So, you’ve settled in to watch the Magpies, you see a player slot one through the big sticks, and the crowd roars “GOAL!”. But then, sometimes, they kick it and it’s only a “behind”. And what on earth is an “over” or a “rushed behind”? The lingo of the Australian Football League scoring system is part of what makes the game so unique. Whether you're a new member of the Magpie Army or just brushing up, this glossary will break down everything from the basic points to the quirky rules, so you can follow every twist and turn of a Collingwood game.
Goal
The ultimate aim. A goal is scored when the football is kicked (not punched or carried) by an attacking player through the two taller, middle goalposts at the opponent's end. It must not touch any player, umpire, or the goalpost itself on the way through. A goal is worth six points and is signalled by the umpire waving two flags above their head.
Behind
Also called a "point" or a "minor score". This is worth one point. It occurs when the ball passes between a goalpost and the shorter outer point post (a behind post), is touched by any player before crossing the goal line, or is forced through the goal posts by the defending team. The umpire signals this with one flag.
Major Score
Another term for a goal. When commentators or fans say “they’ve added a major,” it means a team has kicked a goal, adding six points to their total score. For the black and white stripes, a flurry of majors is often what turns the tide of a match.
Minor Score
Another term for a behind. It’s called “minor” because it’s only worth a single point. While less valuable, a string of minors can keep scoreboard pressure on the opposition.
Scoreline
The way a team’s total score is presented. It’s written as three numbers: Goals.Behinds.Total. For example, if Collingwood has kicked 12 goals and 7 behinds, their scoreline is 12.7 (79), as 12 x 6 = 72, plus 7 = 79 total points.
The Big Sticks
A casual term for the two main goalposts. Kicking the ball cleanly between these posts results in a goal. “He steered it through the big sticks” is a classic piece of commentary.
The Goal Square
The rectangular area at each end of the ground, extending 9 meters out from the goal line. A player taking a kick-out after a behind has been scored must kick the ball from within this square. It’s a zone designed to give the defender a clear shot up the field.
Kick-In
The kick taken from within the goal square to restart play after a behind has been scored. This duty often falls to a team’s key defenders, like Darcy Moore, who use their precision kicking to launch a counter-attack.
Rushed Behind
When a defending player deliberately forces the ball over their own goal line between the goalposts. This concedes one point to the opposition but prevents the chance of a six-point goal. It’s a tactical, if risky, defensive play often seen under intense pressure in the goal mouth.
All Clear
The umpire’s call signalling that a player has taken possession from a kick-in and can play on without being immediately tackled. It indicates that the player has moved outside the protected goal square area.
Poster
When the ball hits the goalpost. If it hits the goalpost and then goes through for a score, it is always ruled a behind (1 point), regardless of which post it hits. You’ll often hear a collective groan from the Collingwood supporters when the Pies “hit the post”.
Out on the Full
When a player’s kick travels over the boundary line without bouncing or being touched. This results in a free kick to the opposing team where the ball crossed the line. It’s a costly turnover that Coach McRae would want to minimise.
Over the Goal Line
This refers to the ball crossing the line between the goalposts or behind posts. If it’s touched before crossing, it’s a behind. If it’s cleanly kicked through the middle, it’s a goal. The entire scoring system hinges on this moment.
Shot at Goal
Any attempt by a player to score, either a goal or a behind. This could be a set shot from a mark or free kick, or a snap during general play. The composure of players like Nick Daicos in their shot at goal is crucial.
Set Shot
A stationary kick at goal taken after the player has been awarded a mark or a free kick. The player has up to 30 seconds to prepare and take their kick. It’s a test of nerve and technique, often seen after a strong mark inside 50.
Snap
A kick at goal taken in one fluid motion, usually off one step and around the body, without using the traditional drop-punt technique. It’s often used in congested play close to goal and requires incredible skill.
Checkside
Also known as a “banana kick”. A deliberate curving kick where the ball is struck with the outside of the foot, causing it to bend in the air. It’s a spectacular way to score a goal when the player is on a sharp angle.
Soccer
In an AFL context, this refers to a player using their foot to soccer the ball along the ground, often towards goal. If it goes through the posts, it still counts as a goal or behind, provided it hasn’t been touched.
Handball Over
This is not a scoring term, but a rule that prevents a cheap score. A player cannot handball the ball to a teammate who is positioned directly over the goal line. Doing so results in a free kick for the defending team.
Score Review
The video review system used by the umpires to determine if a goal or behind was correctly awarded. The review checks if the ball was touched off the boot or if it clearly cleared the goal line. It can create moments of high tension at the 'G.
Goal Umpire
The official stationed at each end of the ground whose primary job is to signal scores (goals and behinds) with their flags. They are the ultimate arbiters of whether the six points or one point is awarded.
Scoreboard Pressure
The psychological advantage a team gains by consistently adding scores, even if they are behinds. It forces the opposition to take risks and can lead to mistakes. Applying relentless scoreboard pressure is a hallmark of a strong team.
Behind the Play
An incident that occurs away from where the ball is currently being contested. While not directly a scoring term, free kicks awarded behind the play can lead to a direct shot at goal, changing the game's momentum.
Playing On
After a mark or free kick is awarded, a player can choose to “play on” immediately instead of taking their set shot. This means they forfeit their protected status and can be tackled. It’s a tactic used to catch the defence off guard.
After the Siren
A kick for goal taken after the quarter-ending or game-ending siren has sounded. If the player has already taken their mark or been awarded a free kick before the siren, they are allowed to take their shot. It’s one of the most dramatic moments in football, capable of deciding an Anzac Day clash.
Understanding these terms unlocks a deeper appreciation for the strategy and drama of every match. From the roar for a goal to the groan for a poster, each scoring moment tells a story. Now that you know a behind from a banana kick, you can fully engage with the brilliant, chaotic scoring system that makes our game so special. For more on the rules and history of the club, dive into our guide on understanding Collingwood in the AFL.
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