Australian football, also known as Aussie Rules or footy, is a sport that stands out for its dynamic play, distinctive rules, and unique cultural significance. Originating in Melbourne in the 1850s, it has grown to become Australia’s most popular spectator sport and a beloved pastime for millions.
The game’s most striking features - from its oval field and unique scoring system to its free-flowing style and spectacular marking - set it apart from other football codes around the world. This article explores the unique features of Australian football, highlighting what makes it so special and why it captivates fans and players alike.
Like Aussie Rules is a game native to Australia, Tongits is a unique card game native in the Philippines. The game quickly rose to fame in its homeland as it became a staple leisure activity among households, party and gathering.
In the same way Aussies will gather together to watch one of their national sports, Filipinos like to gather together and play Tongits - the online version is also growing in popularity and is fast becoming a popular alternative to online casinos.
Online games - including Tongits - are up against it, though. While vertial reality games are growing in popularity with the younger generations, there is nothing like the real thing. And this is why wagering on real life sport is still preferred by plenty of online punters.
Aussie Rules is one such real life sport. It is a game often overlooked in the UK, especially when it comes up against the likes of the Premier League or EFL Championship.
Below we look into Aussie Rules in more detail and explain what non-Aussies are missing and why it really is worth a look:
1. The Oval Field and Playing Surface
One of the most immediately recognizable features of Australian football is its oval-shaped field, often adapted from cricket grounds. The playing area, known as the “ground” or “paddock,” typically measures between 135 and 185 meters in length and 110 to 155 meters in width, making it one of the largest sporting fields in the world. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with its dimensions of 165 by 135 meters, is considered the ideal standard.
This expansive oval allows for free-flowing, high-speed play and encourages players to use the full width and length of the field, resulting in a game that is both visually spectacular and physically demanding. Unlike the rectangular pitches of soccer, rugby, or American football, the oval field is a defining characteristic of Aussie Rules and contributes to its unique tactical and strategic elements.
2. Team Structure and Player Positions
Australian football is played between two teams of 18 players each, with up to four interchange players who can rotate freely throughout the match. This large team size allows for a wide range of player roles and positions, including:
Forwards: Responsible for scoring goals and behinds.
Midfielders: Key playmakers who transition the ball between defense and attack.
Defenders: Focus on preventing the opposition from scoring.
Followers (Ruck, Rover, Ruck-Rover): Specialized roles involved in contesting the ball at stoppages.
Despite these designated positions, players are free to move anywhere on the field during play, fostering a fluid and unpredictable style of game. There is no “goalie” or keeper, and all players are expected to contest the ball when it is in their vicinity.
3. The Mark: A Signature Element
One of the most distinctive and celebrated features of Australian football is the “mark.” A mark is awarded when a player catches the ball cleanly from a kick that has traveled at least 15 meters and has not been touched by another player or the ground. The player who takes the mark is granted unimpeded possession and may kick the ball freely from behind the spot where the mark was taken.
The mark is not only a tactical advantage but also a source of spectacular athleticism, as players leap high into the air—sometimes using the backs or shoulders of opponents—to take soaring marks, creating some of the most memorable highlights in the sport. The mark is a unique rule that encourages skillful ball movement and rewards players for their courage and timing.
4. Ball Movement and Handling Rules
Australian football places a premium on skillful ball handling and movement. Players can use any part of their body to move the ball, but the primary methods are:
Kicking: The main method of passing and scoring.
Handballing: Punching the ball with a clenched fist to a teammate.
Running with the Ball: Players may run with the ball but must bounce or touch it on the ground at least once every 15 meters to prevent excessive running
Throwing the ball is strictly prohibited, and players must not get caught holding the ball when tackled. If a player is tackled and does not dispose of the ball legally, a free kick is awarded to the opposition. These rules promote continuous play and reward skillful, quick thinking.
5. Scoring System
The scoring system in Australian football is unique and adds to the excitement of the game. Points are scored by kicking the oval ball between the opponent’s goal posts:
Goal (6 points): Kicking the ball between the central goal posts without the ball being touched by another player.
Behind (1 point): Kicking the ball between a central and outer post, or if the ball is touched before passing through the goal posts.
This system rewards accuracy and skill, and the high-scoring nature of the game ensures that matches are often exciting and closely contested.
6. Physicality and Tackling
Australian football is a contact sport that allows for physical play, including tackling and shepherding (blocking or obstructing opponents to protect a teammate with the ball). Players can tackle using their hands or use their whole body to obstruct opponents, but dangerous physical contact—such as pushing in the back or tripping—is penalized with free kicks or suspensions.
7. No Offside Rule and Unrestricted Movement
Unlike soccer or rugby, Australian football has no offside rule. Players can position themselves anywhere on the field at any time, allowing for dynamic and unpredictable movement. This freedom encourages creative tactics and ensures that the ball is always in play, making the game fast-paced and entertaining for spectators.
8. Continuous Play and Free-Flowing Style
Australian football is designed to be continuous and free-flowing, with few stoppages and minimal restrictions on player movement. The ball is always in dispute except when a free kick or mark is awarded, and the game is controlled by field, boundary, and goal umpires who ensure fair play and player safety.
9. Minimal Protective Equipment
Australian football is played with minimal protective gear. Players typically wear mouthguards, and some may choose to wear soft protective headgear or shin guards, but heavy padding is not allowed. This lack of extensive protection highlights the sport’s emphasis on skill, agility, and fair play, rather than brute force.
10. Cultural Significance and Spectator Appeal
Australian football is more than just a sport—it is a cultural institution. The Australian Football League (AFL) is the nation’s wealthiest sporting body, and the AFL Grand Final is the highest-attended club championship event in the world, regularly filling the 100,000-seat Melbourne Cricket Ground. The sport is celebrated for its community spirit, its tradition of inclusivity, and its ability to bring people together.