The Iglu Guide | Blog
Aussie Rules – everything you need to know
We Aussies sure love our sport. And when we’re not chatting over fixtures or results – and sometimes even playing ourselves – it’s just as good to get together and watch it on the big screen.
Whether it’s cricket, football, tennis or rugby, our enthusiasm for the game knows no bounds. But when it comes to Aussie Rules, our passion, fandom and fever hits a whole new level.
If you’re new to the place and don’t really know your Collingwood from your Carlton, this is for you.
What’s the big deal?
Aussie Rules – or AFL as it’s now known – is one of the most played and watched sports in Australia. Especially popular in the south of the country, it’s a curious blend of football and rugby and was originally created to keep cricketers fit during the winter months. Today, it’s a game that is enjoyed at all levels, from kids running fresh onto the school oval right through to the packed stadiums. And then there’s the Super Rules game for over-age players. It might be quite long and a little bit complicated, but the passion and drive for this game simply never stops.
When does the season begin?
As sure as spring turns to summer, and summer turns to autumn, the AFL season arrives every March and lasts all the way through until the Grand Finals in September.
Who’s who on the field?
Each team consists of a whopping 22 players, with 18 running around on the field at any one time. This might seem like a lot, but once you see the size of the pitch, you might understand why. There are no fixed on-field positions, and the team are expected to play across a number of different positions at any given time. The on-field team comprises of 6 forwards (who are expected to score), 6 centre players (who need to win the ball and get it to the forwards) and 6 more in defence. Their main job is to prevent the other team from scoring.
How do you win?
Scoring the most goals is a sure-fire way to take home the shiny trophy. But of course, the scoring is not quite as simple as it perhaps should be. At the end of each enormous pitch (think twice the size of a normal footy ground) there are 4 white posts. Two taller posts are placed in the middle of the two shorter posts. If players can kick a ball between these two taller posts, it counts as a goal and will earn the team six big ones. But if an opposing player manages to touch that ball before it goes through the posts – well, that’s just a one-pointer. If the ball goes through the smaller posts (and not the bigger ones), that’s also just the one point. Remember, the ball has to be kicked to earn the six points; it cannot be touched in any other way by another player. It also cannot touch the posts on the way through, or that goal becomes another one-pointer. The final score is displayed as the amount of goals scored (which you then multiply by 6) followed by the amount of one-pointers. These numbers combined would give the final tally. For example, Richmond 9.6 (60) beat Hawthorn 7.8 (50).
Tell me more
Each game lasts for four lots of 20-minute quarters, and ends with the highest score winning. Each team usually plays each other twice across an 18-week season. Then, the top 8 teams that have won the most games will compete in a final series of matches. This secondary knockout competition culminates with the last 2 teams playing off in the much-anticipated Grand Final to win the coveted premiership title and the prestigious premiership cup. As well as eternal bragging rights.
I’m new to town – who should I support?
Most AFL supporters have their team choices pre-defined by an accident of birth or location. That tribal feeling runs deep and switching out can be very frowned upon. However, if you’re new to the game and new to the area, you have the refreshing option of selecting your favourite team – and the choice is completely yours. It might be that you like their club song, or you have taken an online quiz, or you want a convenient reason to hang out with friends. If you’re really stuck, do your homework on each of the 18 teams, and have a listen in at your local coffee shop to see who crops up most in conversation. Just make sure you stick to your choice.
What else do I need to know?
The game can be a little confusing for first-timers, but rather than try and spot every manoeuvre, focus in on the more important and obvious ones:
- Shepherding – Players can only protect a teammate within 5m of the ball
- Tackling – No tackling above the shoulders or below the knees
- Disposal – Players must handball or kick the ball away
- Bouncing – When running with the ball, it must be bounced every 15m
Getting to a game
Watching an AFL match is an Aussie rite of passage whether you’re into sport or not. And this wonderful Aussie tradition is a perfect example of the local sporting culture bringing communities together. Get your ticket information here or find out where to watch it on a screen near you.
