Presidents and CEOs of the Sydney Roosters

Presidents and CEOs of the Sydney Roosters

A Glossary of Footy Terms for the Roosters Faithful

G’day, Roosters fans. Whether you’re a die-hard who remembers the glory days at the Sydney Cricket Ground or a newer member catching every game at Allianz Stadium, the language of footy can sometimes feel like a secret code. We’re not talking about rugby league here—we’re talking about the other great Australian game: Aussie Rules. As the Roosters compete in the NRL, it’s worth knowing the lingo that keeps the footy world spinning. From the bounce of the ball to the final siren, here’s your guide to the key terms of Australian rules football.

Glossary of Aussie Rules Terms

AFL

The Australian Football League. This is the top-flight professional competition in the country, similar to how the NRL is the pinnacle for rugby league. When you hear about the "AFL season," think of it like the NRL Premiership race.

AFLW

The women’s professional league, run by the AFL. Just as the NRLW has grown the women’s game in rugby league, the AFLW has done the same for footy. It’s a separate competition with its own season and Grand Final.

Behind

A score worth one point. If the ball goes through the big sticks (the goal posts) but is touched on the way, or goes through the smaller outer posts, it’s a behind. Think of it like a field goal in rugby league—it’s good, but not as good as a try. Example: "A team might score a goal, but in footy, that’s six points, not four."

Centre Bounce

The way play restarts at the centre of the ground after a goal. The umpire bounces the ball, and two ruckmen leap to tap it to their teammates. It’s like a scrum in rugby league, but with more airtime and less grappling.

Disposal

Any time a player kicks or handballs the football. A "disposal" is the basic unit of possession. In rugby league, you’d call it a pass or a kick; in footy, it’s a disposal. If a player has 30 disposals, they’ve been busy.

Draft

The annual player selection system where clubs pick young talent from across the country. It’s like the NRL Draft, but for footy. The draft is where future stars are born.

Finals

The post-season series of games that decides the Premier. The top eight teams on the ladder make it, playing a format that includes a double chance for top-four sides. It’s the footy equivalent of the NRL’s finals series—every game is a sudden-death thriller.

Free Kick

A penalty awarded to a player when an opponent breaks a rule (like holding the man or high contact). It’s like a penalty in rugby league, but in footy, it stops play immediately and the player gets a kick.

Goal

The big prize: six points. Kicking the ball through the two tall posts without it being touched scores a goal. It’s the footy equivalent of a try in rugby league, but worth more on the scoreboard.

Handball

A method of passing the ball by holding it in one hand and punching it with the other fist. In rugby league, you throw; in footy, you handball. It’s quick, flat, and keeps the play moving.

Ladder

The league table that ranks teams from 1st to 18th based on wins, losses, and draws. It’s exactly like the NRL ladder, but with 18 teams instead of 17. The top four get a "double chance" in the finals.

Mark

A clean catch of the ball from a kick that has traveled at least 15 metres. If you take a mark, you get a free kick. It’s the most celebrated skill in footy—like a high ball catch in rugby league, but with a reward.

Minor Premiership

The title awarded to the team that finishes first on the ladder at the end of the regular season. It’s an honour, but the real prize is the Grand Final win. Winning the NRL Minor Premiership is great, but the flag is everything.

Premiership

The ultimate prize: winning the Grand Final. In footy, it’s called "winning the flag" or "the Premiership." It’s the same concept as the NRL Premiership—the trophy that defines a club’s legacy.

Ruck

The position responsible for contesting the ball at centre bounces and stoppages. The ruckman is usually the tallest player on the field, leaping to tap the ball to a teammate. Think of it as the hooker in rugby league, but with more jumping.

State Leagues

Second-tier competitions like the VFL (Victoria), SANFL (South Australia), and WAFL (Western Australia). These are development leagues, similar to the NSW Cup or Queensland Cup in rugby league, where future stars cut their teeth.

Tackle

A legal way to stop an opponent by grabbing them below the shoulders and above the knees. It’s like a rugby league tackle, but you must wrap your arms—no shoulders or hips only. A good tackle stops the player from disposing of the ball.

Understanding the Lingo

Whether you’re following the Roosters at Allianz Stadium or catching an AFL game on the telly, these terms will help you sound like a local. Footy is a game of momentum, big marks, and booming kicks—much like the high-octane rugby league you love. So next time you hear about a "ruck contest" or a "behind," you’ll know exactly what’s happening. And remember, just like the chase for an NRL title, the footy world is all about the journey to that Grand Final flag.

For more on the club’s rich history, check out our section on history and culture, or see how the Roosters give back in charity work. And if you want to relive the biggest moments, our great grand finals timeline is a must-read.