Australian Rules

British  

noun

1. Also called: national code.  (functioning as singular) a game resembling rugby football, played in Australia between teams of 18 men each on an oval pitch, with a ball resembling a large rugby ball. Players attempt to kick the ball between posts (without crossbars) at either end of the pitch, scoring six points for a goal (between the two main posts) and one point for a behind (between either of two outer posts and the main posts). They may punch or kick the ball and run with it provided that they bounce it every ten yards

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Example Sentences

In a separate event on Wednesday, Prince Harry joined players from an Australian Rules football team for a lesson in how to play a game and visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Rugby and Australian Rules are potentially good sources of talent like Welsh rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit, who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a returner/running back/wide receiver.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 25, 2024

The Australian Rules team were nominated for their leadership in sustainability in football in their country.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2023

As a result, Adam Gotsis, a defensive tackle with the Jacksonville Jaguars, is the only non-kicker to make the jump from Australian Rules to the NFL.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2023

It’s within walking distance of the city along the Yarra River and from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, venue for the 1956 Olympics and spiritual home of Australian Rules football.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 2023