Australian football, also known as AFL, is a physically demanding sport that requires a combination of skills, physical attributes, and mental toughness. Overall, it is someone who possesses a combination of these attributes, and who can apply them effectively during competition.

Australian football is a physically demanding sport Australian football is a physically demanding sport

Some of the key attributes of a great Australian football player include:

  • Speed and agility: Australian football is a fast-paced sport, so a great player must have speed and agility to keep up with the play and make quick decisions.
  • Endurance: Australian football can be physically demanding, and a great player must have the endurance to maintain a high intensity throughout a game.
  • Strength: A great player must have the strength to compete for the ball and make powerful tackles.
  • Kicking accuracy: Kicking accuracy is a crucial skill in Australian football, and a great player must have the ability to kick the ball accurately and consistently, to teammates and when kicking for goal.
  • Ball handling skills: Good ball handling skills are essential in Australian football, and a great player must have the ability to catch and dispose of the ball quickly and effectively.
  • Mental toughness: Australian football can be a mentally demanding sport, and a great player must have the mental toughness to perform at their best under pressure.
  • Tactical awareness: A great player must have a deep understanding of the game and be able to read and react to different situations on the field.
  • Versatility and Consistency: A great player must have the versatility to play a variety of positions and roles on the field, and consistently perform at a high level, even under pressure.

How important are each of these factors? See our survey of which factors make successful AFL players?