Course outline
Module 1
Module 1: Origins of Australian Rules Football
Origins of Australian Rules Football
Knowledge check
Q1. Who is credited with the creation of Australian rules football?
- A. Tom Wills ✓
- B. Melville Jones
- C. Hector Smith
- D. William H. H. H. Smith
Why: Tom Wills is credited with the creation of Australian rules football.
Q2. In which year was the first official game of Australian rules football played?
- A. 1858 ✓
- B. 1859
- C. 1860
- D. 1861
Why: The first official game of Australian rules football was played in 1858.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a feature of Australian rules football?
- A. Elliptical shaped field
- B. Goalposts
- C. Scoring by kicking the ball through the goalposts
- D. Use of a rugby ball ✓
Why: Australian rules football uses an oval-shaped ball, not a rugby ball.
Q4. Where was the first rules of Australian rules football drawn up?
- A. Melbourne ✓
- B. Sydney
- C. Adelaide
- D. Brisbane
Why: The first rules of Australian rules football were drawn up in Melbourne.
Q5. What was the original name of the sport before it became known as Australian rules football?
- A. Melbourne Rules ✓
- B. Victorian Rules
- C. Australian Football
- D. Rules of the Game
Why: The original name of the sport was 'Melbourne Rules' before it became known as Australian rules football.
Module 2
Module 2: The Evolution of the Game
The Evolution of the Game
Module 3
Module 3: Key Moments in History
Key Moments in History
Knowledge check
Q1. Which year is considered the beginning of Australian rules football?
- A. 1858 ✓
- B. 1859
- C. 1860
- D. 1861
Why: The first rules of Australian rules football were drawn up in 1858 by the Melbourne Football Club.
Q2. Who was the first player to be signed by an English club from an Australian rules football background?
- A. Lance Hohaia ✓
- B. Luke Hodge
- C. Ben Cousins
- D. Kieren Jack
Why: Lance Hohaia became the first Australian rules footballer to sign with an English club, the London Broncos, in 2003.
Q3. Which of these teams is not a founding member of the Victorian Football Association (VFA)?
- A. Melbourne
- B. Geelong
- C. Richmond ✓
- D. Essendon
Why: Richmond was not a founding member of the VFA; it was founded later.
Q4. In which year did the AFL (Australian Football League) replace the VFL (Victorian Football League) as the premier competition?
- A. 1990 ✓
- B. 1991
- C. 1992
- D. 1993
Why: The AFL was formed in 1990, replacing the VFL as the national competition.
Q5. Which of these players is known as the 'Father of Australian Rules Football'?
- A. Tom Wills ✓
- B. Huw Thomas
- C. Albert Sheehan
- D. Harry London
Why: Tom Wills is regarded as the 'Father of Australian Rules Football' for his role in its development in the 19th century.
Module 4
Module 4: Cultural Impact and Identity
Cultural Impact and Identity
Knowledge check
Q1. What is a significant cultural impact of Australian rules football in Australia?
- A. It has no cultural impact
- B. It is a key part of national identity ✓
- C. It is only played in urban areas
- D. It is not popular in rural areas
Why: Australian rules football is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Australia, especially in states like Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, and is considered a key part of national identity.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT a reason why Australian rules football is considered a cultural icon?
- A. Its long history in Australia
- B. Its association with colonialism ✓
- C. Its presence in media and entertainment
- D. Its role in community events
Why: While Australian rules football has historical ties to colonialism, it is not primarily considered a cultural icon because of that association.
Q3. In which decade did Australian rules football begin to be widely televised, increasing its cultural influence?
- A. 1920s
- B. 1950s
- C. 1970s ✓
- D. 1990s
Why: The 1970s marked a turning point with the rise of television coverage, significantly boosting the sport's visibility and cultural impact.
Q4. Which of the following best describes the role of Australian rules football in Indigenous Australian communities?
- A. It has no role in Indigenous communities
- B. It is a source of pride and empowerment ✓
- C. It is only played in urban Indigenous communities
- D. It is not supported by Indigenous athletes
Why: Australian rules football has become a source of pride and empowerment for many Indigenous Australians, with many Indigenous athletes achieving success in the sport.
Q5. What is one way that Australian rules football has influenced Australian art and literature?
- A. It has had no influence
- B. It has inspired numerous books and films ✓
- C. It is only represented in modern art
- D. It is rarely mentioned in literature
Why: Australian rules football has inspired numerous books, films, and artworks, reflecting its deep cultural significance in Australian society.
Module 5
Module 5: Major Clubs and Rivalries
Major Clubs and Rivalries
Knowledge check
Q1. Which club is known as the "Swans" in Australian rules football?
- A. Richmond
- B. Sydney ✓
- C. Melbourne
- D. Geelong
Why: Sydney Football Club is commonly referred to as the Swans due to the swan emblem on their badge.
Q2. Which rivalry is known as the "Derby" in the AFL?
- A. Collingwood vs Essendon ✓
- B. Carlton vs Collingwood
- C. Richmond vs Essendon
- D. Melbourne vs Collingwood
Why: The rivalry between Collingwood and Essendon is known as the Derby due to both clubs being based in Melbourne.
Q3. Which club is known as the "Bulldogs"?
- A. West Coast Eagles
- B. Brisbane Lions
- C. Sydney
- D. Western Bulldogs ✓
Why: The Western Bulldogs are known as the Bulldogs due to their mascot and team identity.
Q4. Which of the following is a traditional rival of the Hawthorn Football Club?
- A. Carlton ✓
- B. Port Adelaide
- C. Richmond
- D. Fremantle
Why: Carlton and Hawthorn have a long-standing rivalry, often referred to as the "Battle of the Blues."
Q5. Which club has the nickname "The Saints"?
- A. St Kilda ✓
- B. North Melbourne
- C. Gold Coast
- D. Brisbane Lions
Why: St Kilda Football Club is known as the Saints due to their religious-themed nickname and history.
Module 6
Module 6: Rules and Gameplay Overview
Rules and Gameplay Overview
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the primary objective of Australian rules football?
- A. To score the most goals ✓
- B. To kick the ball out of bounds
- C. To tackle the opposing players
- D. To run the longest distance
Why: The primary objective is to score the most goals by kicking the ball through the opponent's goal posts.
Q2. How many players are on each team during a match?
- A. 10
- B. 18 ✓
- C. 15
- D. 22
Why: Each team has 18 players on the field during a match in Australian rules football.
Q3. What is the term used for a player who is tackled and loses possession of the ball?
- A. Mark
- B. Dispossession ✓
- C. Free kick
- D. Bounce
Why: Dispossession refers to a player losing the ball after being tackled by an opponent.
Q4. Which of the following is not a way to score in Australian rules football?
- A. Goal
- B. Behind
- C. Touchdown ✓
- D. Kicking the ball between the goal posts
Why: Touchdown is a term used in American football, not Australian rules football.
Q5. What is the name of the oval-shaped ball used in Australian rules football?
- A. Football ✓
- B. Shuttlecock
- C. Elliptical ball
- D. Cue ball
Why: The ball is referred to as a football, even though it is oval-shaped.
Module 7
Module 7: Modern Trends and Future Directions
Modern Trends and Future Directions
Knowledge check
Q1. What is a significant modern trend in Australian rules football related to player welfare?
- A. Increased use of synthetic turf
- B. Greater emphasis on mental health support ✓
- C. Introduction of video replay technology
- D. Expansion of international leagues
Why: Why
Q2. Which of the following is an example of how technology has impacted Australian rules football in recent years?
- A. The use of GPS tracking for player performance analysis ✓
- B. The introduction of the bounce pass rule
- C. The creation of the AFL Women's competition
- D. The adoption of the forward pass rule
Why: Why
Q3. What is one of the main challenges facing the AFL in terms of future growth?
- A. Increasing player salaries
- B. Attracting younger audiences ✓
- C. Reducing the number of matches per season
- D. Increasing the number of clubs
Why: Why
Q4. Which of the following is a key factor in the expansion of Australian rules football into Asia?
- A. The introduction of the AFLX format ✓
- B. The establishment of the AFL Women's competition
- C. The success of the AFL in the United States
- D. The growth of the AFL in Europe
Why: Why
Q5. What is a major focus of the AFL's sustainability initiatives?
- A. Reducing the number of games played
- B. Promoting the use of renewable energy at stadiums ✓
- C. Encouraging players to retire earlier
- D. Increasing ticket prices
Why: Why