That’s a very good question, let us explain. A team is normally made up of 18 players and only four substitutes playing on an oval field between 135 and 185 meters in length and 110 and 155 meters in width. There are four posts at each end of the field. The two center posts 21ft apart are taller, the two outer goal posts called the behind posts make up a 63ft scoring target.

Teams try to kick the ball through the two inner posts for a six-point goal. The ball is then taken to the center of the field for a “ball-up,” which is comparable to a jump ball in basketball and the game restarts. If the ball is kicked or goes through the outer posts its called a behind and one point is awarded and the ball is kicked back into play by the other team. Scores might read Team A, 4 goals 2 Behinds =26 points Team B, 3 goals 4 behinds 22 points. Often in full games the scores for each team can go well over 100 points each making it very exciting and fun to watch.

The players on the field have similar to soccer positions with full forwards, half forwards, center line, halfbacks and fullbacks. The three assigned to the ball are referred to as “followers.” Those positions are referred to as ruckman, ruck rover and rover. Although they have set positions, all players are free to move anywhere on the field and there is no offside rules in Australian Rules Football. Where a player moves to is often dictated by where the ball is, where its going and where your direct opponent is.

The ball is moved by players down the field towards the goal area by a handball or kicking. The handball is not unlike a volleyball serve, where a ball is hit underhand but with a clenched fist. The ball is kicked through the air and if caught its called a “mark”. The player who marks the ball has the option to either play on immediately or go back and take a protected kick unopposed. This also occurs when a player is awarded a free kick by an unfair act by the opposition. The player can kick or handball the ball from a mark or free kick or also can elect to run off in an attacking mode. This is considered “playing on” and will be called that way by the central umpire.

It’s NOT rugby

Comparing Australian Rules Football to rugby is like comparing baseball to golf. There are vague similarities but that’s it. The ball that is used is a rugby-style football, but it is a little narrower like an American football and is made of a certain type of leather.  Players can tackle one and other but only when one has the ball. When tackled legally between the knees and shoulders the player with the ball must dispose of the ball immediately or be given a free kick against him. To dispose of the ball he can only kick it or handball it. If he drops it or fails to kick or handball it then the opposition wins a free kick.

There are no pads worn in Australian Rules Football so this tends to make the sport fairly tough on the body however most injuries in the sport come from soft tissue muscle tears, like hamstrings and calves as the physical running demanded by the sport is high. In Australia in the AFL the elite competition players can run up to a half a marathon during one single game, so fitness becomes as much a factor as skills. The game is normally played over 4 x 20 minute quarters but in tournaments Internationally games are normally 2 x 20 minute halves.

Who plays?

One of the great things about Australian Rules Football is there is normally a great mix of people of all ages and physical attributes playing the game. Some players are more skillful than others whilst others have greater speed or endurance. There is a position on the field for all types in this game. The game also can be played by women and children and with only slight rule modifications. Although players will be tackled, there are certain positions that see less physical action than others.

Often the types of people attracted Australian Rules football are the same ones who are attracted to extreme sports or who have perhaps played soccer, rugby or Gaelic football before and are looking for something a little different. As all players are virtual quarterbacks on the field having to kick, handball, mark, tackle and score, it makes a great sport for participation and success relies heavily on team work.
Socially the game is also an attraction for new players as all players are expected to get together after the game in a social environment and enjoy each others company. There players can relax and discuss the game or the next game they might play. Rivalries can develop quickly with opposing teams but they are generally good natured and a lot of fun to be a part of.

Where are there teams?

There are now organized leagues and teams all the way around the world. Most of these remain amateur in status outside Australia however as the sport develops and becomes more popular. In Australia the sport is about to celebrate its 150th Anniversary making it one of the oldest football codes in the world predating soccer and American Football alike. Professional players in Australia make a very good living from the sport not unlike world ranked soccer and cricket players.

To start a team all need is the desire to learn a great new sport, a ball and some open space like a cricket field. Most teams around the world have developed from humble beginnings of two people practicing their kicking in a local park. Soon more join them and practice becomes more serious and focused. Once you have 12 players you can play games on a field modified in size, its that easy.