She Knows AFL
Given that AFL is such a fast game and the antithesis of a long drawn-out cricket match, what do AFL and cricket have in common? Well, a lot actually. AFL was originally invented to help cricketers stay in shape in the off-season.
Today, AFL is fast-paced, interactive and, more importantly, easy to learn. And what makes it the most watched form of football by Australian women? It might have something to do with the tight shorts and sleeveless vests.
The goal and rules of AFL are surprisingly simple. There are two teams; one will win by gaining the most points within the allotted time – 80 minutes. The game is broken up into four periods of 20 minutes each with intermissions from six to 20 minutes long.
Put simply:
- There are two teams of 18 players, which occupy opposite ends of the oval field.
- The players on each team try to score the most points.
- That’s pretty much all there is to it.
The way a game is scored can be a little confusing at first. Basically, players earn points is by kicking the ball through the opposing teams’ posts. Tthere are four posts at either end of the field, consisting of two tall posts in the middle with a short post on either side. A ball through the centre posts earns six points, while a ball through the posts on either side earns one point.
Watching AFL, you can feel as if there are people running everywhere and you don't know where to look. Folllowing the ball is a good tip! There are actually 18 players on the field at any given time. There are a further four players that are held off-field (called 'on the bench'). The benched players can be called on at any time to replace an active player and this can happen an unlimited number of times.
Players are split into three groups:
1. Forwards: There are the players who do most of the kicking and, as a result, get most of
the goals. There are 6 forwards.
2. Midfielders: Midfielders are responsible for getting to the forwards and they do most of the
running. Midfielders also have to try to stop the ball from getting to their own
Backs. There are 6 midfielders.
3. Backs: The role of these players is to try and stop the attempted goals. There are 6 backs.
Fast Fact
The earliest known individual award for the sport is the Champion of the Colony (precursor to the Brownlow Medal), which was first granted in 1858.
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As per the front page, what exactly DOES qualify a player for a stint in the sin bin - considering there's neither a sin bin nor a sending off rule in AFL? Whoever is writing your stuff needs a quick glance at the rules himself.
Or herself, of course.
I understood AFL derived largely from Galiec Football, with our heavy Irish convict heritage, and also from a game observed from northern Aboriginal tribes where they would kick a possum about...
Invented for cricketeers?
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OK. Initially the game of AFL was cobbled together from an indigenous ball game called Marn Grook. It was done so to give cricketers something to keep fit with, and to make use of the grounds in the off season. Gaelic may have seasoned the game, but it was definitely an indig game to start things off. Sin Bin is called the tribunal.
And there is a great show on NITV called the Marngrook Footy Show. Vastly superior to Sam Newman's excruciating antics on Nine.
the sin bin is some where for bad players like B.Hall to go when they are naughty during the game. it should be reintroduced.
There are great opportunities for woman of all ages to play footy from 'youth girls' to open age womans competitions around australia including state teams.See your state or regional body to find out more.
Its also important to remember there is no knock-on in Australian football (the name of the sport), No ankle taps allowed (all tackles above the knee)and no offside.
In afl there is NO sin bin. The coach may pull the player off the ground to cool down a bit, and the umps may give a free kick or 50 metres, but no player can be banished from playing out the game by the UMPS. Their number is taken and recorded, and it goes to the review board on the Tuesday for assessment. No red cards. No 10 minutes in the bin. No time out. No foul. It makes a game edgy when you know either one of your mob, or one of their mob, is going to be judged in the cold light of day (night) by independant judges with no axe to grind.