What is Australian Rules football?
well, first let's take a peek at the pros,
And No, it's NOT Rugby!
Though at first glance, the oval shaped ball might make the game resemble rugby, upon further inspection the sport soon appears to have much more in common with basketball and soccer, and is as fast and free-flowing as ice hockey. Played on a huge oval field, bigger than any other code of football, the game is in fact older than all those sports. We have even heard it referred to as “Quidditch without brooms!” But, then again, who needs flying wizard mounts when these pros take flight on their own, right?
Below you will find several videos explaining the rules and a bit of history of Australian Rules Football at the highest levels, namely the Australian Football League and the AFLW. Of course, should you ever have any more questions, get in touch with us via the links on our Contact Page. After all, there is nothing we like talking about more than footy!
The Rules of Aussie Rules
Ninh Ly brings order to what at first may seem like chaos.
What is AFL?
Another great video explaining the rules used in the Australian Football League.
The AFLW
Don't for one minute think the ladies are going to let the men have all the fun!
Umpire Signals
You may be familiar with the finger pistols of the Goal Umpires, but what about guys out on the field?
History of the AFL
A quick history lesson on the teams of what is these days known as the Australian Football League.
The AFL Grand Final
What it's all about.
History of AFL Rivalries
The team you love, the team you love to hate, and why!
Bulldogs v Giants
The history of the AFL's newest and most vicious rivalry.
Tom Wills
In the beginning...
Remastered Footage
How modern technology can bring history back to life.
watching the game
You have several options for following this awesome sport only played professionally on the other side of the world. There can be challenges, for sure, especially with the time difference, but we feel most American fans of the Australian Football League wear these burdens as a badge of honor. Below is a list with some pros and cons of each method.
Cable TV
Pros: No Additional expense beyond cable fees.
Cons: Only about half of the games each week are broadcast in the USA, even with upgraded sports package. Need a video recorder to watch games at more convenient times. No real connection to your club.
Link: The Australian Football Association of North America (AFANA) provides listings of broadcast times of AFL games in America.
WatchAFL App
Pros: Watch every game each week, whenever you like, AFL and AFLW, along with various talk shows and special events. Watch live stream channel 24 hours a day. Can be watched on mobile devices. A must have for any serious American AFL fan.
Cons: Monthly or yearly fees. Have to watch on computer or mobile device unless connected to TV via cable or screen casting. No real connection to your club.
Link: Get the WatchAFL app directly. Or get it through the USAFL to help support footy here in the states. In either case, the app is definitely worth the fees, though look below for one last option that may be an even better fit for you.
AFL International Club Membership – WatchAFL App
Pros: Get the same WatchAFL app to watch every game each week, whenever you like, AFL and AFLW, along with various talk shows and special events. Watch live stream channel 24 hours a day. Can be watched on mobile devices. A must have for any serious American AFL fan. Be counted as a member of your favorite club and actually take a bit of ownership of your team. Receive a club membership pack to help show your team pride.
Cons: Yearly fees. Have to watch on computer or mobile device unless connected to TV via cable or screen casting.
Link: We get our WatchAFL app through a Western Bulldogs International Membership but all 18 AFL clubs should have similar programs. In some cases this is actually a more affordable way to get access, but it is hard to put a price on the feeling of pride offical club membership affords.