Tactical Roles and Structure in Australian Rules Football

In the sport of Australian rules football, each of the eighteen players in a team is assigned to a particular named position on the field of play. These positions describe both the player's main role and by implication their location on the ground. As the game has evolved, tactics and team formations have changed, and the names of the positions and the duties involved have evolved too.

There are 18 on-field positions in professional Australian rules football, not including the interchange players who may replace another player on the ground at any time during play. Women's football uses 16 players, with one less forward and defender. Junior football can often decrease the numbers further, based on player availability or ground size. The fluid nature of the modern game means the positions in football are not as formally defined as in sports such as rugby or American football. Even so, most players will play in a limited range of positions throughout their career, as each position requires a particular set of skills.

The Back Line and Defensive Units

The term back line can either refer to the full-back line consisting of the two back pockets and the full-back, or both the full- and half-back lines, which collectively can also be referred to as the defence, defensive unit or the back six.

Full-Back

The full-back position has always been a purely defensive role, with the aim of stopping the full-forward from getting the ball and scoring. In recent times, the ability to move the ball out of the back and down the field quickly has become an important tactic, with the full-back often starting a chain of passes up the ground. The defensive aspect remains vital, requiring the ability to accelerate and change direction quickly, along with exceptional spoiling skills.

Back Pocket

The back pocket refers to a position on the field deep in defence. Back pocket players need to have good spoiling skills and are typically noted for their hardness. They generally play on the smaller, faster forward pockets and let the full-back play on the stronger full-forward.

Half-Back Line

The half-back line consists of two half-back flankers and the centre half-back. The role of centre half-back is considered a key position in defence. Along with their half-back flankers, centre half-backs act as a vital line of defence while also contributing significantly to winning the ball and initiating offensive plays.

The 6-6-6 Rule

In an effort to maintain traditional positions and prevent teams from flooding their defensive side of the ground, the 6-6-6 rule was introduced ahead of the 2019 season. At the beginning of each quarter and after a goal is scored, each team must have a maximum of six players in each 50-meter arc, and six players in the middle section of the ground. Restrictions also apply within the centre square.