Aussie Rules Football

Book excerpt: An overview of the evolution of Australian Rules football in Victoria from its origins in 1858 to the present day. The opening chapter provides a snapshot of the unusual 2020 AFL season. I then trace the evolution of the game in Victoria during the late 1800s including the background to the 1896 VFA/VFL split, followed by a chapter outlining the development of the two leagues during the 20th century. This is followed by chapters on all 18 AFL teams, including major team rivalries, great coaches, great indigenous players and great goalkickers. There are also chapters on how the various finals' systems work(ed) over the years, State of Origin and Laws of the Game. The book is chock full of statistics, trivia and footy anecdotes which will enthral any Aussie Rules fan.