A game of Australian Rules Football is won by scoring more points than the opposition by the end of the match. Teams do that by kicking the ball through the tall central goalposts for six points, or through the smaller posts on either side for one point. Because goals and behinds count differently, the final score can reflect both a team’s ability to attack and its skill at making chances count.
Each side tries to move the ball into its forward line, create a scoring opportunity and stop the opponent doing the same. Kicks, handballs, marks, tackles and contests for possession all help shape that battle. Here’s how scoring works, what the scoreboard means and how teams turn their chances into a win.
How scoring works in Australian Rules Football
A team can score a goal or a behind. A goal is worth six points and is scored when a player kicks the ball between the two central goalposts without another player touching it on the way through. A goal can come from a set shot after a mark or free kick, or during open play. Players can’t score a goal by handballing the ball through the posts.
A behind is worth one point. It is awarded when the ball passes between a central goalpost and a smaller behind post, or when the ball goes through the central posts but has been touched by another player first. A behind is also scored if the ball hits a goalpost or crosses the goal line by another means, such as being carried or handballed over it.
| Score | Points | How it is scored |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | 6 | Kicked cleanly between the two central goalposts |
| Behind | 1 | Scored in several other ways, including between a goalpost and a behind post |
After a behind, the defending team restarts play from within the goal square. After a goal, the ball returns to the centre for a bounce or throw-up, and both teams reset for the next contest.
How to read an Australian Rules Football score
Scores are usually shown as goals, behinds and total points. For example, 12.8 (80) means a team has kicked 12 goals and eight behinds. The total is calculated as 12 goals multiplied by six points, plus eight behinds: 72 + 8 = 80.
The team with the higher total wins. If one side finishes on 80 points and the other on 74, the first team wins by six points—even if it kicked fewer goals. That is why the total matters more than comparing goals alone.
For instance, a team that scores 11.9 has 75 points. An opponent with 12.2 has 74. The first team wins by a point, despite having one fewer goal. Close finishes can turn on a single accurate set shot or a behind that edges a side in front.
How teams create the scores that win games
Teams need to move the ball from defence to attack while keeping enough players in useful positions. A long kick forward can create a marking contest, while shorter kicks may help a team keep possession and find space. Players can also handball to a teammate who is running into an open lane.
A mark is awarded when a player catches a kicked ball that has travelled far enough without being touched by another player. The mark gives the player time to take a kick, so teammates can move into position and opponents can set up their defence. A mark within scoring range may lead to a set shot at goal; a mark farther out can help the team advance.
Not every attack ends with a clean shot. Defenders spoil marks, tackles force hurried disposals, and players compete for loose balls after a kick. Teams often try to keep the ball inside their forward half, where repeated entries can create more chances. But poor kicks into a crowded area can quickly give the opposition possession and a chance to counterattack.
Accuracy, pressure and shot selection
Getting the ball close to goal is only part of the job. A player must judge the angle, distance, wind and pressure before taking a shot. A set shot allows time to line up, but the kick still has to travel accurately between the posts. During open play, a player may have only a moment to snap the ball around a defender or pass to a teammate in a better position.
Good teams balance bold attacks with sensible choices. If a player has a difficult shot from near the boundary, passing to a teammate closer to goal may offer a better chance. At other times, taking a shot quickly can catch defenders out of position. The right decision depends on the space available and how much pressure is coming.
Defence matters as much as scoring
A team cannot win simply by attacking well; it must also limit the opponent’s chances. Defenders try to intercept kicks, spoil marks, apply tackles and force the ball wide. Midfielders help by pressuring the player with possession and contesting the next ball. If the defence wins possession, it can clear the ball away from danger and launch an attack of its own.
Teams also work to control the areas around stoppages, such as boundary throw-ins and ball-ups. Winning the first touch can help a side send the ball forward, while losing it may leave defenders exposed. Structure matters too: players spread out to provide passing options, but must be ready to close space when the opponent has the ball.
A side might lead by a goal late in the match and choose to keep possession rather than attempt a low-percentage shot. If it gives the ball away, the opposition may have time for one last attack. Managing the clock, staying composed and making reliable decisions are all part of protecting a lead.
When is the winner decided?
Most matches are played across four quarters. The side with the most points when the final siren sounds wins. The margin is the difference between the teams’ totals, so a result might be described as a win by 12 points or a loss by a single point.
If the scores are level at the end of regular time, the way the game is settled depends on the competition and match rules. Finals may use extra time to find a winner, while other competitions can have different procedures. Check the rules for the specific league or event rather than assuming every tied match is handled the same way.
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- How Long Are the Intervals in Australian Rules Football?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points is a goal worth in Australian Rules Football?
A goal is worth six points. It must be kicked between the two central goalposts without being touched by another player before it crosses the line.
How many points is a behind worth?
A behind is worth one point. It can be scored when the ball passes between a goalpost and a behind post, or in other qualifying ways, including hitting a goalpost.
Can a team win with fewer goals than its opponent?
Yes. The winner is decided by total points, not by the number of goals. A team with more behinds can finish with a higher total even if it has kicked fewer goals.
What does a score such as 10.7 (67) mean?
It means the team has kicked 10 goals and seven behinds. Ten goals are worth 60 points, and seven behinds add seven, for a total of 67.
Final Thoughts
Australian Rules Football games are won by finishing with more points than the opposition. Six-point goals provide the biggest reward, while one-point behinds still count and can decide a close result. To build a winning score, teams need to create chances, kick accurately, win contests and defend well. When the siren sounds, every goal and behind is part of the final tally.
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.
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