Australian Rules Football, known as AFL, has been called Australia’s national sport — and for good reason!
With 18 teams, almost 10 million fans and the rapid growth of the AFL’s women’s league (AFLW), it’s clear you’ll find a deep, diehard love for this game all across this great nation.
As an international student, checking out the AFL is a fantastic way to get a true taste of Australian culture. Read on to discover everything you need to know about going to your first AFL game.
Choosing your team
There’s no better way to experience AFL than by choosing your very own team! Most states have a couple of teams, and if you live in Victoria, you’ll be spoiled for choice! The state isn’t just the home of AFL, but it also boasts a whopping 10 teams.
Of course, location is just one way to choose! You can also research a club’s history, rivalries and players to find which one appeals to you.
There’s a fan-made quiz you can use to help pick a team, too! Some of the terminology and language used is quite specific to the game, but it’s a good way to test out the AFL glossary and start learning specific terms.
Preparing for your first game
Buy a ticket
AFL and AFLW ticket prices can vary a lot depending on which teams are playing, where the game is and what stage of the round they’re in.
You may be able to get a discount with your student card. If you plan to go to lots of games, you can become an AFL member or join a club to access even more discounts and deals!
Plan your transport
Another thing to think about ahead of time is how you’ll get to and from the game on the day. This is particularly important for bigger games at larger stadiums, which attract huge crowds.
Make sure you plan your route well in advance and leave early in case of delays.
Rug up!
The majority of AFL and AFLW games each season take place during the cooler months, so it’s a good idea to rug up. A thick jumper, jacket, beanie and scarf are all common accessories to bring to a game, with many choosing to purchase ones in their club’s colours!
How does AFL work?
AFL might seem very confusing at first, but you’ll probably pick it up quickly once you understand some basic rules.
A game consists of two teams, each of which has 22 players, 18 of whom play at one time. Each game lasts about 80 minutes, with rests after each quarter of about 20 minutes.
Players will try to tap, handball or kick the ball to their teammates towards their goal without losing possession to the other team. They can earn points by kicking the ball through the goalposts — six points for getting the ball through the taller goalposts in the middle, or one point for getting the ball through the outer posts.
The winner is the team with the most points at the end of the game!
Check out our introduction to AFL to learn more.
Your AFL glossary
We all know Aussies love some slang, and the footy is no exception! Here are some terms you might hear at the game and what they mean.
- Blinder: A really good performance, either by one player or a team
- Good shoe or good leg: A great kick
- Mark: When a player catches a ball that’s been kicked
- Screamer, specky or hanger: A particularly impressive mark, often when a player jumps high to catch the ball.
- Sticks: The goalposts
- Smother: When a player stops a kick immediately after it’s been made, usually by stopping it with their hands or body
- Clanger: A mistake, usually one that benefits the other team
- Dukes: A player’s hands
- Falcon: When the ball hits a player in the head
- Bag: When someone kicks several goals in one game
- Ball: You might hear people yell this if they believe a player has not passed the ball fast enough, which gives the other team a free kick
- Pill: The football
- Flag: The premiership
And remember: learning is part of the fun! If you don’t understand something, ask someone nearby to explain, or watch a few games with a friend who understands the rules a bit better.
Whether you end up a diehard fanatic or just go to the occasional game, getting involved in AFL is a fun and exciting experience you won’t forget!
