Positions on the Oval ∼ A Rough Guide

Select a position to view that player's role in the game

Aussie Rules Football: a contact sport played between two teams of eighteen players on an oval-shaped field, often a modified cricket ground; The game features frequent physical contests, spectacular marking, fast movement of both players and the ball and high scoring.

interchange bench: a team position; At AFL level, each team is permitted four interchange players who are part of the selected team but are not currently on the field of play, and a maximum of ninety total player interchanges during a game. Players have no limit to the number of times they may individually be changed; an interchange can occur at any time during the game including during gameplay. The four players named on the interchange bench in the teamsheet (submitted ninety minutes before the game) must be the four interchange players who start on the bench. They may be substituted immediately if the coach wishes.

full-back: a key position in defence; The full‑back position has always been a purely defensive role, with the ability to accelerate and change direction quickly with the aim of stopping the full‑forward from getting the ball and scoring. Spoiling the ball is also of utmost importanceThe full‑back often starts a chain of passes up the ground move the ball out of the back and down the field quickly. The full‑back often kicks the ball back into play after a point has been scored, although some teams prefer a midfielder or the back pockets for this role, freeing the (typically taller) full‑back player to attempt to mark the kick in.

back pocket: a playing position deep in defence; Either of the two players who defend the areas on either side of the goal front.Back pocket players need to have good spoiling skills and usually, quality back-pockets are noted for their hardness.They generally play on the smaller, faster forward pockets and let the full‑back play on the stronger full-forward. Some are small, fast players, whose role is to clear a loose ball from defence or play on a forward of similar size and speed. Others are 'mid-sized' defenders, with enough height and strength to contest or spoil marks and enough mobility to fulfil the first role.

half-back flank: a position on the half-back line; The half-back line consists of two half-back flankers and the centre half-back. This was traditionally a defensive position, where reliability and toughness were more important than attacking flair. In the modern game, these attributes are combined with the ability to run and carry the ball as well as take on the opposition in a counter-attacking style. They are the first line of defence and key players in winning the ball, creating and assisting in attack.

wing: a position either side of the centre; The wingers control the open spaces either side of the ground. They need to be highly skilled, especially in kicking. Wingmen also require considerable pace and stamina, as they run up and down the ground linking play between defence and attack.

rover: a follower; One of three players so-called because they follow the ball around the ground, as opposed to playing in a set position. In modern football, the rover, ruck rover, centreman and wingmen are often grouped together as>midfielders. A rover's role is to lurk around centre bounces and stoppages to receive the ball from a ruckman or ruck rover and complete a clearance.

ruck rover: a follower; One who roves around the ruck, as opposed to playing in a set position. The ruck rover's role is to be directly beneath the flight of the ball when a ruckman taps the ball down, allowing an easy take away or clearance from a stoppage.

ruckman: typically a tall and athletic player; The ruckman's job is to contest with the opposing ruckman at centre-bounces and stoppages. The ruckman usually uses his height (typically players are over 195 cm tall) to palm/tap the ball down so that a ruck rover or rover can run onto it. The ruckman is one of the most important players on the field. They are often key to coaching strategy and winning centre clearances which result in the most goal kicking opportunities (inside 50s). Traditionally, ruckman have simply been tall players with limited skill and speed, whose only job was to provide a contest in the ruck. In recent times, however, ruckmen have become faster and more skilled, so they can play as an extra midfielder in between ruck contests.

half-forward flank: a position on the half‑forward line; Standing wide of the centre half-forward, they provide an alternate target for balls coming from the midfield. The directly opposing player is a half-back. They usually move the ball into the forward line along the flanks. They might kick the ball into the forward line, pass the ball to another running player, or have a shot at goal themselves. These days they usually push into the midfield and, rather than being a specialist position, the role can be played by>centres, wingers, rovers/ruck rovers, or even attacking>half-back flankers.

centre half-forward: a key position on the half‑forward line; The centre half‑forward's role is usually the most demanding of any player on the field, with a tall frame (for good marking skills), strength and athleticism required. The directly opposing player is a centre‑half-back. An attacking team with a solid combination of both centre half-forward and full‑forward will seriously stretch a defence.

full-forward: a key position on the field of play; With a focus on kicking goals. Full-forwards are good at one-on-one contests with the opposition and are the main target in the forward line when attacking. As well as contesting marks with their strength, full-forwards will try to run into space - known as>leading - to shake off their defender and take an uncontested mark. This means that the full-forward needs to be fast, but only in short bursts. In Aussie Rules, where players do not stick to a single position, the full‑forward is often referred to as a key‑forward and can often switch positions with the centre half‑forward for team balance reasons.

forward pocket: a key position on the field of play; The main target in the forward line when attackingThe forward pocket is fast and agile and capable of kicking brilliantly on the run. Many forward pockets, like rovers, are quick thinking and opportunistic>crumbing players. This means that they need to be short enough to pick up the ball quickly after it hits the ground from a contest, think and move quickly to evade potential tackles, and kick or set up a goal.Sometimes they lead for the ball like full-forwards, so they have to be competent at marking the ball. Some can even jump so high that they can contest marks, despite their lack of height.