Aussie Rules Football News, Fixtures & Highlights

Australian Rules Football, commonly known as Aussie Rules or simply footy, is the most popular spectator sport in Australia. It’s a fast-paced, full-contact game played on an oval field with an oval-shaped ball, combining elements of football, rugby, and basketball — yet remaining uniquely Australian.

Unlike other codes, Aussie Rules doesn’t have goals like a net or a crossbar. Instead, players score by kicking the ball between a series of four tall posts at either end of the field. The game is known for its non-stop action, spectacular marks (catches), long kicks, fierce tackles, and high scoring.

The Origins and History of Aussie Rules

Australian Rules Football originated in Melbourne in 1858, making it one of the oldest football codes in the world. It was initially designed to keep cricketers fit during the winter. The first official rules were codified in 1859, predating the modern versions of soccer and rugby.

The game quickly took hold in Victoria, then spread to South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. In 1897, the Victorian Football League (VFL) was formed with eight founding clubs. Over time, it evolved into a national competition, eventually rebranding as the Australian Football League (AFL) in 1990.

How the Game is Played

AFL games are played with 18 players on each side, plus 4 interchange players. The match is divided into four 20-minute quarters, though with stoppages, the real-time play often exceeds 30 minutes per quarter.

The aim is to move the ball downfield and score by kicking it between the middle goal posts (worth 6 points) or the outer behind posts (worth 1 point). Players can run with the ball but must bounce it every 15 meters, and they can pass by handballing (punching the ball from one hand with the other fist) or kicking.

Contact is allowed, but only between the shoulders and knees. High tackles, pushes in the back, and dangerous contact result in free kicks or suspensions.

The AFL: Australia’s Premier Sporting League

The Australian Football League (AFL) is the top professional competition in the country and the most attended domestic sporting league in Australia. The AFL consists of 18 teams, including:

• Melbourne Demons
• Collingwood Magpies
• Sydney Swans
• Richmond Tigers
• Brisbane Lions
• Fremantle Dockers
• Port Adelaide Power, and many others.

The season typically runs from March to September, culminating in the AFL Grand Final, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Grand Final is the biggest annual sporting event in Australia, often drawing over 100,000 fans to the stadium and millions more on TV.

Legendary Players and Coaches

Aussie Rules has produced legends who are revered across the country. Some of the all-time greats include:

• Leigh Matthews – Dominant as both a player and coach.
• Gary Ablett Sr. and Jr. – A father-son duo of generational talent.
• Wayne Carey – Known for his dominance in the air.
• Tony Lockett – The highest goal scorer in AFL history.
• Dustin Martin – Modern-day powerhouse with multiple Norm Smith Medals.

Coaches like Kevin Sheedy, Alastair Clarkson, and Ron Barassi have also left lasting legacies with tactical innovations and championship runs.

Fan Culture and Rivalries

AFL fans are some of the most passionate in the world. Clubs have rich traditions, loyal supporters, and fierce rivalries. Some of the biggest clashes include:

• Collingwood vs. Carlton – The ultimate traditional rivalry.
• Essendon vs. Hawthorn – Born from decades of fierce finals.
• Adelaide Crows vs. Port Adelaide – The “Showdown,” pure South Australian fire.
• Western Derby (West Coast vs. Fremantle) – Western Australia’s pride on the line.

Supporters paint their faces, wear team scarves, and pack stadiums week after week. AFL is more than a sport; it’s a cultural identity in Victoria, and a growing force in other states.

Women’s AFL (AFLW)

In 2017, the AFL launched the AFL Women’s (AFLW) league, and it has grown rapidly. The women’s game mirrors the men’s in style and intensity but is played with slightly shorter quarters.

Female participation has exploded thanks to AFLW and role models like Erin Phillips, Daisy Pearce, and Brianna Davey. Crowds and TV audiences continue to rise, making the AFLW a key part of the sport’s future.

Youth Development and Pathways

Aussie Rules is deeply embedded in Australian schools and communities. Kids as young as 5 start in Auskick, a fun, non-contact introduction to the sport. From there, they progress through junior leagues, school competitions, and regional development programs.

The TAC Cup (now NAB League) and state leagues serve as talent pipelines into the AFL. The AFL Draft allows clubs to recruit top young players annually, with heavy focus on skill, athleticism, and character.

The Role of State Leagues

Before the AFL became a national competition, state leagues were the heart of Australian football. Today, they still play a vital role:

• VFL (Victoria)
• SANFL (South Australia)
• WAFL (Western Australia)
• NEAFL/QAFL (Queensland and NT)
• TSL (Tasmania)

These competitions develop players, coaches, umpires, and offer fans a more grassroots connection to the sport. Some state teams even compete in AFL pre-season matches.

Media Coverage and Commercial Power

The AFL commands massive media attention in Australia. Games are broadcast nationwide via Channel 7, Fox Footy, and Kayo Sports. Commentary, analysis, and debate dominate sports talk shows and radio.

Sponsorships from companies like Toyota, Telstra, and NAB help fund the game’s expansion. The AFL’s commercial strength supports community programs, women’s leagues, Indigenous development, and regional outreach.

Indigenous Players and Cultural Impact

Indigenous Australians have made a profound impact on Aussie Rules. From Nicky Winmar and Michael Long to Adam Goodes and Cyril Rioli, Indigenous stars have brought flair, creativity, and courage to the game.

The AFL celebrates this with the Indigenous Round, featuring the Dreamtime at the ‘G match and special guernseys. However, racism remains an ongoing challenge, with efforts continuing to educate fans and protect players.

AFL and the Future of Footy

The AFL is expanding its reach across the country. Once considered a “Victorian sport,” it now thrives in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide. New teams like Gold Coast Suns and Greater Western Sydney Giants mark a long-term vision for national dominance.

Challenges include:

• Maintaining grassroots participation
• Managing concussion and player health
• Balancing tradition with entertainment
• Growing the AFLW sustainably
• Expanding internationally

With its unique rules, loyal fanbase, and cultural roots, Australian Rules Football is set to remain a defining feature of Aussie life for generations to come.