From humble beginnings, Australian rules football is now played in supersized stadia from Brisbane to Perth, Sydney to Adelaide, with Melbourne steadfastly clinging to its 'spiritual home' status. AFL has become a genuine national force, with round-the-clock news and opinions, and spectators watching every move, both on and off the field.

As the code shook off its VFL suburban shackles, sponsorship flooded in, old grounds were swept aside, themed rounds became the norm, Indigenous players rose in prominence and women's footy came to the fore. And many of the original Victorian clubs faced a precarious future as the game was ruthlessly rationalised, nationalised and marketed to a new generation.

From night football to drug scandals, salary caps, 'franchise' teams and media proliferation, it has not been an easy contest, while some of the game's biggest stars – Lockett, Ablett, Carey, Hird, Goodes, Dangerfield and Franklin – have strutted the national stage, garnering admiration and controversy in equal measures.

Footy's Revolution is packed with overviews, snapshots and first-hand accounts from coaches, players and commentators on the AFL's remarkable ascent.