WHAT IS AFL?
Australian Rules Football (AFL or “footy”) is a fast paced, contact sport that originated in Australia. It is played on an oval shaped field with an oval shaped ball and combines elements of soccer, rugby and basketball.
WHAT IS USAFL?
The USAFL is a non-profit amateur sports organization dedicated to the development of and participation in Australian Football in the United States.
We serve the Australian Football community in the United States. In addition, we further the international agenda of the USAFL’s governing body, the AFL. In everything we do, we aim to further either development or participation in the sport.
The league also works to foster Womens and Junior programs across the United States.
The USAFL promotes participation by emphasizing awareness and a sense of community within its members and by setting standards which member clubs agree to abide.
Everyone is welcome regardless of experience level or age. We will teach you all you need to know.
Don’t worry we have all been in your shoes!
PLAYER POSITIONING
Backline
Back Pockets
There are two back pockets in each team. They position themselves deep in defence on the left and right side of the field. These players are usually quite agile and need to have good spoiling skills in the air. Highly rated back pockets are rated on their physicality and ability to win one on one contests in the air and on the ground. They usually play on the opposition's smaller, faster forward pockets.
When the ball turns over the back pockets generate forward momentum by using their elite kicking skills to find a mark up the field.
Full back
The full back is the ‘key’ defender in the backline. Positioning themselves as the last defender, and commonly manning the other teams full forward. A full back is normally larger in height and has a strong upper body as they are required to mark, spoil and keep the ball away from the other teams forwards.
A good full back must have a high defensive IQ and know how to position themselves to win the ball back for their team. When the ball is won they work together with the other defenders to work the ball out of the backline and start the attack.
Half Back Line
Half Back Flanks
There are two half back flankers in each team. Flankers play very similar roles to that of the back pockets. They play higher up the field on the left and right hand side of the ground. They need to have the same defensive IQ and skillset as the back pockets but they have more responsibility on offence when the ball turns over. Half backs are usually mid-sized players with high aerobic capacity as they need to be able to continually run up the ground in attacking plays and then run hard back to stop their opposing forward flanker.
The best half back flankers are known for their elite kicking skills and high speed running which allows for them to open up the game. They are usually players with no fear.
Centre Half Back
The centre half back has one of the most crucial roles on the field. Their role is typically to go one on one with the other team's best forward. Similar to the full back, they are usually tall, big bodied players who play with physicality. They need to be able to win crucial contests and support the other defenders.
Centre Half Backs are a great option to kick to from kick ins as they are a big, strong target. They can also take the kick ins on occasion as they can often cover 55m with their long kicks.
Centre
Wingers
A winger plays along the left/right side of the ground, most prominently in the middle areas.
Their job is to give their teammates a wide option and to be an attacking threat from the wide areas of the ground. A winger must require elite endurance, speed and skills as they are required to cover a large amount of the ground over the course of a game.
They must be very skillful in their attack but also may be required to run back and help the defenders to slow the opposition down. It is also crucial that the winger man the opposing winger, as they too can be just as dangerous with their team.
Midfielders
A midfielder is very important. They start every game or stop in play at the contest. Their first job is to win the ball from the ruck tap, then work the ball out to start an attack forward. Midfielders are commonly required to be at the contests where the footy is, but also hold a good position through the middle of the oval so they can be a part of their team's attack.
They are typically medium sized and require high speed, acceleration, power, quick thinking and elite skills. A midfielder does the most running out of anyone. Meaning they sometimes require a rest on the bench or a change to a less demanding position to regain their energy.
Ruck
The ruckman is the tallest player on the field. Their job is to win the ruck contest and tap the ball down to their midfielders. The ruck contest plays like a jump ball in basketball, however the 2 rucks are given a run up which adds importance to the players jumping and timing ability.
These ruck contests happen after a goal, at the start of a quarter, or after a stop in play anywhere around the ground.
The height of a ruckman can also be utilised to be a marking target for someone to kick to, as they can leap in the air and catch the ball with ease due to their height advantage.
Forwards
Half forward flanks
The half forward flanks play on both sides of a teams forward line on either side. They play a little bit higher than the other forwards and assist in the attack high up the ground. They can sometimes support the midfielders to win the ball if it is in their forward half but can also play inside the forward 50 to be an option to score and kick goals.
They have a defensive role too, if the other team is trying to work the ball out of defence, the forwards must defend and apply pressure to try and lock the ball in their forward half. This gives the team the best chance to score.
This type of player is small-medium sized and requires the same skills as a midfielder.
Centre half forward
The centre half forward is commonly the best forward in a team. Typically a team will play 2 tall forwards, the centre half forward is the quicker and more nimble of the 2 tall forwards. They provide their team with a tall option to kick to, and are required to win 1 on 1 marking contests against the defenders.
A centre half forward has height, strength and a strong skill set that allows them to be a goal scoring threat for their team.
Forward pocket
A forward pocket plays deep in the forward line and provides a scoring threat for their team. They are typically small in size but have an insane level of speed, skill, and agility. The forward pocket must also have a high IQ and be able to make quick decisions. If the tall forwards drop a mark or the defenders spoil it, a pocket must be there to rove the ball and win it back.
A forward pocket also has a job to defend as the forward flanker does. They apply pressure to lock the ball in and win it back close to goal.
Full forward
A full forward is the deepest target in a team and is responsible for kicking goals. They are very tall and must have a good marking ability. A full forward needs a strong upper body and goes 1 on 1 with the other teams full back. They aren't the most agile players but they have very good skill and knowledge to play their role.
Commonly a player who kicks the most goals is a full forward.
Conclusion
Every player on the ground has an important role to play. And when it all comes together it can be a joy to watch. AFL is a very demanding sport on athletes, and although there are different positions and traits, all players must require elite fitness, strength and skill.
DO I HAVE TO BE FIT?
In short, yes.
AFL is one of the most physically demanding sports due to its fast pace, large playing field, and mix of skills like running, jumping, tackling and kicking.
Heres why:
- Players run 12-16km (7-10) miles per game - more than soccer or rugby!
- There are constant sprints, changes in direction and minimal stoppages, making it a true endurance test.
- AFL is a full-contact sport with big tackles, bumps, and body clashes.
- Unlike rugby or American Football, players do not wear any protective gear (except for a mouthguard) making physical resilience crucial.
- Players regularly jump high to take marks (“speckies”) , requiring explosive power and coordination.
- Quick movements, sharp turns, and high- speed play mean players must be flexible and quick on their feet.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?
Unlike American Football, players do not need to be equipped with much other than a mouthguard and cleats (football boots with studs). Jumper (or jerseys) are provided to players by their club.
WHAT MAKES (US)AFL SO UNIQUE?
No offside rule: Players can be anywhere on the field.
Continuous play: Unlike American Football, the game flows with fewer stoppages.
High scoring: Games often end with teams scoring over 100 points. However this also can differ drastically depending on conditions of the game, though it is not often.
Physical & Skillful: A mix of tackling, kicking, running and high jumping.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC RULES/GAMEPLAY?
Teams: 18 players per side
Objective: Score points by kicking the ball between goalposts/point post at your scoring end.
Scoring: Goal (6 points): - When the ball is kicked between two tall goalposts without being touched. Behind (1 point): - When the ball passes between a goalpost and a shorter behind post or is touched before crossing the goal line.
Ball Movement: Players can - Kick the ball. Handball (punch) the ball to pass. Run with the ball but must bounce every 15 meters (or touch the ball to the ground whilst running). Tackling is allowed but must be below the shoulders and above the knees.
CAN WOMEN PLAY?
Yes, women can and do play! The USAFL actively promotes women’s participation in Australian Rules Football, welcoming individuals of all experience levels and ages. The league emphasizes teaching newcomers everything they need to know about the sport, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
ARE THE RULES DIFFERENT FOR WOMEN?
In the USAFL, the rules for the women are nearly identical to the men. Both play under the same core laws of the game as defined by the AFL with only a few minor adjustments sometimes made for safety, development, or logistical reasons. These reasons can include:
Game Length: Women’s games may have shorter quarters, especially at the developmental or club level.
Field Size: Depending on the number of players and available space, fields may be smaller. Some games use modified formats (like a 9-a-side) when teams can’t field full squads.
Ball Size: A slightly smaller ball may be sued in women’s matches to better suit hand sizes and improve skill development. (Men play with Size 5, Women play with Size 4)
Tackling and physicality: Full tackling is allowed, but in local or beginner-level leagues, coaches might emphasize safe contact or modify rules slightly for new players.
These variations are more about accommodation and inclusivity rather than a fundamentally different set of rules.
CAN MEN AND WOMEN PLAY ON THE SAME TEAM?
Yes men and women can play on the same team in the USAFL, particularly in non competitive, social or developmental matches. However for the official league games and tournaments like USAFL Nationals, there are typically separate mens and women’s teams.
Co-Ed is fairly common in situations like:
New Club Development: When a team is still growing and needs players, mixed gender teams scrimmage or play exhibition games together.
Training and Practice Matches: Mixed teams ofter train and scrimmage together to build skills and team culture.
9-a-side or metro leagues: These smaller, often more casual formats are sometimes co-ed to allow more flexibility and participation.
“Friendship Teams” at Nationals”: Sometimes players from different clubs join together to form a team - in these cases, gender inclusivity depends on the division and agreement of organizers.
WHEN DOES THE SEASON START/END?
Typically the season runs from April (where regional tournaments are played) continuing through September. The season culminates with the USAFL National Championships which are usually held in October.
For the Cats - Our Season runs from about Mid/Late March - October.