G'day, cricket fans! If you're diving into the KFC Big Bash League for the first time, or you're a seasoned supporter looking to refresh your memory on the squads lighting up the summer, you've come to the right place. The Big Bash League is Australia's premier T20 competition, and it's a wild ride of six-hitting, yorker-slinging, and last-over drama. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of the eight teams, let's talk about the language of the game itself.
You see, Aussie Rules footy has its own lingo that can trip up newcomers, especially if you're more used to soccer, rugby, or the NFL. So, while you're gearing up for the BBL, let's make sure you're not confusing a "mark" in footy with a catch in cricket. Here's your glossary to the beautiful game of Australian rules football, so you can talk like a local at the pub or the MCG.
Glossary of Aussie Rules Terms
Mark
In Aussie Rules, a mark is when a player catches the ball cleanly from a kick (at least 15 metres) without it being touched by another player. This earns the player a free kick and a chance to play on. Don't confuse it with a soccer "mark" (guarding an opponent) or an NFL "mark" (the line of scrimmage). Example: "Buddy Franklin took a screamer of a mark on the wing, then kicked a goal from 50 metres out."Goal
A goal is scored when the ball is kicked through the two tall middle posts without being touched by any other player. It's worth six points. This is different from soccer's "goal" (the whole net area) or rugby's "try" (touching the ball down). Example: "The Swans kicked five goals in the first quarter to take a commanding lead."Behind
A behind is scored when the ball goes through the two shorter outer posts, or if it's touched by any player on its way through the big posts. It's worth one point. Think of it as a consolation prize. Example: "The kick missed the goals and went through for a behind, adding just one point to the score."Disposal
A disposal is any action where a player gets rid of the ball—either by handballing (punching it with a fist) or kicking. It's a basic stat like "passes" in soccer or "completions" in NFL. Example: "Patrick Dangerfield had 30 disposals in the match, including 15 kicks and 15 handballs."Handball
A handball (or handpass) is when a player punches the ball with one fist while holding it in the other hand. It's a key skill for quick, short passes. Don't confuse it with soccer's "handball" (an illegal touch) or rugby's "hand-off" (pushing a tackler). Example: "The ruckman tapped the ball down, and the rover handballed it to a running half-forward."Ruck Contest
A ruck contest occurs when two ruckmen (the tallest players) jump against each other to tap the ball after a bounce or throw-in. It's like a jump ball in basketball, but with more body contact. Example: "The ruck contest at the centre bounce was fierce, with both big men leaping high to palm the ball to their midfielders."Tackle
A tackle is when a player grabs an opponent who has the ball and prevents them from disposing of it. If the tackle is effective, the umpire calls "holding the ball." This is different from rugby's "tackle" (which requires the ball carrier to go to ground) or NFL's "tackle" (which stops the play). Example: "The defender laid a bone-crunching tackle, and the umpire paid a free kick for holding the ball."Free Kick
A free kick is awarded for a rule infringement, like a high tackle, holding the man, or kicking out of bounds on the full. The player gets an uncontested kick. Think of it like a penalty in soccer or a foul in basketball. Example: "The umpire blew the whistle for a free kick against the full-back for chopping the arms."Holding the Ball
This is a rule where a player who has the ball must dispose of it (by kick or handball) when tackled. If they don't, the umpire pays a free kick to the tackler. It's similar to "not releasing" in rugby league. Example: "The midfielder was caught in a tackle and didn't get the handball away—holding the ball!"Ladder
The ladder is the league table that ranks teams based on wins, losses, and draws. It determines who makes the finals. Don't confuse it with a "standings" table in other sports. Example: "With two rounds to go, the Demons sit on top of the ladder with 16 wins."Premiership
The premiership is the grand final trophy—the ultimate prize in the AFL. It's like the "championship" in the NFL or the "league title" in soccer. Example: "The Cats won their third premiership in five years, cementing their dynasty."Grand Final
The grand final is the championship match played at the MCG each September. It's the biggest day on the Aussie Rules calendar. Example: "The grand final drew a crowd of 100,000 fans to the MCG."Finals Series
The finals series is a knockout tournament featuring the top eight teams on the ladder. It's like the playoffs in the NBA or the NFL. Example: "The Tigers scraped into the finals series in eighth place and went on to win the flag."State Leagues
State leagues are second-tier competitions (like the VFL, SANFL, and WAFL) that feed players into the AFL. They're like minor leagues in baseball or the Championship in English soccer. Example: "The young midfielder was drafted from the SANFL state league to the Adelaide Crows."AFLW
The AFLW is the women's league of the AFL. It runs during the summer and has grown massively in popularity. Don't confuse it with the WBBL (Women's Big Bash League, which is cricket). Example: "The AFLW grand final was a sell-out, with the Lions taking home the premiership."Draft
The draft is the annual event where AFL clubs select young players from state leagues and underage competitions. It's like the NFL Draft. Example: "The Dockers picked a talented midfielder with their first-round draft pick."Ruckman
A ruckman is a tall player who contests the ruck contests at centre bounces and throw-ins. They're like centers in basketball or hookers in rugby. Example: "The ruckman stood 205 cm tall and dominated the hit-outs."Rover
A rover is a midfielder who roams around the ground, winning the ball from ruck contests and feeding it to teammates. Think of them as a point guard in basketball. Example: "The rover read the tap perfectly and burst through the midfield."Full-Forward
The full-forward is the main goal-kicking player, stationed near the goals. They're like a striker in soccer or a wide receiver in the NFL. Example: "The full-forward kicked six goals for the match, leading his team to victory."Full-Back
The full-back is the last line of defense, guarding the full-forward. They're like a center-back in soccer or a cornerback in the NFL. Example: "The full-back spoiled the mark and cleared the ball from the danger zone."Wingman
A wingman is a player who runs along the wings of the oval, linking defense and attack. They're like wingers in soccer or wide receivers in football. Example: "The wingman used his pace to break the lines and deliver inside 50."Shepherding
Shepherding is when a player blocks an opponent to protect a teammate with the ball. It's legal, like a screen in basketball, but different from "shepherding" in rugby (which is illegal). Example: "The forward shepherded his teammate's path, allowing him to run into an open goal."Specky
A specky (or spectacular mark) is a high-flying catch where a player leaps onto the shoulders of an opponent. It's one of the most exciting plays in footy. Example: "The crowd erupted as the young star took a specky in the goal square."Time On
Time on refers to the clock stopping for delays (like injuries or goals). Unlike soccer's continuous clock, the AFL stops time for set plays. Example: "With time on in the final quarter, the scores were level."Summary
So there you have it, legends! Whether you're watching the Big Bash League or tuning into the AFL grand final, this glossary will help you talk the talk. Aussie Rules is a unique beast—part athleticism, part strategy, and pure entertainment. Next time you hear someone say "he took a mark" or "that's a behind," you'll know exactly what they mean. Now, go enjoy the summer of cricket and footy, and don't forget to check out our other guides on clubs and competitions, the grand final history, and the state leagues guide for more insights. Cheers!
Reader Comments (0)