Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or a new fan of the game, AFL documentaries are a great way to revisit defining moments, explore untold stories, or gain insight into the people who have shaped the sport. These documentaries go beyond the game itself and unpack identity, resilience, community and the emotional stakes tied to the game.
From behind-the-scenes drama and the game’s defining figures to personal stories of transformation, the documentary format allows filmmakers to explore footy in ways that transcend the field.
Here are five standout titles, including three selections available to stream now on Stan.
1. Show Me the Money (seasons one and two)
A Stan original docuseries that borrows its name from Tom Cruise’s Oscar winning film “Jerry Maguire,” Show Me the Money delves deep into the backroom dealings of the AFL world. The series follows some of the game’s most influential player agents as they juggle phone calls, player expectations and high-stakes negotiations.
It demystifies the confusing jargon of player contracts and brings clarity to some of the surprising off-season moves that shape AFL lists each season. Fast-paced and dramatic, it gives fans rare access into the business behind the game.
The series gives screen time to draftees, league superstars and fringe players, offering a more complete picture of what’s at stake during trade and draft periods. The first season drops viewers into the chaos of 2021’s trade window, while the second season similarly explores the 2022 trade period.
The show balances business with the human side of footy. From tearful draft day reactions to awkward phone calls and tense boardroom meetings, the drama is very real. It’s a world rarely seen by fans, making it essential viewing for those curious about what goes on behind list changes and contract extensions.
2. Barassi
Less so the story of Ron Barassi himself and more a deep dive into the formative work the AFL great did in reshaping the struggling North Melbourne Kangaroos of the 70’s. Directors Ian Carmichael and Drew Thompson splice together archival footage with modern-day interviews to capture how Barassi transformed a club more concerned with its post-game social happenings into an AFL dynasty.
The film features honest reflections from Barassi himself and some of North’s most iconic figures, stitched together like stories told by old mates at the pub. It’s a thoughtful tribute to one of the game’s most influential figures and a fascinating chapter in AFL history.
The film doesn’t just celebrate Barassi’s achievements, it captures the ripple effects of his leadership on those around him. Former players speak candidly about how his hard-nosed coaching style shaped their careers and the club’s culture. Through their stories, we see Barassi not as a distant legend but as a figure whose impact is still felt on the game today.
It takes time to reflect on Barassi’s influence beyond just North Melbourne, touching on his legacy across the broader football world. Whether you’re familiar with that era or not, the documentary paints a compelling picture of a man who didn’t just coach the game, but changed it for the better.
3. Revealed: Danielle Laidley – Two Tribes
A raw and emotional spotlight on the life of Danielle Laidley, this Stan Original offers an unfiltered look at how the former AFL star hit rock bottom and found the strength to bounce back. Through interviews with Laidley, her family and close friends, the documentary charts her journey from childhood in Western Australia to her very public life today.
It acknowledges the pain of her public outing, the toll of addiction and the challenges of living a double life for decades. As Laidley reflects on her playing and coaching days alongside her personal transformation, we see a portrait of someone reclaiming her story on her own terms.
While the film offers an insight into Laidley’s personal life, it also explores the public fallout that followed her outing in 2020. We see how media scrutiny and the leaking of private police photographs impacted her sense of identity. Rather than dwelling on the scandal, the documentary shifts focus to Laidley’s effort to move forward and reconnect with those she loves.
There’s also a strong sense of pride in the way she speaks about football, not just her time at North Melbourne and West Coast, but the community and connection the game once gave her.
4. Year of the Dogs
Following the Footscray Bulldogs through the 1996 AFL season, this documentary takes viewers inside a club on the brink of collapse. With a dwindling supporter base, ongoing financial strain and poor on-field results, the Bulldogs were staring down the barrel of a merger with Fitzroy.
It’s an intimate portrait of a club fighting for survival, capturing a pivotal time not just for Footscray, but for the game itself, as the AFL moved towards greater commercialisation and expansion.
What sets Year of the Dogs apart is its unpolished authenticity. Real people wrestling with the future of something they love, with the vulnerability of coaches, players and fans on full display, making it as much a human story as a sporting one.
It has become a cult classic among footy fans and a symbol of the club’s spirit, especially in light of the Western Bulldogs’ eventual 2016 premiership. In hindsight, Year of the Dogs captures the roots of that resilience long before their modern-day fairytale was written.
5. The Australian Dream
The Australian Dream is a powerful documentary that follows the story of former AFL star Adam Goodes and his public stand against racism. It traces his career from Brownlow Medal winner and premiership player to a figure at the centre of a national reckoning, after persistent booing from crowds exposed deep cultural divisions in Australian sport and society.
The film explores the personal toll these events took on Goodes, while placing his experience within the broader context of Australia’s treatment of Indigenous people. It features interviews with players, commentators and cultural figures, examining the idea of what it means to call Australia home.
The documentary draws its strength from its emotional core, shaped by the distinct perspectives of its two creative leads: Indigenous journalist Stan Grant and renowned British filmmaker Daniel Gordon. Grant writes with cultural insight and personal understanding, ensuring Goodes’ experience is placed within a broader and often confronting national conversation about race. His voice grounds the film in truth and lived experience. Meanwhile, Gordon’s direction offers an outsider’s clarity that helps reveal the cultural blind spots many Australians might otherwise overlook.
Ultimately, the documentary is a confronting watch for Australians who, at the time, may not have fully grasped the weight of the situation. It holds a mirror up to society and looks beyond the surface, revealing the real and lasting impact that people’s actions and attitudes can have on an individual.
