Aussie Rules Football

Last night was the season opener for the Lions, Brisbane's Australian Rules Football team, and I was right there to see the start of the season.

Aussie Rules is a pretty intense game, but luckily I was able to grasp the basics enough to follow the game.  Walking into the stadium the first thing you notice is the shape of the field, or pitch.  Unlike most sports, the field isn't a rectangle, but an elliptical.  That keeps things interesting, because instead of just worrying about the opponents in front of them, players have to consider  being tackled from all sides.  Add to that the fact that the players don't wear any safety equipment besides a mouth guard, and it makes for a very physical, fast-paced game.

Aussie rules players have been been scouted by the NFL as kickers, and watching a game there's no question why.  To move the ball, players almost exclusively kick - while running, watching their opponents on all sides, and trying not to be tackled.  It makes kicking field goals look like little league.

Have a look at the Aussie Rules Action here.

Enjoying the Game