Author: Jessica Nguyen

The AFL drop punt is widely recognized as the preferred AFL kick.

The ball is dropped from the player’s hand onto their foot, where it spins off the boot through the air.

The backspin is vital to the process and is one of the first things players are taught when learning this key kick.

But, why does a drop punt spin backwards? We take a dive into the biomechanics of the kick and some of the other, well-known kicks in AFL.

What are the biomechanics of a drop punt?

When we bring biomechanics into the equation, we can look at the exact reason a drop punt kick spins backwards.

One of the main reasons this punt is so popular in AFL is thanks to the Magnus Effect. This increases the time the ball is in flight, which gives teammates more time to get in place and mark.

There are many different biomechanical principles at each stage of the execution of a drop punt. It requires all the limbs of the body, with a sequence of events that has to take place for the skill to be executed correctly:

1) Newton’s law

Newton’s 2^nd Law states that Force = Mass multiplied by acceleration. This means that the greater the acceleration of the foot making a connection with the ball, the greater the speed of the ball.

2) Run up

This stage is important for gathering momentum and balance. This is why carrying out a drop punt from a standing position is much harder than using a run-up, as the shifting of weight plays such an important role. The two key biomechanical purposes are: to increase stability and to increase the force.

3) Planting of support leg

This is an essential step of the drop punt. The planted foot braces the player by absorbing the force that is brought on through the speed of the run up. This brace movement also allows the player to get their hip in the best position to create more force in the kicking leg.

4) Ball drop

The ball is guided down and only released once the kicking foot leaves the ground. It is recommended that this occurs about hip height.

The balls need to be vertical when it makes contact with the foot. This means that at the time contact is made, the player is kicking the bottom third of the call, which causes it to spin backwards.

5) Foot speed

This is the speed the foot travels before it connects with the ball. This has an impact on how far the ball will travel, but it also has the greatest effect on the direction the ball takes.

6) Contact

This is naturally the most critical stage of kicking. One of the most important aspects is the player’s instep. This is when the ankle is completely extended, allowing for solid contact from a firm surface. The longer the contact time in the ball drop, the more control the player has over it.

7) Follow through

It is shown that the follow-through of a drop punt provides immediate feedback on the kicking technique. There are three components to it:

• Balance
• Transfer of weight
• Toe pointed at the target

Now we understand a little more about the biomechanics involved at each stage of the kicking process, what is actually happening to the ball once it is released into the air?

As the ball spins through the air, the air is flowing around the ball from front to back. It spins in the same direction as the ball at the top, but in the opposite direction at the bottom. This movement causes friction. Why?

The air at the bottom of the ball has the ball moving towards it. This is how the backspin works. As a result, the air moves much slower past the ball, and in the process, slows it down.

How do I make a drop punt spin backwards?

It all comes down to the execution of your drop punt. This popular AFL kick is a crucial one for players to master, yet it’s also the hardest one for beginners to learn.

While above we detailed the biomechanics involved in a successful drop punt, here’s each key phase in the process outlined – with what needs to be achieved by the player:

• Steady run up
• Long final step
• Hip rotation
• Ball guide
• Release at hip
• Thigh swing before knee extension
• Impact on boot
• Toes pointed
• Ball spin backwards
• Leg swing straight through after contact

Of course, this is much easier said than done. The drop punt is a hard kick to master, and there are many common mistakes players make.

1. Run up: not running straight, which causes the leg to swing across the body. An incorrect drip on the ball, which is one of the main things that causes it not to spin backwards.
2. Ball drop: using two hands to guide the ball down instead of just one. Dropping the ball in the centre of the body and not in line with the kicking leg, which doesn’t allow for the best connection.
3. Impact: going too hard and losing balance. Kicking with an upward pointed toe, rather than in the direction of the target. This causes the ball to go higher rather than further.

Why is the drop punt the preferred kick?

Now we know exactly what a drop punt entails, why is it the preferred kick in AFL? There are a number of reasons to consider:

1. The Magnus Effect discussed above is important, as the back spin actually means the ball is in the air longer, which gives teammates more time to get in position.
2. This style kick is also easier for teammates to mark. The angle of the ball changes very little while in flight, which means players can position their hands to trap the ball.
3. The bounce that occurs with a drop punt is also much easier to read than other kicks, thanks to the controlled back spin.

Which way does a checkside punt spin?

The check-side kick is also known as the banana kick. The ball is dropped at a 45-degree angle and then it spins sideways in the air. This is where the name banana kick comes from. They are mostly used when players are trying to kick a goal from a tight angle.

Which way does a torpedo punt spin?

The torpedo spin is when both hands are placed on either side of the ball, with one hand being slightly higher than the other.

The player drops the ball on the foot, at a slightly turned angle. This helps the ball travel long distances.

When the player’s kick makes contact with the ball, it spins in a spiral motion.

Other types of AFL kicks

Dribble kick: this is a fairly new type of kick, which entails the ball bouncing off the ground straight after the kick.

Once again, it is commonly used around the goal area where the angle is too tight for even a check-side kick.

Place kick: this is where the ball is placed vertically on a mound and the player kicks from there. This is not often used, due to the time it takes to set up for the kick. It was last used in 1955 when Tony Ongarello kicked a goal for Fitzroy.

Drop kick: this kick goes from hand to the ground, as the player kicks the balls once it bounces up again. This is another skill of the past that isn’t used on the fields anymore, as the drop punt is so much more accurate, making it the more preferred kick.

Mastering the drop punt

The key to the drop punt is mastering the backward spin, so the ball travels in a controlled manner through the air, giving players enough time to get into place for the mark. The drop punt is a predictable kick when executed properly.

However, it’s important to note just how many key stages there are to perfecting this style kick. It’s not a simple task. It’s a whole body, complex skill that needs to be practiced over and over.

Good technique is what leads to a good kick.

According to AFL kicking experts, this begins with the point of impact. This is when the player’s foot first makes contact with the ball. If there is no backspin as a result, then it’s important to work backwards from this point to determine the cause.

One of the best ways to learn this essential skill is by watching the experts.

Some of the best AFL kickers include, Lindsay Gilbee, Alan Didak, Daniel Rich, Trent Cotchin and Aaron Davey. Which each of them varies a little in their kicking technique, all the critical elements are there, such as control, firm foot, acceleration and more.

Watching them execute the drop punt is one of the best ways you can learn.

So, why does the drop punt spin backwards? Put simply, because that’s exactly what’s intended in this style kick. And it offers many benefits on the playing field.

It’s a question that more and more people are asking, as sexuality is spoken about more and more in the media.

There are so many different types of sexual orientation from heterosexual through to asexual, homosexual, bisexual and more.

A person’s chosen sexuality is becoming more and more accepted by society, yet at present, there are no AFL players who have ‘come out’ about being bisexual.

Why is this?

In 2016, the National Drug Strategy Household Survey estimated that 3.2% of the adult population in Australia identified as homosexual or bisexual.

Given these numbers, it’s highly likely that an AFL player or two would fall into this category, but are choosing to keep their sexuality private.

The choice to “come out” about sexuality

The way in which an AFL player identifies with sexually is entirely their choice and their life. It’s completely understandable for them to choose to keep this separate and private.

It’s no secret that the media likes to pick up on these issues and highlight them, which might be the last thing a player wants to be known for.

After all, they should be recognised for their skills on the sports field and not for their preferences in their private life. It’s important to respect people’s choices whether to come out or not.

We have seen this movement take off a lot more in American sports people.

Robbie Rogers, a midfielder for the Los Angeles Galaxy made headlines in 2013 when he came out. A few months later, Jason Collins, NBA center did the same. Then in 2014, NFL defensive Michael Sam also did the same.

As you might expect, there were hopes that this trend would lead the way in more and more sportspeople embracing and opening up about their sexuality and making it the norm.

Yet the “wave” ended there. There wasn’t even a trickle of more athletes coming out.

So, why are these athletes, including AFL players, choosing not to come out? While it’s important to respect their decision, we can dive in a little further to understand it better.

Why are athletes choosing not to come out?

There are so many pressures that come from being a professional athlete, we can only try to understand them all. Just like you wouldn’t necessarily think to open up to your boss about your sexuality, many AFL players likely feel the same.

Here are some of the reasons athletes are choosing not to come out:

1) Wrong type of attention

As a professional athlete, the attention should be on the game and their skills, not on their sexual preferences. Coming out in front of a national audience would detract from this and likely cause the wrong type of attention.

It doesn’t mean these players are ashamed of their sexuality. Instead, they see it as a non-issue that has nothing to do with the game of AFL – and they’re right. While we might like to think there would be no repercussions for coming out as an AFL player, research tends to suggest otherwise.

As a society, we still are there when it comes to 100% acceptance. Until we are, it’s understandable while players would want to keep tight-lipped.

2) Media attention

Have you ever been the centre of a media scandal and seen your face splashed everywhere?

It’s probably very unlikely you have, which is why it’s hard to understand the choice these AFL players are making. We have never walked in their shoes.

While being the face of a gay movement might sound good in theory, when it’s your face and private life splashed through the media, it’s a lot to take in.

The truth is, the media doesn’t always get things right. And they don’t always paint things in the best light.

Opening up and coming out takes a huge degree of trust. You’re trusting the media to paint your story in the correct way – and there’s no way of knowing this. A gay AFL player might prefer to stay out of the spotlight to avoid placing their career in the media’s hand.

3) The fans

While the LGBT movement has definitely taken stride in recent years, there’s no way to tell how the fans will react to the news.

While we can probably predict that the majority wouldn’t have an issue, there is still the minority who might feel differently. And the minority tend to have the loudest voices.

In fact, it was rugby player Israel Folau who is the best example. In 2019, the fullback made an anti-gay comment on social media (not for the first time), stating that gays will go to hell.

“Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent,” he wrote on Instagram. “Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him.”

While Rugby Australia acted in the right manner and terminated his position, it shows we have a long way to come before being gay is accepted. It’s not even accepted in the sports world yet, let alone the wider community.

4) The coaches

Think about how you would feel coming out to your boss and waiting to hear their response. Or even just your manager you work with every single day. It’s nerve-wracking!

For AFL players, this is their entire career. It doesn’t matter how accepting their coach might be, the fear of the unknown is real and enough to keep their lips sealed.

If being gay doesn’t affect their performance (which it clearly doesn’t), then why is it something they should have to bring up in the first place?

The same goes for any workplace out there. Is it necessary to be opening up about your sexuality when it has no direct impact on what you’re capable of?

While it would be nice to live in a world where people don’t bat an eyelid about being gay, we’re not quite there yet.

While marriage equality in 2017 was a momentous feat, there’s still plenty more to be done. The “Yes” responses accounted for 61.6% of the population, according to the chief statistician of the Australian Bureau of Statistics. While this figure is great and got the right results, it means we still have a fair way to go.

5) Their career

Believe it or not, many players would choose not to come out for the sake of their careers.

Put aside the media. Put aside their coaches. Put aside their fans.

What about their career? What would happen if their coach turned around and didn’t want to work with them anymore? What if their team didn’t want to play alongside them?

While we have come a long way when it comes to LGBT rights, we still have a long way to go towards equality and breaking down barriers and there’s no way of predicting the effect of coming out gay. Why?

Because no one (bar one) has. It’s a huge ask to lead the way when it comes to being open about your sexuality as a professional sportsman, and understandable why many wouldn’t want to take that on.

6) Homophobic slurs

It’s clear that in order to bring about social change, it just has to happen.

We have to leave all these reasons discussed above behind and encourage more and more players to come out. It’s this camaraderie that will change the course of history and see sexuality as a non-issue that isn’t even worth mentioning. And this all starts in the locker room.

The biggest concern for many gay athletes is how their teammates will see them. How their teammates will treat them after they hear the news.

A sports team is so much more than a sports team. They become a family throughout their career. Many gay people find it hard enough coming out to their immediate family.

Imagine the pressure of coming out to an entire team who are like brothers to you. It’s so hard to predict how everyone will react and feel.

That’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of AFL players out there who may already know of a teammate’s sexuality. But it’s one thing to guess and another to actually know.

Breaking through gay stereotypes

If you want to pinpoint another reason that gay athletes are prominent in the media, it’s thanks to the gay stereotypes that are commonplace in society.

While it’s true that acceptance for other sexualities is becoming more and more common, it’s hard to break down years and years of stereotypes. We have a huge anti-gay history behind us, which is still very prominent in many different religions. This takes time and effort.

So, what are these stereotypes? The biggest one is around their lack of masculinity. There’s the belief that gay men are weaker than straight men. It’s something that is drilled in from a young age – or at least was until recent years. Think about your own childhood and some of the taunts that were thrown out when playing with friends.

“Gay is soft”.

“Gay is weak”.

“Gay isn’t manly”.

This isn’t an image that a professional sports player wants to give off to anyone. It doesn’t matter how untrue these statements are, the fact that they exist and are commonplace is a huge issue. It’s a giant barrier standing in the way for many of our gay athletes.

LGBTQ discrimination and exclusion in sport

It was only last year, in 2020, that a report was released by Monash University looking at discrimination towards LGBTQ men in professional sport.

It found that sports organizations still place a low priority on addressing exclusion and discrimination by LGBTQ people.

Two international studies have taken place recently that show this discriminatory behaviour is still very much an issue today- despite many thinking that’s not the case.

It seems we like to think we are understanding and accepting, but aren’t quite there yet.

Is it any wonder AFL players don’t want to come out?

AFL players who have come out over the years

In 2019, Andy Brennan became the first Australian professional male footballer to come out as gay while still playing. At 26 years of age, he made the announcement in a social post.

“I’m gay,” he wrote in an essay published by Professional Footballers Australia, the players’ union. “It’s incredible saying that now; it feels amazing. And weirdly, it doesn’t feel like a big deal. Really in 2019, it shouldn’t be.

“But I couldn’t be happier that despite taking so long, ruminating over this decision for so many years and being entirely unsure about myself, I can finally come out and say it.”

In coming out, he joined Ian Roberts who was rugby league’s first Aussie, and Australia’s first sportsman, to come out while still playing in 1995.

Yet, there are so many more AFL players staying tight-lipped on the issue.

According to Jack Vidgen, a star on Australia’s “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here”, he personally knows at least 10 or 12 AFL players who are gay.

Support for gay AFL players

The fact is, we aren’t going to see any change unless the right support is put in place for these players.

This support needs to come from coaches, managers, fans, teammates, and society as a whole, but in order to get there, we need to end the discrimination, exclusion, and stereotypes, so that being gay becomes a non-issue.

It’s not something that will happen overnight.

Which AFL players are gay?

Who knows! And more importantly, who cares. It’s their sexual preference that has nothing to do with how they play the game.

Let’s just keep the game on the field and worry about which players are performing the best. After all, that’s what professional AFL should be all about.

Once being gay is no longer an issue, we will see more and more players coming out. Until then, let’s break down the barriers and create a world where it’s OK for them to be who they are.

A world of acceptance.

The history of AFL has seen many changes over the years when it comes to ownership of the AFL clubs and their internal structure.

As it stands, the clubs are owned by the members.

As a member, you essentially have a say on how your team is run. Of course, the final decision is down to the club board members.

So, how exactly are club board members selected?

History of AFL ownership

Before we take a look at how the AFL clubs are run today, it’s important to take a little jump through history.

Back in 1986, The Victorian Football League (VFL) had a number of teams that were struggling to stay afloat financially. In response, they chose to set up privately owned clubs in Perth and Brisbane in an attempt to save the club’s licences.

It seemed liked the best option at the time, although it didn’t exactly pan out as planned.

The Brisbane Bears went through a number of hands, and ended up in significant financial stress. The AFL had to then extend their finances to help them survive, also offering priority draft picks and special recruiting zones. The club was eventually handed back to the AFL.

Sydney Swans had a similar experience. Financial difficulty struck and they ended up losing some of their best players in the process. BY 1988, the license was handed back to the club for the price of just $10.

Today, the idea of private ownership is once again back on the cards thanks to COVID-19, with some predicting it could be a reality in the next three to five years.

The financial holes that were opened up thanks to the pandemic have put the issue in the spotlight once again. Who knows where clubs will be in the next decade, but for now, the ownership remains with the members, who play a key role when it comes to the selection of AFL club board members.

The running of the clubs

Each AFL club has been set up as a Limited Liability Company and is run by a board of directors. The size of the board is very dependent on the size of the club, and the structure of each one will also vary.

From these directors:

• CEO
• One is elected as chairperson: this person is also known as the President of the club – the one who makes the decisions.
• Vice President
• Treasurer
• Secretary

Ideally, when it comes to electing these people into their positions on the board, it helps to have a real mix of professional knowledge that can be put to use. From marketing and accounting through to legal and other areas, this knowledge is a huge advantage.

So, how are these members elected?

As it currently stands:

• 11 AFL clubs are owned by the members.
• 2 AFL clubs are owned by the West Australian Football Commission.
• 5 AFL clubs are owned by the AFL itself.

How board members are elected in member-run clubs

Here’s how it works with the member-owned clubs.

An annual general meeting is held where members get to have their say on how the team is run. Each club has a different constitution which will determine who exactly is eligible to votes in these key decisions.

For most AFL clubs, it’s anyone who is a member of the club and is over the age of 18.

For example, in order to vote for the Adelaide Crows you have to be a financial member who has access to not less than three Crows home or away matches in a given season or a Gold member. Most board members are then elected for a three-year term.

Here’s a couple of examples of how particular clubs operate when it comes to electing their board members.

Richmond:

• The members elect six people to the board.
• These six then elect three more to join them.

Collingwood:

• Members elect seven people to the board.

How board members are elected for AFL owned clubs

There are a number of clubs that are owned directly by the AFL. This includes the Sydney Swans after their license was sold back to the AFL after their private ownership disaster.

The AFL now directly appoints seven of the nine board members. Sydney Swans members then have the opportunity to vote on the remaining two.

Privately owned clubs

There are two clubs that still fall under the private ownership banner: West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers. Both these Western Australian teams are owned by the West Australian Football Commission Inc.

While members had a say in the past when it comes to electing directors, the Commission now elects all eight directors.

Putting yourself forward as club president

Before each annual general meeting, club members have the chance to put themselves forward as the next club president. In some cases, you will need to be nominated, this all depends on your club’s rules.

Of course, it’s important to consider what exactly this entails first. Here are some of the key factors to consider:

• Demands on your time: the role is extremely demanding and requires a large commitment of your time.
• Are you prepared for the role: do you understand the ins and outs of AFL?
• Do you have the ability to lead?

It’s actually become quite rare these days to have two people running for president in an AFL club. Normally just one person is put forward as the best option.

Other important roles in the AFL club

There are a large number of roles to fill within an AFL club. The committee roles are:

• CEO: the CEO of an AFL club has less to do with the on-field issues (that’s for the chairman) and more to do with the flow of money and finances within the AFL club.
• Vice President: reports to the president and general committee, helping support the coaches, staff, and volunteers, along with other key stakeholders.
• Treasurer: The treasurer is responsible for the financial management of the club. This includes reporting on the club’s funds and making sure they are used in the most effective way.
• Secretary: This position is a critical one, providing the link between members, the club executive committee, and outsiders.

All these roles are elected depending on the club structure and ownership.

Who chooses the team coaches?

When it comes to picking the team coaches, a rigorous process is undertaken, which starts with putting forward a selection panel.

Once again, this process will depend on the committee structure of the AFL club.

Let’s take the example of the Brisbane Lions back in 2016.

A five-person panel was put together that was led by Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swan. Each of these members had expertise in a range of key areas to help when determining a new head coach.

From here, the panel interviews a shortlist of candidates, and then they go through their own selection process.

Having a say in your club

With the majority of the AFL clubs being member-owned, it presents an opportunity for people to have a say in how their club is run.

Believe it or not, one in 26 Australians is already a member of an AFL club. So, how do you become a club member and have your say?

The biggest thing you need to factor in is the costs of becoming a member – and this can vary greatly from team to team, and also depending on the type of membership you choose. It typically costs between $195 and $565 for a season, depending on the type of seating you’re after.

Here are the types of membership that are generally on offer within AFL clubs:

• General admission: access to team matches at the home stadium.
• Reserved membership: access to better seating, or a reserved seat at the home ground.
• Long distance: membership for those who live interstate or in the country.

It’s important to note that there’s a difference between AFL membership and AFL club membership.

• AFL membership: this isn’t based on a particular team. Instead, you can access a certain number of matches at the MCG or Marvel Stadium – no matter who is playing.
• Club membership: this is where you get access to the games your chosen club is playing in. For example, as a Sydney Swans club member, you can go to their home games and away matches.

It’s also important to note that as a member of the AFL, you don’t get voting rights when it comes to the 11 clubs that are owned by members. You aren’t directly a member of that club.

Choosing board members

When it comes to choosing board members, the process is very different from club to club.

Ownership is the key to determining the process involved and who has a say in the final decision. Most board members are chosen on their merit and what they can bring to the club.

At the end of the day, it’s a huge commitment of time, which is why there isn’t often a huge contest for the position. You need members who not only have the required skills but are also willing to put themselves forward for the position.

Multi-million dollar takeovers, fan revolts against owners, and franchise relocations are all very common themes in sporting leagues around the world.

However, down under in Australia where AFL is synonymous with Australian culture, things are a little different.

With no Russian princes and Saudi billionaires buying their way into the league and instigating these decisions, who does own our AFL clubs?

As it currently stands:

• 11 AFL clubs are owned by the members.
• 2 AFL clubs are owned by the West Australian Football Commission.
• 5 AFL clubs are owned by the AFL itself.

What does member ownership look like?

Before we dive in and explore exactly who owns the AFL clubs, it’s important to explain exactly what member ownership means.

There are 11 clubs that are currently owned by members:

1. Brisbane Lions
2. Western Bulldogs
3. Essendon
4. Melbourne Demons
5. Hawthorn Hawks
6. Geelong Cats
7. St Kilda
8. Richmond
9. North Melbourne
10. Collingwood
11. Carlton

Each club has been set up as a Limited Liability Company and run by a board of directors that is anywhere between six and 10 people.

From these directors:

• One is appointed as a CEO
• One is elected as chairperson: this person is also known as the President of the club. He is the one calling the shots. But, he is not the one who owns the club.

In fact, most AFL clubs are owned by its members (11 to be exact). They are the ones who decide who sits on the board, and as a result have the final say in the running of the club.

An annual general meeting is held where members get to have their say on how the team is run.

Of course, every AFL club is different and you’ll find variations in the way they structure this.

Let’s use Richmond as an example:

• The members get to elect six people to the board.
• These six then elect three more to join them.

In comparison, when we take a look at Collingwood, it’s a different story.

• Members elect seven people to the board. No other members are elected.

What does AFL ownership look like?

Another five clubs remain under the ownership of the AFL:

1. Sydney Swans
2. Greater Western Sydney Giants
3. Gold Coast Suns
4. Adelaide Crows
5. Port Adelaide

The AFL elects seven of the nine board members, while the members then have a say in the remaining two.

What does private ownership look like?

There are currently two clubs that are privately owned:

1. West Coast Eagles
2. Fremantle Dockers

Both these Western Australian teams are owned by the West Australian Football Commission Inc.

How to become an AFL member?

It’s clear that the majority of clubs are owned by their members – even if they don’t have final say on the decisions, they vote in the people who do.

So, how do you become a club member and have your say?

Becoming a member of an AFL club typically costs between $195 and $565 for a season, depending on the type of seating you’re after.

The cheaper seats include access to all the team’s games. The more expensive options can include a reserved seat, complimentary food, and other perks that come with the membership.

Here are the types of membership that are generally on offer within AFL clubs:

• General admission: access to team matches at the home stadium.
• Reserved membership: access to better seating, or a reserved seat at the home ground.
• Long distance: membership for those who live interstate or in the country.

It’s important to note that there’s a difference between AFL membership and AFL club membership.

With AFL membership, you can access a number of matches at the MCG or Marvel Stadium, not just the club matches. This means you have a choice when choosing your membership.

If you decided to purchase a club membership for St Kilda, you can go to any of their home games and get seats to their matches.

If you join the AFL membership, then you can watch any match at the MCG, regardless of whether St Kilda is playing there.

If you’re looking to become a member of your club, then simply ask and be willing to pay the money needed.

What role do members actually play?

There are a number of roles that need to be filled within a football club, so how does it all get decided?

The majority of these roles are done on a voluntary basis, by people who are committed to the sport and how it is played.

If we start at the top, we have the leadership management committee, who is generally voted in by the members – with a few differences between clubs.

The key roles are:

• Chairperson/President
• Vice President
• Treasurer
• Secretary

The committee itself will set their own ground rules on how they make decisions and the overall culture of the team.

Beyond that, there are a number of roles within a club that members can fulfill.

These include:

• Auskick Coordinator
• Auskick Liaison Officer
• Bar Operations
• Boundary Umpire (Club)
• Canteen Operations
• Coach Coordinator
• Council Liaison Officer
• Facility Management
• Field Umpire (Club)
• Football Manager
• Functions and Events Coordinator
• Gate Keeper
• Goal Umpire (Club)
• Head Medical Trainer
• Interchange Steward
• Junior Coach
• Junior Development Officer
• Marketing Promotions Officer
• Match Manager
• Medical Trainer
• Membership Coordinator
• Merchandising Sales Coordinator
• Multicultural Community Ambassador
• Publicity Officer
• Raffles Coordinator
• Registrar
• Reserves Coach
• Roster Coordinator
• Runner
• Senior Coach
• Sponsorship Coordinator
• Team Manager
• Time Keeper
• Tribunal Advocate
• Umpires Escort
• Volunteer Coordinator

AFL’s equalisation model

The AFL uses a funding model, which is designed to promote competitive equity amongst the AFL clubs. Every club is treated on an equal basis, regardless of their individual revenue-raising ability.

Every club funded is expected to pay 100% of the salary cap, and to spend as much money off-field on football-related matters.

If we take a look at the four major American leagues: NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB, they directly take money from club revenue streams and redistribute it where it’s needed. This doesn’t happen in AFL.

All clubs keep their own revenues. The AFL ensures that all clubs can fully pay players and spend a competitive amount off the field, no matter what their financial situation is.

Debt-ridden clubs like St Kilda and Brisbane have received generous yearly handouts from the AFL under the league’s equalisation model.

History of AFL ownership

These member’s model hasn’t always been the landscape of AFL.

It was in 1986 that the Victorian Football League (VFL) announced their plans to set up privately owned clubs in both Perth and Brisbane.

At the time, a number of Victorian teams were struggling financially and half the competition had been left insolvent. The idea was to save their licenses, which is why private ownership seemed like the best option.

A consortium headed by former actor Paul Cronin and bankrolled by entrepreneur Christopher Skase was awarded the Brisbane license and the Brisbane Bears were established. It’s safe to say it was a rough road for the team.

The club ended up in severe financial stress when Christopher Skase’s business empire collapsed and he departed for Spain in 1989. Players then threatened to strike and Paul Cronin resigned. The club was taken over by the AFL and then resold to Reuben Pelerman.

The AFL had to spend large amounts of money in an effort to help the Bear survive., giving them priority draft picks and special recruiting zones with some of the nation’s best talent.

Pelerman ended up losing millions of dollars on the club each year, which saw him releasing the club for private ownership and reverting the to traditional club structure we see above.

The Bears weren’t alone in their private ownership struggles.

Geoffrey Edelsten purchased the Sydney Swans on 31 July 1985. In 1986, the club discovered that Edelsten was not the sole owner of the Swans and the license was held by Powerplay, a public company linked to WEsteq. It saw the resignation of Edelstein.

Powerplay then lunged into financial difficulty and ended up getting ride of some of their best players at the end of the 1987 season.  Craig Davis, a formers Carlton, North Melbourne and Collingwood forward stepped out of his four-year retirement to make a comeback and help the team.

In 1988, the bankrupt Powerplay gave up the license to the club, but there were no serious bidders willing to take it over. Instead, the AFL ended up paying $10 to regain the private license and taking back ownership of the club.

More and more teams struggled with the private ownership.

Australian sport simply doesn’t have the same allure that comes with American Football and other international sports, which means they don’t attract the attention from people who have the money to privately own a club.

Private ownership of AFL clubs

As we have seen when looking into the past of the AFL privatisation never worked for the AFL clubs. But is history set to repeat itself?

There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic had its effect on the AFL – much like all other sporting games – turning the focus away from the game itself and onto who’s running the show behind the scenes. It has once again brought to light the issue of private ownership of AFL clubs and placed it on the agenda once again.

This isn’t the first time this question has been asked (as we have seen earlier in the article), but the financial holes that have been opened through the COVID-19 pandemic have tested the AFL’s economy and how it’s run.

But would it work?

History suggests no, with many believing that AFL clubs actually thrive off the loyalty that comes from their passionate members. There’s a belief that they wouldn’t hold the same attachment to a privately owned club.

This doesn’t mean that it won’t be done. It’s the question that everyone with an interest is asking: will COVID-19 force the AFL to change the answer to the question, who owns the AFL?

At the moment, we all do as members. But that may be set to change.

Now commonly referred to as the Supplements Saga, 34 Essendon players were guilty of doping charges and banned for the 2016 AFL season.

While they were initially cleared of all charges by the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal (due to insufficient evidence), an appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) found 34 past and presence players guilty, leaving the team down 12 players for the 2016 season.

So, why did these players take the drugs in the first place?

Like many legal issues, it’s not always so black and white. There were a number of factors that played into their decision.

First and foremost, the drug administered to Essendon players that led to their suspension in 2016 was only listed as a banned substance several months after the injections were stopped.

We take a look at all the reasons the Essendon players chose to take the drugs and the outcome of this decision.

What drugs did the Essendon players take?

Before we take a look at why the players took the drugs in the first place, it’s important to understand what drug we are talking about.

Thymosin Beta-4 is a peptide that is found naturally in the body. They are designed to augment specific functions and can actually promote restoration. Here are some of the benefits that come from Thymosin Beta-4:

• Boost immune system
• Decrease scar tissue
• Increase collagen
• Restore hair
• Improves wound healing
• Encourages body repair

The key is that it promotes systematic healing. Not just through the skin, but also the brain, spinal cord and the heart.

Why did the Essendon players take drugs?

Here are some of the key reasons behind the Essendon player’s decision to take the Thymosin Beta-4.

1) They thought the supplements were legal and approved

This is a hotly disputed subject and one that we aren’t going to get into the politics of. It is believed (although disputed) that the drug – Thymosin Beta-4 – was only logged as prohibitive on 4 February 2013, which is months after the players stopped using them.

According to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, the substance has always been banned under the WADA code and never approved for human consumption.

In the end, it doesn’t matter where the answer to this matter lies when looking at why the players took the drugs. It comes down to what they believed at the time.

In all likelihood, the players believed the drug was both legal and approved at the time they were taking it.

It was following weeks of speculation that Bombers coach James Hird, CEO Ian Robson and chairman David Evans contact the AFL and Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) launched an immediate investigation into supplement use at the club on 5 February 2013.

2) They trusted their coach

Another reason the Essendon players took the drugs is simply because they were told to.

When playing AFL at a professional level, it is conceivable that the players never question what their coach, captain or manager asked of them.

The players may not have been aware of what drugs they were taking or the effects of them. They may have simply just been following their teammates and doing what they thought was the right thing at the time.

It does show the importance of checking what is going into your body and not blinding trusting authority figures. If in doubt, a simple call to ASADA will answer any questions you might be having about it.

We now know that “doing what your manager asks you to do” isn’t a defence that holds up when it comes to drug use. But that the time, that’s likely exactly what the Essendon players were doing.

All players paid a high price for the degree of trust they placed on their club. So, how did it apparently work?

According to the case put forward by WADA, Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank had a history with Thymosin Beta-4. Shane Charter was engaged to source the drug, which was then delivered to the players through a series of injections.

3) The perceived benefits of what drugs they were accused of taking

It’s no secret that AFL is a dangerous sport. In fact, it’s one of the most dangerous sports out there and the cause of a high number of hospitalisaitons.

Hospital-admitted injuries (which make up 30% of all Australian Football hospital presentations) are usually fractures, sprains or strains affecting the wrists, hands, shoulders, head or face, lower leg and knee.

The most common injury in AFL is a fracture, while the most common region of the body to be injured is the head. Which is why it’s easy to see how dangerous AFL can be. Soft tissue injuries are also very common in the hamstring, quadriceps, and calf muscles.

Here’s a rundown on the most common injuries in AFL:

• Hamstring injuries: 19.1 missed games/club/season in 2015
• ACL injuries: 16.7 missed games/club/season in 2015
• Shoulder Sprains and Dislocations: 11.5 missed games/club/season in 2015
• Leg and football Fractures: 8.6 missed games/club/season in 2015
• Ankle sprain/ joint injuries: 7.2 missed games/club/season in 2015

Understanding these facts and figures can help gain some insight into why the players may have been keen to try the drug.

Thymosin Beta-4 helps form new blood vessels and to regenerate the tissue. It also decreases the number of myofibroblasts in wounds which results in decreased scar formation and fibrosis.

Understand how common injury is in AFL, it’s easy to see why a drug with this kind of ability might be appealing to players.

The fact is, there are very minimal side effects that come with the drug, yet plenty of benefits when it comes to body performance and being able to heal at a much fast rate.

In the eyes of the players, it meant more time on the field and less time recovering from very likely injuries.

4) They were looking for an edge over the competition

Professional AFL is extremely competitive. It actually only became a professional sport in 1993, and prior to that only those who were the best of the best made a living from it.

Today, there are 18 teams across the country that make up the AFL. They play 22 home and away season games throughout the year, the top eight teams qualifying for finals.

These top eight then play-off in four-round finals which culminates in the Grand Final at the end. There is a lot of pressure to be the best of the best when it comes to this sport.

The Essendon players may have consciously chosen to the take the drugs in the hope of getting an edge on their competition and taking the title for that year.

The last time Essendon had taken that highest title was in 2000, then taking the spot of runners-up in 2001.

The Essendon players could have simply wanted to regain that title again and see their team win the Premiership, which led to their decision to take the drugs.

AFL isn’t just a game. It’s a career and livelihood for these players. And it’s a chance to be a part of history. It’s easy to understand how this quest for fame may have impaired their judgement and led to their decisions.

5) They were afraid to speak up

Another possibility is that some of the team were simply too afraid to speak up against those in higher power.

As mentioned, AFL was more than just a game to these players. It was (and for many still is) their livelihood.

While they may have known what was going on, and understood that it wasn’t the right decision – for the sake of their career they may have chosen to stay silent.

Knowing they were getting regular injections, it’s hard to fathom the Essendon players didn’t have some idea of what was going on. But to what extent they understood – or actively sought to understand – is anyone’s guess.

You could liken it to any other job. Blindly following your boss’ orders and choosing to turn a blind eye in the hope of keeping that job. It’s not a decision everyone would make but certainly would appeal to many.

There’s also the “group” mentality at play here.

AFL teams become family to many of the players. They train together, they watch out for one another, they play together. If the rest of the “family” is lining up for these injections, many players would just fall in line to be one of the team.

While we always say not to give in to group pressure, when there’s a desire to do so, it’s hard to put a stop to it.

Team camaraderie is strong in sport. And it’s a bond that is likely to affect many decisions.

How long were the Essendon players banned for?

All we know for sure is that these drugs were taken for a period of time, and punishments were laid down as a result.

Essendon was excluded by the AFL from the 2013 finals. The club was also fined $2 million and stripped of its first two draft picks for the 2013 draft and a second-round pick in 2014.

David Evans stepped down as chairman and Paul Little took over. This all occurred before the players were cleared on 31 March 2015 by the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal due to the lack of evidence.

While ASADA chose not to appeal the ruling, WADA picked it up and took it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In January 2016, the final verdict was passed down. 34 past and present players were banned for 12 months. While some players retired and others moved clubs, here’s the verdict for those affected by the outcome back in 2016:

• Jake Carlisle (St Kilda): banned until 13 November 2016
• Paddy Ryder (Port Adelaide): banned until 13 November 2016
• Angus Monfries (Port Adelaide): banned until 13 November 2016
• Stewart Crameri (Western Bulldogs): banned until 13 November 2016
• Jake Melkshame (Melbourne): banned until 13 November 2016
• Jobe Watson (Essendon): banned until 13 November 2016
• Dyson Heppell (Essendon): banned until 13 November 2016
• Michael Hurley (Essendon): banned until 13 November 2016
• Brent Stanton (Essendon): banned until 13 November 2016
• Tom Bellchambers (Essendon): banned until 13 November 2016
• Tayte Pears (Essendon): banned until 13 November 2016
• Davide Myers (Essendon): banned until 13 November 2016
• Travis Colyer (Essendon): banned until 13 November 2016
• Michael Hibberd (Essendon): banned until 13 November 2016
• Cale Hooker (Essendon): banned until 13 November 2016
• Heath Hocking (Essendon): banned until 13 November 2016
• Ben Howlett (Essendon): banned until 13 November 2016
• Corey Dell’Olio (South Fremantle): banned until 14 November 2016
• Alwyn Davey (Palmerston): banned until 15 February 2017
• Ariel Steinberg (Williamstown): banned until 13 November 2016
• Alex Browne (Northern Blues): banned until 13 November 2016
• Luke Davis (Aberfeldie): banned until 13 November 2016
• Dustin Fletcher (retired)
• Leroy Jetta (Palmerston): banned until 15 February 2017
• Mark McVeigh (GWS): banned until 13 November 2016
• Brent Prismall (Footscray): banned until 13 November 2016
• Nathan Lovett-Murray (Rumbalara): banned until 15 December 2016
• Ricky Dyson (Bundoora): banned until 13 November 2016
• Sam Lonergan (Launceston): banned until 13 November 2016
• Kyle Hardingham (Pascoe Vale): banned until 13 November 2016
• Scott Gumbleton (Banyule): banned until 13 November 2016
• Brendan Lee (East Perth): banned until 13 November 2016
• Henry Slattery (Nuriootpa): banned until 13 November 2016
• David Hille (retired)

Moving on

Knowing what they do now, it’s hard to say whether or not these players would make the same choices if given another chance.

Too many factors played into their decision and there were too many unknowns at the time.

What is clear was that this controversy caused a bombshell through the AFL that is still felt today. If anything, it serves as a warning that drugs will not be taken lightly.

Aussie Rules!

While it’s no secret that this popular sport quite literally does rule, this is also another name for the famous game in Australia.

Enter into the Winter months and you will be able to spot a sea of orange & black, blue & white, red & white, red, white & black, and many, many more.

Adorned in beanies and scarves, all ready to it the stadium to see their favourite team play. It’s both a little bit crazy, and 100% Aussie pride, all bursting at the seams to cheer along with their favourites.

But, just why are Aussie Rules so popular in Melbourne?

We take a look at 6 reasons the sport has grown (and continues to grow) in popularity over the years:

1) It was invented there!

In order to take a look at why AFL is so popular in Melbourne, it would be remiss of us not to firstly and foremost mention that the sport was invented here.

In the mid-19^th Century, the game came to life in Melbourne, emerging from football that was being played in English schools at the time. With access to so many large, open spaces, the game naturally evolved with the help of those who played it.

As you can imagine, the original games were quite chaotic, with plenty of negotiations over rules that weren’t yet set in stone. Hence, rules were made! In May 1859, Thomas Wentworth Wills and seven members of the Melbourne Cricket Club established the rules and the new sport was created.

Here are some of those initial rules:

• The player with the ball could only run as far as was needed to kick the ball.
• A player caught (marked) the ball cleanly from a kick could take a free kick.
• Throwing the ball was banned.
• An opponent could not be held if he did not have possession of the ball.

These, of course, evolved over the years with amendments made along the way. By the 1870s it was well established in Melbourne, with the Victorian Football Association forming in May 1877.

The beginning history of AFL begins in Melbourne, creating strong ties to the game, which are still evident today.

2) Melbourne started out strong

AFL began as the VFA, or the Victorian Football Association. Not only was AFL started in Melbourne, but quite naturally a number of strong Victorian Clubs cropped up almost immediately: St Kilda, South Melbourne, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Carlton, Fitzroy and Collingwood.

While other States had their own leagues, Melbourne was by far the strongest. The Victorian League grew and started to attract the best players from the other States, including Western Australia and South Australia, by paying the top dollar for them to come.

Naturally, momentum began the build over the years and Melbourne got stronger and stronger, cementing its roots in the game. It’s no surprise that the sport is still so popular in Melbourne today. It grew from strength to strength in Melbourne in those initial years with allegiances formed to players and teams that simply grew from this starting point.

So, how did the sport eventually spread across the rest of Australia and get taken up by other states? At some point, the VFL recognised that if the sport was going to truly prosper, then it quite naturally had to go national.

Some of the Melbourne teams merged into others, while some moved interstate. But, not all states were on board to begin with. While the remaining Melbourne teams moved into the AFL, South Australia played under the SANFL and Western Australia under the WAFL. They are still around today!

3) The ANZAC Day Clash

If you have never been in Melbourne for the ANZAC Day clash, then you need to put it on your bucket list. It’s an experience like no other. If you truly want to understand the popularity of AFL in Melbourne, then this is the place to see it in action.

The ANZAC Day clash is between rivals Essendon and Collingwood held on ANZAC Day (25 April) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The ANZAC Day clash you see today began in the 1990s with Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy. At the time, he would have had zero clue just how successful this idea of his would become. As a player, Kevin had represented Richmond on ANZAC Day in 1977, which was his inspiration.

His vision was to stage the contest every year as a way to honour those who served in World War 1. The very next year, they had a sell-out crowd of almost 95,000 fans to watch a historic and memorable draw being played out. The rest, as they say, is history.

Just this year, the MCG was set to break the record for the largest crowd attendance at a sporting event worldwide since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The MCG capacity was raised to 85 per cent.

If you head long to this match, then you will realise that for Melburnians, it’s so much more than just a sport.

4) Growing Camaraderie

Given the long and instance history of the game – and the number of Melbourne teams that were initially born when the NFL started, there is a strong camaraderie for the game that is very apparent in Melbourne. It is just part of the reason the sport is so popular there.

The rivalries between teams have been cemented since the early days of the sport.

Yet, despite this rivalry, if you attend any game you’ll discover there’s a mutual respect that all fans hold for each other. They barrack for their own teams while maintaining that respect for other fans on opposing teams. This is so unlike many sports around the world.

Soccer (Football), American Football, Ice Hockey… so many sports around the world are known for their violence in the stands thanks to the poor sportsmanship of the fans. This is enough to tear apart an invested love for a sport.

This AFL culture also extends to all cultural backgrounds and walks of life. It has brought people together, including Aboriginals who have represented Melbourne, including Les Bamblett, Melbourne Footscray, Chance Bateman, Hawthorn, Laurie Bellotti, West Coast and many more over the years.

5) Steeped in tradition

It’s not just the tradition of the sport that has its roots in Melbourne. But there’s also a strong family tradition that continues to be passed down from generation to generation.

With the mutual respect that fans hold for each other, there are no issues bringing along young kids and older kids to the game to join in the fun. It has become a favourite pastime for many families that are embedded in the culture in Melbourne.

It’s normal for families to venture out to games, invite friends or family over to watch it on the TV and to make an event of it.

Come Grand Final time and you see this family tradition in full force, as people get together to share in the game and support their teams. There’s a passion there you won’t see anywhere else – and it’s a shared one that all the generations can take part in.

6) Popular sport

It’s not just watching the game that has won the hearts of Melburnians. It’s also playing the game. And this starts from a young age.

It is introduced to children from a young age with Auskick the key introductory coaching program for primary school-aged children and parents, which is supported by the Australian Sports Commission. It is managed by the parents in a fun and safe environment. It’s laying those grassroots into our younger generation, as they follow in the footsteps of those before them, creating lasting memories together.

This starts from the age of 5 and then it continues. There are ample opportunities for kids to play AFL over the years for numerous clubs across Melbourne. It’s a popular sport that many choose to take up and follow through the years.

With parents and grandparents coming along to the games to cheer them on, it adds to that sense of camaraderie that then flows into the professional games that are enjoyed as a family on the weekends. Even adults continue to play AFL as part of social clubs well into their 20s and 30s.

AFL in Melbourne

It’s easy to see why AFL is just so popular in Melbourne. It’s much, much more than just a sport. It’s part of their identity, both as a State and as individual families. There’s no denying the strong AFL sport culture in Melbourne, which flows through the generations.

The sport has a well-established hold in the Melbourne area that will be around for decades to come. Local clubs form the hub of the community, forging strong ties to both the community and the sport.

While AFL is certainly popular throughout Australia, it’s worth noting this extra tradition that dates back to Melbourne and how it has contributed to the popularity of the sport in this State.

Footy fever is very much alive at any time of the AFL season, as fans flock to support their team on the playing field.

But one question that has always sat there unanswered: why is AFL played on an oval?

It’s a question that dates back to the creation of the sport itself, which you’ll be interested to hear, wasn’t initially played on an oval.

The creation of AFL

The first game of what is now known as AFL – or Aussie Rules – was played on a school field in 1858.

According to the Australian Football League, that match between Melbourne Grammar School and Scotch College was the first recorded game. It was played on a large, rectangular sporting field, often with trees dotted across it!

Talk about obstacles. In some cases, trees were used as the goals.

And one more notable difference: the ball was round.

In 1869, two matches were played on Melbourne Cricket Ground: one between Melbourne and the Victorian Police Force. The other is between Melbourne and the 14^th Regiment. However, cricket clubs refused to let this occur regularly on their grounds, in fear it would ruin the turf.

Despite these games, they were once again played in the open parklands.

In 1876 in Carlton, the football club fenced off a new ground, with an admission fee to cover the costs. Cricket clubs soon realised there was money to be made.

Football officially moved onto the cricket grounds, and the game went from being played on a rectangular field to being played on an oval on.

The rest, they say… is history.

Here are 8 more commonly asked questions about the shape of an AFL oval and the ball.

1) Why are AFL ovals different sizes?

Now that we have a good understanding of how AFL evolved from a rectangle playing field to the oval fields we are used to today, it’s worth looking at why these ovals are different sizes.

It’s all down to history!

Each oval has been created to fit the stadium and with it came a range of different sizes.

AFL was actually invented as a way to keep the cricketers fit during the Winter months. The AFL grounds were eventually built on top of the cricket grounds in the already existing cricket stadiums. As a result, there was no standard size for them. This has led to what makes the sport so special in Australia today.

Each stadium is known for its unique qualities which adds to the game and how it’s played. There is no uniformity.

The MCG is known as the largest stadium, however, it’s not actually the largest ground in AFL. There are many others that are longer and wider, just with a smaller capacity to them.

2) Is the MCG round or oval?

The Melbourne Cricket Ground “MCG” is the most well-known ground in Australia. It is big enough to fit 100,000 fans to watch a game of AFL. It is the principal oval for the AFL and where the Grand Final is held each year.

In fact, it’s the 10^th largest stadium in the world. And it’s an oval shape.

In the Summer months, the MCG is used as a Cricket ground, and of course in the Winter months the AFL takes over. They simply (or not so simply!) remove the cricket pitches when the football season begins – or for any other events that take place there.

The MCG is 160 metres long and 141 metres wide (give or take):

• Centre square: each line is 45 metres long
• Goal square: width is 6.4 metres
• Goal square: length is 9 metres.
• Goal posts are 15 metres high and the point posts are 10 metres high.

3) How is an AFL oval?

It’s no secret that AFL has evolved over time. The first balls they played with, were in fact round. AFL took its roots from soccer, which is why the ball was shaped this way.

In 1880, T.W. Sherrin (a name you’ll recognise on many AFL balls today) invented the official AFL ball. He was given a misshapen rugby ball to fix and created a new shape with rounder points.

It meant the ball could bounce more easily and even easier to kick.

4) What are the dimensions of an AFL ball?

• 

Today, an AFL football is a symmetrical oval shape.

The standard size is 720-730 millimetres in circumference and 545-555 millimetres transverse circumference. It is inflated to a pressure of 62-76Kpa.

When it comes to professional matches, the home team is expected to supply a minimum of two footballs to the field umpires before the start of the match.

These umpires then present them to the captain of the away team, who chooses which football to be used.

5) What are the dimensions of an AFL oval?

Even at the highest level of the game, there are no set dimensions for an AFL field.

They are typically between 135 and 185 metres long from goal to goal and 110 to 155 metres wide. They all require a minimum of at least 5 metres of space between the boundary line and fence for safety reasons.

So, just how much do they differ?

Here are some of the main AFL grounds. Let’s use the MCG as our base, which is 160 metres long and 141 metres wide. Here’s how it compares to some of the other grounds out there:

• AAMI: extra 5 metres long and less 8 metres wide
• SCG: less 8.5 metres long and less 5 metres wide
• Westpac: less 8 metres long and less 21 metres wide
• Subiaco: extra 15 metres long and less 19 metres wide

As you can see, there are some big differences here!

Naturally, there have been calls for uniformity of the grounds. Some people complain that the extra metres can give one team an unfair advantage. But, each field is unique, which is what adds to how special the game is.

By changing the grounds, we would no doubt lose that originality and character of each stadium. And where’s the fun in that!

6) Which AFL grounds are the biggest?

There are a number of AFL grounds across Australia, all varying in sizes and capacity. Here are some of the biggest when it comes to capacity:

• Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne: capacity 100,000
• Stadium Australia, Sydney: capacity 83,500
• Optus Stadium, Perth: capacity 60,000
• Marvel Stadium, Melbourne: capacity 56, 347
• Adelaide Oval, Adelaide: capacity 53,583
• Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane: capacity 52,500
• Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, Brisbane, capacity 49,000
• Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney: capacity 48,000
• The Gabba, Brisbane: capacity 42,000
• McDonald Jones Stadium: capacity 33,000
• AAMI Park, Melbourne: capacity 30,050
• Bankwest Stadium, Sydney: capacity 30,000
• Henson Park, Sydney: capacity 30,000

7) What is the biggest oval in Australia?

As the venue with the largest capacity, many people mistakenly believe that the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the largest AFL oval in Australia. This couldn’t be further from the truth. It actually falls a lot lower on the list than you might expect.

The University of Tasmania Stadium (UTAS Stadium), formerly known as York Park, is a very well-known AFL and Cricket ground in Tasmania. It has a venue capacity of 20,000, and it is the biggest ground in Australia. It measures in at 175 metres long and 145 metres wide.

Here is a rundown of the length and width of some of the largest ovals in Australia, according to Fox Sports:

Ground	Length	Width
UTAS Stadium	175m	145m
TIO Stadium	175m	135m
GMHBA Stadium	170m	116m
TIO Traeger Park	168m	132m
Adelaide Oval	167m	123m
Cazaly’s Stadium	165m	135m
Optus Stadium	165m	130m
Spotless Stadium	164m	128m
UNSW Canberra Oval	162.5m	138m
MCG	161m	138m
Jiangwan Stadium	160m	136m
Etihad Stadium	160m	129m
Mars Stadium	160m	129m
Blundstone Arena	160m	124m
Metricon Stadium	158m	134m
Gabba	156m	138m
SCG	155m	136m

It is worth noting that these figures are an approximate – and even vary to some of the figures we mentioned earlier in the article.

Depending on where you look on the internet, you’ll find they vary slightly from oval to oval. Even the figures on the AFL website aren’t 100% correct, with some of the grounds themselves suggesting the figures are out.

However, you can still gain a good understanding of the size differences using them as a reference.

8) Is the Gabba bigger than the MCG?

The Brisbane Cricket Ground is commonly referred to as the Gabba. It’s a very well-known sports field in Brisbane, and the nickname came from the suburb of Woolloongabba where the field is located.

While it’s clear that the capacity of the MCG vs The Gabba has a significant difference (100,000 vs 42,000), the size of the oval also differs greatly.

The Gabba is actually one of the smallest grounds in Australia and is just 137 metres wide and 156 metres long. It’s only slightly skinnier than the MCG.

The history of AFL is a long and interesting one, with the game evolving greatly in those initial years. It’s safe to say it’s well and truly here to stay and loved by Australians from state to state.

Australian Rules Football, or AFL, is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports for both players and spectators in Australia. But there is no doubt that injuries are very prevalent.

With 36 players racing across the giant field, they expose themselves to tackles, hits, elbows, shoulders, and knees with very little in the way of protection to help them out.

As a physical contact sport, injuries do present themselves frequently on the playing field, which are caused by tackling, kicking, running, handballing, marking and more.

Let’s take a closer look at the game and how dangerous it actually is for the players.

Most common football injuries

Australian Rules Football is well-known for its physical body contact – just ask any physio! Because the collisions can occur from any direction and with any part of the body, the injury rates are quite high.

The most common football injuries are caused by:

• Being tackled
• Collisions with another player

Hospital-admitted injuries (which make up 30% of all Australian Football hospital presentations) are usually fractures, sprains or strains affecting the wrists, hands, shoulders, head or face, lower leg and knee.

The most common injury in AFL is a fracture, while the most common region of the body to be injured is the head. Which is why it’s easy to see how dangerous AFL can be. Soft tissue injuries are also very common in the hamstring, quadriceps and calf muscles.

Here’s a rundown on the most common injuries in AFL:

• Hamstring injuries: 19.1 missed games/club/season in 2015
• ACL injuries: 16.7 missed games/club/season in 2015
• Shoulder Sprains and Dislocations: 11.5 missed games/club/season in 2015
• Leg and football Fractures: 8.6 missed games/club/season in 2015
• Ankle sprain/ joint injuries: 7.2 missed games/club/season in 2015

How are injuries sustained

There’s a reason so many of these injuries are common in AFL. It all comes down to how the sport is played. Here’s how the most common injuries are sustained on the sporting field:

• Hamstring injuries: after pushing off, the hamstrings are at their greatest length and maximum tension. Hamstrings can reach limits of the muscle or lead to stress at deep muscle level.
• ACL: these are commonly non-contact injuries. The game of AFL is constantly changing directions, increasing the stress of the ligaments.
• Shoulder: these are generally caused by contact, such as going up to mark a ball and having someone intercept.

7 steps to preventing injuries on

1) Preseason training

AFL players and clubs are all too aware of the possibility of injury that comes each time players step out onto that field. This is why, plenty of time and effort goes into prevention. Here are some of the ways teams train to prevent injuries:

Pre-season training ensures the body is ready to compete. Just because the season ends, doesn’t mean the players stop training.

In fact, AFL was created as a way to keep the cricket players fit and healthy between seasons. To the same merit, AFL players have to maintain their levels of fitness between seasons as well. It helps to improve their strength, flexibility, stamina, agility and balance.

2) Learning proper technique

Throughout their training, players are also taught the correct technique to use out on the playing field, which is vital in order to help prevent injury.

3) Warm-up

This is one of those life skills everyone is taught before exercising. By warming up the muscles in preparation for the game, there’s less likelihood of injury. Warmups can include jogging, running, stretching and more.

4) Checking the grounds

However, it’s not just up to the players and coaches to ensure the safety of players during the game, it also comes down to providing a safe environment for the game.

The grounds need to be checked before each and every game to ensure any hazardous items, such as broken glass, is removed before game time.

5) Fences 5 metres from boundary line

Fences also need to be at least 5 metres from the boundary line. This helps prevent any contact injuries that occur from players unable to stop before the fence.

6) Goal post padding

Goal posts are padded with high-density foam that is at least two-metres high and 35 millimetres thick. It is replaced frequently when worn or damaged to make sure it’s providing optimal protection when needed.

7) Protective gear

Finally, AFL players also need to ensure they have the right protective gear on before the game. This includes:

• Wearing a mouthguard that is custom-fitted.
• Protective headgear, ankle braces and thigh protectors for those who have previous injuries.

Which is more dangerous AFL or NFL?

It’s no secret that both sports carry their risks with them. Many people consider the NFL to be the more dangerous sport due to the fact it tends to be a lot more physical between players.

However, because of this, NFL players are much more protected in the gear they wear, compared to AFL players. As a result, AFL is a much more dangerous sport.

Worst AFL injuries

As you might expect, there have been many injuries over the years that AFL has been played. Here are some of the most notable ones that caused the biggest threat to life or career of the player:

• 1954: John Coleman went down with a dislocated knee that took him out of the game for good.
• 1972: Peter Hudson had his knee buckle under him, ending his career.
• 1972: John Greening was knocked out and in a coma for days with a cerebral concussion.
• 2001: Winston Abraham tore his ACL in his left knee after falling hard during a collision with James Hird. While he was on the ground for less than a minute, this fall ended his career.
• 2001: James Snell (Geelong) broke his ankle in a game and was never able to run, much less play a game, again.
• 2002: James Hird (Essendon) injured his face in a game after his own teammate landed on it after unsuccessfully marking a ball.
• 2003: Tarkyn Lockyer (Collingwood) collided in the air during a tackle which resulted in a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament. This put him out of the game for 12 months.
• 2004: James Hird injured his eye when another player hit him in the side of the face (going for the ball).
• 2004: Dustin Fletcher managed to lose most of his teeth in a tackle. He had a mouthguard in at the time.
• 2005: Nathan Brown had another play land on his leg, snapping both bones.
• 2005: Jeff White got a boot to the face, which required plates.
• 2006: Mitch Hahn hyper extended his left knee which put him on the sidelines for 10 months.
• 2006: Trent Hentschel dislocated his right knee and needed a full knee reconstruction.
• 2006: Tom Lonergan suffered a kidney injury and ended up in an induced coma for four days.
• 2007: Scott Camporeale suffered from a knee injury that ended his career as it bent in the wrong direction.
• 2009: David Hill suffered a knee injury that had him out for a season.
• 2010: Matthew Kreuzer suffered from a knee injury that put him out of the game for 12 months.
• 2011: James Strauss broke his leg in a marking contest.
• 2012: Gary Rohan suffered from a compound fracture after landing awkwardly on it.
• 2014: Gary Ablett suffered a should injury that caused him to miss the rest of the season and miss a chance to become the fifth AFL player in history to win three Brownlows.

Which sport is Australia’s most dangerous?

According to the results from a study released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, AFL is the most dangerous sport in Australia when looking at sports injury hospitalisations.

Here’s what they found in terms of numbers presenting to hospital:

• Australian Football Rules: 3,186
• Soccer: 2,962
• Cycling: 2,917
• Wheeled motor sports: 2,737
• Rugby: 2,621

It’s interesting to note, however, that while AFL sits the highest when you look at the injuries that actually represented a ‘high threat to life’ the stats changed:

• Cycling
• Wheeled motor sports
• Equestrian activities
• Water sports
• Walking and running

While AFL is dangerous, it isn’t as life-threatening as some as the other sports out there, despite its high risk of injury. Although the long-term effects of concussion are still being looked into.

Life after AFL

It’s life after AFL where the full effects of the game really come to life. The effects that can come with concussions – multiple concussions nonetheless – can be felt many years after. These include memory loss, struggles to pay attention, and anger issues.

In 2015, the Australian Football League actually recognized this problem, awarding player Alan Pearce $30,000 to cover the costs of his tests. Retired played have been coming forward with their own horrific stories of cognitive deterioration.

So, what has been done about it? There have been a few changes:

• In the past decade, there have been increased penalties for dangerous tackles after players have already hit the ground.
• Players have also been discouraged from using their heads as weapons, which is frequently the case.
• Cameras are now used to spot potential concussions.

Naturally, as a result, the prevalence of concussions has risen as more and more are being picked up with greater detection measures.

There were almost 7.5 concussions per 1,000 player game hours in AFL. That’s a huge number of concussions and leads to the risk of multiple concussions which can have long-term health effects for the players.

Safety considerations

While safety measures mentioned above are taken before each and every game, it’s apparent that there needs to be more in place to help protect the players on the field.

A new registry has been started to record all the serious head knocks that occur on the field in order to make it much more transparent, and also to examine the long-term effects of these hits to the head on the players.

Jess, running in collaboration with the non-profit charity Nurosafe and his own charity Sports Health Check, counts the number of concussion players listed in the AFL and soon on the AFLW on this website.

Here are the concussions for 2021 alone:

• Jake Kelly (Adelaide)
• Darcy Gardiner (Brisbane)
• David Cunningham (Carlton)
• Jordan de Goy (Colinwood)
• Chris Mayne (Colinwood)
• Nathan Murphy (Colinwood)
• Levi Greenwood (Colinwood)
• Jordan Ridley (Essendon)
• Nat Fyfe (Fremantle)
• Brandon Walker (Fremantle)
• Ratchie Schultz (Fremantle)
• Rhys Stanley (Geelong)
• Sean Remens (Gold Coast)
• Cameron Freeton (GWS)
• Stephen May (Melbourne)
• Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne)
• Curtis Taylor (North Melbourne)
• Camerons Haar (North Melbourne)
• Aaron Hall (North Melbourne)
• Tom Rock Riff (Port Adelaide)
• Dustin Martin (Richmond)
• Camdin Macintosh (Richmond)
• Dylan Grimes (Richmond)
• Max King (St. Kirda)
• Jimmy Webb (St. Kirda)
• Column Mills (Sydney)
• George Hewett (Sydney)
• Zack Langdon (West Coast)
• Tim English (Western Bulldogs)
• Mitch Hannan (Western Bulldogs)
• Mei and Main were discussed twice

Considering the AFL season has only just started these numbers are staggering. Repeated concussions are the biggest threat to the permanent health of the brain and need to be noted and brought to attention.

With more measures in place to detect concussions, it’s a start to making the AFL field a safer place for players. Or at least making them more aware of the risks that they face each time they step out to play another team.

Why is AFL so dangerous?

AFL is simply so dangerous as it’s a high contact sport with very little protection for the players. Yet, despite these dangers, it hasn’t stopped more and more players from signing up and giving it a go.

While more could definitely be done to help keep places safe – and is hopefully in the works – we still have a long way to go.

Sport, by nature, comes with its dangers. It’s about weighing up the risks and making an informed decision moving forward, which is what this newly formed concussion register is helping with.

By being aware of the common risks of playing the sport, players can make more informed decisions when it comes to the playing field. This game we all love to cheer on and watch isn’t going anywhere.