The league was founded as the
Federal Territory Australian Rules Football League in 1924 with founding members Acton and Queanbeyan. The following year, the premiership was contested by 4 clubs including Canberra, Federal and Duntroon. By 1926 the competition had gained popularity and was contested by 5 clubs. From 2011 onwards, the AFL Canberra Premier Division together with the reserve sides from the
Sydney Swans and
Greater Western Sydney Giants would form the NEAFL Eastern Conference. However the NEAFL was later dissolved due primarily to the
COVID pandemic and associated financial pressures. ==League names==