About Aussie Rules (in the UK)

General Rules

Australian Rules Football - The 9-a-side game

9-a-side

Australian football is very resource intensive, requiring two teams of 18 players each and a cricket sized oval with goal posts, line markings, six umpires and a number of volunteers.

Much organisation is needed to make around 40 players available for a game. And facilities, particularly the large grounds needed, are very difficult to secure. Indeed, the lack of facilities for players and spectators alike has prevented our great game from reaching its full potential in the UK.
 
 
  9-a-side Aussie Rules                  Traditional Australian Rules Football       
 
  2 teams = 18 players                         2 teams = 36 players          
  Rugby field                                       Large cricket sized oval
  No marking of field                            Marking of field required
  Portable behind posts                        Need 8 large posts
  Often played on a field                       Huge facilities e.g. Grandstand
  with minimal facilities                        


Summary of 9-a-side Rules  
 

Player Positions

In the CNW league we play 9 or 10 a side. The below is a basic rundown on the main positions:

Ruck – the tall guy that stands in the middle. He is responsible for tapping, punching, palming or caressing the ball into the hands of the midfielders at centre bounces and boundary throw ins. He’ll have to (subtly) push the opposition ruckman out of the way to be first at the ball.

Rover/Midfielders – the engine room of the team. They work closely with the ruckman and through the middle of the ground to drive the ball to the forward line. They’ll need to keep an eye on the opposition midfielders and make sure they don’t get at the ball. A fit, agile player is required.

Full Forward – Generally starts underneath the goal-posts and provides a target when moving the ball forward. A strong, tall(ish) player who is good with his hands. He must have an accurate kick for goal otherwise there’ll be plenty of team penalties imposed!

Forward Pockets/Half Forwards – Crafty players who assist the midfielders in moving the ball and then get to the feet of the Full Forward (for when he inevitably drops a mark!). Goal-sharks and team players are required for this role.

Full Back – One task – don’t let the Full Forward kick a goal! Tackle him, niggle him, punch the ball away, push him out of the way...basically anything legal to stop him touching the ball. The Full Back will generally take the kick-in from a behind.

Back Pockets/Half Backs – Like the Full Back, these guys must stop their man from kicking goals and generally be a pest in the backline. They also assist the midfielders by moving the ball out of the defensive area.

Bench – the reserve. The fresh legs. These guys encourage the players on the field and occasionally offer advice to the coach. They need to keep warm to be ready to get into the action!