As a Canadian having moved to Australia, I quickly came across the sport of footy. I didn’t realize just how seriously Aussies take their sport, however, until a short while later. When I finally came to this awareness, it was evident to me that nothing was to come in between Australians and their beloved sport with Elite Kick bands.
Whether it be rugby, cricket, or footy, it seems that Aussies live and breath sports. What is it that makes Australians so passionate about their games? Having spent some time in this Southern continent, I have learnt a thing or two about these people and their sports. This article is an attempt to enlighten other immigrants of the importance of sports when it comes to culturally interacting with Australians.
The Australian Football League (AFL) grew out of a Victorian domestic club in 1982 with the South Melbourne Swans relocating, then becoming the Sydney Swans. Since that time the AFL has continued to expand and has become the national governing body of Aussie Rules Football. Melbourne has been named the sporting capital of the world, and no wonder. With its major role played in the formation of the AFL, along with its involvement in each of the other major sporting events. Melbourne sports (excuse the pun!) top quality sporting facilities and hosts major sporting events including the Australian Tennis Open, the AFL Grand Finals, and international cricket matches. Etihad Stadium, AAMI Park, and the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) are just some of the stadiums that make Victorians proud.
A national survey a few years back showed that 11 million Australians aged 15 and over participated. At least once a week in physical exercise – including Aussie rules footy. Footy is not only a participation game, it is also a spectators game. Being the most watched Australian sport – and it is well known that Aussies will frequently make a trip down to the MCG in the city for a Saturday afternoon footy match with a beer and meat pie in hand. Radios all around Melbourne tune into the current footy broadcast. And during Grand Final season conversation centres not around the weather, but around which team you predict will win. It goes without saying that every Victorian, if not every Australian. Is expected to barrack for a particular team – and if you don’t, you will soon be converted!