Without a doubt, Australian Rules is the most popular game ‘Down Under’. Ever since the sport was invented in Melbourne, people throughout the magnificent country have been following and playing the game. If you are planning on visiting Australia soon, don’t expect to hear locals use the words “Aussie Rules”, because, to them, the popular sport is called “footy”.
Although the sport is a big deal in Australia, very few people abroad had heard of it. However, due to the internet, the sport is gradually growing in popularity across the globe, especially in countries in Europe and Asia. So what attracts these sports fanatics to Aussie Rules?
1. Gambling on Aussie Rules is Exciting
Trying to predict the outcome of an Aussie Rules match can prove challenging. Even those who know everything there is to know about the game, and the upcoming fixtures, often find it tough to predict a winner. When live games are televised, a lot of punters stop playing online slots to tune in to watch the games unfold instead.
It’s not just Australian bookies that provide odds for games, but online casinos based overseas do too, especially for big matches. Some online betting sites allow members the opportunity to stream Aussie Rules games live.
2. People are starting to play Aussie Rules abroad
Although watching the game is exciting, playing the sport is even better, which is why lots of folks in recent years began playing the game in countries all over the world.
People looking for a hard-hitting game with lots of action will love the sport. To compete in a game, players will need to be extremely fit. There is a lot of running, jumping, and tough tackles in Australian Rules, so you will want to be in top shape if you expect to make an impact.
However, the main reason playing the game has grown in popularity in other countries is because Australia attracts tourists and workers from all over. Foreigners often spend years working and living “Down Under”, and many of them, while in Australia, start to play the game. When they arrive back to their county, many of them bring a ‘footy’ ball with them. Some foreigners are just as passionate about the game as the locals are.
3. Irish Connection
For hundreds of years, Ireland and Australia have had a strong relationship. One of the reasons the countries are so close is because of their love of sports. Just like in Australia, Ireland has its sport called Gaelic Football. Although the players play with a different ball, the rules are similar. The countries often combine the rules of each sport to play a game called International Rules. It excites people from both nations, and millions of people tune in to watch the interesting fixtures unfold.
An Australian Football pitch is similar to an Irish Football pitch, so don’t be surprised if you come across Aussie Rules when visiting Ireland. Each year, thousands of Irish people fly to Australia to look for work, and many of them fall in love with the game while living there.
Although thousands of fans pay to watch Irish Football, the game is non-professional. Each player on any team will have to train regularly, but they don’t get paid for their service. On the other hand, Australian Rules is a professional sport. Pro teams in Australia often visit Ireland to scout for players playing Gaelic Football. Lots of well-known players in Australia come from Ireland.
4. The internet
In the past, enthusiastic Aussie Rules fans often struggled to watch games live when traveling abroad. Because the sport wasn’t big outside of the country, very few international broadcasters televised the games live.
Luckily, watching games from any location has become easier in recent years. You can find replays on popular streaming platforms like YouTube. There are lots of fan channels readily available online, so you can keep up to date on all the action, upcoming fixtures, latest injuries, and other team news no matter where you are in the world.
You can subscribe online to watch the games live too. However, depending on your current location, you might need a VPN to access the streaming service.
Online fantasy Aussie Rules Football games are played by people everywhere, not just in Australia. Playing these games is free, and it’s a great way to get into the sport.
The web has created awareness for the game. Sports fans are always looking for new and exciting games to watch. The players use very little protection while playing, and most players don’t hold back when challenging the opposing team. Sometimes, fights break out amongst the players, which adds to the excitement.
5. The atmosphere is incredible
Australia is a beautiful country with lots of stunning places to visit, but don’t be surprised if you spot lots of tourists attending an Aussie Rules fixture. For big games, the stadiums are packed with avid sports fans. The games are normally extremely competitive and hard to predict. If you want to see real Australian passion while in the country, you are bound to witness it at a live game.
However, you don’t have to go to a big game to enjoy watching the sport. You’ll find an Aussie Rules pitch In most towns and cities in the country. If you are in Australia, why not attend a local game. Just because there isn’t a large number of supporters at the game, doesn’t mean you won’t see the same passion as you would see at a big game. Those involved in the sport take it very seriously.
Summary
Figuring out the rules of the game can take time. There are plenty of videos on YouTube that will explain the basics, so if you are wondering what all the fuss is about, check a few of them out. If you want to play the game, then consider joining a few training sessions. Keep in mind that those who play regularly keep themselves in top condition. Each game is long, and the pitches are big, so expect to run a lot. Professional Aussie Rules players are both fit, and strong!
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