If you’re new to Australia, you might hear many people raving about Australian Football. Footy, AFL; whatever you call it, the sport has gripped the country ever since its invention in 1896.
Origins of the game
AFL is Australian League Football. It first kicked off in Victoria, where it was coined the Victorian Football League. That’s why most of the teams have Victoria-based names. The AFL has 18 teams altogether, and the competition between rival teams splits fans into friendly competitions! It can split a room up with friendly competition!
So, let’s go through the basic rules of AFL, so you can watch the game and know what’s going on! AFL is one of the most watched sports in Australia. There are a whopping 100,000 fans who watch the Grand Final Game. It’s one of the most live-watched games ever!
Did you know…in 1858, when the game was first invented, there was no time limit set on the games? It was simply a case of whichever team scored first would be the winner of the game!
Rules of the AFL
So, what are the rules? And how are points scored in AFL?
What is the setup of the game?
Each team has 22 players, and 18 are on the field at one time. Each end of the field has a goal post. Unlike most other ball sports across the world, the Australian Rules Football ball is not round – but rather, an oval shape.
The aim of the game is to kick the ball against the opposition’s goal post. It is a contact sport, which means players can tackle eachother to get possession of the ball.
- The ball must bounce every 15 metres
- Teams score when they kick the ball through the goal posts or between the back posts
- Players kick the ball so that it moves down the field
- Players can kick or handball the ball (with a punch)
- Players can tackle their opponents, but they aren’t allowed to trip or push.
- Or they can run with the ball, but it does have to bounce every 15 metres
Where can I watch it in Melbourne?
You’ll be able to catch the AFL at pretty much any pub in Melbourne. Or, you can go to the MCG Arena for an exciting live match!
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.