40 Facts About The AFL

Origins and Early History

The Australian Football League (AFL) has a rich history that dates back over a century. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about its origins and early days.

1. The AFL was originally known as the Victorian Football League (VFL) when it was founded in 1896.
2. The first VFL season took place in 1897 with eight teams: Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Fitzroy, Geelong, Melbourne, South Melbourne, and St Kilda.
3. Australian rules football itself was invented in 1858 by Tom Wills, who wanted to create a game to keep cricketers fit during the off-season.
4. The first recorded game of Australian rules football was played on August 7, 1858, between Melbourne Grammar School and Scotch College.
5. The VFL became the AFL in 1990 to reflect the inclusion of teams from outside Victoria.

Teams and Expansion

The AFL has grown significantly since its early days, expanding to include teams from across Australia.

6. The league currently consists of 18 teams from five of Australia's six states.
7. The West Coast Eagles and Brisbane Bears (now Brisbane Lions) were the first non-Victorian teams, joining the league in 1987.
8. The Adelaide Crows joined the AFL in 1991, becoming the first team from South Australia.
9. Fremantle Dockers entered the league in 1995, representing Western Australia alongside the West Coast Eagles.
10. The Gold Coast Suns and Greater Western Sydney Giants are the newest teams, joining in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Iconic Players and Records

The AFL has seen many legendary players and record-breaking moments over the years.

11. Tony Lockett holds the record for the most goals in VFL/AFL history, with 1,360 goals.
12. Michael Tuck played the most games in VFL/AFL history, with 426 games for Hawthorn.
13. Kevin Bartlett was the first player to reach 400 games, achieving this milestone in 1983.
14. Leigh Matthews is often regarded as one of the greatest players, known for his toughness and skill.
15. Gary Ablett Sr. and Gary Ablett Jr. are one of the most famous father-son duos in AFL history.

Grand Finals and Premierships

The AFL Grand Final is one of the most significant events in Australian sports. Here are some key facts about this prestigious match.

16. The first VFL Grand Final was held in 1898, with Fitzroy defeating Essendon.
17. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has hosted the majority of Grand Finals since 1902.
18. Collingwood holds the record for the most Grand Final appearances, with 44.
19. Carlton and Essendon share the record for the most premierships, each with 16.
20. The 1970 Grand Final between Carlton and Collingwood is often cited as one of the greatest games, with Carlton coming back from a 44-point deficit to win.

Cultural Impact and Traditions

The AFL is deeply ingrained in Australian culture, with many traditions and cultural impacts.

21. The AFL Grand Final is a public holiday in Victoria, known as "AFL Grand Final Friday."
22. The Brownlow Medal is awarded annually to the league's best and fairest player, as voted by the umpires.
23. The ANZAC Day match between Collingwood and Essendon is one of the most significant fixtures, honoring Australian and New Zealand soldiers.
24. The AFLW, the women's league, was established in 2017 and has rapidly grown in popularity.
25. The "Dreamtime at the 'G" match celebrates Indigenous Australian culture and contributions to the sport.

Stadiums and Fan Experience

Stadiums play a crucial role in the AFL experience, providing fans with unforgettable moments.

26. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the largest stadium in Australia, with a capacity of over 100,000.
27. The Adelaide Oval, known for its picturesque setting, is one of the most iconic AFL venues.
28. Optus Stadium in Perth is one of the newest stadiums, opening in 2018 with state-of-the-art facilities.
29. The Gabba in Brisbane is famous for its unique, circular design and passionate fans.
30. Marvel Stadium in Melbourne features a retractable roof, ensuring games can be played in any weather.

Memorable Matches and Moments

The AFL has had its fair share of unforgettable matches and moments that have left a lasting impact.

31. The 2005 Grand Final between Sydney Swans and West Coast Eagles is remembered for its thrilling finish, with Sydney winning by just four points.
32. The 2010 Grand Final between Collingwood and St Kilda ended in a draw, leading to a replay the following week, which Collingwood won.
33. The 1996 preliminary final between Sydney Swans and Essendon is known for Tony Lockett's famous point after the siren to send Sydney to the Grand Final.
34. The "Miracle on Grass" in 2013 saw Brisbane Lions come back from 52 points down to defeat Geelong.
35. The 1989 Grand Final between Hawthorn and Geelong is often cited as one of the most brutal and entertaining games in history.

Innovations and Changes

The AFL has continually evolved, introducing innovations and changes to improve the game.

36. The introduction of the interchange bench in 1930 allowed players to be substituted during the game.
37. The AFL introduced the "Father-Son Rule" to allow clubs to recruit the sons of former players.
38. The league adopted a salary cap in 1987 to ensure competitive balance among teams.
39. The AFL introduced the video review system in 2012 to assist umpires with goal decisions.
40. The league has implemented various rule changes over the years to improve player safety and the flow of the game.

The Final Whistle

AFL isn't just a sport; it's a cultural phenomenon. From its humble beginnings in 1858 to becoming a national pastime, the league has grown immensely. The AFL has seen legendary players, unforgettable matches, and moments that have left fans in awe. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a curious newcomer, there's always something new to learn about this fascinating game.

Remember, the AFL is more than just stats and records. It's about the passion, the community, and the love for the game. So next time you watch a match, think about the rich history and the incredible stories behind every kick, mark, and goal.

Keep exploring, keep cheering, and most importantly, keep enjoying the game. The AFL will continue to evolve, but its essence will always remain the same—bringing people together through the love of football.