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.
Gecko
Guest
Thanks Black Widow for the articles from a new-comer's perspective. Hope the pretty silly debate below hasn't put you off AFL. Actually some of the debates on this website are a lot more mature.
Bill C.
Guest
Here I was, thinking turtles had some intelligence. Maybe it's just the ones that troll the internet that don't.
Brian Orange
Roar Guru
http://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/2013-04-17/origin-big-kick-in
Bill
Guest
You accurately reported that you lied to your friend. Got it and dealt with it.
Punter
Guest
There are AFL trolls on the Soccer tabs, so don't feel too special.
conchie
Roar Rookie
Well, i am talking and you need to grow up.
conchie
Roar Rookie
Seriously can the mods moderate this clown. Leonardo You need to go back to the sewer with the rest of your mates.
The Black Widow
Roar Rookie
Possible response #3: "Mean Girls is one of my favourite movies". But I didn't say #2 or #3. I said #1 and reported that accurately. Deal with it.
The Black Widow
Roar Rookie
Don't put words in my mouth. I compared two games to each other and said one was more pleasant and calm. Done. Don't go looking for things that aren't there.
Bill
Guest
"“Don’t you know your team song?” my friend asked me, knowing quite well I had no idea what he was talking about."" Possible response to your friend #1 “I don’t know. The Broncos don’t have a bloody song,” I replied snidely. Possible response #2 "They have one but I choose not to make “Let’s go Broncos” the “Broncos song” because I think it’s terrible" I like communications that are clear, honest and accurate.
Leonardo
Roar Guru
Yes they have a lot of women on their teams too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-hiB5BRpfs
josh
Guest
Free memberships for changing your energy supplier. Try harder next time.
Leonardo
Roar Guru
You said and I quote: "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." You are therefore insinuating that NRL fans hurl abuse, while AFL fans don't because they are so "pleasant and calm". You are a fake. Admit it.
Leonardo
Roar Guru
I’m talking to slane not you mds1970 or are you the same person – caught you out again Mister Football.
Leonardo
Roar Guru
I'm talking to AR not you conchie or are you the same person - caught you out again Mr Football.
conchie
Roar Rookie
Collingwood has always had a huge amount of women supporting our club. Collingwood V Fitzroy in 1910 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwjz6lzwCKo
Dalgety Carrington
Guest
Who were? I think you may be making an assume of yourself there in the rush to try and score points.
josh
Guest
If you paid for a membership you didn't shop around, they were offering free memberships last season.
The pedge
Guest
Great article. Glad you enjoyed the game! Go Lions!!!
Domitian
Guest
Well, don't take this the wrong way but....they're boring.