Australian Rules Football, commonly known as Aussie Rules or AFL, is a popular sport in Australia characterized by its fast-paced, high-scoring nature and unique rules. Over the years, several films have been made that revolve around the theme of Australian Rules Football, showcasing the passion, drama, and excitement associated with the sport.
“The Club”, 1994
Director: Brenton Spencer
This Australian film directed by Bruce Beresford follows the behind-the-scenes drama of a fictional Australian Rules Football club as they navigate through power struggles, politics, and personal conflicts.
Starring: J.H. Wyman, Kim Coates, Andrea Roth, Rino Romano, Zack Ward, Kelli Taylor, Matthew Ferguson, Paul Popowich, Nicole Stoffman, Colin D. Simpson, Hillary Goldhar;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: horror;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4,4;
More information about the film “The Club” on the website imdb.com
“The Final Winter”, 2007
Director: Brian Andrews, Jane Forrest
Directed by Brian Andrews, this film tells the story of a former Australian Rules Football player who returns to his hometown to confront his past and reconnect with his community.
Starring: Matthew Nable, Nathaniel Dean, Matthew Johns, John Jarratt, Raelee Hill, Conrad Coleby, Michelle Langstone, Kate Mulvany, Brad Johns, Scott Lowe, Bob Baines, Jessica Turner, Katie Nazer-Hennings, Tiarnie Coupland, Anthony Coffee, Damian De Montemas, Genevieve Hegney, John Walton, Dylan Rayner, Tom Walters, Gareth Robson, Kevin Golsby, Terry Serio, Ivan Cleary, Mick Roughan, Les Johns, Roy Masters, Thomas Keneally, Peter Peters, Fred Hastings, Adam Bertoli, Phil Seubert, Dan Hopkins, Craig Hancock, Aaron Nable, Chris Hodson, Dave Perry, Phil Malligan, Phil Jackett, Danny Russell, Mark Nascimento, Danny McMurray, John Brisby, Dave Nable, Ian Sattler, Henry Nable, Sam Murphy, John Lacey, George Jones, Jason Anderson, Stuey Marker, Tim Murphy, Anthony Collela, Justin Cook, Matt Millard, Scott Goodwin, Jimmy Smith, Adam Corrigan, Adam Smillie, John Zollo, Sean Barnacle, Stuart Alcock, Steven Lyons, Jerome Curll, Doug Keen, Andrew Hartley, James Curll, Tommy Raudonikis, Noel Kelly, Phil Sigsworth, Terry Randal, Max Krilich, Steve O'Brien, Barry Vining, John Coffey;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, sport;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “The Final Winter” on the website imdb.com
“Footy Legends”, 2006
Director: Khoa Do
Directed by Khoa Do, this comedy-drama follows the journey of a group of friends who form an Australian Rules Football team in a bid to win a local competition and overcome personal challenges.
Starring: Anh Do, Angus Sampson, Lisa Saggers, Tom Simmons, Brett MacDouall, Claudia Karvan, Hien Nguyen, Kevin Vo, Jason McGoldrick, Steven Rooke, Paul Nakad, Susan O'Brien, Holly Austin, Shane McDonald, Tristian Fereti, Blayde Foley, Dao Minh Sinh, Les Dayman, Elizabeth Gentle, Daniela Italiano, Mick Meredith, John Cottam, Rodney Anderson, Lochie Ryan, Georgia Adamson, Maret Archer, Zoe Houghton, Emma Lung, Tim Bailey, Greg Poppleton, Suzanne Do, Xavier Do, Walter Grkovic, Rowan Woods, Peter Phelps, Hien Dang, Luke Peters, Michael Fletcher, Matt Potter, Joe Le, Nicholas Hatzinikolaou, Matthew Johns, Andrew Voss, Mario Fenech, Adam Ritson, Bradley Clyde, Gary Larson, Cliff Lyons, Rod Wishart, Brett Kenny, Anthony Jensen, Allan Peter Young, Murray Harman, Ian Nicoll, Patrick Mazza, Peter Te Hau, Bryce Youngman, Stephen Hodge, Ben Wood, Sam Isaacs, James Deeth, Putu Winchester, Riz Maharaj, Damion Hunter, Jason Roumanos, Daniel Felkai, Cameron Burke, Andrew Culnane, Rob Stepanovich, Marion D. Baird, Nhuy Pham, Stephen Slattery, Sarah Vongmany, Tu Le, Phil Keenan, Paul Norris, Kim Nguyen, Terry Hogan, Lachlan Ryan, Tom Bromhead, Ivan Topic;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, comedy, sport;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,9;
More information about the film “Footy Legends” on the website imdb.com
“Australian Rules”, 2002
Director: Paul Goldman
Based on the novel “Deadly, Unna?” by Phillip Gwynne, this film directed by Paul Goldman explores themes of racism, friendship, and identity within the context of a small Australian Rules Football-loving community.
Starring: Nathan Phillips, Luke Carroll, Lisa Flanagan, Tom Budge, Simon Westaway, Celia Ireland, Kevin Harrington, Martin Vaughan, Tony Briggs, Brian Torry, Max Fairchild, Eileen Darley, Paul Simpson, Denis Noble, Kelton Pell, Jonathan Tabaka, Reece Horner, James Alberts, Michael Habib, Catherine Hughes, Hannah-Claire Koblar, Harrison Gilbertson, Franchesca Cubillo, Paul Eadon, Adam Morgan, Matthew Cooper, Natasha Drewniak, Gabby Gwynne, Zachary Hender-Hill, Kerron Miller, Nick Readman, Vanessa de Largie, Beejan Land, Andrea Reid, Natasha Wanganeen;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, melodrama, sport;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Australian Rules” on the website imdb.com
“The Merger”, 2018
Director: Mark Grentell
Directed by Mark Grentell, this comedy-drama follows the story of a struggling Australian Rules Football team that decides to recruit refugees to boost their chances of success, leading to unexpected challenges and heartwarming moments.
Starring: Damian Callinan, Kate Mulvany, John Howard, Rafferty Grierson, Fayssal Bazzi, Nick Cody, Josh McConville, Penny Cook, Angus McLaren, Stephen Hunter, Ben Knight, Sahil Saluja, Zenia Starr, Francis Kamara, Harry Tseng, Aaron Gocs, Michelle Brasier, Di Lovett, Gavin Baskerville, Stephen Holt, Alf Dudley, Gemma Atkinson, Stephanie Van Lieshout, Waseem Khan, Danny McGinlay, Matthew Humphrey, Joshua Steadman, Adam Drummond, Justin Graham, Haya Arzidin, Dimah Hamka, Matthew Olsen, Chris Ward, Mackenzie Leddin, Rob Lloyd, Mathew Davidson, Jamie Way, Bill Robertson, Lucia Smyrk, Alison Plasto, Abu Kebe, Daniel Brunskill, Julius Mata, Tariku Fitzgerald-Holmes, Dane Simpson, Tim Lancaster, Rivas Khiro, Khato Izaldeen, Anthony Moffatt, Stevie Fortune;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, comedy, sport;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “The Merger” on the website imdb.com
In conclusion, films about Australian Rules football offer a captivating glimpse into the unique culture and passion surrounding this beloved sport in Australia. Through compelling storytelling and dynamic characters, these films not only entertain audiences but also shed light on the values of teamwork, perseverance, and community that are deeply ingrained in the sport. Whether showcasing the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, these movies celebrate the spirit of Australian Rules football and its enduring impact on players and fans alike.
