What is Aussie Football? A Comprehensive Guide for US Fans

Are you curious about Aussie Football, also known as Australian Rules Football? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about this exciting sport, from its origins to the rules of the game, perfect for new fans in the USA. At CAUHOI2025.UK.COM, we provide clear, reliable information to help you understand Aussie Rules and other fascinating topics. Dive in to discover the unique thrill of this sport and why it’s gaining popularity worldwide.

1. What Exactly is Aussie Football (Australian Rules Football)?

Aussie football, or Australian Rules Football, is a contact sport with unique Australian origins. While it shares roots with early forms of Rugby and Gaelic football, Aussie Rules has evolved into its own distinct game. Its rules were formalized in 1858, predating many modern football variations like American, Canadian, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Association (Soccer), and Gaelic football. Today, Aussie Rules is a major industry with a national competition (the Australian Football League – AFL) and numerous smaller leagues.

Interest in Aussie Rules is growing both in Australia and internationally. Despite its widespread appeal, support can vary even within Australia, and the sport is still working to gain a strong foothold overseas. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to deepen your understanding, it offers a unique and thrilling experience.

2. Where is Aussie Rules Played Around the Globe?

While deeply rooted in Australia, Aussie Rules is expanding its reach globally. Within Australia, it’s the dominant football code in Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. It also enjoys a strong following in the Australian Capital Territory.

In Queensland and New South Wales, Aussie Rules is played but ranks second in popularity to Rugby League. Recognizing its global potential, the AFL actively supports leagues around the world, including in:

Great Britain
Canada
Denmark
Japan
New Zealand
And even here in the USA

This support helps foster the growth of Aussie Rules at the grassroots level, making it accessible to more people worldwide.

3. When Does the Australian Football League (AFL) Season Take Place?

The AFL Premiership season typically kicks off during the last weekend of March and runs through the end of August. Following the regular season, the Finals series begins, culminating in the Grand Final, traditionally held on the last Saturday (Friday in the U.S.) of September.

Before the Premiership season, a pre-season tournament known as the NAB Cup takes place from late February until the week before the regular season starts. Many of these pre-season games are played at night. Exhibition matches are sometimes held overseas during the off-season to promote the sport globally.

AFL games are typically played on:

Saturday afternoons
Friday nights
Saturday evenings
Sunday afternoons
Sunday evenings

Occasionally, games are also scheduled on Monday nights and public holidays, providing fans with ample opportunities to watch.

US-based fans can catch AFL action live through www.espn3.com.

4. What are the Basic Rules of Aussie Football?

The objective of Aussie Rules is simple: the team that scores the most points wins. If both teams have the same score at the end of the match, it’s declared a draw.

A game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 20 minutes of playing time. An umpire on the field keeps the official time. When play is interrupted, for example, when the ball goes out of bounds, extra time is added to the quarter, similar to soccer. This additional time is known as ‘time on’. Teams switch ends of the field at the end of each quarter.

Breaks between quarters are structured as follows:

A short break between the first and second quarters to allow teams to change ends.
A five-minute break between the third and fourth quarters.
A longer half-time break lasting a maximum of 20 minutes, with players allowed off the field for no more than 15 minutes.

5. What Does an Aussie Football Field Look Like?

Aussie Rules is played on cricket ovals, meaning that there are no standardized field dimensions. Generally, the field (often referred to as the “ground” or “paddock”) is an oval shape, measuring between 135 and 185 meters in length and 110 and 155 meters in width. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is considered an ideal playing surface, with dimensions of 165 meters in length and 135 meters in width.

The boundary of the field is marked by a white line a few meters from the stands. At each end of the oval, there are two sets of posts. The inner posts, known as the goal posts, are 6.4 meters (approximately 7 yards) apart on the boundary line and stand at least 6 meters tall.

Two additional posts, called behind posts, are placed 6.4 meters from either side of the goal posts on the boundary line. These posts must be at least 3 meters tall. All posts are padded to a height of 2 meters for player safety.

A goal square (actually a rectangle) extends 9 meters into the field from the goal posts and is 6.4 meters wide.

A radius line is drawn 50 meters from each goal, acting as a rangefinder. Skilled AFL players can often kick goals from this distance or even further.

At the center of the oval is a marked center circle with a diameter of 3 meters. A lateral line bisects the circle, extending 2 meters on either side, dividing the field in half. A center square, measuring 45 meters on each side, is centered on this circle. These markings are crucial for controlling center bounces, which will be discussed later.

6. What is the Aussie Football Ball Like?

The ball used in Aussie Rules is an oval-shaped bladder covered in leather. For daytime games, the leather is tanned, while for night matches, a visible yellow ball is used. The ball is inflated to a pressure of 69 kPa (10 lbs).

Compared to American or Canadian footballs, the Aussie Rules ball is slightly larger and rounder because it was not originally designed for throwing.

Here are the ball’s approximate dimensions:

Length: 270 – 280 mm
Diameter: 167 – 173 mm
Circumference: 720 – 735 mm by 545 – 555 mm
Approximate Weight: 450 – 500 grams (dry weight, inflated)

7. What are the Player Positions in Aussie Football?

Each Aussie Rules team consists of 18 players on the field, with three interchange players (substitutes) available on the bench. Teams can make unlimited substitutions at any time during the match via a designated “gate” in front of either bench.

Players are typically positioned across the field in five lines of three, with the remaining three players assigned as “followers” to the ball.

Within each line, players are generally designated as being in the left, center, or right position relative to the direction of attack.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical player positions:

Full Forwards:
- Left Forward Pocket
- Full Forward
- Right Forward Pocket
Half Forwards:
- Left Half Forward
- Center Half Forward
- Right Half Forward
Center Line:
- Left Wing
- Center
- Right Wing
Half Backs:
- Left Half Back
- Center Half Back
- Right Half Back
Full Backs:
- Left Back Pocket
- Full Back
- Right Back Pocket

The three “followers” are the Ruckman, Rover, and Ruck-Rover, who are primarily focused on the ball.

While players have designated positions, they are allowed to move freely around the field during play. There is no specific “goalie” position in Aussie Rules.

What are the Purposes of Each Player Position?

While all players should contest the ball when it is within their vicinity, the general purposes of each player position according to line are:

Full Forward: Attack the goal, trap the ball in the area.
Half Forward: Attack the goal, set up scoring shots, trap the ball further forward then hold, trap the ball in the area.
Center Line: Attack the goal, set up scoring shots, recover the ball from the backline, trap the ball further forward then hold, trap the ball in the area.
Half Back: Hold the ball in the area, attack – clear the ball forwards, recover the ball from the backline.
Full Back: Hold the ball in the area, attack – clear the ball forwards.

Players typically do not wear padding, but mouthguards, soft protective headgear, and shin guards are permitted. Other protective or medical devices require prior approval. In general, players cannot wear casts or heavy knee braces, unlike in the NFL. Jewelry is prohibited due to safety concerns.

8. How is Scoring Done in Aussie Football?

In Aussie Rules, there are two main ways to score:

Goal: A ball kicked between the two larger goal posts without being touched scores six points. After a goal is scored, the ball is returned to the center circle for a “ball-up.”
Behind: If the ball passes between the behind posts by any other means, it’s a behind, and it scores one point. A behind is also scored if the ball hits a goal post. This is regardless of where the ball goes after hitting the goal post. If the ball is forced or carried (but not kicked) over the scoring line between the goal posts, a behind is scored. The ball is then kicked back into play from within the goal square, usually by the opposing fullback.

If the ball hits a behind post without bouncing, it is considered “out on the full,” and the opposing team gets a free kick from next to the behind post. If the ball bounces and hits the behind post, the boundary umpire throws the ball back into play from next to the behind post. In either case, no points are awarded.

One aspect of Aussie Rules that can be confusing is understanding the score. For example, you might see a score like this:


North Melbourne	13.15.93
St. Kilda	9.12.66

Here’s how to interpret the score:

The first number (A) represents the number of goals scored.
The second number (B) is the number of behinds scored.
The third number (C) is the total calculated score.

The calculation is: A x 6 (goal points) + B = C

9. How Does Play Start and Restart in Aussie Football?

Teams determine which goal to attack first through a coin toss. The field umpire starts the game by blowing the whistle and bouncing the ball in the center circle. The ball must rebound vertically, allowing players in the center square to contest it. If the ground is not suitable for bouncing, the umpire tosses the ball into the air like a “jump ball.”

During a center bounce, players cannot enter the center circle or cross the center line into the opponent’s half until after the ball has been bounced. Only four players from each team are allowed in the center square.

After a goal is scored, play restarts in the center of the ground in the same manner.

Here are other common situations where play is restarted:

After a behind is scored: A player from the defending team kicks the ball from within the kick-off ‘square’ in front of the goal, after the goal umpire has finished waving the flags. The player must kick the ball to restart play, but there is no rule preventing them from kicking it to themselves.
After the ball goes out of bounds: If the ball bounced before going out of bounds, the boundary umpire throws it backwards over their head towards the center of the ground. If the ball went over the boundary line without bouncing as a result of a kick that was not touched, it is “out on the full,” and the opposing team gets a free kick from the spot where the ball went out. The nearest player from the opposing team takes the free kick.
When a pack of players prevents clear possession, or a player being tackled fails to dispose of the ball: The umpire bounces the ball at the spot where play stopped.

Each quarter lasts for 20 minutes of playing time when the ball is in play. The ball is considered out of play in the following situations:

A goal is scored. Time stops from when the goal umpire finishes waving the flags until the ball is bounced.
A behind is scored. Time stops from when the goal umpire finishes waving the flag until the ball is kicked in.
The ball goes out of bounds. Time stops from when the ball crosses the boundary line until the boundary umpire throws the ball back into play.
Whenever the field umpire signals the time-keeper to stop time by raising an arm and blowing the whistle.

10. What Does “Out of Bounds” Mean in Aussie Football?

A ball is considered out of bounds when it has completely crossed the boundary line. If any part of the ball is on or over the boundary line, the ball is still in play, similar to soccer. A player can be over the boundary line while in possession of the ball without the ball being considered “out of bounds” if part of the ball is still within the field of play.

11. How Do Players Gain and Dispose of the Ball?

Here are the key rules regarding possession and disposal of the ball:

A player can hold the ball for an unlimited amount of time when not being held by an opponent.
A player lying on or over the ball is considered to be in possession.
A player running with the ball must bounce it or touch it to the ground once every 15 meters. This rule is often not strictly enforced, especially if the runner is being challenged.
A player in possession of the ball who is held by an opponent must immediately dispose of the ball by kicking or handballing it. Tackling is allowed, but only between the shoulders and knees.

To handball correctly, a player must hold the ball in one hand and hit it with the clenched fist of the other hand. The hand holding the ball must not move relative to the player’s body. While proper technique is important, it is not always strictly enforced. Overhand passing is not allowed.

A “mark” is awarded when a player catches the ball from a kick that has traveled at least 10 meters in the air without being touched by another player. The player taking the mark can choose to play on immediately or go back and kick from the position where they took the mark.

12. What is “Shepherding” in Aussie Football?

Shepherding is a tactic where a player impedes the movement of an opposing player towards the ball. However, this can only occur within 5 meters of the ball. Shepherding allows a player to push an opponent in the chest or side or to place their body between the opponent and the ball (when the player themselves are not in possession). This is similar to screens in basketball or blocking in American Football.

13. How Do Free Kicks Work in Aussie Football?

Free kicks can be awarded against players with or without the ball. Generally, the free kick is taken at the spot where the infringement occurred. A free kick is awarded against a player in possession of the ball for the following:

Not disposing of the ball within a reasonable time when held by an opponent.
Not disposing of the ball correctly by using a handball or a kick.
Kicking the ball over the boundary line without it bouncing first or being touched by another player.
Deliberately forcing or taking the ball over the boundary line.
Running more than 15 meters without bouncing the ball or touching the ball on the ground.

A free kick is awarded against any player who:

Grabs an opponent with the ball above the shoulder or below the knees.
Pushes an opponent in the back.
Trips or attempts to trip an opponent.
Charges an opponent.
Interferes with an opponent attempting to mark in the air by punching or bumping.
Shepherds an opponent when the ball is more than 5 meters away.
Enters the center square before the ball is bounced at the restart of play.

Following a free kick or mark, a 50-meter penalty is given against a player standing on the mark who:

Refuses to stand on the mark at the point indicated by the umpire.
Deliberately wastes time in returning the ball to the player who is to take the kick.
Holds the player who is to take the kick, preventing play from continuing.
Runs over the mark before or as the ball is kicked. Any player on the opposing team can call this penalty.

14. What Happens During a Kick-in After a Behind?

If a ball is kicked back into play from the goal square after a behind is scored and goes “out of bounds” without being touched by a player from either team despite bouncing, it is treated as if it went out of bounds on the full. The attacking team is then awarded a free kick.

15. What Does “Play On” Mean in Aussie Football?

An umpire may choose not to stop play to award a free kick if the player who was infringed upon, or a teammate, has possession of the ball and is in an advantageous position. In this case, the umpire will call “play on” to allow play to continue. This is known as ‘paying the advantage’.

16. What Are “Relayed Free Kicks”?

A player who is infringed upon immediately after disposing of the ball may have a teammate take the free kick from where the ball landed. This is subject to the umpire’s discretion.

FAQ: Your Questions About Aussie Football Answered

What’s the main difference between Aussie Rules and American football? Aussie Rules emphasizes continuous play and kicking, while American football is more structured with frequent stops.
How long does an Aussie Rules game last? A game consists of four 20-minute quarters, with added time for stoppages.
What is a “mark” in Aussie Rules? It’s a clean catch from a kick that travels a certain distance, entitling the player to a free kick.
Is tackling allowed in Aussie Rules? Yes, but only between the shoulders and knees.
What is the role of the umpire in Aussie Rules? The umpire enforces the rules, manages play, and awards free kicks.
How do teams score points in Aussie Rules? By kicking the ball between the goal posts (6 points) or between a goal post and a behind post (1 point).
What does “out on the full” mean? It means kicking the ball over the boundary line without it bouncing or being touched.
What is a “shepherd” in Aussie Rules? It’s a legal block to protect a teammate going for the ball.
Are there different leagues for Aussie Rules? Yes, there’s the professional AFL and numerous amateur leagues worldwide.
Where can I watch Aussie Rules in the USA? Check out ESPN3.com for live AFL games.

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