How Are Sets Won in Australian Rules Football?

Australian Rules Football does not use sets in the way some sports do. An AFL match is played in four quarters, and the team with the most points at the final siren wins. The word “set” usually comes up when people talk about a set shot: a kick at goal taken after a player has been awarded a mark or free kick.

Knowing the difference makes the scoring easy to follow. A goal is worth six points, a behind is worth one, and a team’s total points across all four quarters decide the result. Here’s how the match structure, scoring and set shots fit together.

Are there sets in Australian Rules Football?

No. Australian Rules Football has no sets to win. The game is divided into four quarters, and scores carry over from one quarter to the next. Winning more quarters does not automatically win the match: the overall points total is what matters.

For example, a side might win the first three quarters but score fewer points overall because its opponent had a big scoring run in the last. The team ahead when the final siren sounds wins. If the scores are level in a regular-season match, it is a draw. Finals matches use extra time to decide a winner.

How does scoring work?

Each team attacks the goals at one end of the oval. At the other end are two tall goalposts, with shorter behind posts on either side.

• Goal — six points: The ball passes between the two central goalposts without being touched by another player on the way through.
• Behind — one point: The ball passes between a goalpost and a behind post, or crosses the scoring line after being touched or carried through in certain circumstances.

Scores are usually shown as goals, behinds and total points. A score of 12.8 (80) means 12 goals and eight behinds: 12 multiplied by six, plus eight, for 80 points. The other team’s total is calculated the same way. The higher total wins.

How are matches divided into quarters?

A standard senior match has four quarters. At AFL level, each quarter is scheduled for 20 minutes of playing time, with time added for stoppages such as injuries, goals and reviews. As a result, a quarter usually lasts longer than 20 minutes on the clock. Local and junior competitions may use different quarter lengths.

Play starts with a bounce in the centre of the oval. After a goal, the teams return to the centre for another restart. A behind leads to a kick-in for the defending team, usually from the goal square. These restarts give both sides chances to regain possession and set up their next attack.

What is a set shot?

A set shot is a kick taken from a stationary position after a player earns a mark or a free kick. A mark is generally awarded when a player catches a qualifying kick that has travelled at least 15 metres without being touched. A free kick is given for an infringement, such as a high tackle or holding the ball.

If the mark or free kick is within scoring range, the player can take a shot at goal. They may also choose to pass to a teammate or play on. The umpire indicates the mark or free kick, and the opponent must stand on the mark at the required distance. At AFL level, players taking a set shot have a set time to complete their kick, so they cannot delay indefinitely while lining it up.

Set shots are a key skill because they offer a relatively controlled chance to score. A forward who marks close to goal may be expected to convert, while a shot from the boundary or a long distance away is much harder. Wind, angle, pressure and the distance to goal all affect the kick. Players often use a consistent routine—steadying the ball, picking a target and following through—to improve accuracy.

How does a team turn scoring chances into a win?

Teams build attacks by winning the ball, moving it forward and creating a mark or open shot near goal. A clean mark inside 50 metres can lead to a set shot. If the defence prevents a mark, attackers may still score from a scramble, a handball or a quick kick under pressure.

Accuracy matters. A team can have more scoring attempts but still lose if it kicks too many behinds. For instance, 10.15 adds up to 75 points, while 12.4 adds up to 76. The first side kicked more behinds and fewer goals, but the second side finished one point ahead.

That is why coaches look beyond the number of times a team attacks. They also care about where shots come from, whether players are taking shots under pressure, and how often the team converts its chances. In a close game, one accurate set shot—or one rushed kick that becomes a behind—can decide the result.

Related Articles

• How Are Games Won in Australian Rules Football?
• How Are Championships Awarded in Australian Rules Football?
• How Long Are the Intervals in Australian Rules Football?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to win a certain number of quarters?

No. The winner is the team with the most points across the whole match, regardless of which side won more quarters.

How many points is a goal worth?

A goal is worth six points. A behind is worth one point.

What does 9.12 mean on a scoreboard?

It means nine goals and 12 behinds. The total is 66 points: nine goals worth 54, plus 12 behinds.

Is a set shot the same as a set?

No. A set shot is a stationary kick taken after a mark or free kick. It is not a separate scoring period or part of a match.

Final Thoughts

Australian Rules Football is played in four quarters, not sets. The team that scores the most points by the final siren wins, with goals worth six and behinds worth one. Set shots are one important way to score, but they are just a part of the larger contest for possession, territory and accurate finishing.