Ever since sport made its way into our lounge rooms, it’s been a popular matter of debate as to whether you’d rather go to the game live or watch it on TV.
Maybe you reckon there’s nothing quite like soaking up the atmosphere at a packed stadium, but you just don’t get the close-up detail that live broadcasts offer.
Of course, not all sports are equal; some fans who just have to get to the ground to watch a game of AFL might prefer to turn on the telly for a game of rugby. With that in mind, we’re breaking this question down individually for four of the biggest spectator sports in Australia: rugby league, rugby union, AFL and football.
Today, we’re looking at AFL.
Making the case for sitting in front of the TV is The Roar’s Assistant Editor, Daniel Jeffrey, while on the side of going to the ground is Weekend Editor Josh Elliott.
Let’s get to it!
For: Why it’s better to watch AFL on TV than at the ground
Daniel Jeffrey, Assistant Editor
I established in the first part of this series that I’m a fan of catching every single detail when I’m watching sport, be that NRL, AFL or something else. That’s something you just can’t do at the ground particularly when you’re watching Aussie Rules.
Let’s be blunt. AFL is one hell of a frantic, fast-paced (and somewhat confusing) sport. The TV provides you with the best view of the close-in pack play that is so common during a game of footy, but at the ground it’s just difficult to see what’s going on.
With that excellent view from in front of the telly, you appreciate the players who do their best work in and under. There’s been many a game where I’ve been in the crowd and assumed an inside midfielder had a quiet game, only to later discover he actually cracked 30 disposals.
Then there’s the umpiring. This is no criticism of our sport’s whistle-blowers – far from it – but decisions on the ground can range from iffy to downright baffling. Given you can only rarely hear the whistle, those decisions can lead to confusion in the crowd. Watching on TV, you’ll get to hear the explanation of a free-kick from the umpires themselves.
Granted, these are often as confusing as the free kicks, but that in itself can provide a form of entertainment not available at the ground.
Of course, many fans of live AFL at the ground will point to everything that happens off the ball as a reason to buy a ticket to the game. And yes, it is great to be able to see how teams are setting up behind the ball.
But I’d disagree that you get so much more of that at the ground than on TV these days. Today’s broadcasts are generously littered with wide-angle shots to illustrate what’s going on behind the play.
Just recently, in the Cats versus Crows game at Kardinia Park, there were a number of times when we were treated to an instructive long shot showing the structure of Geelong’s press. The same could be said of the Swans versus Hawks coverage, where commentators were quick to illustrate the impact a roaming Luke Hodge was having on the game as a loose man in defence.
There’s just no downside to watching on TV; you get enough of a view of what’s going on behind the play to keep you more than content and you get the best view of the action no matter where on the ground the ball is.
When you take into account the ridiculous food and drink prices at the ground, there’s only going to be one winner, and that’s watching footy on the TV.
(AAP Image/Ben Macmahon)
Against: Why it’s better to watch AFL at the ground than on TV
Josh Elliott, Weekend Editor
If you really want to experience footy, then doing it live at the ground can’t be beaten.
Is there anything better than the feeling of anticipation walking through Fitzroy Gardens on the way to the MCG – your guts full of nervous excitement?
Anything more electrifying than hearing the roar of the crowd live, being a part of it, and seeing the stuff of myth and legend real and in the flesh?
Okay, not every game is a big one, and sometimes you turn up to a mostly-empty stadium to watch a mediocre contest.
But even then it’s a great day out, with food, drinks and football. Sometimes a small crowd can even feel pleasantly intimate – especially if most or all are on the same side.
For those who like to really watch their footy, too, being live at the ground gives you a depth and breadth of vision that you can’t get on TV.
On the telly it’s only ever focused on where the ball is at right now, and that’s all well and good, but being able to look across the entire ground gives you such great insight into the game.
Plus, you don’t have to listen to whatever crime-against-humanity commentary team has been assembled for the night. That alone makes going to the game a winner.
The chance to connect with other fans – people you know, and people you don’t – is a great one. Yes, it can be a mixed bag of results, but it’s a unique experience.
Lastly and most importantly though, think to yourself where your best memories of footy fandom come from. Sitting on the couch? Not likely.
For mine they’re all live at the game, sitting in the cheer squad bay, hugging and high-fiving complete strangers in the joy of victory, swept up in the noise of the crowd.
Unless you can fit 90,000 people in your living room, you’re not getting that at home!
There’s watching sport and there’s EXPERIENCING sport. There’s no better TV for sports fans than the Samsung QLED TV which captures fast-moving scenes with ease. Every blade of grass is showcased in stunning colour and thanks to the Quantum Dot technology the game will come alive in your living room.
Kieran
Roar Rookie
Nothing better than being part of the groups bellowing "baaaaaaaallll" or trying to convince the umpire that the slight shove after a mark is worth 50 ;)
Nick J
Guest
I do think the Channel 7 coverage is aimed at children. Rarely do the commentators explicitly describe what we see which radio does a far better job of. Of course, what a silly idea given we can see what's happening. But we can't see everything, which others have already mentioned. The commentators could describe what they see, rather than simply calling nicknames and filling the microphone with emotionally appealing drivel. Bruce calling "you know who" or yelling "Cameron! Cameron! Cameron! Goal." wouldn't be a problem if there was something to balance it out. Replays are too often of something we won't forget anyway (a good mark) rather than the lead up to how that happened. Was it the forwards set up? Was it due to the midfielders' work? Of course, that's the benefit of going to the game. Why the broadcast doesn't try to better deliver the at-the-ground experience baffles me. Is it that the viewers want instant gratification and they already know how to appease them, or is it that those making the decisions don't know any better? Given the huge amount of money being paid for broadcasting rights though you'd think someone with a chequebook would realise that critique and analysis is a distant hope, but probably an expansive opportunity.
Nick
Guest
A few years back we had season tickets to the Gabba so every home game sat near the same people. We would all get there and say hello. When our eldest could not find a friend to stay with she would reluctantly have to come with us. She would sit behind us and do her homework. First time she did this she was asked if she had a test and she would say no they have forced me to come but they cant force me to watch. Whenever she wasn't with us all around would remark she had found a friend. One time when Brisbane were actually good enough to be beating Freo by a lot to a little it was all quiet and suddenly our two youngest started chanting "FREO" all around burst into laughter as they knew we were brisbane. These are memories that aren't made at home. And for that year every 2nd Saturday night we watched the game with "friends".
Nick
Guest
And when the tv commentators are trying to get a player the Brownlow and rave on about him even when he makes a mistake. Can't beat sitting there at the stadium hearing everyones comments and the shout of "ball" from all the opposing teams supporters. When we go to the Gabba its a three hour trip there and three hours back and most people at the ground go for the visitors but it is a great experience. Live is better but tv on a cold night is also not bad except for the commentators, ads and the replays trying hard to get someone suspended
Lofty
Guest
I could not agree more. The seating at Subiaco for non WA club members is very ordinary. It does put you off going. I had the opportunity to attend 2 games at docklands and 1 at Adelaide oval last season with good seating and it makes a massive difference to the enjoyment factor. Even more so with kids. You should be excited about the new Perth stadium. I was in there this week and stood on the edge of the oval, It looks great and it will be worth waiting for.
anon
Roar Pro
I have been to stadiums all over the world. The redeveloped Adelaide Oval is incredible. History, location, atmosphere, aesthetics, comfort, accessibility. Best stadium in Australia.
kick to kick
Guest
This discussion is by people who know love or understand the game. For them AFL works on TV because knowledge fills the gaps. But let me tell you I'm an AFL tragic who came to the game late after following multiple football codes in multiple countries. Living in Australia I tried but could get no real handle on the game's tactics or structures on TV. It remained an uninspiring jumble. Then a friend took me to a live match. It all clicked - the crowd roared when a player at half forward broke into open space 40 metres in front of the man with the ball and fans knew a breakout was on. And I could see it. I've been addicted ever since. But I have never met a person who has become a serious AFL fan without seeing a reasonable amount of live Australian rules first. For me its the most exciting football code in the world. But you have to learn it live. Compare that with a more regimented game like Rugby League where the dimensions and patterns of play are perfect for television. I now watch hours of AFL on the box and love it. But don't kid yourself that this is a game that naturally fits the medium.
anon
Roar Pro
Of course live is better, but these days you aren't competing with a small box, but HDTV and all stats instantly available. Plus the cost of attending has greatly increased for the most part over the last 15 years. With a few beers, food, ticket you might be looking at a $70-100 day out and most games are foregone conclusions. It's a lot of money for the added benefit of atmosphere (assuming it's close) and seeing how they set up behind play. Plus TV means there's no commuting time wasted, generally you sit in comfort, drink as much as you like. Live is better but pay for it in terms of money and time.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
It's in Barcelona, Spain — FC Barcelona's home ground. The El Clásico is one of the greatest sporting events in the calendar year. Just watch the first few minutes of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiD86dcf9ko I never got across to one while living in the UK, but I did see FC Barcelona vs Valencia. Old Trafford is better though. Just magical. Plus it helps being a United fan. :)
Sydneygirl
Guest
Nothing like being at the ground for atmosphere and excitement. But then like to watch again on TV especially when we have won.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Oh man, I've actually always wanted to experience Old Trafford. Any live sport in Europe just seems like it would be amazing. Attending soccer in Germany, as well, is also on my wish list. I haven't actuallly experienced the 'G. But wow Adelaide Oval is legendary. Whereabouts is Camp Nou, though?
Mickyo
Guest
If you understand the game, have seen live football or played yourself you can watch on tele and rarely be confused, if you go to the game you can see why players sometimes don't kick but go backwards etc, which you can't see upfield out of the screens view. I like both
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
The new stadium will be awesome. I'm kind of like a stadium connoisseur. One of my silly goals in life is to visit every major stadium around the world (if possible). My favourites so far: 1. Old Trafford — I arrived 2 hours before United vs Arsenal just so I could touch the grass. Sooooo good! 2. Adelaide Oval — just beautiful, but I'm of course biased here 3. Michigan Stadium — what a pile of rubbish, but the atmosphere fantastic. College football at its finest. 4. MCG — it's the 'G! 5. Camp Nou — just ridiculous this stadium. Match was rubbish, but the stadium was like the biggest cauldron imaginable.
Basil Fotherington-Thomas
Roar Rookie
I say what's the difference eh? Don't you know one can do both? When one goes to the footer to watch the mighty Fuchsias, one's driver drops one right outside, with a short stroll to the Gate, then but a short walk to the lift and on to the Room to purchase a claret or erm two. Plenty of TVs in there or if one is feeling really keen, one can plonk oneself with one's claret on the leather couch and watch the Fuchsia's winning through the glass. Otherwise one may pop into the Dining Room across the way for some pheasant or lobster or if one's feeling a little low brow, back into the Room and up to the Carvery for some roast - just like the working class eh? I say the trick is to know the chaps at the door of the Room so one's driver can come in during the last quarter to surreptitiously remove one to avoid any, shall we say, awkwardness caused by a little er over-imbibing. Tally ho and go you Fuchsias you good things.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Modern zonal defences have added to this issue. It's hard to see what systems certain teams are employing on Tv. I do enjoy the Fox Footy coverage, especially when they break certain game styles down using multiple camera angles (particularly behind the goals). I only get to about 10 games a year now live (most in Sydney), but I do enjoy returning to Adelaide and watching the showdowns with my dad. Adelaide Oval is just awesome. The best atmosphere in the country by a long shot — even better than the 'G. Just a sensational ground.
Basil
Guest
Nice day game = prefer being at the game, soaking up the atmosphere. Cold night game = prefer home on the couch, soaking up my heater and a short walk to my fridge.
Griffo 09
Roar Rookie
Watching the game on TV is alright for someone who understands the game very well as they have some idea what's going on off the ball and off screen, nonetheless I still think the at ground experience is richer. Furthermore, with the constant evolution of the game people need to keep up to date and I think attending games is probably necessary to do this. For someone who's new to the game it can be very confusing because they don't really see what's going on across the field of play. Living in North Queensland, there are many people I know who have only ever seen the AFL on tv. For those of them who have been lucky enough to go to a game they comment on just how much more they enjoyed and understood from watching a game live
Griffo 09
Roar Rookie
Wouldn't happen in the members! Beer is only allowed in bars, not the outer. Full strength though.
BigJ
Roar Guru
Adeliade and Melbourne are coming up to darwin soon so ill check thatvout live and maybe even do a preview and review article. Cowboys are playung the Eels tommorrow night at Tio Stadium cant wait. Live action !!!!
Yakfat
Roar Rookie
I've never heard Basil Zemplais when I am at the ground – that alone makes it an immeasurably better experience