- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
If a foreigner judged Australian sports fans unity and diversity by viewing comments on The Roar alone, they would get the unfortunate impression that Australia is a nation that looks to establish its sporting differences – not celebrate its amazing diversity.
No matter what code you prefer, I would ask you for one brief moment to sit back and think broadly about the quality and quantity of professional sport in this country.
Is it exaggerated to suggest that it is unrivaled by any other nation on earth?
First of all, consider the amount of choice you (the average sporting fan) possess.
At reasonable price and over a 12 month time time span; the following options are available for a sports fan:
1) AFL Football: The only native code to this country, combining sheer pace and skill with tough tackling, awesome marks and at times perhaps the best and most unique atmosphere you are ever likely to experience in a sporting stadium. If you have never had the opportunity to witness an Anzac Day Clash or Carlton V Collingwood game at the MCG, do yourself a favor and do so.
2) Rugby League: Two years ago, I had never been to a game of rugby league. Last year, I was witness to a cracking game at Etihad Stadium for the first State of Origin Game. The game was fast, frenetic and electrifying under the roof. I can only imagine of the opportunities New South Welshmen and Queenslanders receive with these games in their own backyard. A word of advice to staunch AFL and Soccer fans: see State of Origin or the NRL Grand Final at least once and appreciate the atmosphere and passion involved in these fixtures.
3) Football (Soccer): Long regarded as the “sleeping giant” of the Australian sporting scene, I believe football can grow the most of all sports in the next 20 years. I remember a few years ago leaving my Aussie Rules Sunday game and noticing a huge crowd of parents and children playing Football on the pitch next door. At a professional level I think the A-League can still grow; and I am looking forward to the Melbourne Heart clash with Melbourne Victory in October. The only question: who to go for?
4) Rugby Union: This is one particular sport I haven’t been able to immerse myself in. Although strong at my private school, I am hardly built for the game. No Super 14 team in Melbourne for many years meant that the game did not feature too much in my mind. Now though I am determined to get behind the Melbourne Rebels for the next years comp and already have plans to attend the Wallabies V All Blacks clash at Etihad Stadium in July. Finally, a Victorian sporting fan will have the ability to see pro standard rugby in this city more than just once a year.
I hope the same can continue for other areas in Australia.
Of course, I have yet to mention cricket, basketball, netball, motorsport or even … hockey?
I suppose the true diversity of our sporting landscape is fully realized when the average sports fan can attend at least one game of AFL, rugby league, rugby union, football, cricket, basketball, netball and hockey during the year.
If that’s something our great nation cant unite together behind, then I don’t know what can!
What’s your best bet? For great odds on all your favourite sports check out PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.