The nuts and bolts of Aussie Rules

AFL or Aussie Rules as it is more affectionately known to the wider world, has taken my attention over the last few days. Now the word affectionate, may be a strong term for my views on the game of the three I have watched, however, I can see why Aussies love this game.

Having watched the previously winless Gold Coast Suns - with the truly original eye popping logo... (pictured right) come from 30 points down in the last quarter, and win against Port Adelaide in Adelaide was bloody exciting stuff. Seeing the expression on the Port Adelaide player’s face when he missed a game winning kick – for lack of a better Mastercard expression, was priceless. If every game was like that, I could really take a fancy to the sport.

You have to wonder though, the narrow minded-ness of some of the Australian public towards the sport. Sydney, the largest city in Australia, has only just been granted a second expansion team. You would think Sydney would embrace this. Instead they are being so negative and pessimistic towards it because they think it is ‘rugby league’ territory. This is Australia’s national game. For Aussie Rules to prosper, it must be supported by Australia and not just those living in the garden state.

Aussie Rules is a non-stop game comprising of four 15 minute quarters. The players barely stop, and for a sport where the players still look as though they are dressed in the 80’s, it is enthralling stuff. The big hits, the skill that some of these guys have, and the extreme fitness (I swear one of these guys could win a long distance race at the Olympics!), makes it a spectacle.


If I was to support Aussie Rules, I would happily pick up the Gold Coast Suns (a new team where my family live), and root for them until the cows come home. Unfortunately, I don’t live in Australia and the lack of coverage overseas is non-existent. Considering you can pick up NRL games in the UK, you’d think you could pick up Aussie Rules. Maybe it is that stubborn streak from the like-minded Sydney folk who don’t want to share their wonderful game with the rest of the world. If you do make a trip to the land down under – whilst you’re munching a Vegemite sandwich - make sure you spread both sides to fully appreciate the greatness of Vegemite (although not as good as Marmite) (pictured above), make sure you catch a game of Aussie Rules.