If you haven’t already heard, AFL is a sport that is unique to Australia – also known as ‘Footy’ or ‘Aussie Rules’. The AFL Grand Final is one of Melbourne’s most anticipated events of the year! Tickets are often hard to buy and are highly sought after, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in on the action and experience the atmosphere of the crowds. The sun is out, anticipation is building ahead of the decider and there’s plenty of activities happening around Melbourne to get you pumped for the big game!
Origins
Moyston, one of the stops on our Grampians Day Tour, is the birthplace of the great game of Australian Rules Football. The game is based on the traditional Aboriginal game of “Marn Grook” which involved the indigenous players kicking and catching a stuffed leather ball. Involving a large numbers of players, individuals consistently exhibited outstanding skills such as leaping high over one another to catch the ball.
The game was viewed by white man Tom Wills, who then brought the game to Melbourne to help cricketers stay fit during Winter.
Grand Final week
Melbourne come’s alive in the week leading up to the big game, and there’s a number of ways you can get involved! From Wednesday September 26 to the big day, the free AFL Footy Festival celebrates Melbourne’s love for the game at Yarra Park. The kids can get involved too, with Auskick clinics and a monster inflated footy obstacle course.
On Friday, cheer on the Grand Final Parade! Starting at the Old Treasury Building, players from the two Grand Final teams will be taking part in this colourful march through the city. Watch on as the teams, marching bands and roving entertainers parade through the CBD streets. Lastly, on Saturday get ready for the big game between the West Coast Eagles and Collingwood, as they square off as both teams try to win the flag. Don’t stress if you didn’t get yourself a ticket, nearly all venues in Melbourne will be showing the game, but make sure you get in early!
Here’s a list of some of the best places to watch the AFL Grand Final, including bars, rooftops and family-friendly live sites.
Enjoy!
It doesn’t matter if you barrack for Collingwood, West Coast Eagles, or you’re completely new to the game. The finals are a time to be with family and friends to enjoy the addictive atmosphere of the event. So get together, enjoy the game, and find out why Melburnians go crazy for AFL!
Info:
To find more information about the Footy festival click here, or head to the AFL official website: http://www.afl.com.au/
Check out the video below to find out more about the rules and how to play Victoria’s most loved sport!
