PORT ADELAIDE is one of the most valuable brands in Australian sport according to Brand Finance's 2013 Most Valuable Australian Sports Brands report.

The club, which rose from 14th to 5th in the 2013 AFL season, had its brand valued at $17.8 million - the 16th highest in national sport.

National Rugby League club Penrith Panthers topped the rankings with a brand value $46.2 million ahead of the AFL's number one brand Collingwood with a value of $39.1 million.

Collingwood's lofty ranking was put down to its strong on and off-field performance and large and loyal supporter base.

So it seems having an active and significant supporter base is key to enhancing a club's brand.

Indeed, Port Adelaide's supporters were widely praised for their passionate support throughout the 2013 season, particularly during the club's two finals appearances on the biggest stage in Australian sport - the MCG.

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The AFL was found to have more than double the total brand worth of the NRL - $334 million for the native code compared to $151 million for its northern rival.

Other findings from the report include:
- AFL teams have greater public brand equity, except for the Broncos which topped that list.
- 27% of research participants interact with the AFL more than once a week, compared to 21% for the NRL.
- Rugby Union, A-League and Big Bash franchises were all included in the research but none were deemed valuable enough to crack the top-20.

Brand Finance Australia's director Richard Haigh said it was the unique and exciting nature of AFL football that generated significant worth ahead of the NRL.

"Branding is important to sports teams because it validates their ability to generate value both on and off the field. This is particularly true amongst Aussie Rules brands which excite incredible brand loyalty," said Haigh.

14 AFL clubs featured in the top-20 rankings with Gold Coast, GWS, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs missing the cut.