The Essence of Football

[Dogwatcher]

For those of you in the city, this will be on Network Seven.



THE ESSENCE OF THE GAME – A UNIQUE LOOK AT FOOTBALL

From Auskickers At The MCG To Hawthorn’s Premiership Celebration



THE ESSENCE OF THE GAME, a two-hour celebration of Australian football, will screen on WIN Television, Friday night at 8.30pm.

Produced by former AFL player and football filmmaker Rob Dickson, Essence of The Game celebrates the breadth of the game to everything from kids to country football and international teams and what footy means to them.

The documentary was produced in conjunction with the AFL to mark the 150th anniversary of Australian football.

Hosted and narrated by Nathan Buckley, The Essence of the Game was allowed into the dressing rooms during the entire 2008 season to take a behind-the-scenes look at what makes football clubs tick, building to Hawthorn and Geelong on Grand Final day.

Highlights include:

Never before seen vision of Hawthorn’s celebration with the Premiership cup in the middle of the MCG at 8pm on Grand Final night.


Unprecedented access to senior coaches through the 2008 Finals series and their strategies


Hawthorn coach Alistair Clarkson’s winning three-quarter time Grand Final address.


Jonathan Brown miked up during the Hall of Fame match.


West Coast first round draft pick Nick Naitanui and the lead up to his draft day.


Peace football team with players from Palestine and Israel


AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou said: ”The 150th year of Australian Football, our only indigenous game, celebrated the link between football in the parks and the communities, and the game at the elite level.


"Rob Dickson went to every part of Australia, and every level of the game, in 2008 to record and recognise the pivotal role that Australian football plays in Australian society today.


"The Essence of the Game is a wonderful record of a year in the sport, and the place of the sport in our country."

ESSENCE OF THE GAME


Friday March 20 at 8.30pm on WIN.

[rogernumber10]

ON Sunday morning in the northern states

[Drop Bear]

Should be alright.

[Pup]

Should be terrific.

If Rob Dickson has made it then expect a very good program.

[A Mum]

On now....

Just showed a scene from Encounter Bay Football Club and coach in the first 3 mins.

[Wedgie]

From the first 15 mins I must say Im very impressed, awesome show, goosebumps stuff.
If you've missed it so far, get to a TV now!

[Pup]

From the first 15 mins I must say Im very impressed, awesome show, goosebumps stuff.
If you've missed it so far, get to a TV now!

Very good like i suspected it would be. Similar set up to the Passion to Play.

Really liked it.

[Jimmy_041]

On now....

Just showed a scene from Encounter Bay Football Club and coach in the first 3 mins.

I remember him v Yank

Terrific missus!!!!

[A Mum]

I meant EB boys... and Victor coach

The show was really enjoyable...

Favourite part/s...

The Auskickers - Where it all starts.
The Tiwi lad who had a chance to play in a 'real' game, with his red boots.
The Hawthorn guy - who lost his friend the week and gave a speech to his team.
Shane Crawford running out onto the field with his little boy and hearing him 'talking' to him (Whose nerves was he really calming...lol)
Seeing 'saucy' coaching Victor !!

The whole show brilliant.

[Wedgie]

What can I say but WOW!

Well done to all involved who put that together, I feel like running out tomorrow and playing a game.

[Dutchy]

yeah was great, enjoyed the non AFL bits more than anything

Loved the Dad and Son playing footy in front of the car lights, reminded me of kicking the footy with my 5yo

pumped about footy starting next week now!

[Thiele]

Enjoyed it. Lets bring on the 2009 sesson

[A Mum]

Yes, was a good insight into why we love the game so much

And yes Dutchy that was great, playing football after work 'under lights'.
That little boys laugh was so infectious!

My husband got a big laugh out of the 'scene' where they'd filled the guys football boots with prawn tails

[Dogwatcher]

Hard to believe it, seeing as I started this thread. But...I missed it.
Glad it was good though, judging by your reactions, because Aussies aren't fools when it comes to documenting us.
If it's rubbish and over sentimental, we say so.
In this case, it seems (judging by responses on here) we didn't say "so....".

[Wedgie]

It was great, loved it.
DW Im sure you'll be able to get your hands on a copy somehow!

[HH3]

What can I say but WOW!

Well done to all involved who put that together, I feel like running out tomorrow and playing a game.

Its got me pumped...and the good thing is i HAVE my first game for the year. WOOHOO!!! Bout F#*kin TIME!!!

[hearts on fire]

Was this show a "once" off thing or is it on weekly?

[Rex Banner]

More of an every 150 years kinda thing

[kick it to your mom]

Anyone know where you can get a copy? Spine tingling, inspirational stuff.......

Great for a team to watch pre-season, or for a coach to draw on some words of motivation for his troops....

[Wedgie]

I haven't seen it up for download yet, probably will be soon.
I'd imagine they would put out a DVD down the track too.