Rocked by recent events on the dangers of concussion at the elite level, the AFL has a perfect opportunity to adopt a wider lens and mobilise its network to keep footy safe, especially for the kids.
Australian rules football was actually played before rugby union in Queensland — and it was only a quirk of history that caused Queenslanders to switch allegiances.
Last year’s AFL premiers were definitely not socially distancing.
AAP/Michael Dodge
Crowds, albeit smaller ones, will again watch the AFL and NRL grand finals. Crowds can bring people together but, since the time of the Roman republic, they have also expressed political dissent.
Professional sport has enormous power to influence positive change. So ahead of this weekend’s grand finals, let’s examine the carbon emissions of our major men’s football leagues.
Despite case after case of systemic racism against Indigenous people, the AFL has not been able to rid itself of a problem that has caused so much grief to so many.
The pandemic has caused massive disruption to cricket in Australia and revealed just how dependent many sporting organisations are on their broadcast deals.
A crowd can exhilarate the ephemeral power within us. Whether a packed stadium or a mosh pit, crowds brought us together in ways that were more than physical.
Why are sport broadcasters using fake crowd noise? It might be because crowd noise can help us bond with our tribe and acts as a psychological cue for when to pay attention.
The league is facing financial ruin unless it restarts play soon. Yet, even with strict biosecurity measures in place, there are significant questions as to whether it can effectively police itself.
Australian sports officials have thus far taken a wait-and-see approach to the coronavirus outbreak, leaving the impression they are on the back foot when it comes to preparedness.
Running, jumping, tackling, not to mention handling the ball, means Aussie Rules players risk injuries to their hands and wrists serious enough to send them to the emergency department.
The A-League is struggling to attract TV viewers and fans at matches. Would a move to the winter make any difference?
Gary Day/AAP
Many believe a move to the winter would be beneficial for football, particularly as our summers grow hotter. But competing directly with AFL and NRL could pose a serious risk to the sport’s future.
The Wallabies haven’t won the Rugby World Cup since 1999.
David Gray/AAP
The AFL and NRL have larger fan bases, and soccer more youth participants. Rugby union must find new ways to grow interest in the sport to reclaim its place in the Australian sporting landscape.
The sexist trolling of Tayla Harris (left) focused attention on the lack of online moderation by the AFL when it comes to women’s football.
Daniel Pockett/AAP
The AFL Grand Final is more than a physical contest between professional athletes: it is a day we collectively make meaning, and create culture.
Normalising betting through popular apps mean people who wouldn’t traditionally bet, such as females on a night out with male friends, are now getting involved.
Darren England/AAP
Focusing on outcomes backfires. Connect with what you love and success will take care of itself.
AFLW star Tayla Harris at the unveiling of a prototype statue that will be made to honour her achievements in women’s football at Federation Square.
AAP Image/David Crosling
Research Fellow, Institute for Health & Sport, member of the Community, Identity and Displacement Research Network, and Co-convenor of the Olympic Research Network, Victoria University