The most undervalued Australian football clubs in Australia are those located in New South Wales. Over the years, approximately 400 players have come directly from NSW clubs to the VFL/AFL, yet there is little recognition given to these NSW clubs. Some of the biggest names in football have come from New South Wales, including the triple Brownlow medallist Haydn Bunton, as well as Wayne Carey, Shane Crawford and Essendon’s Terry Daniher. The numbers and the quality of the players recruited from New South Wales demonstrate that it is appropriate to reassess our opinion of Australian football in NSW.

Far from Australian rules football having a poor legacy, there is a long and fruitful history to the game in this state. This strong legacy is best revealed by ranking the top 25 NSW clubs based on their contribution to the VFL/AFL. What is the highest ranked club in NSW? Is it a country club or a city club? The answers are within this book.