footy

It has been a rainy and windy overcast day in Warrnambool.  Not much happening yet, except a game of footy.  What is footy? ...you may ask.  Great question.  I might describe is as a mix between soccer and rugby.  With a bit of aussie explanation, the game is generally easy to follow, but I decided to consult Wikipedia for more clarity...

Australian football (aka football, footy, AFL... for Australian Football League)

Organized in Melbourne in 1859

- two teams (18 players each)
- Objective: Like football, the team wants to get the ball down-field and score by kicking it between goal posts.  I noticed a tall set (that extend to the ground) of posts flanked by a shorter set
- I noticed players usually kick the ball (which looks like a rugby ball), but once in a while will "handball" or run with it.  Handballing is sort of how one may pass a volleyball.. by hitting it with a fist.
- Players can't simply pass/throw the ball and must occasionally bounce it.
- No one team has "possession" of the ball... It's always "up for grabs", except when making a free kick or when a player catches a kick anywhere on the field.
- Tackling or obstructing opponents is good... Especially when it's a crikey mud fest like today!  Wahoo!
- Discouraged: dangerous physical contact (may result in penalties or suspension)
- No set positions on the field, but, six forwards, six defenders, two wings, one center, and three followers (and ruckers) are typical.  I didn't see as much rucking as rugby usually has...
- four, 20 min quarters that begin with a center bounce (also used after a team scores)

Well, those are some basics to get you and I started... "Our" team is the Sharks in blue and yellow.





Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 15, 2013 at 12:58 PM

    Shoulda packed your rugby shoes!

    ReplyDelete
  2. JenJuly 15, 2013 at 4:50 PM

    Haha, I was thinking the same thing... Unfortunately, they don't have rugby... or women's footy, lol.

    ReplyDelete

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