The Australian Football League, or AFL, is the professional governing body for Australian rules football in Australia. It oversees the competition, which features teams from various states and territories. The league was established in 1897 and has grown to become one of the most popular sports in the country, attracting millions of fans each season. AFL matches are played on an oval field, and each team consists of 18 players. The objective is to score points by kicking the ball between goal posts. The league's grand final, held annually, is a major sporting event, drawing large crowds and significant media attention.