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9-a-side footy

9-a-side Footy is a sport based on Australian rules football played informally by Aussie Rules clubs but not yet an official sport in its own right.

9-a-side games are sometimes played on half size fields that are typically rectangular with 9 players on the field at any one time, typically consisting of 3 forwards, 3 backs and 3 centre players. Often two games are played at the same time on a single Australian Rules or cricket pitch. Other times, 9-a-side makes use of the full space of the field when a full complement of players is not available. This variety is a more open, running variety of Australian rules.

A minimum of 18 players are required in total, but many teams field unlimited interchange benches.

Rules are the same as Australian rules football. Limited and non-contact versions of 9-a-side Footy are also played by both men and women's leagues.

Examples of official tournaments held under these rules include the EU Cup and Bali Nines.

Existing formats

• Rec Footy, sanctioned by the Australian Football League is the non-contact game.
• Touch Aussie Rules, sanctioned by Aussie Rules UK is the non-contact game played in the UK.
• Metro Footy is a 9-a-side game played on gridiron fields in the United States.