In the sport of Australian rules football, each of the eighteen players in a team is assigned to a particular named position on the field of play. These positions describe both the player's main role and by implication their location on the ground. As the game has evolved, tactics and team formations have changed, and the names of the positions and the duties involved have evolved too. There are 18 positions in Australian rules football, not including four (sometimes 6–8) interchange players who may replace another player on the ground at any time during play.
The fluid nature of the modern game means the positions in football are not as formally defined as in sports such as rugby or American football. Even so, most players will play in a limited range of positions throughout their career, as each position requires a particular set of skills. Footballers who are able to play comfortably in numerous positions are referred to as utility players.
Back line
The term back line can either refer to the full-back line consisting of the two back pockets and the full-back, or both the full- and half-back lines, which collectively can also be referred to as the defence, defensive unit or the back six.
Full-back
The full-back position has always been a purely defensive role, with the aim of stopping the full-forward from getting the ball and scoring. But, in recent times, where the ability to move the ball out of the back and down the field quickly has become a more important tactic, the full-back often starts a chain of passes up the ground. The defensive aspect of the position remains important, with the ability to accelerate and change direction quickly. Spoiling the ball is also of utmost importance. The full-back often kicks the ball back into play after a point has been scored, although some teams prefer a midfielder or the small back pockets for this role, freeing the (typically taller) fullback player to attempt to mark the kick in.
Notable full-backs:
George 'Jocka' Todd
Jack Regan
Vic Thorp
Fred Baring
Fred Hughson
Stephen Silvagni
Chris Langford
Geoff Southby
David Dench
Kelvin Moore
Gary Malarkey
Rod Carter
Gary Pert
Michael Brennan
Ashley McIntosh
Darren Gaspar
Ben Rutten
Simon Prestigiacomo
Darren Glass
Brian Lake
Matthew Scarlett
Dustin Fletcher
Mal Michael
Mick Martyn
Shane Wakelin
Tom Jonas
Alex Rance
Harris Andrews
Tom Lonergan
Zac Dawson
Harris Andrews
Darcy Moore
Back pocket
The back pocket refers to a position on the field deep in defence.
Back pocket players need to have good spoiling skills and usually, quality back-pockets are noted for their hardness. Back pockets generally play on the smaller, faster forward pockets and let the fullback play on the stronger full forward.
Some back-pockets are small, fast players, whose role is to clear a loose ball from defence or play on a forward of similar size and speed. Others are 'mid-sized' defenders, with enough height and strength to contest or spoil marks and enough mobility to fulfil the first role.
Back pocket is not an exclusive position. Tall defenders (i.e. full back/centre half-back) may play in the back pocket to match up effectively on a tall forward playing in the forward pocket.
Numerous back pocket players have gone on to coach successfully, including Kevin Sheedy, Mick Malthouse, Tom Hafey, Denis Pagan and David Parkin.
Notable back pocket players:
Wally Donald
Bernie Smith
Brad Hardie
Gary Ayres
Charlie Sutton
Ian Nankervis
John Rantall
Laurie Fowler
Mark Browning
Jeff Dunne
Andrew Collins
Glenn Archer
James Clement
Shane Parker
David Wirrpanda
Michael Green
Chris Johnson
Ang Christou
Gavin Wanganeen
Darren Milburn
Campbell Brown
Ben Hart
Daniel Edwards
Dale Morris
Half-back line
The half-back line consists of two half-back flankers and the centre half-back. The role of centre half-back has remained largely unmodified throughout the years. The centre half-back dominates play to a significant extent, and hence is considered a key position in defence.