L.J
Proud Member
I want to make a thread about my most favouritest sport to watch 
Australian Rules Football.
This sport started in Melbourne, Australia and is very awesome
It's a complex game to understand if you've never seen it before, but I'll try to give the basics.
The aim of the game is to get the most points/goals as possible during the match.
The team is made up of 22 players of which 18 are on the field and 4 are on the bench.
There are defensive and attack players but there is no limitations or restrictions to where they are allowed to be on the field.
The ball is shaped sort of like a gridiron or rugby ball but without the real pointy ends:
The field is known as an oval, as it's not quite circular.
The goals are defined by 4 sticks (goal posts)
If you kick the ball between the middle 2 sticks (a goal) you earn 6 points for your team if you miss but get it between one of the middle sticks and the outer sticks, it's only one point earned. If anyone carries it through or punches it through, it is also 1 point.
Players move the ball around by either kicking it to each other (this is done by holding it and then dropping it down onto the foot, usually in stride with walking or running).
Or Handballing it (which is similar to a volleyball serve, the ball is rested upon one open hand and then punched with the other hand which should be made into a fist).
Players are allowed to run with the ball for 15 metres (usually counted in strides). after that distance they must either:
- dispose of the ball (handball/kick it)
- bounce it
- bend down and touch the ground with it.
As you can see it requires a lot ability. You need to be able to kick the ball, carry it on the run, bounce it, handball it and catch it.
If you catch a ball that has been kicked and has yet to touch ground... it's called a "mark"
If you mark the ball no one may tackle you.
That's right this is a full body on body contact sport. Any tackle below the shoulders and above the knees is allowed. You can only tackle the person with the ball and if they don't try to dispose of it they are penalised.
Any rules broken/penalities results in the opposition being given the ball.
Oh did I mention there's no protective gear worn, unlike in soccer and NFL?
This game is incredibly fast
Check out this video which has highlights from the 2007 season, mainly highlighting great marks, tackles and some amazing goals.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-PFRrJQtew
(p.s I barrack (cheer for) the team in red and white
known as the Sydney Swans )
The history is long and proud wikipedia offers a good summary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Football_League
a handball action:
A kicking action:
Ask questions
Any Aussies here who follow this great game? who do you go for?
Australian Rules Football.This sport started in Melbourne, Australia and is very awesome
It's a complex game to understand if you've never seen it before, but I'll try to give the basics.
The aim of the game is to get the most points/goals as possible during the match.
The team is made up of 22 players of which 18 are on the field and 4 are on the bench.
There are defensive and attack players but there is no limitations or restrictions to where they are allowed to be on the field.
The ball is shaped sort of like a gridiron or rugby ball but without the real pointy ends:
The field is known as an oval, as it's not quite circular.
The goals are defined by 4 sticks (goal posts)
If you kick the ball between the middle 2 sticks (a goal) you earn 6 points for your team if you miss but get it between one of the middle sticks and the outer sticks, it's only one point earned. If anyone carries it through or punches it through, it is also 1 point.
Players move the ball around by either kicking it to each other (this is done by holding it and then dropping it down onto the foot, usually in stride with walking or running).
Or Handballing it (which is similar to a volleyball serve, the ball is rested upon one open hand and then punched with the other hand which should be made into a fist).
Players are allowed to run with the ball for 15 metres (usually counted in strides). after that distance they must either:
- dispose of the ball (handball/kick it)
- bounce it
- bend down and touch the ground with it.
As you can see it requires a lot ability. You need to be able to kick the ball, carry it on the run, bounce it, handball it and catch it.
If you catch a ball that has been kicked and has yet to touch ground... it's called a "mark"
If you mark the ball no one may tackle you.
That's right this is a full body on body contact sport. Any tackle below the shoulders and above the knees is allowed. You can only tackle the person with the ball and if they don't try to dispose of it they are penalised.
Any rules broken/penalities results in the opposition being given the ball.
Oh did I mention there's no protective gear worn, unlike in soccer and NFL?
This game is incredibly fast
Check out this video which has highlights from the 2007 season, mainly highlighting great marks, tackles and some amazing goals.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-PFRrJQtew
(p.s I barrack (cheer for) the team in red and white
The history is long and proud wikipedia offers a good summary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Football_League
a handball action:
A kicking action:
Ask questions
Any Aussies here who follow this great game?
who do you go for?
