The great game of Aussie Rules or AFL as it’s more commonly referred to, is one of skill, tactics, and athleticism.
Played on massive ovals that take more than a few troops to fill, AFL sides are packed with players playing different positions.
To the uninitiated this can sometimes look like an unorganized mess leaving you asking ‘what are the AFL positions’, but we assure you it is a deliberate and meticulously thought-out affair.
Two sides comprising of 18 starting players each take to one of these aforementioned ovals to do battle, with an additional eight players (four per side) waiting to potentially take part via the interchange system.
These players occupy specific and diverse roles on the field, completely owning each of their AFL positions.
Understanding the role of each position and the difference between them is integral to understanding and enjoying Aussie Rules footy.
It’s also very handy from a punting perspective! That’s why here at Sportsbet we’ve created this handy guide explaining the different AFL positions.
With the new AFL season upon us, there has never been a better time to get up to speed with how all the different AFL positions and roles work. For a thorough explanation of each role on a footy field, check out our AFL positions explained guide below.
What is the AFL Back Line?
This is the "goalkeeper" equivalent of AFL. These players stay closest to the opposition’s goals.
What they do: Their primary job is negation. They play "tight" on the opposition’s best scorers to prevent them from marking the ball.
Key focus: Spoiling (punching the ball away), goal-line saves, and kick-ins after the opposition scores a behind.
AFL Back Pockets Explained
Each team has two Back Pocket defenders. The players in these roles are usually some of the more agile players on the park. Highly rated Back Pocket AFL players are sought after for their ability to win one on one contests with physicality in the air and on the ground.
They need to be able to match it with the equally as speedy Forward Pockets on the opposing team. When the ball turns over and forward momentum is needed the back pocket becomes an integral AFL position, setting up the rest of the field for a fast counterpush.
AFL Full-back Explained
When it comes to the defensive line the Full-back is the key AFL position, stationed between the two Back Pockets and is more often than not your last man between the opposition and an open goal.
Their main remit is to simply stop the other team’s Full-forward from getting the ball and scoring. Size, strength, and the ability to spoil and mark are paramount for this position.
What is the AFL Half-back Line?
The half-backs sit between the deep defense and the midfield.
What they do: They are the masters of the rebound. While they still defend, they are usually the most skilled kickers because their job is to intercept an opposition pass and immediately "quarterback" the ball back toward the center of the ground.
Key focus: Intercept marking and attacking flair.
AFL Half-back Flanks Explained
Moving up the field we get to the Half-back Line. First the flanks. Half-back Flanks are very similar to the Back Pockets, just slightly more advanced.
That means they can get involved in attacking plays more often, with some Half-back Flanks known for their marauding tendencies.
AFL Centre Half-back Explained
The first line of defence when the ball is in transition, Centre Half-back is a role that hasn’t seen much change over the years.
They’re expected to be dominant in defence, able to break up attacking plays and are usually integral to a side’s strategy from kick-ins.
What is the AFL Centre Line?
Spanning the width of the middle of the ground, this line dictates the flow of the game.
What they do: This is where the stoppages happen. Players here (the Center and Wingmen) are responsible for winning the ball at the bounce and moving it quickly. They need the highest endurance because they run "link-up" patterns between both ends of the ground.
Key focus: Clearances, stamina, and outside running.
AFL Wingers Explained
Each line has two wide players, and the Centre Line is no different. These wide players, or in this case Wingers, need to be able to grab that ball and run with it.
Their job is to deliver the ball to their forwards and help set up attacking plays. For this reason, they are sometimes referred to as “link men.”
AFL Centre Explained
The professor of the footy field, a high footballing IQ is paramount for a Centre. They need to be able to read the play on both sides of the ball and ideally be able to pass and kick with both sides of their body.
What is the AFL Half-forward Line?
Located just outside the scoring 50-meter arc, this line is about delivery and setup.
What they do: These players are the "connectors." They often lead up toward the wing to provide a target for the midfielders. Once they have the ball, their job is to spot a teammate in the deep forward line or take a long shot at goal themselves.
Key focus: High marking and elite passing "inside 50.”
AFL Half-forward Flanks Explained
Now we’re really starting to move up the field. Half-forward Flankers have a license to bomb down the wings on a mission to deliver the ball to their Full or Pocket Forwards.
Don’t worry, they still get their fair share of glory, Half-forward Flanks are expected to have an eye for goal all their own, just ask Gary Ablett Sr, who is considered to be one of the best to ever play the position as well as being one of the highest scoring players in AFL history.
AFL Centre Half-forward Explained
Widely considered to be the most demanding position on the pitch, Centre Half-forwards must have size, strength, and stamina. Depending on the type of player in this role, this position is sometimes referred to as Power Forward.
What is the AFL Forward Line?
This is the deepest attacking area, closest to the goals.
What they do: The finishers. The tall players here stay deep to provide a target for long kicks (Full Forwards), while the smaller players stay at their feet to snap up loose balls (Small Forwards).
Key focus: Goal kicking and "Forward Pressure" (tackling defenders to keep the ball in the area).
AFL Forward Pockets Explained
Traditionally smaller and more agile than out and out Full-forwards, Forward Pockets are to the forward line what Back Pockets are to the defensive line.
They square off against their defensive counterparts out wide and are expected to bob and weave and pop up with as many goals as they can muster.
AFL Full-forward Explained
The big man up top. Full-forward is to AFL what striker is to soccer. They have one job and one job only – score goals.
You’ll often find them parked near the opposition goal trying to peel off their opposing Full-back to take a clutch mark and then kick a goal.
What is the Follower Position in AFL?
In AFL positions, the follower section includes the ruckman, ruck rover, and rover—players who excel in mobility, endurance, and tactical awareness.
AFL Ruckman Explained
Technically part of the midfield, Followers get their own section due to the fluid nature of their positions.
First of the Followers is the Ruckman, always a tall timber, their main responsibility is to win hit-outs and get the ball moving in the right direction for their team.
AFL Ruck Rover Explained
The Ruckman’s best mate, the Ruck Rover is constantly sniffing around, you guess it, the ruck.
They need to be on hand and ready to pounce when the ball gets tapped down by a Ruckman so they can clear the ball from a stoppage.
Rover
He’s everywhere, the third and final of the Followers is the all-important Rover. Traditionally the smallest player on the park, the Rover’s job is to play off his fellow Followers and receive the ball from them after centre bounces and stoppages.
How Does The AFL Interchange Work?
In addition to the 18 starting players on each side, both teams have what is known as an interchange or a bench.
Each interchange consists of four players, they can be any position and can only enter the field of play when substituted for one of the players who are already on the field.
So, there you have it, those are all the different AFL positions. You’re now ready to start your new life as an AFL supporter. We recommend starting your Aussie Rules journey with our expert weekly AFL tips and predictions.
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