ÕýÃÃAV

Latest news on Aussie Rules Football, providing comprehensive coverage of AFL matches, scores, trades, draft picks, and top teams in Australia's premier footy league.

Australian Rules Football, commonly known as AFL or 'footy', is Australia's most popular spectator sport, with the Australian Football League drawing average crowds of over 40,000 per match. The sport combines elements of rugby, football, and unique Australian innovations, featuring 18 players per side competing on oval grounds in a fast-paced, high-scoring contest.

The AFL continues to expand its reach both domestically and internationally, with the AFLW women's competition growing rapidly since its 2017 launch. The league has also made significant strides in player welfare and concussion protocols, while the annual AFL Draft remains a crucial event for talent acquisition. Recent rule changes, including the 'stand' rule for marks and the medical substitute, have sparked ongoing debates about preserving the game's traditional character.

At the grassroots level, local football clubs serve as vital community hubs across Australia, particularly in Victoria where the sport originated. The annual Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing crowds of up to 100,000 and featuring pre-match entertainment from major Australian artists. The sport's Indigenous players have made an enormous contribution to its development, with the Sir Doug Nicholls Round celebrating this heritage.

The sport's origins date back to 1858 when the first rules were codified in Melbourne, evolving from a winter training game for cricketers into Australia's national football code. The Victorian Football League (VFL) was established in 1896, eventually becoming the national Australian Football League in 1990. The game's unique features, such as the spectacular 'mark' and the absence of an offside rule, have remained relatively unchanged since its inception.

Our NewsNow feed delivers comprehensive coverage of the AFL, from match reports and injury updates to draft analysis and trade period news. Whether you're following your team's premiership campaign, tracking rising stars, or keeping up with off-season developments, our constantly updated feed ensures you won't miss any important footy news from reliable Australian sports media sources.