These days, it is possible to bet on your favorite sports online. Gone are the days when you only get to place wagers and play classic casino games like slots, baccarat, roulette, poker, and blackjack, to mention a few. Many online sportsbooks feature numerous sports with rules like the Aussie rules football for Australian football and others for American football, rugby, tennis, basketball, baseball, etc. Hereon, we’ll highlight the history, teams, and players of the Australian Football League.
History of the AFL (Australian Football League)
The AFL is the pinnacle of Australian rules football and traces back to the 1850s. The game stemmed from different football codes from European settlers, especially the ones from Scotland and England. The desire for a more unique game to better suit Australia’s vast and hard fields led to the development of these specific rules.
The VFA (Victorian Football Association) was the first governing body for this sport, and its formation marked a crucial moment in the history of Australian football. The VFL began with eight teams from Melbourne and the surrounding suburbs and rapidly became the premier football competition in Australia. The league expanded and rebranded itself as the AFL in 1990 to portray its national scope.
Teams and Iconic Players of the Australian Football League
The sport continues to grow in popularity domestically and internationally. It is a fast-paced game that combines skill, endurance, and physicality, making it one of the most thrilling options in the sports realm. Currently, the AFL has 18 teams from across Australia. Each of these teams represents various regions and cities across the country. The following are the teams with their monikers.
- Adelaide (Crows)
- Brisbane Lions (Lions)
- Carlton (Blues)
- Collingwood (Magpies)
- Essendon (Bombers)
- Fremantle (Dockers)
- Geelong (Cats)
- Gold Coast (Suns)
- Greater Western Sydney (Giants)
- Hawthorn (Hawks)
- Melbourne (Demons)
- North Melbourne (Kangaroos)
- Port Adelaide (Power)
- Richmond (Tigers)
- St Kilda (Saints)
- Sydney (Swans)
- West Coast (Eagles)
- Western Bulldogs (Bulldogs)
There has been news about Tasmania joining the league as its 19th team in 2028, but we’ll see. Just as the number of teams has evolved, this team has produced some special players. Many of these footballers have become legendary individuals in the sports industry. In that, they have left a remarkable influence on the game. Here are some of them.
Chris Judd
This player played for both Carlton and West Coast. He won two Brownlow Medals in 2004 and 2010 and led West Coast to the 2006 premiership. He is a modern-day skillful player loved and highly regarded by many. His combination of great leadership, speed, and skills makes him worthy of being on this list.
Gary Ablett Sr.
This player is known as God to his fans. He played for Geelong and Hawthorn for a while. He is regarded as one of the greatest players in AFL history. This is all thanks to his ability to kick goals from impossible angles. Also, he is an expert at making spectacular marks, making him a favorite to many fans.
Tony Lockett
With about 1,360 goals, Tony Lockett is considered AFL’s all-time leading goal scorer. He was regarded as a powerful force while playing for Sydney and St Kilda. His goal-kicking ability makes him one of the most feared players of his time. Also, he was so much loved by fans because of his skill and ability to always score a goal.
Leigh Matthews
He is a Collingwood legend. Leigh Matthews is usually considered the best player to ever play the game. This is all thanks to his skills and great knowledge of the sport. In addition, he is renowned for his toughness and leadership on the field.
Dustin Martin
He is a three-time Norm Smith Medalist. Also, he is Richmond’s major player in their recent premiership successes. Dustin Martin is known for his evasiveness and power. This has enabled him to rise to the challenge, especially during big games.
From Humble Beginnings into a National Sport
The AFL (Australian Football League) has developed into a global sport that captivates millions of international and Australian fans. It sports a rich history of legendary players, unique play styles, and fiercely competitive teams.
Consequently, it continues to grow as one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic sports leagues, while maintaining the traditions that ensure its place as a core part of Australian culture. Also, its combination of talented and skillful players and teams keeps on leaving their mark and further enriching the history of this iconic league.