In the AFL, each quarter runs for 20 minutes plus time on – which makes up for time occupied in stoppages, such as when the ball goes out of bounds, injuries, goals (or behinds) being kicked, or when the umpire is setting the angle of a free kick on goal.

Australian rules football was invented in Melbourne, Australia, and the first match identified as a direct precursor to the codification of Australian football was organised and umpired by Tom Wills and contested on 31 July 1858 between Melbourne Grammar School and Scotch College,

Scoring

The two tall central posts are the goal posts, and the two shorter outer posts are the behind posts.

A goal, worth 6 points, is scored when the football is propelled through the goal posts at any height. It may fly through "on the full" (without touching the ground) or bounce through, but must not have been touched, on the way, by any player from either team. 

A behind, worth 1 point, is scored when the ball passes between a goal post and a behind post at any height, or if the ball hits a goal post.

A behind is also awarded to the attacking team if the ball touches any part of an opposition player, including his foot, before passing between the goal posts.

The goal umpire signals a goal with two hands pointed forward at elbow height, or a behind with one hand. The goal umpire then waves flags above their heads to confirm the goal or behind to the goal umpire at the opposite end of the ground.

The team that has scored the most points at the end of play wins the game. If the scores are level on points at the end of play, then the game is a draw; extra time applies only during finals matches in some competitions.