4 Fun Yet Interesting Facts About AFL
What many people call football is known as soccer in Australia, and in Australia, football is something that you will find a fan of it under every roof. It is so exciting that there is a separate league commonly known as Australian Football League (AFL) as well as Aussie Rules and footy.
Australia is a country where it is hard to find a person who doesn’t love sports to the soul, and they love it because of the pure excitement and entertainment it delivers. During the footy season, it is no wonder to see people rushing to grab Carlton, Collingwood, Hawthorn, Geelong, and Eagles tickets because they run out quite fast.
Regardless of wacky facts and stats, there is a lot more interesting about AFL fans must know.
1. AFL is an Amalgam of Popular Sports
In the mid-1800s, three cricketers developed AFL as a combination of soccer and rugby. It is also said that footy is inspired by an old, traditional Aboriginal sport called MarnGrook where players have to kick a ball made with animal skin, feathers, and charcoal. Being a nationally celebrated sport in Australia, an AFL tournament is played by two teams, each of 22 players where 18 play on the field at once.
2. Throwing is Not Permissible
If you think that footy involves throwing the ball, then you need to educate yourself because AFL doesn’t allow players to throw. But, they either pass it to their team members or kick it. In case of kicking the ball, the players receive a penalty.
3. ANZAC Day AFL Match is Zealously Sought After
In the beginning, games were not played on ANZAC Day. But in 1960 after the Act of Parliament, the restriction was removed and AFL began to be played on ANZAC Day. And today, this is one the most anticipated game of the year with more than 80,000 people watching it in MCG and many more on TV.
4. Multi-Cultural Population and Fan Base in One Country
In some sports, it is hard to find a multi-cultural population. But when it comes to a sports loving country like Australia, AFL having multi-cultural population is highly appreciated and celebrated. In fact, 90% of AFL players are from the native community of Australia, so it means there are many players from different cultural backgrounds. This is the major reason watch AFL will make you feel comfortable.
So, which is your favourite part of AFL? These are just a few of those significant facts that many people aren’t aware of while still, they fall in love with AFL every year. So grab your favourite team’s tickets, whether, Fremantle, Swans, St. Kilda, or Eagles tickets, and don’t miss the chance to watch your favourite game in the stadium.
