Pronunciation: [ˈafə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "afl" is spelled using the letters A, F, and L. It is a short form of the word "afield," which means to go out or roam. In phonetic terms, "afl" would be transcribed as /æfl/, with the initial "a" sound being pronounced like the "a" in "cat" and the "f" sound being pronounced as a voiceless labiodental fricative, like the "f" in "fox." The final "l" sound is pronounced as a voiced alveolar lateral approximant, like the "l" in "love."
AFL is an acronym that typically stands for Australian Football League. The Australian Football League is the highest-level professional competition for Australian rules football, a popular sport in Australia. It is considered the premier men's league for this particular sport and is renowned for its high level of skill, physicality, and intense competition. Established in 1896 as the Victorian Football League (VFL) and later rebranded as the AFL in 1990, the league has grown to encompass teams from various states across Australia.
AFL is played on a large oval-shaped field with eighteen players per side, aiming to score points by kicking the ball between two tall goal posts. The game is known for its unique blend of elements from soccer, rugby, and Gaelic football, characterized by its fast-paced, full-contact nature, marking contests, spectacular aerial skills, and intricate handball combinations. The AFL season typically consists of a home-and-away season followed by a finals series, culminating in a highly prestigious Grand Final match held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The AFL has a massive fan base in Australia, attracting millions of spectators to matches and attracting significant media coverage. It has also expanded its international reach through initiatives like international exhibition matches and promoting the sport abroad. The AFL is renowned for fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie amongst players, as well as being an important part of Australian culture.
The term "AFL" is an abbreviation for different concepts, so the etymology depends on the specific context. Here are a few possible meanings and their respective origins:
1. AFL (Australian Football League):
- The Australian Football League traces its origins back to 1858 when it was established as the Victorian Football Association (VFA). It underwent several name changes over the years until it became the Australian Football League (AFL) in 1990. The term AFL simply represents the first letters of "Australian Football League".
2. AFL (American Federation of Labor):
- The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a federation of trade unions in the United States that was founded in 1886. Its name was chosen to reflect the goal of uniting various labor unions across different industries under one umbrella organization. The AFL played a crucial role in the labor movement in the US.
