About the AFL

AFL is the abbreviation for the Australian Football League. Made up of many different departments (including the very generous, bighearted intelligent people in marketing) the AFL oversees everything to do with footy from Auskick and game development and to shaping the rules, guiding the future of the competition and much more. If you'd like to know more visit afl.com.au

The Rules

Rules. If we didn't have them, it would just be NRL. Kidding. The rules of AFL can be a little hard to get your head around if you're a novice. Actually even if you're not a novice. Actually even if you're a All-Australian, Premiership Captain at the helm of an elite AFL learning institution, the rules can be a bit confusing. Here are a few rules for you to learn and started on.

The Teams

There is one exceptionally amazing and talented team. They are called the Sydney Swans. There are 15 other teams in the AFL too. But don't worry about them. Many AFL teams have their origins in the suburbs that bare their name - Collingwood, Carlton, Port Adelaide, Fremantle, South Melbourne etc. But over the years the game has expanded, jumped state borders and now supporting a team has more to do with family ties, friends and what colours are nicest on you, rather than your address. Although if you live in Collingwood - good luck to you. If you're interested, have a look at the other teams websites. That way you'll appreciate being a Swans fan even more.

The Players

There are 22 players per side in AFL - 18 on the ground and 4 on the bench at any one time. In the modern game AFL players need to be all-round athletes - the complete package of physical strength, endurance, explosive speed, lightening reflexes, agility, peripheral vision, all capped off with attractive hair, natty dress sense and some smooth dance floor moves for Brownlow night.

About the Swans

O.K the Sydney Swans in a nutshell:

• Founded in 1874 as the South Melbourne Football Club.
• Relocated to Sydney in 1982 to become the first non-Victorian VFL/AFL club.
• Club colours are red and white. The jumper incorporates a swan and the Sydney Opera House.
• The SCG is their home ground but play a number of blockbuster games throughout the year at ANZ Stadium.
• The club song is sung to the tune of the Notre Dame Victory March.
• Paul Roos is the coach
• Captains for 2008 are Leo Barry, Brett Kirk, and Craig Bolton
• The Sydney Swans mascot is Cyggy. He's a big swan.

Now if some of that knowledge doesn't win you the meat tray at your local trivia night I don't know what will.

About Professor Hall

Professor Barry Hall opened the Barry Hall Hall Centre for AFL Fan Education and Excellence in 2006 to much fanfare and champagne cork popping. It was quickly established as the premier learning institute in the country where students could gather in a caring environment to study the great game of Australian Rules Football. Barry Hall Hall alumni have gone on to become leaders in the crowds from the SCG and ANZ Stadium to loungerooms and pubs all over Australia. Professor Barry Hall is often confused with the champion full-forward, All-Australian, Premiership Captain of the Sydney Swans who wouldn't be seen dead in a tweed jacket.