As another AFL season reaches its crescendo, it's an opportunity to reflect on how the Australian game has become such an extraordinary cultural phenomenon.

The game, which emerged out of the paddocks and fields of mid 19th Century Melbourne, has had many versions of its origin story told. One part of its history that is often overlooked is the role that organised workers and their unions had in the success of footy as a spectator sport.

Dr. Tony Ward is a historian based at Melbourne University who has researched this part of Aussie Rules history. He joins us for the opening bounce on this week's edition of "On the Job".

Read Dr Tony Ward's Aussie Rules rules thanks to the eight-hour working day

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