Apparently there were a couple of big football games on the weekend.
Clearly, I’m not a footy fan 😉 .
For those not in Australia, there are two popular types of football here … Australian Rules (the AFL or Australian Football League) and Rugby League (NRL or National Rugby League).
I’m not really into any sport but even I am aware that the AFL originated in Victoria, while Queensland (where I live) has traditionally been more interested in the NRL.
Over the past couple of decades the AFL has become increasingly popular up here in the northern part of the country; while the NRL has invaded other areas of Australia.
And I don’t like – or really understand – either of them.
Just as an example of how ignorant I am when it comes to football – this old photo shows my son wearing the jersey from one code, but apparently the football he’s holding is used by the other. I had NO CLUE until football loving family and friends pointed it out!
Grand Final Fever Fluff
The grand final for each code was this weekend, and it was a bit hard to ignore in my neck of the woods as Brisbane was in both!
In the AFL, the Brisbane Lions played the Collingwood Magpies; while in NRL, the Brisbane Broncos were up against the Penrith Panthers (PS we didn’t win either match!).
And before you can ask if I watched either game – I would rather poke myself in the eye with a burning needle than watch either!
Fortunately the husbear shares my lack of interest in footy, though he has said that he doesn’t mind the spectacle that is American football.
Football in England? That’s Soccer Down Under!
And then there is soccer – known as football in the UK.
It’s not as huge as the other football codes, however Australia was recently gripped by the FIFA Women’s World Cup which took place right here … and even I found myself glued to the TV!
The husbear and I surprised ourselves by watching our own Matildas defeat France, what a close game, which we only won after a gruelling penalty shoot out.
We were so hooked we even watched as the Matildas played England (a bunch of bullies if you ask me), and then Sweden, to secure fourth place.
Now that I have such a wealth of experience in watching the soccer, I must admit to a grudging respect for the game as I can see it takes a certain amount of skill.
Whereas AFL and NRL? They look like a bunch of thugs ganging up on each other; it’s all about the brawn, not the brains!
Footy During Covid
It’s almost un-Australian to not follow the football but there are a few of us that exist, I’m sure!
When Covid first hit, it was a tragedy to be sure. But what was the biggest story in the media? The footy!!!! What would Australians do without their beloved football?! Yep, I might have been sitting here thinking “It’s just a game …” but clearly it’s BIG business. The whole world ground to a halt and yet all that mattered was that the footy was cancelled. Ermagerd!!!!!
Thankfully life has returned pretty much to normal now, and that means plenty of footy. And cricket. And tennis. And swimming. And basketball. And baseball. And motor racing. And … yep, I don’t care 😉 .
Were you surprised to learn that I’m not a footy fan? And can we still be friends?!
PS I haven’t forgotten my Sentence A Day post … it’s coming, so keep an eye out for it!
Basketball v fun to watch tho
Hi D&M … It’s ok I guess ….
I’m with you Janet – I’m not very interested in AFL or NRL football but I really enjoyed the Women’s World Cup. It was fantastic to see so many Australians getting caught up in cheering on the Matildas.
And I happen to know June that you are also a pretty big fan of the tennis! Good news that there won’t be anymore late late nights during the Australian Open from next year.
I’m the same! I often feel left out because I don’t follow aussie rules and I honestly feel we are too obsessed with it. There are so many other sports or arts, music and hobbies that we could also be focusing on. The women’s soccer was a good example of this.
Yay Wendy!!!! Always good to meet a fellow non sports lover <3
Soccer is football to most of the world and deservedly so ie. “FOOTBALL”.
Hi Susan! Well there you go, I learnt something today!