Commonwealth Football Positions:
- Full-back (FB) = The full-back position has always been a purely defensive role, with the aim of stopping the full-forward from getting the ball and scoring. The full-back often kicks the ball back into play after a point has been scored.
- Back Pockets (LBP/RBP) = The back pocket refers to a position on the field deep in defense. Back pockets generally play on the smaller, faster forward pockets and let the fullback play on the stronger full forward. Tall defenders may play in the back pocket to match up effectively on a tall forward playing in the forward pocket.
- Center Half-Backs (CHB) = The center half-back should be a durable player, quite tall and well-built. Along with their half-back flankers, center half-backs are the first line of defense, but also key players in winning the ball, and creating and assisting in attack. They need to be able to compete and take contested marks, and also run off their opponent to win uncontested possessions and force their opponents to chase.
- Half-Back Flank (LBF/RBF) = The half-back flank is very similar to the back pocket position. When a half-back flanker is attacking, they play like a wing-back in traditional soccer (or an attacking full-back), and if they are more defensive then they play like a full-back in traditional soccer.
- Center Half-Forward (CHF) = The center half-forward's role is usually the most demanding of any player on field, with a tall frame, good marking skills, strength and most importantly, athleticism, required.
- Half-Forward Flankers (LFF/RFF) = The half-forward flankers usually move the ball into the forward line along the flanks. They might kick the ball into the forward line, pass the ball to another player, or have a shot at goal themselves.
- Full -Forward (FF) = the full-forwards are good at one-on-one contests with the opposition and are the main target in the forward line when attacking. This means they can produce mass numbers of goals in a season or match. Full-forwards are typically both tall and powerfully built. As well as contesting marks with their strength, full forwards will try to run into space to shake off their defender and take an uncontested mark.
- Forward Pockets (LFP/RFP) = The forward pockets are designed as either a role for a second full forward, or for players who are smaller but faster and more agile. Like some back pockets, some forward pockets are like medium-sized full forwards—tall and strong enough to contest marks, and mobile enough to crumb the ball.
- Ruckman/Ruckwoman (Ru) = The role of the ruckman (or ruckwoman) is to contest with the opposing ruckman at center-bounces (which take place at the start of each quarter or after each goal). The ruckman usually uses their height to palm or tap the ball down so that a ruck-rover or rover can run onto it—similar to an NBA center at the tip-off.
- Ruck-Rover (RR) = The role of the ruck rover is to be directly beneath the flight of the ball when a ruckman taps the ball down, allowing an easy take away, or clearance, from a stoppage. Typically, players are not as tall as the ruckman in height.
- Rover (Ro) = The role of the rover is to lurk around center bounces and stoppages to receive the ball from a ruckman or ruck-rover and complete a clearance. Rovers are typically the smallest player on the ground.