Football in Australia refers to a range of football codes played in the country, including Australian rules football, rugby league, rugby union, and soccer. Australian rules football, commonly known as "AFL," is the most popular code in terms of spectator attendance and participation. It originated in the mid-19th century and is characterized by a unique oval-shaped ball, physical gameplay, and a large field. AFL is played at both amateur and professional levels, with the Australian Football League being the premier competition.
Rugby league, also known as "footy" or "NRL" in Australia, is a full-contact football code originating from the United Kingdom. Played mainly in New South Wales and Queensland, rugby league features two teams of 13 players each, aiming to score points by carrying or kicking the ball to the opponent's goal line. The National Rugby League is the highest level of competition in this sport.
Rugby union, often referred to as simply "rugby" or "union," is another form of football popular in Australia. Originating from England, rugby union is characterized by its scrums, lineouts, and mauls. The Super Rugby competition and the Rugby Championship are two of the premier tournaments in this code.
Soccer, known as "football" in most countries, is also widely played in Australia. It is governed by the Football Federation Australia and has a national competition known as the A-League, featuring teams from various cities across the country.
Overall, football in Australia encompasses a variety of codes, each with its own unique rules, playing style, and fan base.
