During play, an AFL match goes for at least 80 minutes. The game can be disrupted by ball-ups, boundary throw-ins, free kicks, and after goals and behinds are scored, which extends play time. With all that considered, average AFL matches go for 100-120 minutes. But including when they are not playing, because of possible injuries and the breaks that occur between every quarter, it lasts up to 3 hours. Television broadcasts cover the game for this long, but may extend it for an extra 30-60 minutes if they televise previews, reviews, interviews, and, if the match is a particularly special one (e.g. Anzac day), entertainment and ceremonies, before and/or after the game.
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There is a 5 minute break after the first quarter, 15 minutes at half time and the third quarter break is longer than the first quarter break.
The actual playing time stops when the whistle blows and restarts when it's blown again.
There are 4 quarters, each of which have 20 minutes playing time, and generally go for 25-35 minutes. The whole game is usually around 2 hours, with breaks in between the quarters.