The Ultimate Guide to AFL: Rules, Teams, and History

Australian Rules Football, commonly known as AFL (after the Australian Football League), is more than just a sport in Australia—it's a cultural institution. For newcomers, however, the game can appear bewildering with its unique rules and terminology. This comprehensive guide will help you understand and appreciate the excitement of Australia's homegrown football code.

A Brief History: The Origins of Australian Rules Football

Australian Rules Football has a history dating back to the mid-19th century, making it one of the oldest codified football games in the world. The sport originated in Melbourne, Victoria, in the 1850s, initially as a way for cricketers to keep fit during the winter months.

Tom Wills, who had been educated in England where he played rugby, is credited as the main inventor of the game. Together with his colleagues, he created a set of rules that borrowed elements from various football codes but was distinctly Australian. The first recorded match took place between Melbourne Grammar School and Scotch College in 1858.

The Victorian Football Association (VFA) was formed in 1877, and in 1896, the Victorian Football League (VFL) broke away from the VFA. The VFL expanded beyond Victoria in the 1980s and was renamed the Australian Football League (AFL) in 1990, reflecting its national status.

Understanding the Basics: Rules of the Game

The Field and Teams

AFL is played on an oval-shaped field, typically a cricket ground, which is much larger than fields used for other football codes. The standard team consists of 18 players on the field, with four interchange (substitute) players.

Scoring

The objective is to score points by kicking the ball between goal posts at the opposing end of the field. There are four posts at each end:

Goal (6 points): Scored when the ball is kicked between the two taller, inner posts without being touched by another player.
Behind (1 point): Scored when the ball passes between a goal post and behind post, is touched before passing through the goal posts, or is carried or forced through by a defender.

The final score is expressed as goals-behinds-total points (e.g., 15.10.100).

Moving the Ball

Players can advance the ball by:

Kicking: The primary method of moving the ball long distances.
Handballing: Holding the ball in one hand and punching it with the other fist to pass to a teammate.
Running: Players can run with the ball but must bounce it or touch it to the ground every 15 meters.

Key Rules

Mark: A player who catches the ball directly from a kick that has traveled at least 15 meters is awarded a "mark" and gets a free kick.
Tackle: Players can tackle opponents who have the ball, but only between the shoulders and knees.
Holding the Ball: If a player is tackled and doesn't dispose of the ball correctly, a free kick is awarded to the tackler.
Out of Bounds: If the ball goes out of play, it's usually thrown back in by a boundary umpire, unless it was deliberately forced out (resulting in a free kick).

The Teams: The 18 AFL Clubs

The AFL currently consists of 18 teams, spread across five states of Australia:

Victorian Teams (10)

Carlton Blues: Founded in 1864, Carlton has won 16 premierships, known for their navy blue guernsey.
Collingwood Magpies: One of the most supported and controversial clubs, with 15 premierships.
Essendon Bombers: With 16 premierships, they're tied with Carlton for the most in league history.
Geelong Cats: The second-oldest club, known for their consistency and strong country Victorian support.
Hawthorn Hawks: Dominated the 1980s and had another successful period in the 2010s, winning 13 premierships total.
Melbourne Demons: The oldest professional football club in the world, founded in 1858.
North Melbourne Kangaroos: Known for their resilience and "Shinboner spirit."
Richmond Tigers: After a 37-year premiership drought, they won three flags in four years (2017-2020).
St Kilda Saints: Famous for having won only one premiership (1966) despite multiple grand final appearances.
Western Bulldogs: Formerly Footscray, they ended a 62-year premiership drought in 2016.

Non-Victorian Teams (8)

Adelaide Crows: South Australia's first AFL team, entered the competition in 1991.
Brisbane Lions: Formed from a merger of Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears, dominated the early 2000s.
Fremantle Dockers: Western Australia's second team, joined in 1995, still seeking their first premiership.
Gold Coast Suns: One of the newest teams, joining in 2011.
Greater Western Sydney Giants: The newest team, entering in 2012 as part of the AFL's expansion strategy.
Port Adelaide Power: Joined the AFL in 1997, after a long and successful history in the SANFL.
Sydney Swans: Formerly South Melbourne, relocated to Sydney in 1982, helping to grow the game in NSW.
West Coast Eagles: The first non-Victorian team to win a premiership, has maintained strong success since joining in 1987.

The Season Structure

Home and Away Season

The regular season consists of 23 rounds, with each team playing 22 matches (one bye). Teams play some opponents twice and others once, with the fixture designed to balance competitiveness and marquee matchups.

Finals Series

The top eight teams qualify for the finals (playoffs), played over four weeks:

Week 1: Qualifying Finals (1st vs 4th, 2nd vs 3rd) and Elimination Finals (5th vs 8th, 6th vs 7th)
Week 2: Semi Finals
Week 3: Preliminary Finals
Week 4: Grand Final

Grand Final

The Grand Final is traditionally held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on the last Saturday in September or first Saturday in October. It's one of Australia's biggest sporting events, with approximately 100,000 spectators in attendance and millions watching on television.

Key Traditions and Rivalries

Major Rivalries

Carlton vs. Collingwood: One of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in the sport.
Adelaide vs. Port Adelaide: The intense "Showdown" between the two South Australian teams.
West Coast vs. Fremantle: The "Western Derby" between the two Western Australian clubs.
Essendon vs. Richmond: The "Dreamtime at the 'G" match celebrates Indigenous contribution to the game.

Special Rounds

ANZAC Day: Collingwood vs. Essendon on April 25th, honoring Australia's military heritage.
Indigenous Round: Celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contribution to the game.
Rivalry Round: Features traditional rivalries across the fixture.

Watching AFL at Qubrixo Sports Bar

At Qubrixo Sports Bar, we're passionate about AFL and show every match of the season live on our big screens. Here's how to get the most out of your AFL viewing experience with us:

Fixture Knowledge: Check our website or in-house displays for upcoming matches and special AFL events.
Barracking Etiquette: Passionate support is encouraged, but always respect fans of opposing teams.
AFL Specials: Enjoy our special match day menus and promotions during big games.
Tipping Competition: Join our weekly tipping contest to test your AFL knowledge and potentially win prizes.

Conclusion

Australian Rules Football is a unique, exciting, and integral part of Australian culture. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, understanding the rich history, complex rules, and passionate rivalries of the AFL adds another dimension to watching the game.

Join us at Qubrixo Sports Bar for the next round of matches, where our knowledgeable staff and passionate patrons will be happy to enhance your appreciation of this distinctly Australian sport. Go [your team]!