’s usually tougher, it’s less precious if it gets left in the backyard, and it still teaches good skills. A match-level ball can be a nice upgrade once someone is doing more structured practice and wants the feel to match game day.

If you play club footy, a common setup is one “main” ball for skills sessions, plus a second ball that can take a beating in wet weather or on harder surfaces.

Popular right now at Sportsmart

• AFL footballs collection to browse by size and material.
• Sherrin KB Game Football Size 5 as a reliable training option for senior-sized footy.
• Sherrin Match Football Size 5 if you want a classic leather match feel.
• Sherrin Match II Poly Football for a tougher ball that’s handy in wet-weather training.
• RF One Touch Junior for younger players learning clean handling and kicks.
• Sherrin AFLW Replica Size 4 as a popular size choice for many youth and women’s competitions.
• Kookaburra Elite Size 5 Yellow Poly if you want a bright, easy-to-spot training ball.
• Sherrin Soft Vision Impaired as a softer-feel option for modified games and specific training needs.

Common mistakes we see when buying footies

• Buying the wrong size. A ball that’s too big makes basic skills harder, especially for kids.
• Using only leather in winter. If you train in the wet, a synthetic ball can be a better everyday workhorse.
• Over-inflating. Too firm can feel harsh on the hands and can affect touch.
• Storing it badly. Leaving it in the car long-term can shorten the life of the surface.

FAQ

How do I know if an AFL football is inflated properly?
It should feel firm but still have a touch of give when you press it with your thumb. Rock-hard usually means overdone, and too soft can wobble in flight.

Can I use the same football on grass and asphalt?
You can, but it will wear out quicker on hard surfaces. If you do lots of driveway kicking, keep a tougher synthetic ball for that and save your nicer ball for the oval.

Do leather footballs work in straight away?
They often feel best after some use. They can start out a bit firm, then develop better feel as they soften. Basic care helps, especially after wet sessions.

What’s the easiest ball for kids to learn with?
The right size for their hands is the biggest factor. A slightly softer feel can also make marking and handball drills more comfortable, which usually means kids practise more.

Equipment care note

Always check your equipment before use and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Still deciding? Drop into our Moorabbin, Kilsyth or Preston stores to feel a few options in hand, or shop online if you already know what you’re after.