Welcome to the Geelong Cats Insider glossary. If you’re new to following the Cats or just need a refresher on how the points add up in an AFL match, you’ve come to the right place. Australian Rules football has its own unique scoring system, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be reading the scoreboard like a pro. Let’s break it down.
1. Goal
A goal is the highest-scoring play in AFL. It’s worth 6 points and is awarded when the ball is kicked (not handballed or punched) through the two tall goalposts without being touched by another player. For the Cats, a goal from Tomahawk Hawkins is always a crowd-pleaser at the Cattery.
2. Behind
A behind is worth 1 point. It’s scored when the ball passes through the smaller posts to either side of the goal, or if it touches a player before going through the big posts. You’ll often see a behind recorded as a “single” on the scoreboard. Even the best teams—like Geelong in a premiership decider—kick a few behinds.
3. Scoreboard
The scoreboard at GMHBA Stadium shows goals and behinds separately, like this: 12.10 (82). That’s 12 goals (72 points) plus 10 behinds (10 points) for a total of 82 points. The first number is always goals, the second is behinds.
4. Total Score
The total score is the sum of all goals and behinds. For example, if the Cats have 15 goals and 8 behinds, that’s 15 × 6 + 8 = 98 points. This is the number that decides the winner—unless there’s a draw, which sends everyone to extra time.
5. Winning Margin
The winning margin is the difference in total points between the two teams. A 30-point win for Geelong over a rival is a comfortable victory, but a 1-point thriller is what footy fans live for.
6. Percentage
Percentage is used to rank teams on the AFL ladder when they have the same number of wins. It’s calculated by dividing points scored by points conceded, then multiplying by 100. A percentage over 100 means you’ve scored more than you’ve given up—always a sign of a strong season for the Cats.
7. Kick
A kick is the primary method of moving the ball toward goal. To score a goal, the ball must be kicked cleanly. If it’s touched by an opponent after the kick, it becomes a behind. Coach Scott loves when the Cats use precise kicking to set up scoring opportunities.
8. Handball
A handball is a pass made by punching the ball with one hand while holding it in the other. You can’t score a goal from a handball—only a behind. Dangerfield’s handballs often set up goals for teammates.
9. Mark
A mark is a clean catch of a kicked ball (that’s traveled at least 15 meters) without it touching the ground. The player then gets a free kick. Selwood was a master at taking crucial marks in the forward line during his career.
10. Free Kick
A free kick is awarded for a rule breach, like a push or a high tackle. From a free kick, a player can kick for goal, which can result in a goal or behind. The Cats have won many close games thanks to clutch free kicks in the final minutes.
11. 50-Meter Penalty
A 50-meter penalty is a harsh punishment for an infringement after a free kick has been awarded. It moves the ball 50 meters toward the goal, often putting the player in scoring range. At Kardinia Park, a 50-meter penalty against the Cats can turn the game.
12. Score Review
The score review system uses video technology to check if a goal was scored or if the ball hit the post. If it’s unclear, the umpire calls for a review. It’s a modern addition to the AFL competition, and it’s saved the Cats from a few controversial calls.
13. Goal Umpire
The goal umpire is the official who stands behind the goalposts and signals whether a goal or behind has been scored. They wave two flags for a goal and one for a behind. At the Grand Final, they’re the most watched officials in the game.
14. Point Post
The point posts are the shorter, outer posts on each end of the ground. If the ball hits a point post, it’s out of bounds. If it goes through the point posts, it’s a behind. You’ll see them painted red or yellow at GMHBA Stadium.
15. Goal Line
The goal line is the line between the two goalposts. To score a goal, the ball must cross the goal line in the air. If it bounces over the line on the ground, it’s a behind. The Cats’ forwards are experts at judging this line.
16. Kick-In
After a behind, the defending team kicks the ball back into play from the goal square. This is called a kick-in. The Cats often use quick kick-ins to launch counter-attacks.
17. Out of Bounds on the Full
If a player kicks the ball directly out of bounds without it bouncing or being touched, it’s called “out of bounds on the full.” The opposing team gets a free kick from that spot. It’s a costly mistake—something the Cats avoid in tight finals.
18. Draw
A draw occurs when both teams have the same total score after four quarters. In the AFL Finals Series, extra time is played to break a draw. During the regular season, it’s a tie—and a rare result for the Cats.
19. Extra Time
Extra time is played in the AFL Finals Series if the scores are level after regulation. It consists of two 5-minute halves (plus time on). If still tied, more periods are added. The Cats have won some epic extra-time battles.
20. Super Goal
The super goal is worth 9 points and is scored from a kick that goes through the goalposts from outside the 50-meter arc. It’s a feature of pre-season games and some AFLW matches but is rarely seen in the main AFL competition.
21. Scoreboard Pressure
Scoreboard pressure refers to the psychological effect of a team scoring quickly, putting the opponent on the back foot. When the Cats kick a few goals in a row, the crowd at the Cattery creates an electric atmosphere.
22. Ladder Position
The ladder position is a team’s rank based on wins, draws, and percentage. After the home-and-away season, the top eight teams enter the AFL Finals Series. Geelong’s consistent top-four finishes are a testament to their strong scoring.
23. Home Ground Advantage
Home ground advantage means playing at your own venue, where you’re familiar with the surface and crowd support. For the Cats, Kardinia Park is a fortress—the narrow ground suits their scoring style.
24. Season Total
The season total is the sum of all points a team has scored across the entire season. It’s used to calculate percentage and can be a measure of offensive power. The Cats often have one of the highest season totals in the AFL.
25. Finals Scoring
In the AFL Finals Series, scoring becomes even more critical because every point counts. A single behind can be the difference between advancing or going home. The Cats have a history of clutch scoring in the Grand Final.
Summary
That’s the lowdown on AFL scoring—from goals and behinds to the finer points like percentage and extra time. Whether you’re watching the Cats at GMHBA Stadium or following the Brownlow Medal race, understanding these terms will make the game even more enjoyable. For more footy basics, check out our guides on how to follow an AFL match and fantasy footy basics. Go Cats!
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