Today is all about the big game. The Mighty Hawks (our adopted AFL Team Hawthorn), vs West Coast Eagles. Aussie Footy is a fusion of many games which produces a fast all action spectacle with high scores and no certainty of a winner until the final whistle. It appears that the rules are on a need to know basis, so only the players and umpires are in the know. The Aussie fans certainly don't know the rules, so what chance had we as mere Brits.
We had a lie in and a restful morning at Chloe's before the short train ride to Richmond for lunch and a beer to soak up the atmosphere out side the MCG before entering this magnificent stadium. Everything we experienced during this game was out of this world. Not only is it a spectacle that us men can enjoy but one for the whole family. Why can't it be like this with soccer???????
One theory is that men are as clueless about this sport as women which makes it gender neutral. Not to
mention that women have something in the physical sphere which seems attractive to them...........(the shorts)!
The outcome of the game meant that it was a very happy intro for our adopted team, thrashing the Eagles by 99 to 51 points, despite all the TV pundits saying that the West Coast Eagles were favourites to win.
Another interesting point was that during the game the big screens were advertising an instant $8,600 fine for a pitch invasion, yet after the players had vacated the pitch post match, we were all allowed onto the hallowed turf to play. This was a amazing experience with over 42,000 fans on the pitch and thousands of Rugby shaped footy balls flying around. Can you ever see this sort of thing happening after a saints match at St. Mary's???????????
After the game we walked into an area of Richmond famous for Asian fusion food and opted for a Korean Tabletop BBQ which was terrific before strolling the 4 miles back home - no chance to do this with the same level of pleasure in Southampton!......