Swans vs. St. Kilda

I found this AFL game to be very entertaining and unique. The rules of the game are completely unlike any other sport to which I have been exposed. I loved the fast paced nature of the game and the frequency at which the ball changed possession. I immediately noticed the difference in build of the AFL players compared to the rugby athletes. The AFL players were much taller and lankier than the rugby players, but perhaps equally toned. The players' speed was also very impressive. I was surprised to see the coaches on the field during play time, and was impressed that they managed to stay out of the way during play. The coaches were running all over the field shouting instructions. I can't imagine this being allowed in the United States. I was also shocked to see that the game did not stop for injured players! The medics ran onto the field while the game was still in play. Every US sport stops the clock for injuries so I was very surprised by this.

I also noticed that the game field was a very round oval. I have never seen this type of field and I thought it changed the whole atmosphere of the stadium. Additionally, it created much more running for the players compared to the rugby game fields.

While we learned that AFL is not as popular in Australia as Rugby Union or Rugby League, I was impressed by the number of people who attended the game and also by the enthusiasm shown by the crowd. Both the Swan and St. Kilda fans were very passionate about the game. More so, I would say, than the fans at the Rugby League game last week.