Beginner's Guide

During March to the end of September each year, Australian Football dominates the hearts and minds of many Australian sport lovers. It is Australia's most popular spectator sport, with the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final virtually stopping the nation for the two hours it is played. It is heavily analysed in the media, as well as board rooms, factories and pubs all across the country.

'Footy' is embraced by an extremely broad cross section of society. Typical footy fans are hard to define - they can be of any gender, race, age, economic background, and can come from anywhere in Australia and more recently, anywhere in the world!

Australian Football at its highest level, in AFL competition, attracts six million Australians through the gates to watch the game and sees around 450 000 people play the code each week.

And now, international competitions are springing up all over the world - including South Africa!