Australian Rules Football (AFL) is one of the most beloved sports in Australia. With its rich history, passionate fans, and thrilling matches, AFL stands as a true symbol of Australian sporting culture. But if you’re new to the game or looking to deepen your understanding, you might find yourself asking, “How many rounds in AFL?” This question often arises as the season approaches, with fans eager to know the length and structure of their beloved sport.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about AFL’s rounds, from the regular season to the finals, and how the competition is structured. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, this guide will answer your burning questions and provide you with insights into how the AFL season unfolds.
What is the AFL Season Structure?
The AFL season typically consists of multiple rounds of matches, where teams compete against each other to secure their place in the finals. But how many rounds in AFL are there, exactly?
The AFL season is split into two main phases: the home-and-away season and the finals series.
Home-and-Away Season
This is the bulk of the AFL season, where all 18 teams compete in a series of rounds. The home-and-away season is crucial, as it determines the standings and who will make it to the finals.
- Rounds in the Home-and-Away Season: The home-and-away season consists of 23 rounds. Each team plays 22 games during the season (11 at home and 11 away). Every round features multiple games, with each team facing off against various opponents throughout the season.
- Double-Up Rounds: In the 2025 AFL season, teams will face each other twice, once at home and once away. This is a common feature of AFL’s season structure.
- Fixture and Scheduling: The AFL fixture is generally set at the start of the season, and each team’s schedule is balanced to ensure they face every other team at least once. However, the exact matchups may change from year to year based on team rankings, rivalries, and other factors.
AFL Finals Series
Once the home-and-away season concludes, the finals series begins, featuring the best teams from the regular season. This phase determines the AFL champion for the year.
- How Many Rounds in AFL Finals: The finals consist of four rounds:
- Qualifying Finals – The top four teams battle for a direct path to the Grand Final.
- Elimination Finals – The fifth to eighth-placed teams face off in knockout matches.
- Preliminary Finals – The winners from the previous rounds meet to secure a spot in the Grand Final.
- Grand Final – The ultimate match of the AFL season, where the two top teams compete for the championship title.
Each of these rounds is crucial for teams aiming for the prestigious AFL Premiership. The finals series uses a knockout format, which means teams that lose are eliminated from contention, heightening the drama and excitement of the competition.
How the AFL Round System Works
What Happens if a Round is Cancelled?
While the AFL season is well-structured, sometimes, unforeseen circumstances such as weather or global events (like the COVID-19 pandemic) force a round or a game to be cancelled. In these cases, the AFL reschedules the match, offers draws, or adjusts rankings accordingly. The AFL strives to maintain consistency in the number of rounds, but cancellations are a reality that both players and fans must accept.
Why Does the Number of Rounds Matter?
Understanding how many rounds in AFL there are is more than just a numbers game. The number of rounds plays a pivotal role in determining team fitness, strategy, and the potential for upsets throughout the season. Let’s break down why the length of the season is important.
Team Preparation and Fitness
With 23 rounds in the home-and-away season, teams need to prepare for a long and grueling competition. The season demands consistency, with each team needing to perform week in and week out. Injuries and fatigue can take a toll, so clubs must manage their squad effectively to maintain peak performance.
Competitive Balance
The structure of 23 rounds ensures that no team is unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged by their fixtures. With each team playing home and away games, the AFL promotes fair competition. However, the final positions on the ladder are not just about wins and losses—they also reflect the skill, resilience, and adaptability of each team throughout the course of the season.
Fans’ Engagement
For fans, knowing how many rounds in AFL the season has adds to the excitement and anticipation. As each round progresses, teams and fans alike keep track of the standings, hoping for a playoff spot or a finals berth. The structure encourages continued fan engagement, with each match offering high stakes as the season draws closer to the finals.
Examples of Iconic AFL Rounds
Throughout AFL history, certain rounds have produced unforgettable moments. From epic comebacks to controversial umpiring decisions, these rounds have left a lasting mark on AFL fans.
- Round 1: The opening round is always a highlight, setting the tone for the rest of the season. Many fans mark their calendars for this exciting event, as teams showcase their new recruits and revamped strategies.
- Round 23: The final round before the finals is often filled with drama, as teams fight for their last chance to qualify for the playoffs. Many seasons have ended with heart-stopping moments, as clubs scramble to secure a top-eight spot.
- Grand Final Day: Of course, the ultimate round is the Grand Final. Thousands of fans flock to the MCG, while millions more watch from home to witness the culmination of the AFL season. This iconic event is the crown jewel of Australian sport.
What to Expect in the 2025 AFL Season?
As we look ahead to the 2025 AFL season, fans can expect an exhilarating journey through 23 rounds of intense action. Each game will bring new opportunities for teams to showcase their talents and fight for a spot in the finals. Teams will need to adapt to challenges like injuries, fatigue, and strategic shifts, while fans will continue to cheer on their favorite teams, eager to see who will come out on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rounds are there in the AFL season?
The AFL season consists of 23 rounds in the home-and-away season. Each team plays 22 games, facing every other team once, either at home or away.
What is the AFL finals series?
The AFL finals series takes place after the home-and-away season. The top eight teams from the regular season compete in a knockout format across four rounds: Qualifying Finals, Elimination Finals, Preliminary Finals, and the Grand Final.
How are the AFL rounds structured?
Each AFL round involves multiple games where teams face off against different opponents. Teams play 22 regular-season games, with 11 at home and 11 away, ensuring a fair and balanced competition.
Do all AFL teams play each other in the season?
Yes, all AFL teams face off against each other in the home-and-away season, with each team playing 22 games, facing different opponents over 23 rounds.
How does the AFL ladder work?
The AFL ladder ranks teams based on the points they earn through wins and losses during the season. A win earns 4 points, and a draw results in 2 points. The ladder is updated after each round to determine team standings.
How does a team qualify for the AFL finals?
The top eight teams on the AFL ladder at the end of the 23 rounds of the home-and-away season qualify for the finals series. Their ranking on the ladder determines their position in the finals.
What is the significance of Round 1 in the AFL season?
Round 1 marks the beginning of the AFL season. It’s an exciting time for fans as teams debut new players, tactics, and strategies. The opening round sets the stage for the rest of the season and is often a highlight for supporters.
What is the role of the Grand Final in the AFL season?
The Grand Final is the climax of the AFL season. It’s the final match of the finals series, where the top two teams face off to win the AFL Premiership, making it one of the most anticipated events in Australian sport.
Conclusion
Now that you know how many rounds in AFL the season comprises, it’s time to get ready for a thrilling season of Australian Rules Football. Whether you’re supporting your local team or following the entire league, understanding the structure of the season adds to the excitement.
Stay updated with the latest news, fixtures, and results to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the action. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the game—because AFL is more than just the number of rounds. It’s about the passion, the skill, and the unforgettable moments that make it truly special.
