How do you play Australian rules football?
Australian rules football is played between two teams of 18 players on an oval field with four goalposts at each end. Teams score by kicking the ball between the posts: six points for a goal and one point for a behind.
Players can kick the ball or handball it, which means punching it from one hand. Throwing the ball is not allowed. Players can run with the ball but must bounce it or touch it on the ground every 15 metres.
A mark is awarded when a player catches the ball from a kick that has traveled at least 15 metres. The player who marks gets a free kick without being tackled.
Scoring and time
Kicking the ball between the two tall middle posts scores a goal, worth six points. Kicking it between a goal post and a shorter behind post, or touching it before it goes through, scores a behind, worth one point.
AFL matches have four quarters of 20 minutes, plus time added for stoppages. The team with the most points at the end wins.
Tackling is allowed when a player has the ball. Australian rules football is known for spectacular high marks, long kicks and fast play. It is the most popular spectator sport in Australia.