Which code of football in Australia is mentally and Physically toughest?

Question

Now think about it in ways of direction of play,stamina,body conditioning etc.You be judge and let me know your thoughts please.

Answer 1

You have directed this question.  If you did not have to think about the direction of play and all the other things, as they are biased towards AFL, the question may get a fair answer.

Just answering on mentally and physically tougher would have been better.

Touch/Tag football

Mental. Have to think and find ways to get around opponents without being touched/grabbed. Rating: High.

Physical.  Does not have true physical contact.  Rating: Very Low.

Soccer (football)

Mental. Cannot hold the ball, so never really in possession, except goalkeeper.  Moving ball around field difficult. Rating: Very High.

Physical. Does not have true physical contact, but kicks, elbows, etc (foul play) can do damage. Rating: Low.

Rugby League

Mental. Have to be strong to continue running the ball into opposing players, and tackling them when they run at you.  If players are weak minded, they will be scared to run towards the opposing players. Have to pass the ball backwards.  Have to stay onside. Have to rely on the person next to you. Rating: Very High.

Physical: Have to tackle players to stop their progress.  Have to run back 10 metres to get back onside after most tackles (not on the 6th tackle or when there is an infringement). Rating: Very High.

Rugby Union.

Mental. Same as Rugby League, but with added complexitiy of continue play (not stopping after a tackle) and more kicking and therefore more positional playing. Rating: Very High.

Physical: Have to tackle players to stop their progress. In rucks and mauls you are trying to move all the other players in the ruck or maul forward. Scrums are contested (each side pushed against the other).  Have to jump for line outs. Different techniques for Rugby Union then for Rugby League, would say Rugby League is slightly more phsical.  Rating: Very High.

AFL.

Mental. Others have said they need to know of the players around them for 360 degrees.  This is the same for all football codes, as the opposing players could be behind you, to your side, etc. Have to see if team mates or the goal is within kicking range and sometimes hand ball range. Moving ball around field slightly difficult. Catch ball in the air. Rating: Very High.

Physical. Have to run around field more.  Do not really get tackled.  Some physical contact, not most of game. Have to jump and catch. Rating: Very High.

Conclusion.

Soccer, Rugby League, Rugby Union, and AFL, all have a very high mental rating.  I would say they are on par with each other, just have different aspects to master.

Rugby League, Rugby Union, and AFL all have a very high physical rating.  But, Rugby League would have to be the most physical of the three due to the fact of continual tackles, having to run to make the tackles, and then run back to get onside after every tackle.

Therefore, Rugby League would be the code that is most mentally and physically toughest.

Answer 2

rugby league is far superior to afl or rugby,they are fitter,stronger,and tackle hard,unlike afl where a push is called a hard tackle ,league players have to be mentally fit as it is a thinking game,lets be honest any other footy code(including gridiron) players are wimps compared to league players,

Answer 3

OK, my opinion would be Rugby League. I had a lot to do with Parramatta in the early 80's. I know for a lot of the guys how tough it can get.

There is also a lot of body contact in Rugby League than there is with AFL.  Personally I feel Rugby League is a much more mental and physical sport.

Answer 4

I didn't know they had more than one code.

Answer 5

I'd have to say Aussie Rules. The Rugby players are all beefy - but it is body mass for momentum, so when they hit someone in a straight line, they keep moving forward. Aussie Rules players on the other hand are very strong, toned but lithe and aerobically fit. They are all extremely fast, and on top of being quick sprinters, can easily cover between 15 and 20 km during a game (midfielders at least). I would also say it is mentally tougher because you need more awareness. In both rugbys, all your opponents are in front of you, whereas in AFL you need to be aware of more people (18 per side) in 360 degrees in front of much bigger louder crowds.

Answer 6

Australian Rules (AFL)

The players don't stop running for about 100 min

Answer 7

I'd say Aussie Rules is the toughest code.  It requires players to be the strongest and most fit in any football code in Australia.  It requires players to leap high and to run and take hits non-stop, you don't see that in either of the two rugby codes.

Answer 8

Well this may sound sissy but i truly believe it is soccer. When i say this i am thinking of top flight English premier league style. Players for the codes of football in Australia spend no where near as much time of their life training and conditioning their bodies to never tire in a ninety minute game. Tactically soccer is more demanding and players are always on the move creating space and opportunity. Unlike AFL where the ball may be in the forward line and the backs can rest.