Introduction

Australian football has struggled to develop outside of Australia partly because the game is highly resource intensive. A game requires the use of a large cricket oval (which generally are not available for such use), many players (40 including interchanges) and several officials.

As a result Aussie Rules International (ARI) has spent the past 5 years developing a new version of the game that can easily be played on playing fields found all over the world.

In recognition of the fact that the terms 'Australian football' and 'AFL' are now readily interchangeable, the new sport will be called AFL 9s.

Matches are usually played on rugby or soccer sized fields that are typically rectangular with 9 players on the field at any one time - typically consisting of 3 forwards, 3 backs and 3 centre players.

The Aussie Rules UK National League in England (see www.arukfooty.com) is an example of a league that plays using the 9-a-side rules.

International tournaments such as the EU Cup, Bali 9s and Dubai 9s also use these rules.

As more and more people around the globe take up an interest in the game, it is readily apparent that the role of AFL 9s will be crucial as we strive to make Australian football a truly international sport.

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