My Day at the AFL

[zipzap]

As inspired by Dasher's post about the WAFL...

I went to the Gabba last weekend to see Richmond beat the Lions. I hadn't been to an AFL game in yonks and thought it woould be a good opportunity to see it in a non-footy environment. Actually I used to go see the Bears play when I lived in Brissie but that was before their mega-success and the few fans thast were there had no idea how to follow the game or the team. So I figured that the atmos would be somewhat different after a few years of being educated about the finer points of premiership footy.

Bloody hell, what a joke the night was. Firstly the stadium was awesome - I had no reference points to where I used to sit as it has all been totally remodelled. It holds 40000 apparently but there were 30000 on the night. Obviously lots of members didn't show cos all the standard tickets were sold. We had to pay $46 EACH to attend the game (which was crap incidently)!! OK, it's ridiculous but we were on holidays and thought hang it, they must be pretty good seats for that much. But no, they were right behind the goals!! Such shit seats that the game was unwatchable beyond the centre square. To top that off we were in a no-booze area so we couldnt even smuggle in a pot of XXXX!

I thought the seats behind the goals would be cheapest as they are the crappest - can any of you who attend games at Footy Park confirm or deny this?

Anyway, the crowd made Crows fans look intelligent and dedicated, absolutely silent unless their team kicked a goal (which was rare) or took a mark. Every time a free was paid against them (even if totally legit) or the opposition was kicking for goal, they simply booed like sheep. And when their team needed it most their was no chanting, no cheering, no support. These are the reasons why I stopped going to the AFL long ago and it seems like nothing has changed. Admittedly it is a one team town with an NRL bias but still... And of course the Lions fans left in droves 10 mins into the final term. PAthetic.

To top it all off my wife got vomit splashback from some kid who puked all over the stairs, and unfortunate little guy in calipers.

A great night (pffft) that makes the prospect of travelling to Noarlunga today seem all the more appealing. Honestly, I don't get why people follow the AFL...