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It’s official. I have to say it. I love AFL. Attending my first AFL game in my 21 years of life over the weekend – GWS vs Collingwood – I had huge expectations and I can honestly say I was not let down.
First off, the atmosphere at an AFL game is through the roof, or at least it would be if Spotless Stadium had a roof.
This is by no means shade being thrown at NRL because rugby league will always be my baby, but the general feeling I experienced at the footy was a lot less negative, hostile and cringeworthy.
Compared to the Panthers vs Storm game I also attended, where one man was hurling horrible abuse at the touchies, it was very pleasant and calm.
I felt very comfortable at this game and, despite evidently not knowing much of what was going on in the game, I almost felt welcome among the Collingwood supporters.
Questions such as “Why does the game suddenly stop when someone catches a ball, and why is that ref blowing a whistle?” and “There’s a difference between interchange and substitutions? What? Why?” were answered for me by my trusty knowledgeable friend, who also explained what happens if the ball hits one of the posts.
Well, colour me shocked.
The spirit among the fans was also quite intoxicating; imagine the look on my face when the umpire was going to throw the ball back into play and people around me were shouting “AAAAHHHHOOOH”.
By the end of it, I was chanting with them and, admittedly, I was screaming at the top of my lungs when Collingwood snatched that much-needed victory.
Speaking of spirit, I was confused as to why Collingwood supporters around me were all singing in unison after the game was finished.
“Don’t you know your team song?” my friend asked me, knowing quite well I had no idea what he was talking about.
“I don’t know. The Broncos don’t have a bloody song,” I replied snidely.
What a fantastic idea to bring team unity – singing a team song after your boys are victorious! Tremendous, absolutely tremendous.
Great team spirit, an excellent and friendly atmosphere, an addictive game, and seeing Dane Swan in person for the first time in my life, all have contributed to me being hooked to the game.
I don’t see why any outsider can view AFL any differently.
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