What is AFL? Aussie Rules Explained Americans React!

Welcome to RegenerationNationTV!
Here Mike and Jess react to music and other culturally significant videos from all around the world. They are a husband and wife living their best life in beautiful Jacksonville, Florida. Mike was born and raised here, while Jess hails from Knoxville, Tennessee. You may see their three wonderful children from time to time. We'd love it if you join us on this journey of discovery and spreading positivity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
🎉🎉🎉Support The Original Artist🎉🎉🎉
AFL Official KZbin Channel: / @afl
Original Video: • What is AFL? Aussie Ru...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Become a member of our channel. Show your support with a sub badge next to your name and gain access to exclusive channel emojis:
🔥Membership: / @rntv
Stay Connected with us:
📸Instagram: / regenerationnationtv
✨TikTok / regenerationnationtv
💜 Twitch: / rntvgaming
Browse our content:
🎥Full Video Catalog: / regenerationnationtv
🎧Playlists: / regenerationnationtv
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
#afl #footie #aussierules ⁠#australianfootball #RegenerationNationTV

[@archcollie5708]

Welcome to the best sport on the planet. Footy predates all the games you mention, so no copycatting. BTW, congrats, you are one of the very few who have worked out the scoring system. Cheers from AU.

[@eugentarauk6761]

I said I would subscribe to the first person to understand the scoring! It’s been two years.

[@emmacooper1524]

I was impressed, too! Nobody gets the scoring straight off. Well done!

[@Zorbacles]

This is the 2nd out of about 100 of these I've watched

[@hope_guide]

You must be from that little tiny state Victoria.

[@Zorbacles]

@@hope_guide you must be from one of thos weird north eastern states that thinks that red rover with a ball is skillful

[@user-we5he7pn1f]

Australia rules football is older than all your American sports.

[@JohnHF1957]

Not so. Baseball began in Britain in the mid 1700s. In the US there are records of games played on Saturdays in the New York area in 1823 and the Olympic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia was formed in 1833. The first Australian Rules game is recorded in Melbourne in 1858.

[@gavo8924]

Aussie Joe Quinn made his baseball debut for St Louis in 1884.

[@TheMissiIe]

​@JohnHF1957 yes. Although Australian Football is the first sport to legally be called "Football" making it the truest version of Football, not soccer, not American football

[@bluesmoke8]

@@TheMissiIepull ya head in

[@jamiecovfefe6323]

@@TheMissiIe wrong Sheffield fc is oldest club think its only by one year though

[@nelsonhemstreet3568]

American here. I have been a footy fan since the 90's.

[@MaccaTheRanga]

what team?

[@nelsonhemstreet3568]

@@MaccaTheRanga I did not choose one until last year. Then I watched the video on the journey Mason Cox has made and decided to cheer for the Magpies. (Sorry.)

[@MaccaTheRanga]

@nelsonhemstreet3568 I'm not angry, just disappointed

[@nelsonhemstreet3568]

@@MaccaTheRanga so which team is yours?

[@julianstephens5361]

Welcome.

[@achebwahs1111]

I'm 52 and sitting on my couch watching this. When I get up I'll be reminded of the 15 years I played Aussie rules. Crunching joints, a buckling knee, a shoulder that screams if I try to raise it above head height and ankles that constantly send needles to my pain receptors at the speed of light. Do I regret it? Never ever. Every Saturday afternoon running over that white line with my brothers I'll cherish to the day I die. It's a warrior sport and it's played hard, rough and occasionally dirty, but after the final siren we would drink beers with blokes that earlier we were smashing or being smashed by. Acknowledge the good, the bad and the ugly. and with a laugh. Until the next time we meet and do battle one more. Every time I wince with pain, I'm reminded how much I love the greatest sport in the world and how blessed I was to have played it.

[@paulthesurfer7470]

Ditto and bravo! Your a long time retired, eh mate. I still dream of playing and wake up very depressed.

[@achebwahs1111]

@@paulthesurfer7470 Haha I know the dreams mate.

[@bowriverblues8445]

The smell of the deep heat.

[@stevep2430]

What you are feeling is old age creeping up on you.😅

[@ernietritapepe8362]

I'm 64 and STILL have my bag packed, just in case ...... We have Super Rules for over 40's and Veterans for over 50's

[@Danger_Mouse3619]

You're the 1st ones who figured out the score board. Well done. 1st one is number of goals which are 6 points each. Then there's the behinds which are 1 point. Last one is the total points all up.

[@Schlafzimmernord]

Not true, one other person did it a while ago. So that makes two videos now, including this one.

[@Danger_Mouse3619]

@@Schlafzimmernord it's the 1st for me and I've seen a fair few reactions on this video from others.

[@Erizedd]

Second one - there was one other young guy who worked it out quite a while back. I've seen so many of these afl reactions and those are the only two who have ever figured it out. lol.

[@alisonwonderland8680]

So how could the 6 pointer goal equal 20 in the score?

[@heatherharvey3129]

@@alisonwonderland8680 20 goals (each goal worth 6 points) is 20 X 6 points = 120, then you add the 10 "behinds" (the single point shots) to get to the total points of 130, the last number of the scoreline

[@kimn9802]

Not anybody can do anything...everybody has to do everything. You have to be able to kick with both feet, handpass with both hands, tackle, run, mark (catch), defend, attack, kick goals - often from beyond 50m or from acute angles, while being pursued, jump, dodge, weave, bounce the ball on the run...players can run up to 18km (11+ -miles) in a game. There are only 4 substitutes that are rotated so you also have to have a lot of strength/stamina.

[@tomthumb4142]

By the way we do have an ex American basketball player playing AFL here in Aus his name is Mason Cox and he plays for Collingwood (the Magpies) there are videos about him on youtube.

[@drbosommd]

Don't barrack for Collingwood .

[@bluegorf]

They have too many teeth to be Collingwood supporters

[@kennnnys]

Cox is an overrated spud

[@marsbrown4834]

Nah mate, they seem cool and know when to back a winner . So carn the pies.

[@drbosommd]

@@marsbrown4834 CFC Australia's largest criminal gang .

[@stuartedwards6869]

Glorious Reaction..and you correctly calc'd the scoring also (very rare with US reactions)......Love how you get the awesomeness of this game & our players so quickly. AFL by far the best sport in the world. The skills, bravery, resilience & fitness required outdoes any other sport.

[@TonyPucci11]

As a Minnesotan, I love the AFL! I first saw it nearly 40 years ago (when I was in high school) on ESPN late at night (ESPN used to show stuff like this before they had the big American sports contracts). I have a good friend in Geelong (Cats) who sent me a Cats sweatshirt, so that's my team. I fell in love with it for the same reasons you mentioned; it has a bit of everything in it! It's a lot of fun to watch. Maybe someday I'll catch a game live? Other Australian things (bands) to check out: THE CHURCH "Under the Milky Way" and MIDNIGHT OIL "Beds Are Burning".

[@athendemosh8001]

I'm from Geelong too Mate. I can see our stadium (Kardinia Park), from my house.

[@TonyPucci11]

@@athendemosh8001 Awesome! I've never seen an AFL match, but I've seen The Church about 10 times!

[@adamparker9765]

Go Cats , the greatest team of all . Its in our song. 🤣

[@Quinctili]

​@adamparker9765 , I REALLY REALLY enjoy watching Geelong in the Grand Finals of 92 and 94.

[@renh9858]

Dude! Loves AFL, The Church and The Oils? An honorary Aussie right here. Show some love for Cold Chisel and a Holden Ute and you've become one of us!👍🏽👍🏽

[@JPate33]

I still can't get over something so ordinary we've grown up watching and playing blows everyone else's mind. Love it!

[@Nettiepie]

I know, right! We just take our great game so much for granted. 🤩

[@milesguy292]

To answer a couple of your questions. Players have specific positions and will start in those positions but can move anywhere around the field. The general concept is for be for a defender in the backline to defend and get the ball to a player in the center, who would then in turn gets the ball to a player in the forward line to score. This however is a fast moving game and players move with the play, defenders will often end up in the forward line and forwards in the back line. Basically any player that is in a position to potentially score will take a shot at the goals. Unlike American football there are not any players who are assigned just one specific task. The ruckmen in the team, the guys that jump and tap the ball like at the start of the game are normally the tallest players. Teams will normally have several tall players in the forward line and backline, other than that there is a mixture of height players. There are no time outs, coaching staff can interchange a player from the bench but one of the 18 players on the field must come off the field before a player on the bench can go on. There are only minimal time stoppages in play, these are mainly when the ball goes out of bounds, there is then a brief stop while it is thrown back in. There can also be a brief stop when the ball is held by a number of players by both teams and is unlikely to go anywhere fast, the umpire with stop play, throw the ball up to restart play. The other main stoppage is when a goal is kicked, play is stopped and the ball is taken back to the center of the ground where it is bounced and the ruckmen jump and tap the ball in the same manner as at the start of the game.

[@gabrielplattes6253]

Nice! Pls do Eddie Betts highlights. It boggles the mind, what he could do. 😄

[@kazfromtas]

Eddie is a legend!!

[@stevelozevski8151]

He was definitely special

[@kennnnys]

Eddie was amazing. So many great indigenous players

[@wwpants]

To right!

[@paulbrook101]

You guys need to watch AFL's biggest hits.

[@petermcculloch4933]

Brutal hits gives the impression footy is more violent than skillful

[@paulbrook101]

@petermcculloch4933 it's part of the game.

[@Mirrorgirl492]

Not a fan of the big hits now; everyone says a lifetime of pain and suffering. The more they get it out of the sport, the better. And shut up, I've been watching for 62 years, I know the game. Much better to watch Top 50 Goals & Marks and some great highlights (like Eddie Betts).

[@paulbrook101]

@@Mirrorgirl492 I played AFL and VFL. Shepherding is part of the game. Men running at high speed are going to collide. It amazes me how everyone thinks they have the right to criticize a sport like AFL. Harden up or turn off the TV.

[@daddislilboi]

nrl hits are so much harder

[@adrianblades530]

You leave an AFL match exhausted. It's such a high energy high scoring game and the fans have the same energy. No other sport like it in the world. Go the Swansssssss!!!!

[@crustydownunder]

Go Cats. lol.

[@brandonnelsson3094]

Go the swannies

[@garyszabados2545]

Can't beat the World Game, Soccer with players like Lionel Messi, voted best player in the World 8 times ! Beats aerial ping-pong any day of the week ! Aussie Rules ,what rules? It's players, coaches and umpires are confused with all the rule changes ,no international acceptance , not in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games or a World Cup ! All Australian, no AFL team in Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory or Tasmania! It's the laughing stock of the sporting world and a mug's sport going nowhere !🤣

[@adrianblades530]

@@garyszabados2545 Soccer? You mean the game of violent hooligans? Which of course is simply hyperbole ... just like your silly comment.

[@garyszabados2545]

@@adrianblades530 Get a life you MORON !

[@AngelaWalters-xr5wx]

I’m British born and became Australian citizen when l turned 10yrs . I have followed AFL RULES since 1953

[@sasquatchentertainment3568]

Greatest pure athletes in team sports in the world

[@markweaver8863]

Now you know why the nfl is recruiting kickers from Australia, also there is an extensive league in the USA and Canada. So you may be able to attend a local game.

[@shmick6079]

The field is a cricket field. Australian football was created as a winter sport in the 1850s and naturally used cricket fields in the cricket offseason.

[@petersaxby9302]

It's because they wanted to cricket players to fit year round so when cricket season was over AFL season would start

[@shmick6079]

@@petersaxby9302 yes, although of course it wasn’t the AFL until 1990 😉 Also, it took many years for the MCC would allow football to be played on the MCG. Before that it was played in paddocks.

[@MichaelRogers-et8dq]

Cricket is played on 'ovals' or 'grounds'. However it wasn't until 1879 that the Melbourne Cricket Club allowed Football to be regularly played on the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rectangular grounds were also used for Australian Football in the early days.

[@shmick6079]

@@MichaelRogers-et8dq correct

[@Steve.D]

@@shmick6079 the MCG was a paddock….was actually named “Goverment Paddock”.

[@sasquatchentertainment3568]

Beginners guide to Aussie Rules is pretty good too

[@Sisterfifi]

Before they made alterations to the MCG the highest attendance at a grand final was 120,000, now the max is just over 100,000. This same stadium was used for the 1956 Olympics. The field is the size and shape it is because it is a cricket pitch. AFL is played on cricket pitches, from March til September AFL is played, and in the summer months cricket.

[@graemebdh2172]

Actually 121,696 and I was lucky enough to be one of them. Considered one of the greatest of all grand finals when Barassi changed the game. Collingwood fans were shattered to lose to Carlton by 10 points.

[@MichaelRogers-et8dq]

It is NOT a 'Cricket Pitch' (which just refers to where to were the ball is 'bowled'). It is a Cricket Ground or Oval.

[@DougMoore-qx9cq]

I grew up in Alabama and I’m a big College football fan! But moved to Australia in 1999, and I fell in love with AFL (“Ozzy” rules football). IMHO It’s the BEST all around sport in the world!

[@LeighWHeard]

Oh, I'm so glad this channel was recommended to me. This is going to be a fun watch. Hi, I'm 42, I'm an Australian from Melbourne, now living in Sydney, who loves AFL. And I hope you will come to like it as well.

[@Yo_Adriann]

Your the first American I've seen to work to score line out straight away haha

[@scanspeak00]

You summed it up perfectly - AFL is essentially every sport combined into 1.

[@tbausch1]

Thanks. As an Aussie I loved the way you reacted to our national game. The speed and skill required for this game is unbelievable. I am a Bomber fan (Essendon) fan for life and off to the MCG (The big ground in the video) on Sunday for a sold out game of around 90,000 for an ordinary game.

[@kim7seven964]

Already representing with the Gold & Brown. Welcome to the Hawks nest Mike & Jess!

[@user-ow7xl5hk2f]

AFL is a great game..I love it.

[@chriskelly9476]

There are still positions in AFL. Full forwards and full backs, half forwards and half backs, wingers, inside midfielders, etc but they all do everything. Kick, handball, tackle etc. Players 'specialize' in a certain role according to their skills and size. For example, a half back could be a running defender or an intercepting defender. Key forwards are the tall, big bodied aerial targets in offence who are usually also the main goalkickers, but there are also small forwards who are quick, agile and can often score goals from gathering the loose balls that come to ground. There are plenty of other roles and there are some players who can do more than one. We have a player on my team who is good as both a winger and a running defender and he gets switched around depending on our opponents strengths. Regardless of the role, all players have to be able to kick, handball and tackle - the basic footy fundamentals.

[@silverstitch28]

I enjoy watching americans and o/s countries react to this video.

[@guestmichael16]

I was a rugby player but i LOVE watching AFL live. Theres something going on all the time. It's exhausting!

[@sebastianliggieri8411]

Welcome to AFL! First played in 1858. Codified in 1859 so before many of the sports you said.

[@MichaelRogers-et8dq]

First (handwritten) laws date from 1859 and were a variant (to reduce chance of injury) of the football game played at 'Rugby School' in England.

[@Ctkare4k9]

Wow,this was GREAT! I had never heard of this sport and I am intrigued,too,Jess! What strength and stamina this must take! Very interesting. I just love learning new things! Thanks for your great reactions,Mike and Jess!❤❤

[@shmick6079]

Greatest sport in the world!

[@vinsgraphics]

It’s exhausting but a lot of fun. In primary school (ie Elementary) we played it on a gravel field, most of us barefoot (Leonora, Western Australia). You’ve just got started. Now go look for the best marks (catches) and hits. This is a super entertaining game to watch, beats the heck out of NFL or just about anything else!

[@Ctkare4k9]

@@vinsgraphics is there a specific season that it is played?

[@Ctkare4k9]

@@shmick6079 it just seems to have a bit of everything in it!

[@sandgroperwookiee65]

​@@Ctkare4k9 it starts usually in March & the Grand Final(our 'Superbowl') is usually the last Saturday in September.... Being that our seasons are the opposite from the northern hemisphere, so March is the beginning of Autumn & September is the beginning of Spring. Australian rules football was codified in 1859. It's old 🙃

[@matthewwatts5845]

You are exactly correct in that any player on the ground can do anything at any time of the game.

[@crystalrankin7318]

Thank you for finally understanding the scoring system!! 😂❤

[@lesparker6752]

Hi Mike and Jess. I've recently discovered your reactions, and you're one of the few reactors who seem to get British humour, which is very similar to Aussie humour. I'm very impressed that Mike was able to work out the scores that were shown as an example. No other Americans that I have watched have even come close to understanding it. As to your question about who can score..............the answer is anyone who can manage to get into a position to attempt a shot at goal is allowed to. Although, the coach of the team might not be impressed if you miss and then your opponent gets the ball and scores up the other end of the ground.

[@robmadaffari6270]

Hahaha they wont get aussie humor, they will be flabbergasted 🤣🤣

[@k.vn.k]

The United States Australian Football League or USAFL is the governing body for Australian rules football in the United States. It was conceived in 1996 and organized in 1997. It is based in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. As of 2011, there were over 1,000 registered USAFL players.

[@michaelwinters7415]

Yeah, we're proud of our game🙂👍

[@wce_fan]

That’s the first time I’ve seen a reaction video where someone worked out the score card - nice work!

[@FranticMonster11]

i have watched heaps of these....and you are the FIRST person to work out the scoring! Congrats!

[@jayweb51]

To break down the lines of players: Forward Line - Full Forward(stands in Goal Square, Right Forward Pocket and Left Forward Pocket. Half-Forward Line - Centre Half Forward, Right Forward Flank and Left Forward Flank. These players stand inside the 50 metre line. Next is the Centre Line - Centre(starts in the Centre Square), Right Wing and Left Wing(wings start outside the Centre Square). The Ruck Area - Ruck(takes the Centre Bounce/Toss Ups), Ruck Rover and Rover(all these players start in the Centre Square. The Half-Back Line - Centre Half Back, Right Back Flank and Left Back Flank. The Back Line - Full Back(stands in the Goal Square), Right Back Pocket and Left Back Pocket. The Interchange Bench - 4 Interchange Players and a Medical Substitute(introduced 2021 used especially for injured and unable to continue playing e.g: concussion, etc.).

[@williamhodge]

hello from Outback Australia. Love watching all the reaction videos on here.

[@coffeehouse44]

Search - Why AFL Is the Best Sport in the World - great video

[@paulthesurfer7470]

Avoid it. Useless unless you want the perspective of a delusional pom.

[@richardrussell1162]

Why Australia football is the best

[@adamparker9765]

Congratulations you are about the only ones to ever work out the scoring calculations from this video. This game pre dates all the others you mentioned going back to 1859. There are amature teams all over the world now , even 150 in the US . The women also play professionally in Australia. The game is continuous , so no stops and starts , a bit like soccer . Its fast , tough and highly skilled . Players can be any size as there are positions for everyone . Everyone has to be able to perform the basic skills of handball , kicking , tackling and marking / catching the ball, but there are specialist positions .Like the ruckmen are all really tall and can jump like basketballers , while the small players are fast and elusive . Great reaction , you should check out Best marks in the AFL , Best goals, Eddie Betts best goals or Mason Cox's story , Don't believe in never , he's a player from Texas who made it in the AFL.

[@wilarluis9363]

Love that you guys did this. This sport is off the charts, what we don’t see off camera is the amount of running they do off the ball. The first 3 games of the seasons the players are throwing up by the 3rd quarter because no matter how much training you do. Match fitness is just another level you need to build to. Great reaction guys

[@marybryan4168]

How neat!!!

[@angrytrek]

From a non biased Australian, Australian rules is the best sport to play and the best sport to watch.

[@djgrant8761]

Lyle is a great guy. Love his reactions.

[@user-sc9cp5sj6j]

Met an American who lived in Aust for 4 years. Was worried how he was going to watch his game upon returning to visit America. I asked why are you worried about that you are an American. He replied , man this is the most interesting sport I have ever come across. It should be an international sport. Whoever created it must have decided , this happens in other sports, we're going to do it different

[@chrispile5553]

You want to watch an amazing game. Look up the 2023 Grand Final between Collingwood and Brisbane.

[@PopRockMetalFan]

Go Pies! ⚫ ⚪ 🙂

[@paulkelly4711]

The 2018 Grand final was also a fantastic game. Although the result wasn't what I wanted. Maynard was blocked, and Sheed played on.

[@kenchristie9214]

The 2018 Grand Final was far better. So were the 1966 & 1970 grand finals. The 1977 Grand Final & replay were beauties too. Remember the ABC rule - Anyone But Collingwood.

[@GrumpySoth]

Welcome guys ,to the best sport in the world. It really is an epic game. :) Glad to have you join up.

[@RobertLRudd]

Finals are played from august into september but depending on drawn games can go into October

[@skoottar]

The Grand Final is actually played in front of 100,000 people. This years finals are going to go off its head with 3 of the biggest clubs bound to play against each other.

[@StevenBoyle-fg4nc]

Check out a video called Don’t Believe in Never, the story of Mason Cox the first American to make it in the AFL. You have an Australian Rules Football league in the US called USAFL. It’s growing around the world finally after 170 odd years!

[@carked5707]

And checkout his interview on Pat mcafee

[@magpiegirl3783]

2nd American. The first was Jason Holmes, from Chicago, a black man who played for St Kilda and in the VFL from 2013 but never as many games as Cox. Whilst having lots of hit outs in relatively few games, (game high 34 against Geelong) Holmes was not able to master other aspects of the game and was delisted in 2017. Cox is the first "successful" American player, who is now a naturalised Aussie - and a premiership player. Great story.

[@TheDavie]

Great job figuring out the scoring, you're the first overseas reactors to work that out in the reaction. The games are always around 2ish hours, it's 20 minute quarters with time on for stoppages of play, which is always at least 10 minutes a quarter, but sometimes it can be 8 minutes, or in other quarters it might be 15 minutes extra. The Grand Final gets 100,000+ every year now, the game's bigger than it's ever been, and i'm pretty sure that in the past year or two, it's had the 3rd highest average crowd attendance ahead of the English Premier League Soccer, so AFL is just getting bigger and bigger every year. There's a more updated "What is AFL?" vid that was made a few years ago which might explain things a little more to you, it's also worth checking out "Top 50 Goals" and "Top 50 Marks" of all-time, just to get an idea of the skills in the game, then there's lots of "Biggest Hits" type vids if you wanna check out the hard side of the game. There's a heap of really good AFL content to react to.

[@stephencollins1568]

It was reported in the press last year that despite a capacity crowd of 100,024 in attendance at the Grand Final, approximately 87,000 applicants missed out on obtaining tickets. If the M.C.G. ground capacity were somehow doubled, that would likely sell out for Grand Finals and big games in a few years time, too.

[@brentayris4333]

Great you ran this. Very old game AFL back in 1858 the rules were made. Really good game to watch and I would highly recommend watching a few full games. Finals kick off in september so get on board.

[@MrBrettley]

Mason Cox is a Texan who plays AFL. He was the first American to play at the highest level. There's a video about his road to the AFL, search 'Mason Cox, Don't Believe In Never'

[@Harrygreen111]

Jason Holmes at St Kilda beat him by one year

[@JokeCubed]

To clafify, yep, you're correct. At every centre bounce, the players have to start in their position (midfielder/defender/forward) but otherwise, anyone can run anywhere. Sometimes players will even play multiple positions over the course of a game. If they're not having a good game in the midfield, maybe they're just not winning the ball very often, the coach might make them play in defence, or up forward instead. Currently we're about halfway through the 2024 season. This week is Round 12, and there are 24 regular-season rounds, then the finals. The Grand Final is usually played on the final weekend of September or the first weekend of October. It's a winter-sport (for us Australians anyway) that was originally created to keep Cricket players fit during their off-season. This video is actually a few years old now, there's a newer version called "A Beginner's Guide to Australian Football." Another thing you might find interesting is there's actually an American playing AFL at the professional level. Mason Cox, nicknamed 'American Pie' used to play college Basketball for Oklahoma State, then he was scouted, recruited and now he plays in the AFL for the Collingwood Magpies. He played in the team that won the Grand-Final last year, so now he has a Premiership medal (the equivalent of a Superbowl ring).

[@redhammer9910]

It's a great game with so many different skillful plays. One of my favourite moments is players handballing the ball out of a scrum, so unbelievably quick as the punch the ball to each other, especially around the goals in a close game and the pressure is on to score. There is another very good video that's presented by a Pommy bloke. He explains some detail on the basic strategies behind player positions, perhaps any fellow Aussies can help out on the name of I can't remember. Great reaction enjoyable. Go the Dockers !!

[@peterheath7960]

Favourite player? A rookie named Harley Reid, plays for the West Coast Eagles. #1 draft pick last year. Similar hype to LeBron back in the day. You are welcome!

[@davidl707]

AFL season has already started, starts end of March. The Grand Final is the last Saturday in September

[@garrysinclair9767]

Well done, Mike and Jess. An enlightening intro to the game. I'm a long time fan of the game. You can watch weekly highlights of the games on KZbin. Round 10 of a 22 game round (ie before the finals) just took place last weekend (19,18,17 16 May) Most of the goals are shown although the tension of a full game is missing. Having said that a full game is VERY long. The highest crowd attendance was 121,696 when Collingwood played Carlton at the MCG: in the 1970 Grand Final. Nowadays the Grand Final crowd is always 90,000+. I follow the Sydney Swans and they are in the lead at the moment. Go Swannies! PS The single point score is called a behind - thus, goals and behinds.

[@julieissom]

The AFL season runs from March to September. The Grand Final is generally held on the last Saturday of September (basically the Autumn, Winter and early Spring in Australia).

[@JimmyJupp]

Watch "Mason Cox Don't Believe In Never" - an American who plays AFL. You'll love it!

[@steve8510]

The record attendance is from the 1970 Grand Final: 121,696 people.

[@andrewmason5671]

Great summary for your first time watching the game. A bit controversial but the best team is Collingwood. They have had the greatest success for more than 120 years, you also mentioned you want a favourite player, watch videos on Nick Daicos from Collingwood, at 21 years old he is set to be the greatest. 😊

[@taniasalu2405]

I had an online argument with an American who refused to believe an average AFL player could excel at your NFL without much effort. You guys realise in 30 seconds the skill involved in playing AFL.

[@kenchristie9214]

Just point out that Darren Bennett was inducted into the San Diego Chargers Hall Of Fame. Also Ben Graham and Sav Rocca had success in the NFL.

[@jspelg]

Played footy from 6yo to 18yo. Played a few games whilst serving in the Royal Australian Air Force. I loved the game and both my boys played footy too. It's a great game and it keeps you fit too.

[@user-qs4dl2jt6p]

Thanks Mike and Jess for showcasing Australia's great game to your on-line community. Two things you highlighted were the required versatility of the players to be able to run, mark, kick, handball and bounce the ball (certainly at the elite level) on a large field where the action can come from any direction. This leads to great enjoyment of the players for the game; schools and football clubs the length and breadth of this wonderful country that help foster the interest and participation in the game.The second is the enthusiasm of the fans for the game both from a parochial point of view (i.e the team/s they support in the competition they are in), but also simply for the skill of the players and having favourite players (which I imagine is across all sports). What needs to be acknowledged is the role of sports that originated in England in the development of this game. From my understanding one of the founders of the game was Thomas Wills who was educated in England and brought his knowledge of rugby union, together with the oval-shaped ball, to the green expanses of Victoria. Additionally cricket played a large part as that was the most popular in the relatively new Australian colonies, and the dual use of a cricket oval during summer and then football during winter was substantially why the grounds were quite large (together with the wide expanses of land available for sporting purposes. It is one of speculative questions of history why was not Australian Rules more widely played internationally. For a short time, I think prior to and just after World War One New Zealand had many teams and played probably State (or individually sponsored teams) against a team or teams from Victoria and/or New South Wales. At some point in time Rugby Union took over there. Cricket-T20 World Cup currently playing There are many good things the USA and Canada learned and kept after Independence (1783? USA, 1867? Canada) their English colonisers including language, freedom, system of Government [House of Representatives and a House of Review (i.e Senate], judicial system of representation and development of laws, embrace of the Industrial revolution that lead to the railway and shipping networks that helped with expansion and linking of the various states and territories. It is a pity that both England and the USA did not embrace some of the ideas that have been developed particularly from the Scandinavian countries when it comes to welfare systems and general fairness when people go 'off track'. Then again the individual realisation, and sense of pride for family, community and country, have been drivers in what has, and continues to reflect, a country that encourages innovation, patrotism and hard work. One thing they failed to keep was the game of cricket. An 1844 match between USA and Canada I think is the first recognised international match and is still played (I assumed annually) to this day. In fact last week (Saturday 1 June 2024 the opening match of the cricket World Cup T20 Competition was played between USA and Canada in Dallas TX-what a match USA winning by 7 wickets with 14 balls remaining 3/197 defeating Canada 5/194). If you equate a six (6) in cricket with home runs in baseball there were 21 sixes hit in the match. Boring sports-Baseball, American Football and Ice-hockey This is subjective but unfortunately the USA and Canada have given the world the most boring sports: Baseball (pitchers stand at the mound for seemingly a minute scanning look around-in cricket a bowler comes in and just bowls the ball, the batsman has a greater chance of hitting the ball and scoring runs); American Football (rarely is the ball kicked) and whole teams are swapped over (defensive goes off and the offensive players comes on depending on whose got possession of the ball)- compare that with this video Mike and Jess have just reviewed and I am sure you will agree with me; and Ice-hockey-granted the players are very skillful to skate, pass the ball, but it is just so violent. What I call hockey is probably known as field hockey in North America. Though I will agree scoring is difficult in both games due in part to the size of the goal, off-side rule in field hockey, playing area and number of players. Also the Australian sports involve more running and actual participation from the players than the bench-warming that seems prevalent in these American sports. Australian Rules in USA Colleges- a possible solution to developing the game If Australian Rules was made a College sport, given the strength of the American College sporting system (I am amazed of the number of collegiate athletes-runners, jumpers, swimmers, who have developed and are developing through the American Collegiate system-literally an Olympic standard field in most swimming and running events) and the feeder system of athletes from high schools, then I think Australian Roles football could be established in North America. Certainly it embraces more skills and intuitive play, and therefore more appealing for a wider section of the community (running, skillful types, not simply blockers) than does the highly disciplined nature of American Football (I know as Gridiron) with all its various plays. Coaches have too much say in how games are played, and dictates to their players, than do Australia/English sports. [I think of all the ridiculous and strategic Timeouts in basketball, unfortunately something I now have seen in the Indian Premier League (Cricket). maybe it is just time to allow for more adverising, though in cricket you have that opportunity after the end of every over). Club versus College system We (in Australia) favour the local Club system of sports participation and development over the College (University) style system of the USA which I think is best and has served us well both domestically and internationally. [I acknowledge many of our track and field athletes have been significantly improved by being part of a USA College for four years (I think of Jessica Hull once of the Oregon Ducks who now is ranked 6th in the world in the 1500m). What do you think are the best sports, and best sporting system? PS USA President has watched a cricket test match Apparently in 1959 USA President Eisenhower watched a 1959 Test Match between Australia and Pakistan, in Pakistan. My God, even for me it would have been a hard game to watch as the pitches were so slow (I think they played on something called matting). I don't know if an American (or for that matter Canadian Prime Minister) has ever watched a Test match since.

[@flufeeisawesome]

You two are very sweet. Thanks for appreciating our game. We now have womens afl league.

[@collingwood42]

Loved your reaction to our beloved game here in Oz - Footy (AFL). Despite being relatively unknown on the world stage, it’s actually the 4th most watched live league in the world per game, behind only the English Premier League and German Budesliga (Soccer) and the NFL, with our Grand Final often ranking as the highest attended game in the word each year, 2nd last year with over 100,000 people there. You got quite a few things right in this video - I applaud you for it, as most don’t. The score card is written in goals + points = total score. Eg 20 12 - 132. This is done to show how accurate a team has been at kicking for goal. A team could also kick 22 goals and 0 points (we call them “behinds”) or 21 goals and 6 behinds, and still equal the same score, 132. You have to bounce the ball every 15 meters you run (16 yards), and dispose of it (kick it or hand pass it) before you’re tackled or it’s a free kick to the team who tackled them, provided they had the ball for more than one second before being tackled (which gives them opportunity to make a disposal). It does seem like a combination of many sports out here like you said too - NFL, basketball, volleyball, soccer etc - but amazingly, it was actually invented well before all of these other sports except soccer. The first proper game of AFL was in 1858, and was originally used as a sport to help keep cricket players fit during winter - their off season, and so therefor is played on the same ground as a cricket ground (oval). It’s also without doubt the loudest game here in Australia, and supporters often describe it as their religion. The next highest attended sport here in Australia is Rugby League, although their support base is only approximately half of the AFL. Because it’s not an “International” sport, many are unaware of it, but it’s quickly becoming more and more known around the world, so welcome - and now the next big question is , who’s your team? 🖤🤍🖤 Mine is Collingwood, the 2023 Premiers (Champions) . They’re the equal 1st in premierships in the entire league (16), and last year was the 4th in my lifetime. We also have the only American in our team, Mason Cox - who grew up playing basketball in the states, and now is one of the biggest known names in Australia. 🖤🤍🖤 They call him the American Pie as our mascot are the magpies. Go the Pies!! 🖤🤍🖤

[@mddawson1]

Yesterday when my team Carlton was playing, Harry McKay played at full forward kicking the second goal. Later on he was deep in defence helping out there and at various stages he took the centre ruck hit-outs and middle field wing positions.

[@gamortie]

6:01 I think you’re the first reactor to stop and work out how our scoring system works during the video! Well done!

[@belindaridgway]

Love our Aussie rules footy. We go every week in winter. I go for one team and husband for another so we have 2 different memberships. Love it 🥰

[@ZeBoy85]

Wow you figured it out yourself!!!! First time ever I’ve seen someone figure out the scoring on their own! Well done!!!

[@user-jx5kn5dd9z]

its the greatest and most exiting game in the world

[@Charlie_Camron_fan_4_Eva]

Congrats, you found a afl fan commented by an Aussie! I go for Brisbane lions!

[@PianoDiary85]

Love your enthusiasm. Yes, the players have positions they more or less stick to but they can do anything. It's a great spectator sport. Fast paced and high scoring. Taking the kids to a game in a few weeks.

[@RickyisSwan]

The "Full forward" stands in front of the goals, "forward pockets" stand either side of him, so picture a line of three across the front of the golf face. Between them and the middle of the ground there is another row of three, called "centre half forward" and "forward flanks." In the middle there is the "centre" and either side are called "wings." Halfway from the centre to the other end goal, we have "centre half back" and "half back flanks" either side. In front of the other goal is the "fullback" and "back pockets." Also contesting the ball in the middle when the umpire bounces/throws the ball up, it is a tall Ruckman and two midfielders. Now just reverse all these positions for the other team. The game moves as a frantic pace so players can end up out of position. That doesn't matter because even a backline player can kick a goal if he finds himself close enough. There are strategies that involve a backline player minding his opposition forward player, trying to prevent him from getting the ball. Last week a half backline player from my team, the red-and-white Sydney Swans ran through the middle of the ground and kicked a goal. It was only his seventh goal having played for years. The last couple of grand finals have seen just over 100,000 people in attendance. Glad you love our game. Cheers. 🇦🇺🦘🦢🦢🦢

[@stevepark1123]

If you get the chance, check out these 3 videos 1 - " A beginner's guide to Australian football | AFL Explained." The latest new version from the AFL. 2 - Mason Cox : " Don't believe in never " An American playing AFL. Mason journey from the U.S. to the AFL 3 - " Top 50 AFL marks of all time " Enjoy cheers thanks.🤠

[@user-ul9dv2iv9s]

Chaos resolved into order to the scoring end. A game can last 2 hours excluding the breaks between quarters. And you're right. We call it footy. BTW, great reaction.

[@michaelfink64]

Glad you are getting a kick out of our game, which is an obsession over here. Although it looks like a combination of lots of other games, it predates most of them, having been invented in Melbourne in 1858. There are set positions, with players being restricted to certain parts of the ground at the time of the centre bounce, but after that, it is a bit of a free-for-all. Different players definitely specialise in different roles. You could see that the tall guys do the tap outs at the bounces (the "jump balls"). There are key players in the back line (defence) and forward line (offence) who tend to be pretty tall so that they can take those big marks. And there are smaller, fast guys who get the ball out of packs or run past to receive the ball. But every player needs every skill - kicking, marking, hand ball, tackling.

[@ydenneki]

9:25 You're right. Even a full-back, who normally guards the enemy goal can run forward and kick a goal, if he's able, but players generally stay in their half of the field ... except the midfielders. The Forwards are the specialized goal kickers, while the backs are the specialized tacklers, but the midfielders are both attackers AND defenders, and cover the WHOLE field. And when the field is 150m (164yd, 492 ft) long, it means they can run up to 8-10km during a game (5 - 6.5 mi). BTW, because of how the game is played is why a lot of NFL punters come from Australian AFL teams.

[@MudMarsh]

Bro you’re the first reactor to this afl explanation I’ve seen instinctively guess right on a couple of things and get everything the first time you’re good.

[@australiandave2602]

I don’t know if this has been answered yet, but to your question: Positions: the midfield is kind of like a basketball centre, called a ruckman, with midfielders that are like basketball guards. Forwards and defenders are basically mirrored, with 2 basketball forwards with 4small forwards like soccer strikers. There is nothing like a quarterback or anything like that. Over simplified but I hope it helps. Your midfielder ‘taking it all the way and kicking a goal’ question. They can and do, but the defence will do their best to stop it so it can be easier, faster or just better to use the other players to avoid turning the ball over. And the season is currently running and I believe it is on one of the espn channels, maybe espn 2? Nice video! And I hope that helped

[@jayweb51]

Yes the scoreboard can be confusing to someone first watching. The numbers represent the number of Goals scored, the number of Behinds scored and the Total number of the Points scored. The Goal are worth six points(e.g: 20x6=120) while the Behinds are worth one point(e.g: 10x1=10), this gives Total Points as 130(e.g: 120+10=130). A ball touched by any player before passing through the posts is also worth one point and called a Behind. A ball hitting either outer posts is determined to be out of bounds.

[@sehnsucht000]

The positions are basically just where you start on the field. You then go wherever the game takes you. You kind of buddy up with the opponent for the same position, when the other team has the ball, you try and keep on the other person and prevent them from getting the ball. When your team has the ball, you are trying to get away from the other person so you can take unimpeded marks.

[@nevillewelsh6393]

Aussie Rules was founded in 1858 It is older than most of the other sports that you mentioned. Melbourne Football Club is the oldest football club in the world You were right with the score 20 x 6 = 120 + 10 = 130 Each team has 23 players on match days. 6 Backman (defenders) 6 Midfielders (centre of the ground) 6 Forwards (scorers) 4 Interchange (bench) & 1 Substitute ( who can be exchanged for an injured player or to exchange a player as a tactical option. Once the sub is used they are out for the rest of the game) Position Set Up Fullback line Right back pocket, Fullback, left back pocket Halfback line Right halfback, Centre halfback, Left halfback Center line Right wing, Centre, Left wing Half forward line Right half forward, Centre half forward, Left half forward Full forward line Right forward pocket, Full forward, Left forward pocket Rucks (Start in the centre for the bounce and follow the ball on the field in general play) Ruckman, Ruck Rover, Rover Interchange 4 players on the bench that can come on and off when interchanging with an other teammate so they can have a rest Substitute 1 player. This player can only come on after being substituted for another player This maybe due to an injury player or tactical move by the coach

[@triarb5790]

The MCG is the world's largest cricket ground, (that's what was shown) 105,00 capacity. It houses cricket in the summer, footy in the winter and concerts and other sports in between. It also fills to capacity during The Ashes Boxing Day Test series ( this is the famous tussle between the English cricket team and the Australians). On Thursday, it was filled for the State of Origin Queensland v New South Wales Rugby League game. It is quintessentially part of the Melbourne skyline.

[@neatbeat1344]

1. You worked out the scoring perfectly! As an Aussie kid it even confused me. 2. Volkanovski played Rugby League - which the Australian NRL took 2 games to Las Vegas in March 2024

[@Nettiepie]

We’re mid season now (June 2024) ~ season runs March to August with finals in September. I follow Collingwood, the Mighty Magpies 🖤🤍🖤 and we have a Texan playing for us. He’s our ruckman and a forward. There are named positions on the ground, but all players can play anywhere and can be moved around to any other position. It’s the best game in the world, uniquely Australian and I love it. Been following it all my life. I’m so glad you’ve discovered our brilliant game. 🥰

[@MseeBMe]

I’ve watched heaps and heaps of reaction vids to this video and you are the very first one I’ve seen nut out the score line correctly (a fault of the original video that they don’t explain it properly), very well done.

[@David-dc5if]

Hey guys great vid, just wanted to let you know the Finals (play offs) are starting this week...gonna be sssoooo good.. if anyone is going to visit Australia you gotta go to an AFL game, the atmosphere is so worth it

[@Osssssss666]

Barrack for the Hawthorn Hawks! Best team of the last 65 years by a mile!!!

[@nattychick73]

The Finals Series has just started this week. A good time to get into watching footy!

[@Legend24_]

Midfielders start obviously in the midfield but they are aloud to run everywhere on field it’s recommended a midfielder runs back to help defense and push forward to kick goals as well

[@user-we5he7pn1f]

You can also watch AFL for beginners, then try watching, best marks, best goals and hardest hits,. Yes all players have to be able to do everything. Their is one rule for being a Aussie rules fan it's you have to hate the Collingwood team. But you being American will probably pick them as your team as they have an American ex basketball player on their team ' Mason Cox'.

[@secretsquirrelaka-vesuvius3672]

I'm pretty sure hating Collingwood is a requirement to gain a visa :D

[@stephencollins1568]

@@secretsquirrelaka-vesuvius3672 If it isn't, then it sure ought to be!

[@DennyBanfield-pl2uz]

Soccer started as a “sport” 3 years after the first Aussie rules club was founded (1860) soccer (1863) But Aussie rules matches started in the winter of 1858 when students from scotch college and Melbourne grammar competed against eachother in several matches, these have been credited as the first ever organized matches ever played however it’s hard to know if the game was played even earlier then this.

[@helenharrison2480]

The term “Footy” is not limited to AFL. Footy may be used for Rugby Union, Rugby League or AFL. It all depends on what the dominant brand of football is being watched/played in general, along with your knowledge of the person you are talking to and their football preference.

[@TheStarcruiser]

They run 15-20 kilometres per game, & are 'Incredible ' athletes, bar none! Two more suggestions are the "Top 50 AFL Goals of All Times & the Top 50 Greastest Afl Marks of All times". They are all muscle, no pads required. On Grand Final Day it can be 100,000 plus ... Top Reaction! Cheers from Queensland👍

[@jayweb51]

In the original game format, it was rare for a defence(back line) players to score a goal; back then, it was positional play, you would kick the ball to a player in a specific position, and they would rarely move very far from the position. The Ruck, Ruck Rover and Rover generally were the players that moved around the most.