Australian Rules Football History and Rules Quiz

Australian Rules Football

History

Invented in Melbourne, Australia, in the late 1850s, Australian rules football predates other modern football games like soccer and American football. Also known as Aussie rules, Australian football, or simply footy, the game grew from a combination of various football rules that were in use at English public schools. One of the earliest references to the sport came from Thomas Wentworth Wills, who proposed organizing a series of matches under standardized rules. The Melbourne Cricket Club agreed with his suggestion, appointing a committee to draft a set of rules in 1859. Two of the oldest football clubs in existence, Melbourne and Geelong, were established in 1858 and 1859, respectively.

Rules

From the initial rules agreed upon in 1859, the game evolved significantly. In 1866, H.C.A. Harrison rewrote the rules, imposing no limit on the number of players and banning hacking. The rules were further refined by 1880, setting standards for 20 players per team. Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Australian rules football is the absence of an offside rule, which allows players from both teams to compete around the ball without being penalized for offenses against an opposing teammate. This has resulted in a fast-paced and dynamic gameplay experience.

Scoring points involves either kicking the ball through a pair of goalposts, called 'behinds', or catching the ball in flight and then taking a 'free kick'. The game uses a center bounce to start play and restart after a score. Umpires administer the game, with goal umpires signaling scores using flags. Over time, the rules have been adjusted to address safety concerns, such as the introduction of wavy goalposts in the late 19th century, which have remained largely unchanged since then.

Teams

The game is predominantly played between two teams of 18 players in an oval-shaped field, typically on a modified cricket ground. Some of the oldest football clubs still active today are Melbourne and Geelong, founded in 1858 and 1859, respectively. Today, the game is governed by the Australian Football League (AFL), formerly known as the Victorian Football League (VFL), which hosts annual championships featuring multiple state-based teams.

Skills

Players possess a range of skills essential for success in Australian rules football. Some key abilities include kicking accurately at different angles, handling the ball efficiently, and marking (catching the ball in the air) effectively. Additionally, players need to be fit and agile, as the game requires endurance and quick reaction times. Teamwork and strategic planning are also essential elements, with players collaborating to create opportunities for scoring while disrupting opponents' efforts.

Some notable players in the history of the sport include Darrel Baldock, Ron Barassi, Kevin Bartlett, Malcolm Blight, Haydn Bunton Sr., Roy Cazaly, John Coleman, Gordon Coventry, Ted Whitten, and Gary Ablett. Each of these legends contributed significantly to the game through their exceptional performances and leadership both on and off the field.