AFL Season: How Many Rounds Are Played?

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The Australian Football League (AFL) season is a thrilling contest featuring some of the most athletic and skilled players in the country. A frequently asked question by both seasoned fans and newcomers to the sport is: How many rounds are in an AFL season? Let's dive into the structure of the AFL season and explore its components.

Understanding the AFL Season Structure

The AFL season typically consists of a regular season, followed by a finals series. The primary part of the competition is the home-and-away season, which determines the teams that will compete for the premiership.

Home-and-Away Season

The home-and-away season involves each team playing a set number of games. In recent years, the AFL season has consisted of 23 rounds. During these rounds, teams face off in a series of matches held across various venues in Australia.

  • Each team plays 23 games.
  • The aim is to accumulate as many wins as possible to secure a high ladder position.
  • Ladder position determines qualification for the finals series.

Finals Series

Following the completion of the 23-round home-and-away season, the top eight teams on the ladder progress to the finals series. The finals series is a knockout competition played over four weeks, culminating in the Grand Final.

The finals series includes:

  1. Elimination Finals: Teams ranked 5th to 8th compete.
  2. Qualifying Finals: Teams ranked 1st to 4th compete.
  3. Semi-Finals: Winners of elimination finals play against losers of qualifying finals.
  4. Preliminary Finals: Winners of semi-finals play against winners of qualifying finals.
  5. Grand Final: The two preliminary final winners compete for the premiership.

Key Takeaways

  • The AFL season includes a 23-round home-and-away season.
  • The top eight teams advance to the finals series.
  • The finals series determines the ultimate premier of the AFL season.

Understanding the structure of the AFL season, including the number of rounds, enhances the experience for fans and provides a clear view of the journey each team undertakes in pursuit of the premiership. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to the game, knowing the format helps you appreciate the strategy and excitement of Australian Rules Football.

For the latest updates, match schedules, and team standings, be sure to check the official AFL website. Enjoy the game!