Early Origins

The origins of Australian Rules Football are as unique and diverse as Australia itself. Despite its distinct characteristics, its roots are drawn from a range of influences, coming together to create the uniquely Australian sport we know today.

In the early 19th century, Australian colonies played various informal, unorganized football games with rules that varied from match to match. These games, often social events organized by communities, schools, and clubs, included elements from Gaelic football, rugby, and soccer, with rules adapted to the players’ preferences.

Among these influences were games played by Indigenous populations, such as Marn Grook, played by several Aboriginal groups in Victoria. Some suggest Marn Grook might have influenced Australian Rules Football, noting similarities like the high ‘mark’ or catch. While this connection remains speculative and controversial due to a lack of concrete evidence, it adds to the rich tapestry of theories about the sport’s origins.

Tom Wills is a key figure in this context. Born in New South Wales and raised in Victoria, Wills was exposed to Indigenous communities and their customs. After moving to England during his teenage years and playing Rugby at Rugby School, he returned to an Australia undergoing rapid change and growth, particularly in Victoria due to the gold rush of the 1850s. It was during this transformative period that Wills and others saw the need for a uniquely Australian game.

The combination of these influences, along with the social and cultural evolution of the Australian colonies, led to a desire for an organized, standardized form of football. This desire to bring order to the chaotic patchwork of early football games ultimately laid the foundation for Australian Rules Football.

Creation of the Rules

As the colonies grew and the popularity of football began to rise, the need for a uniform set of rules became increasingly clear. Until the late 1850s, football in Victoria, as in other Australian colonies, was played under a variety of rules and regulations. The games were largely informal, with rules agreed upon by the players before the start of each match. However, the lack of a standardized set of rules led to disputes and confusion.

In this context, Tom Wills, a prominent cricketer and footballer, played a pivotal role. Having observed the disarray in which games were often played, Wills started advocating for a common set of rules. He proposed that a “foot-ball club”, with a “code of laws”, should be formed to keep cricketers fit during winter.

On 17 May 1859, Wills, along with William Hammersley, J.B. Thompson and Thomas H. Smith, attended a meeting at the Parade Hotel in East Melbourne, where they framed a set of ten rules for the new game. These rules, influenced by the school football Wills had played in England, but also adapted for Australian conditions, became the first known laws of Australian Football.

Several key features distinguished these new rules from other forms of football played at the time. There was no offside rule, a feature that opened up the game and allowed for more free-flowing action. Handling the ball was allowed, but throwing was not. The unique feature of ‘marking’, where a player catching a ball on the full from a kick of more than 10 yards was entitled to a free kick, was introduced.

The new rules were put into action shortly after at the first recorded match of this new game, played between Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar School on August 7, 1859. This landmark match, often referred to as the first official game of Australian Rules Football, was played under the newly drafted rules on the Richmond Paddock, later known as Yarra Park, next to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The creation of this set of rules marked a watershed moment in the development of Australian Rules Football. It provided the necessary structure and order that the game needed to grow and flourish in the years to come. These laws, although expanded and modified, form the foundation of the rules that govern the sport to this day.

First Clubs and Matches

Following the establishment of a uniform set of rules, the formation of football clubs began in earnest, marking the transition from informal football games to structured competition. The Melbourne Football Club, established on August 14, 1859, just a week after the historic match between Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar School, was the first of its kind. Thomas H. Smith and Thomas W. Wills, two of the rule-framing quartet, were key figures in the club’s formation.

The early matches involved teams that were, in essence, loose affiliations of players rather than the highly organized and professional clubs we see today. The team sizes varied greatly; in fact, the first recorded match under the new rules, between Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar School, involved teams of around 40 players each, quite a contrast to the 18 a side format we see today. This iconic match, played on a field marked by two large gum trees, laid the groundwork for the team sport that was to become a defining aspect of Australian cultural identity.

The following year saw the formation of other clubs. In May 1860, Geelong Football Club was established, the second club after Melbourne to codify its rules. The clubs played their inaugural match in winter 1860, marking the start of what is now the second-longest rivalry in Australian sports history. Other clubs soon followed, including the formation of the Castlemaine Football Club in 1862, reportedly the third oldest club in Australia.

These early matches were social events, drawing large crowds of spectators. They were occasions for community gathering and celebration, reflecting the rapidly growing interest in the sport. Matches often took place on public holidays, allowing for maximum participation and attendance. Cricket grounds, such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, became regular venues for these matches, which often served as significant fundraisers for the cricket clubs.

By the late 1860s, Australian Rules Football had firmly established itself in Melbourne and was rapidly spreading to other parts of Victoria. The formation of these early clubs and the matches they played laid the foundation for the organized competition that would eventually evolve into the Victorian Football League, and later, the Australian Football League.

Expansion in Victoria

As the 1860s progressed, the popularity of Australian Rules Football in Victoria surged. Clubs that we recognize today began to form, furthering the institutionalization of the sport. The structure began to resemble the format we know today, with club fixtures becoming a regular part of Melbourne’s sporting calendar.

Among the earliest clubs established were Carlton and South Yarra in 1864, both would become important players in the football scene. These clubs, along with Melbourne and Geelong, formed a network of competitive, organized football, and matches between them started drawing significant public interest.

In 1877, in an effort to further organize and regulate the game, the Victorian Football Association (VFA) was established. Initially comprising nine teams—Albert Park, Carlton, East Melbourne, Essendon, Geelong, Hotham, Melbourne, St Kilda, and South Yarra—the VFA oversaw a rapid increase in the number of clubs and the regularity of matches. The formation of the VFA marked the beginning of the sport’s first structured competition, with an annual premiership awarded to the most successful team of the season.

While the sport grew in popularity, it was not without its challenges. Ground availability was an ongoing issue, particularly as the number of clubs increased. The use of cricket grounds was common, but the needs of the cricket clubs often took precedence. As a result, some clubs struggled to secure a consistent home ground.

The rules of the game continued to evolve during this period. The number of players on the field was standardized to 20 per team in 1870, and then further reduced to 18 in 1899, a number that still stands today. Other changes included the introduction of the behind as a score, initially counted only in case of a tie, but later included in the team’s total score.

The end of the 19th century saw the game well-established in Victoria. The VFA, the sport’s primary governing body in Victoria, oversaw a growing number of clubs and a thriving competition. Australian Rules Football was becoming a central part of the social and cultural life of the colony, laying a strong foundation for the next phase of the sport’s development and expansion.

Spread to Other Colonies

As the popularity of Australian Rules Football grew within the boundaries of Victoria, the sport began to spill over into neighbouring colonies. The attraction of the game, with its unique rules and the burgeoning rivalry between clubs, began to captivate audiences and players alike in other parts of the Australian continent.

South Australia was one of the earliest adopters outside Victoria. Adelaide Football Club, founded in 1860, was the first club formed in the colony, although it initially played under its own set of rules. By the late 1870s, however, influenced by the growing popularity of the Victorian game, South Australian clubs began adopting Victorian rules. In 1877, the same year as the formation of the VFA in Victoria, the South Australian Football Association (later renamed South Australian National Football League) was formed, establishing a structured competition.

In the West, Australian Rules Football gained a foothold around the same time. In 1881, the Unions Football Club, later to become the West Australian Football Club, was founded in Perth. The club initially played Rugby Union, but in 1883, switched to Victorian rules. The West Australian Football Association (later renamed West Australian Football League) was formed in 1885, creating a structured competition in Western Australia.

The game also found its way to the island colony of Tasmania, where clubs began forming in the late 1860s and 1870s. The Tasmanian Football League, the main governing body for the sport in Tasmania, was established in 1879.

While Australian Rules Football made inroads into Queensland and New South Wales, these colonies had a stronger inclination towards Rugby due to historical, demographic, and cultural factors, including a higher proportion of immigrants from the British Isles where Rugby was popular.

Despite these regional variations, by the end of the 19th century, Australian Rules Football had established itself as a major sport in multiple colonies. The formation of leagues and associations, along with the development of intercolonial matches, created a vibrant and varied landscape for the sport, setting the stage for the establishment of a nationwide competition in the 20th century.

Formation of the Victorian Football League (VFL)

The Victorian Football League, the precursor to the Australian Football League, was born out of growing dissatisfaction within the Victorian Football Association (VFA) in the late 19th century. By the 1890s, the VFA had expanded to include a large number of teams, and tensions arose over issues such as uneven competition, financial disparities among clubs, and disputes over gate takings.

These tensions reached a boiling point in 1896 when a meeting was held by representatives from leading clubs, including Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Fitzroy, Geelong, Melbourne, St Kilda, and South Melbourne. These clubs, concerned about the direction of the VFA, decided to break away to form a new league. Thus, the Victorian Football League was established in 1897.

The formation of the VFL marked a significant shift in the landscape of Australian Rules Football. The new league sought to provide a higher level of competition and professionalism, with an equal share of gate receipts and a structured fixture list. The first VFL season, held in the winter of 1897, featured eight teams – the same ones that were present at the meeting in 1896.

The early years of the VFL were marked by an emphasis on consolidation and growth. The league was keen to establish itself as the premier competition in Australian Rules Football. Clubs started to have their own dedicated home grounds, and the spectator experience began to improve with the construction of grandstands and terraces. The first VFL Grand Final was held in 1898, with Fitzroy crowned as the inaugural premiers after defeating Essendon.

In 1908, the league expanded to include two more teams, Richmond and University, bringing the total number of teams to ten. This was the first instance of expansion within the VFL, a trend that would continue throughout the 20th century.

The formation and early development of the VFL played a crucial role in shaping Australian Rules Football. It set the stage for a period of rapid evolution, which would eventually lead to the creation of a national competition.

Expansion and Renaming to AFL

As the 20th century progressed, the Victorian Football League began to eye expansion beyond its home state. The 1980s marked a significant turning point, initiating a process that would transform the VFL into a truly national competition and, in the process, necessitate a change of name to the Australian Football League.

The first team from outside Victoria to join the VFL was the Sydney Swans. The South Melbourne Football Club, struggling with financial difficulties, moved to Sydney in 1982, rebranding as the Sydney Swans and taking the Victorian game to New South Wales. Despite initial cultural resistance due to the region’s preference for Rugby League, the Swans gradually gained a foothold, marking a critical step in the national expansion of the game.

The next leap forward came in 1987, with the inclusion of the West Coast Eagles from Western Australia and the Brisbane Bears from Queensland. Their entry marked the first time the league had featured teams from all three eastern mainland states and WA, a significant milestone in the history of Australian Rules Football. The Adelaide Crows joined the competition in 1991, bringing the South Australian representation into the mix.

In recognition of its national status, the VFL officially changed its name to the Australian Football League (AFL) before the 1990 season. The new name reflected the expanding geographical footprint of the league and its ambition to represent the sport at a national level.

The 1990s and 2000s saw further expansion, with the addition of Fremantle Dockers in 1995, the merger of Brisbane Bears and Fitzroy Lions to form Brisbane Lions in 1996, and the inclusion of Port Adelaide in 1997. The Gold Coast Suns and Greater Western Sydney Giants joined in 2011 and 2012, respectively, bringing the total number of teams to the current 18.

The expansion and renaming of the league to AFL were instrumental in promoting and consolidating Australian Rules Football’s status as a national sport. While the process was fraught with challenges, including financial difficulties and competitive balance issues, it ultimately contributed to the rich, diverse, and nationwide competition we see today.

Major Milestones and Developments

Since its inception, the Australian Football League has seen numerous significant milestones and developments that have shaped its evolution. The progression of the AFL has not just been about expanding geographically—it’s also about pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and setting new standards in the sport.

One of the most notable milestones in the AFL came in 1990 when the league adopted a set of tie-breaking rules to avoid drawn grand finals, which had occurred three times in VFL history. The most recent had been in 1977, leading to a replay the following week. The league decided that future drawn grand finals would be decided by extra time, a change that was first required in the 2016 grand final.

The introduction of the AFL Women’s (AFLW) competition in 2017 was a significant leap forward in the recognition and promotion of women’s sports in Australia. The inaugural season saw eight teams compete and was met with overwhelming public support, leading to rapid expansion in the following years. The AFLW has played a crucial role in fostering female participation in Australian Rules Football and has contributed to shifting social attitudes towards women’s sports.

In 1991, the AFL adopted a national draft system, which has been instrumental in maintaining competitive balance among clubs. The system, based on the reverse order of the previous season’s results, allows weaker clubs to have early picks in drafting young talent. It has proven to be a major factor in ensuring the league’s overall health and sustainability.

Another important development was the introduction of the AFL’s Indigenous Round, later named the Sir Doug Nicholls Round. This annual event, which began in 2007, celebrates and recognises the contributions of Indigenous Australians to the sport. It is a powerful expression of the AFL’s commitment to promoting cultural diversity and inclusion.

The AFL has also been at the forefront of embracing technological advancements in sports. In 2001, it introduced a score review system, becoming one of the first sports leagues in the world to use video replays to assist on-field umpires in making decisions.

Each of these milestones and developments has played a key role in shaping the AFL as we know it today—a league that is continuously growing, innovating, and setting new standards in the world of sports.

The AFL Today

In the present day, the Australian Football League stands as a pillar of Australian culture and the preeminent professional competition in Australian Rules Football. From its early days as a Victorian league to its current status as a national competition with a presence in every Australian state, the AFL has truly evolved with the times.

Today, the AFL consists of 18 teams spread across five states and one territory, providing a truly national representation. The season runs from March to late September or early October, culminating in the Grand Final, traditionally held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the heartland of Australian Rules Football.

The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation, with teams moving up and down the ladder based on their performance throughout the season. This system, combined with the draft policy, salary cap, and other measures, aims to ensure competitive balance, giving every club a chance to succeed.

The AFL is a significant contributor to Australia’s economy and culture. According to recent estimates, the AFL and its clubs contribute over $6 billion annually to the Australian economy. In terms of attendance, the AFL is one of the best-attended sporting leagues in the world, with millions of fans attending matches each season.

The AFL has also continued to lead the way in terms of inclusivity and diversity. Initiatives like the AFLW and the Sir Doug Nicholls Round are testament to the league’s commitment to these principles. The AFLW, in particular, has seen tremendous growth and support, promoting female participation and leadership in the sport.

Despite the challenges posed by contemporary issues, such as the global COVID-19 pandemic, the AFL has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. The league has had to implement temporary measures like playing matches in front of empty stadiums, creating hub environments, and altering fixture schedules to ensure the continuity of the competition.

Looking ahead, the AFL continues to face challenges and opportunities. The league will need to navigate issues like player welfare, financial sustainability, and the impact of technology on the game. However, with its long history of evolution and adaptation, the AFL is well positioned to meet these challenges and continue its role as a leading sporting league.

Notable Personalities

Over the years, numerous individuals have left their mark on the AFL, both on and off the field. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the league and have left a lasting legacy. Here are a few of these key personalities:

Ron Barassi: A significant figure in the history of Australian Rules Football, Barassi’s influence extends from his time as a player for Melbourne and Carlton to his coaching career with Carlton, North Melbourne, and Melbourne. Known for his fiery passion for the game, Barassi helped revolutionize the sport with his tactical innovations and was an early proponent of the national expansion of the VFL.

Leigh Matthews: Often referred to as the “best player of the 20th century”, Matthews’ impact on the game is immeasurable. His playing career with Hawthorn saw him become one of the most feared players in the league, earning him the nickname “Lethal Leigh”. Post his playing career, he found success as a coach, most notably with the Brisbane Lions, where he led the team to three consecutive premierships.

Kevin Sheedy: Known for his colourful personality and innovative tactics, Sheedy is one of the longest-serving coaches in AFL history. His 27-year stint with Essendon resulted in four premierships. Sheedy is also known for his instrumental role in establishing the Dreamtime at the ‘G game, a significant part of the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round.

Adam Goodes: A dual Brownlow Medalist and two-time premiership player with the Sydney Swans, Goodes is not only celebrated for his on-field achievements but also his off-field advocacy. He has been a powerful voice against racism and a champion for Indigenous rights, making him one of the most influential figures in recent AFL history.

Erin Phillips: As a key figure in the AFL Women’s (AFLW) competition, Phillips has played an integral role in the growth and promotion of women’s football. The Adelaide Crows player, a multiple-time AFLW best and fairest winner, has been a trailblazer in the league, helping raise the profile of the women’s game.

These are just a few of the many personalities who have shaped the AFL. Their contributions range from the tactical to the social, the on-field to the off-field, and they represent the diverse and rich history of the league. Each has contributed significantly to the AFL’s evolution and growth, helping to shape it into the nationally beloved competition it is today.

Notable Events and Moments

Throughout its history, the Australian Football League has been the stage for countless memorable events and moments that have captivated fans and shaped the narrative of the sport. Here are a few of the most notable:

1970 Grand Final: The Carlton vs Collingwood match is often hailed as one of the greatest Grand Finals in VFL/AFL history. Trailing by 44 points at halftime, Carlton made a remarkable comeback to win by 10 points, with a record crowd of 121,696 spectators at the MCG.

The 1989 Grand Final: This brutal contest between Hawthorn and Geelong is remembered as one of the most fiercely contested games in AFL history. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Hawthorn’s players showed extraordinary resilience to secure a hard-fought victory, marking a defining moment in the league’s history.

Sydney Swans’ 2005 Premiership: The Sydney Swans’ win in the 2005 Grand Final ended a 72-year premiership drought for the club. This victory was significant as it signaled the successful establishment of AFL in New South Wales, a traditionally rugby-dominated state.

The Drawn 2010 Grand Final: The 2010 Grand Final between Collingwood and St Kilda ended in a draw, marking only the third time in VFL/AFL history. The game was replayed the following week, with Collingwood emerging victorious. This event led to the rule change, as of 2016, to resolve drawn Grand Finals with extra time.

The Inaugural AFLW Game: In 2017, the first AFLW match between Carlton and Collingwood marked the beginning of a new era in Australian Rules Football. The game attracted a capacity crowd at Princes Park, demonstrating the massive public support for women’s AFL.

2020 Season and COVID-19 Pandemic: The global pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for the AFL. The league displayed remarkable adaptability by implementing hubs, revised fixture schedules, and shorter quarters. The 2020 Grand Final was moved from MCG to the Gabba in Brisbane for the first time in AFL history due to COVID-19 restrictions, marking a significant moment in the sport.

These memorable moments offer a glimpse into the fascinating tapestry of events that make up the history of the AFL. They encapsulate the drama, excitement, and passion that make Australian Rules Football a deeply cherished part of Australia’s cultural identity.

Current State of the AFL and Future Prospects

As we look at the AFL today, it’s clear that the league remains an integral part of Australia’s social and cultural fabric. It stands as the most attended sporting league in the country, and one of the most viewed on television. But, just like any other major sporting league in the world, it also faces several challenges and opportunities as it looks toward the future.

One of the key challenges facing the AFL is player welfare, particularly in relation to concussions and mental health. The league has already taken steps to address these issues, implementing stricter concussion protocols and providing increased support for players’ mental health. However, these remain ongoing concerns that the AFL will need to continue addressing.

The issue of equalisation is also a critical one. While measures like the salary cap and the draft have helped to maintain a level playing field, there are still disparities that need to be addressed. The AFL will need to continue its efforts to ensure that all clubs, regardless of their financial status or geographical location, have the opportunity to compete equally.

On the other hand, the growth of the AFL Women’s (AFLW) competition is an exciting opportunity for the league. The AFLW has already made significant strides since its inception, and there is potential for further growth. Expanding the women’s game will not only foster greater gender equality in sports, but also tap into a new fan base and create new commercial opportunities.

The increased use of technology in sports also presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the AFL. The league has already embraced technology with the score review system, but there are other areas, such as player tracking and fan engagement, where further innovation could enhance the game.

Sustainability is another area of focus. The AFL has already shown commitment to environmental sustainability, with clubs adopting renewable energy and implementing waste reduction measures. Looking ahead, the league can play a significant role in promoting sustainability in sports.

In conclusion, the AFL, with its rich history and wide reach, is well-positioned to tackle these challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. The league has shown time and again its capacity to evolve and adapt. As it moves forward, it will continue to play a significant role in shaping Australia’s sporting landscape and, indeed, its broader cultural identity.

Legacy and Influence of the AFL

The Australian Football League, since its origins in Victoria, has grown to become an integral part of the Australian cultural landscape. Its legacy and influence extend far beyond the confines of the sports field, affecting social change and uniting diverse communities.

The AFL’s geographical expansion, transforming from the Victoria-centric VFL to a national league, has played a significant role in unifying the country through sport. It has brought communities together, bridging state rivalries and fostering a shared identity as AFL fans.

The AFL has also been a catalyst for social change. The league has used its platform to address social issues, promote diversity and inclusion, and advocate for equality. The AFL Women’s competition, Indigenous round, and Pride matches are all examples of the AFL using its influence to drive positive societal change.

Initiatives like the AFL Community Camps and Auskick program also demonstrate the league’s commitment to grassroots development. These programs not only nurture the future stars of the AFL but also foster community engagement and provide positive role models for young Australians.

The AFL’s economic impact should not be underestimated. As a major employer and economic contributor, the league has played a vital role in supporting jobs and driving economic activity across the country. From hosting major events to supporting local businesses, the AFL’s contribution to the Australian economy is substantial.

Internationally, the AFL has played a significant role in promoting Australian culture. It has attracted international players and fans, exposing them to Australian Rules Football and Australian culture more broadly. Additionally, the AFL’s commitment to player welfare, equalisation policies, and diversity initiatives has set a benchmark for other sports leagues globally.

The AFL’s enduring legacy is a testament to its capacity to evolve, innovate and lead. It is a league that is not only about sport but also about community, culture, and social change. As it looks to the future, the AFL is set to continue playing a significant role in shaping Australia’s national identity.

With this, we conclude our in-depth look at the history, development, and influence of the Australian Football League. From its early origins in Victoria to its current status as a nationally beloved competition, the AFL’s journey is a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and its capacity to unite and inspire. The AFL’s story is far from over, and it will undoubtedly continue to evolve, entertain, and influence in the years to come.