Last Sunday a big group of us went to go see the Sydney Swans play the St. Kilda Saints (Melbourne) in Australia Rules Football (AFL). The game was held at ANZ (pronounced: A-N- Zed) Stadium at Sydney's Olympic Park. The game was awesome, not only did Sydney win despite being the underdogs, but I was able to soak up some real "Aussie" culture. Being surrounded by a bunch of screaming Australian fans was really fun. It is the country's most popular sports, and judging by the fans, it was no surprise.
I will attempt to briefly explain the rules of the game: At either end of an oval shaped field, there are four poles. If the team gets the ball through the opposing center two posts, its is considered a goal, and is worth six points. If the ball goes between the outer posts it is considered a "behind" and is worth one point. Players can run with the ball (for only a limited extent- about 15 meters), and can pass the ball by either kicking or "hadballing" it. A hand-ball, is similar to a rugby lob (a backward toss). In other words, the ball just can't be thrown like it is in American Football. Interceptions are made through either a catch, or by grabbing the ball from the other side by a tackle. Unlike American football, there are no downs and unlimited tackles; even when the player and ball are on the ground, the play is still active and the opposing team can still try and get the ball. Needless to say it is a fast paced, brutal, and AWESOME sport!
Our seats were second row back from the field, so it was great vantage point to see the game. In addition, the fans made it all the more entertaining: In front of us was a ten year old Australian kid, shouting "Go Sydney!" for half the game, and behind us was charming middle aged couple who were...let's just say, animated.
Overall it was great day spent checking out the Olympic park (where the 2000 Summer Olympics were held), watching a "new" sport, and spending the day like true locals!
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OY OY OY!
I will attempt to briefly explain the rules of the game: At either end of an oval shaped field, there are four poles. If the team gets the ball through the opposing center two posts, its is considered a goal, and is worth six points. If the ball goes between the outer posts it is considered a "behind" and is worth one point. Players can run with the ball (for only a limited extent- about 15 meters), and can pass the ball by either kicking or "hadballing" it. A hand-ball, is similar to a rugby lob (a backward toss). In other words, the ball just can't be thrown like it is in American Football. Interceptions are made through either a catch, or by grabbing the ball from the other side by a tackle. Unlike American football, there are no downs and unlimited tackles; even when the player and ball are on the ground, the play is still active and the opposing team can still try and get the ball. Needless to say it is a fast paced, brutal, and AWESOME sport!
Our seats were second row back from the field, so it was great vantage point to see the game. In addition, the fans made it all the more entertaining: In front of us was a ten year old Australian kid, shouting "Go Sydney!" for half the game, and behind us was charming middle aged couple who were...let's just say, animated.
Overall it was great day spent checking out the Olympic park (where the 2000 Summer Olympics were held), watching a "new" sport, and spending the day like true locals!
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OY OY OY!
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