Australian rules football moves an oval ball around a large oval ground through kicks, handballs and running. To follow a match, start with its four posts at each end, the two kinds of score, and the difference between a clean mark and continuous play.
Four posts, two ways to score
The two central posts are the goal posts; an outer behind post stands on each side. An attacking player’s kick through the central opening scores a goal worth six points, provided it satisfies the goal conditions. A behind is worth one point: examples include the ball passing between a goal post and behind post, hitting a goal post, or being touched before crossing between the goal posts. The AFL’s rule history traces the six-and-one scoring system to 1897.
A ball hitting a behind post is out of bounds, so the two types of post have different consequences. The 2026 Laws of Australian Football, especially Laws 3 and 16, define the ground and scoring conditions.
On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways. Keyboard users can focus it and use the arrow keys.
| Score | Calculation | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 7.4 | 7 × 6 + 4 | 46 |
| 6.10 | 6 × 6 + 10 | 46 |
| 8.1 | 8 × 6 + 1 | 49 |
When a commentator describes a “one-kick game,” look at the margin and the time remaining. A goal is six points, but a behind can tie a one-point game or break a level score. Those small changes matter late in a close contest.
Follow the ball through a passage of play
A kick moves the ball off the foot. A handball punches it from one supporting hand with the other fist. A player carrying the ball must bounce it or touch it to the ground at least every 15 metres. The Sydney Swans’ introductory AFL guide illustrates these basic actions.
A mark is a controlled catch of another player’s kick that has travelled at least 15 metres without touching the ground or another player. The recipient can take the protected kick or continue immediately. Listen for “play on” when the umpire allows action to continue. The AFL’s statistics glossary also distinguishes marks, handball receives, running bounces and other possessions.
Watch the receiver’s next decision. A short kick may retain possession, a long kick may gain territory, and a handball can release a teammate running past. After a turnover, both teams must quickly change direction. Following one player ahead of the ball often reveals an option that the close television shot hides.
AFL men’s matches use 18 players per side on the ground. Team size, interchange arrangements and timing vary across competitions, including AFLW, junior and community football. Check the competition regulations for the match you are watching; the general laws allow controlling bodies to vary player numbers.
Understand why the umpire stops play
Holding the ball involves a legal tackle and the ball carrier’s opportunity to dispose of the ball. With prior opportunity, the player must immediately dispose correctly when legally tackled. Without it, the laws address genuine attempts, elected incorrect disposal and the time available. A tackle by itself therefore supplies only part of the decision. Law 18.6 in the 2026 laws gives the full framework.
Other calls concern prohibited contact, interference during marking contests, boundary exits or the protected area around a player taking a kick. High contact and dangerous tackles have their own rules. Listen to the umpire’s explanation before inferring a decision from the crowd’s reaction.
At a stoppage, look for the ruck contest and the players gathering around it. The initial tap is only the start: the next possession and disposal determine whether a side can move into space. A useful viewing habit is to follow the second player to reach the ball, as well as the first contest.
A simple way to watch your first quarter
- Establish direction. Identify which goal each team is attacking.
- Read both score components. Convert goals and behinds to the total until the notation feels familiar.
- Follow a short sequence. Notice how a kick, mark and handball connect several teammates.
- Use the whistle as a question. Identify the action, then listen for the rule being applied.
- Check the match’s format. Use the official competition page for its teams, timing and regulations.
The AFL laws hub is the starting point for current documents. For another oval-ball sport with different possession and scoring rules, see our rugby guide.