I always thought that people could only get crazy passionate about only one sport: soccer ⚽️
Growing up in Italy meant that I picked my favourite team when I was 5 (Juventus), following my uncle’s and nonno’s lead.
And I stayed with that team forever. I remember buying my favourite soccer top in 1997, the blue SONY one – still holding on to that – and watching every game on TV.
When I arrived in Australia, almost 9 years ago, I actually discovered that soccer was not so important here (with the latest exception of now being a new-found love to many, thanks to the Matildas – great to watch by the way!). Here (almost) EVERYBODY is mad about AFL, Australian Rules Football! 🏉
The passion AFL fans have for their teams in unmatched anywhere around the world. AFL is not just a sport. It’s a religion: biggest crowds, membership numbers – often dating back to grandparents – sponsorhip, TV rights, bets, merchandise, you name it. AFL was first played in Melbourne in 1858, so you can understand the deep history behind this sport.
I picked my favourite team as soon as I arrived in Melbourne (my first job was in Richmond, so it had to be the Tigers 🐯), and although I am still trying to figure out most of the rules, I totally get the spirit and the magic around the games, especially when you see them at the MCG.
AFL is one of the most exciting, skilful, tough, and fast paced games in the world and played by some of the fittest athletes on the planet, so it’s very entertaining to watch.
One aspect that I also like is that you would often see people from different teams interact outside the Stadium or even sit next to each other: there seems to be no hate and there is definitely much more respect, compared to what you see among soccer fans.
Tomorrow is the Grand Final, and today is public holiday in Victoria. And having a public holiday for such an event truly reveals the devotion and love of a Country for their sport!
May the best team win!