The standard Australian Rules football goal has two tall central posts set 6.4 metres apart. Each goal post must be at least 6 metres high. A shorter behind post stands 6.4 metres beyond each goal post and must be at least 3 metres high.
That four-post arrangement is the same at both ends of an AFL ground. The central pair marks the scoring goal; the outer posts help officials distinguish a behind. Here’s how the measurements work and what they mean when the ball is in play.
Australian Rules goal dimensions
| Part of the goal | Standard measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Distance between the two goal posts | 6.4 metres | Defines the central scoring opening |
| Minimum height of each goal post | 6 metres | Marks the goal opening above the ground |
| Distance from a goal post to its nearby behind post | 6.4 metres | Defines the space used to score a behind |
| Minimum height of each behind post | 3 metres | Marks the outer edge of the scoring area |
These are the standard dimensions used under AFL rules. In simple terms, the two tall posts form the middle opening, while a shorter post sits on either side. The full group spans 19.2 metres from one behind post to the other: 6.4 metres between each neighbouring pair.
How the posts affect scoring
A kick that passes between the two central goal posts, without being touched by another player on the way through, scores a goal worth six points. The ball must cross the goal line between the posts. A goal can come from a set shot, a snap near the boundary, or a long kick from open play.
If the ball passes between a goal post and the adjacent behind post, the team scores a behind worth one point. A behind can also be awarded in other situations, including when the ball hits a goal post or is touched before crossing between the central posts. The umpire signals the score, and the scoreboard records the team’s total behinds separately from its goals.
For example, if a forward’s kick slips just outside a central post but stays inside the outer post, it is a behind rather than a goal. That small margin can matter late in a close match: one point may level the scores, while a six-point goal can change the lead.
Goal posts and the goal square
The goal square is the marked area in front of the central posts. At AFL level, it is 6.4 metres wide and 9 metres deep. Its width matches the gap between the goal posts, but it is a painted area on the ground—not part of the height or spacing measurements of the posts themselves.
The square has a practical role during restarts. After a behind, the defending team brings the ball back into play from the goal square. Players also need to understand its limits when setting up around the goal line, because the square’s markings help umpires manage the restart.
Why are there four posts?
The posts make it possible to award different scores based on where the ball crosses the line. The central pair marks a goal; the space between a central post and its neighbouring behind post marks a behind. Without the outer posts, umpires and players would have a less visible reference for judging shots that miss narrowly.
The posts also give spectators a clear view of the result from across a large oval. A kick that sails through the middle is easy to identify, while a ball that sneaks through the side channel is still recorded as a score. At many grounds, padding around the lower part of each upright provides extra protection for players contesting near the line.
Do goal dimensions change between grounds?
The AFL standard is consistent, but the venue and competition matter. Community, school and junior grounds may use different posts or temporary equipment, especially when a ground hosts more than one sport. Some lower-age competitions may also adapt facilities to suit young players. Check the rules of the relevant league if you are measuring or installing posts for a local match.
Ground dimensions can vary too, but that does not mean the standard goal opening changes automatically. A shorter oval may still use a 6.4-metre gap between the central posts. When a venue cannot meet the normal requirements, the competition’s rules or ground approval process will determine what is permitted.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart are Australian Rules goal posts?
The two central goal posts are 6.4 metres apart. Each nearby behind post is also 6.4 metres from its central goal post.
How tall are AFL goal posts?
Goal posts must be at least 6 metres high. Behind posts must be at least 3 metres high.
How many points is a goal worth in Australian Rules football?
A goal is worth six points. A behind is worth one point, and the scoreboard shows goals and behinds separately.
Is the goal square the same width as the goal opening?
Yes. The AFL goal square is 6.4 metres wide, matching the gap between the central goal posts. It extends 9 metres out from the goal line.
Final Thoughts
The key measurements are easy to remember: a 6.4-metre gap between the goal posts, posts at least 6 metres high, and behind posts set 6.4 metres farther out and at least 3 metres high. Together, the four uprights define the scoring area and help make every goal-line decision clear.
Aiden Cross is a sports writer and editor at BeliveSports, covering a broad range of sports with a focus on clear, accurate, and practical information. His work covers rules, techniques, player roles, competitions, equipment, statistics, and the details that help readers better understand how different sports are played. Aiden takes a research-driven approach to sports writing, using reliable sources and established sporting information to provide context rather than simply repeating surface-level facts. His goal is to make complex topics accessible while maintaining the accuracy and depth expected by knowledgeable sports fans. At BeliveSports, Aiden contributes to the site’s editorial standards by focusing on accuracy, clarity, useful context, and reader-first explanations.