VFL stands for "Victorian Football League," which is a semi-professional Australian rules football league based in the state of Victoria. It serves as a second-tier competition below the Australian Football League (AFL) and features teams that often act as reserves for AFL clubs. The league was established in 1877 and has undergone various name changes and structural adjustments over the years. The VFL plays a crucial role in developing talent for the AFL, providing players with the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on an AFL team. The league consists of clubs from both metropolitan and regional areas, promoting local engagement and community support for the sport.