Our History

Since the first recorded game of Australian Rules Football in 1858, the Australian Army and the Australian game have been intrinsically linked. Victorian Football League (VFL) players served in the Boer War and both World Wars, with 2 VFL players killed in the Boer war, 89 killed in WW1 and 49 in WWII. One VFL umpire was killed in WWI, whilst another VFL umpire served in the Boer War and both World Wars. 

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The game has been played around the globe by servicemen in all major conflicts as a means of recreation and friendly rivalry. It’s a great game, and the Australian Army is a great national institution, the two are a natural fit together.

 

The Army values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence are readily applied when playing Aussie Rules, and are demanded on the battle and playing field. The Army has a great tradition of playing and winning the Australian game, including a magnificent streak of eighteen consecutive national championships.

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