As the cooler weather approaches, that means only one thing in Australia:  it's time for ‘footy season’ to kick in.

Australian Rules Football, otherwise known as ‘Aussie rules’ or ‘footy’, is a unique code of football played only in Australia.

Macquarie University Australian Football Club, otherwise known as the Mac Warriors, are looking for new recruits this season.

“The First Grade and Reserves teams are competitive teams. But the Second Grade team is perfect for someone who would like to give the sport a go for the first time,” says Club Secretary Ben Heard.

Similar to Gaelic Football, the game originated in the state of Victoria during the gold rush. It was organised in Melbourne in 1858 as a way to keep cricketers fit during the winter months.

Playing a unique Australian game is a great way to make new friends and keep fit in the winter months

The Macquarie University Australian Football Club welcomes all levels of experience to the club

Macquarie’s first Aussie Rules team was founded just two years after the University’s inception in 1967. Two students, Roger Sheeran (originally from Melbourne) and Jeff Ashelford formed the original club with just a single team.

Now the Mac Warriors have four grades: First Grade, Reserve Grade, Second Grade and an under 18’s team.

“I think it would be a fantastic experience for an international student to get involved as it is a uniquely Australian sport, and a great way to meet people too,” says Ben.

The team trains on Thursday evenings with matches played on Saturday.

“It’s a very supportive club, with over a hundred players we all go to each other’s matches,” says Ben. “And after our home matches we go to the Epping Hotel who are one of our sponsors, so it’s very social.”

For more information on how you can get involved, visit the Mac Warriors website.