First Time American Coach Learning / Reaction to What is AFL Aussie Rules Explained

[@majorlaff8682]

Soccer is a gentleman's game played by hooligans. Rugby is a hooligan's game played by gentlemen. Aussie Rules is everyman's game played by supermen.

[@SadeCarrington]

You just described it in the gut game. It happens only in the land down under from a proud Aussie forever a.f.l.❤❤❤

[@ACFCEDITZZ]

True

[@peterhoz]

A combination of sports, yet older than all of them! First invented in Melbourne in 1857, just 20 years after the city was founded. In fact Melbourne Football Club is the oldest professional football club in the world of any of the football codes.

[@aynyce411]

This sport was invented to keep the cricketers in Australia fit during the winter

[@needaman66]

Codified in 1859

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Wait a second. Isn't Rugby from 1820? Please don't kill me.

[@mattcernjavic9999]

Followed by Geelong.

[@olly7630]

Afl was founded based on the game Marngrook, a game played by Aboriginals. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marn_Grook

[@steve8510]

Per head of Capita Aussie Rules is the most spectated sport in the world, the record attendance was back in 1970 with 121,696 spectators at the MCG, since then standing room has been replaced with seating and it only holds 100,000 people now. The Collingwood Magpies are the most supported club with home games averaging over 80,000 and a million plus through the turnstiles every season, they are also the most successful club of all time with the most premierships and the best win rate over 128 years of the competition. 🏳🏴

[@markrene6108]

They sat along the boundary that day to, it would be to dangerous today, gee it could of been dangerous back then to. But to see the Grand final, we would sit on the Southern stand roof, amazing they do now. What a sport, absolutely love it, imagine no football, l can't & don't want to.

[@SxltyAU]

100024 seats and space for around 5k to stand

[@NoName-ds5uq]

What a great comeback win that was for Carlton against Collingwood! And a great moment of half- and three-quarter time coaching by the recently late but always great Ron Barassi! “Handball, handball, handball!”

[@PBMS123]

Only 100k hahaha. NFL have a 72,000 person superbowl capacity.

[@NoName-ds5uq]

@@PBMS123I don’t know where you’re from, and I know little about the NFL but I know how big it is in the States. In 1970 the then VFL/now AFL was just a suburban competition in and around the city of Melbourne and got that many people to a Grand Final. It’s mind blowing how sports mad Melbourne’s population are! Even home and away games between clubs like Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, etc. will pull 80-90K crowds. The VFL has expanded to become the AFL and an almost national competition, when my state, Tasmania, finally joins. I can’t wait for that!

[@thebob3712]

The behind or point should actually be called a "fuck", that's what most player say after they kick one, usually from straight in front 30 meters out

[@ray.shoesmith]

The only sport in the world that gives you a point for being 'close enough' 😂

[@artistjoh]

It was invented in the 1850’s as a method of keeping cricket players fit during the winter off season. This is why it is played on a large oval - they are cricket ovals. The athleticism is because of the exercise element. Now the players are no longer cricket players, but it is still played on cricket ovals.

[@bibsp3556]

"being one with the ball" is literally the best way of describing how it feels to play a good game. God i love this sport

[@ChrisAnderson42]

Most of the guys playing in the AFL have been playing since they were 6 or 7 years old, they really are "one with the ball".

[@boomeraus0073]

Just letting you know that AFL is older then NFL, like 150+ year's old i think. It was made at 1st to keep the cricket players fit on the off season.

[@TheJonoRawker]

Invented in the 1850s. First official leagues started in the 1870s, 1880s, and 1890s in various states of Australia.

[@jimyoung6271]

The game is not called AFL. That started in 1990.

[@GenTzu]

Both are far younger than Gaelic football. While the modern-style games first appeared in mid-1800's the first reference to a similar game is from 1305. Actually the games of Aussie Rules and US Football were first held in 1859 (Aussie) and 1869 (US). Aussie rules was initially used to keep cricket players in shape, hence the pitch is the size of a cricket field. US football was modification of Rugby. The codification of rules that became US football (to differentiate from Rugby Union) were established in 1880.

[@michaelrossa3037]

@@jimyoung6271The AFL was previously call the VFL (same game) they changed the name because they wanted to make it a national game.

[@flamingfrancis]

@@michaelrossa3037 The game is named Australian Rules Football / Aussie Rules). Which League the game is played in iis irrelevant. VFL is the Victorian Football League which still exists.

[@katiescarlettohara]

What else is cool is that in a global survey done in 2019 AFL had the most female supporters percentage wise out of any sport in the whole world! I go to watch my team most weeks during the season and other than my son (who doesn’t really like footy), I mostly attend with female family members and female friends. We grow up loving it like the boys and now the participation of young girls in junior footy is growing rapidly. We now have an AFLW league and that is only going to get better as time goes on. I really think that also makes our game and the culture surrounding it so unique.

[@someonerandom8552]

I guess I never really thought about it, but you’re right. My father proudly and enthusiastically encouraged my love of AFL from day one. He’s from Perth originally but I’m a Queenslander. He was worried I’d prefer Rugby lol Either way it was never treated as odd that I was a girl into AFL or even Rugby. Dare I say it was practically expected in my neighbourhood. My cousins were always playing AFL in their sports clubs as kids (I’m a lazy bitch so I didn’t lol.) All my friends were into it. Now that I’m thinking about it, seems a bit weird that it took so long to establish a women’s league 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@barefootbooks69]

My mum loved going to the footy as much as me and Dad. My sister kicks a footy better than most blokes.

[@StateOfMinds]

There's another big rule that's missed by the video you watch and that's sheparding. You are allowed to "shepard" the ball carrier by using your hips and shoulders to take out opposition players within 5m of the ball (like checking in ice hockey).

[@DieFlabbergast]

It's spelled "shepherd" (from the act of herding sheep). The word "shepard" does not exist.

[@lu7812]

in my opinion, the best part of playing footy is the shepherds you give and get from others.

[@jenesisjones6706]

Yours is the best American reaction to Aussie Rules I have watched! Thank you!!

[@cherish762]

Natasha and Debbie do a great job of watching the same video explaining the rules.

[@MrJoey1971]

It was funny, don't worry most Aussie have a sense of humour.

[@ricardinho1484]

Lol yeh it made me laugh he thought he was gonna get in trouble for making a joke! I’m not that easily offended 😜

[@BayleyBlake]

We'd want to have a really good sense of humor in Australia at the moment... because it's a f%@king joke!

[@Kateyangyuqing]

When my cousins came over from the US once we took them to a footy match and they loved it even though they didn’t know all the rules (as long as you know middle goalposts is 6 points and side are 1, you’ll enjoy it). it’s just a fun sport to watch. Honestly I’m not really into sports but footy has an amazing atmosphere, it’s heaps of fun to go to especially. It’s very electric and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Always a lot going on, never a dull moment. And plenty of cheering! If you ever make it down here I definitely recommend going to a game. They’re not kidding when they say it’s a “big deal”. We have a public holiday for the grand final and everyone gets drunk. Footy a staple of the culture especially here in Melbourne. It’s like a cult following but where that cult is like a huge chunk of the population haha. Pretty much everyone has a team even if they don’t follow it!

[@tubester4567]

I agree, its an exciting game to watch. Not many sports get a reaction from the crowd like AFL. Other sports can seem boring if you have been an AFL fan. Like Rugby bores me.

[@arryxjalaxy2881]

Getting the ball to bounce right isn’t as hard as people think. It’s actually pretty generous and with a bit of practice can be done consistently pretty easily. The rule itself is pretty generous and pretty much just comes down to “bounce it when you feel like you’ve held it too long”

[@ChrisAnderson42]

The crowd will tell you when you've run too far without bouncing lol

[@markrene6108]

Practice both sides bouncing a ball, Daryl Baldock could bounce a ball in each hand as easily as one. And it isn't hard people bouncing a football, it depends how fast your moving where you put the ball down, it's called practice.

[@oliverfreeman1042]

G'day mate. I love that our sport is finally getting out there. So many Americans don't know it even exists and yet it's one of the oldest (official) sports. But I love your reactions and you obviously think about it more than most reactors out there, so great to listen to your thoughts. I recommend a couple of grand final highlight videos. Pre-Covid though. Not the same without people in the stands.

[@Chip_Cooper]

@coachtube 2018 AFL Grand Final was one of the all time classics...I'd recommend watching that

[@Rob-fc9wg]

THE USAFL was founded in 1996. It has over 1,000 registered players in 50 men's teams and 27 women's teams.

[@callummcneill6266]

@M suuuuuuuure

[@pompei1968]

@Joshua Philosopher i live in Canada. and I've never seen this sport on tv. nobody talks about this sport. explain why the real football has a world cup, and AFL doesn't

[@lemonleaf2966]

@@pompei1968 because it’s AUSTRALIAN football league

[@DanTuber]

The stunned look on your face as you're discovering this. lol. 😂

[@johnforster5312]

The Anzac Day clash of 2009 between Essendon and Collingwood was such a great match, it went down to the wire. There have been some really close Grand Finals too.

[@lancearn7332]

Hell yeah. I am not a fan of either team but this was a spectacular game that had me on the edge of my seat.. Great game.

[@kossend1]

The 2005 and 2006 Grand Finals were epic

[@johnforster5312]

I'm not sure what your point is. I like soccer also and actually used to play it. That doesn't mean that there isn't room for other sports in the world.

[@stevelozevski8151]

@M still going you door knob. There isn't even 200 countries in the world let alone over 240. Absolute Muppet

[@organicmechanic5150]

2010 absolutely sucked for Saints supporters.

[@cinnaminson0653]

I don't find the game confusing at all. Either through open play or from a free kick after a mark kick the ball through the goal posts. It's very basic this game. These guys are in superhuman shape. Respect from the USA.

[@markrene6108]

I don't find it confusing either, then again l played close to 300 games. Thanks mate for the post👍

[@mareky1234]

G’day there. To be clear and to be accurate. Strictly speaking it’s not a mix of those games you mentioned, because it pre dates them. It’s older than both Basketball and gridiron. It was the first football code to have a codified set of standard rules. In its creation it did take a bit from other fledgling codes (codes like soccer had a lot of competing sets of rules) as well as from Marngrook. A native aboriginal game that’s very likely to be tens of thousands of years old. That’s why it truly is the oldest game.

[@andrewh.8403]

Loved your reaction to The Mark. It looked like your brain just had a belief overload ! It still blows mine when I see a really good one.

[@barryschwarz]

"Picks off the intensity of a lot of games." That's a good way to put it. Though play stops briefly for fouls, out of bounds, marks and goals, it's more ongoing and free--flowing than many other sports. Constant action. It's a few months since you posted this, and I hope you enjoyed any footy you watched since. All the best from Oz.

[@angelametcalfe953]

AFL started out as VFL, with all teams except Geelong based in Melbourne. The origins of the game go back to the MCC, The Melbourne Cricket Club board were looking for some type of sport to keep the cricketers fit during winter. Aussie Rules was born.

[@amandast100]

Go Geelong…Go The Cats!

[@MeredithResce]

Actually there were 3 or 4 state leagues SANFL WAFL and VFL. Then they formed AFL to make a national competition.

[@cameronheidelauf9623]

Actually AFL originated from in the United States of America there way way before NFL was formed into as known for national football League because they decided to dropped off the a to n

[@Smokeyr67]

The VFA started in 1887, the VFL in 1896

[@trevorstrugatsky1172]

For our overseas friends it's worth noting Geelong is right next to Melbourne in the state of Victoria. I grew up when it was still VFL and to this day find it jarring to think of the old South Melbourne Swans as the Sydney Swans.

[@vaudevillian7]

From the UK but loved Australian Football since the early 90s, great to see you react to this

[@chriskelly9476]

You're right, it's a fast-paced sport and one thing the video didn't point out is that the additional stoppage time of up to 10 minutes is per quarter, not per game, so added onto the 20 minute standard quarters, these players could be running around for 90 minutes to 2 hours. For several games last season one of the midfielders in my team spent every minute on the ground with no rest (except for the quarter and half time breaks, of course), due to our midfield being injury-depleted. He is often tracked by GPS and averages 13 kilometres a game, and ran more than 15 kilometres in those games where he never came off the ground. These guys are supremely fit.

[@janmeyer3129]

Some of the rules are aimed at keeping the game moving at a fast pace. For example, a player may be penalised for ‘holding the ball’ if the fail to release the ball back into play when tackled (can be hard if it is underneath you)

[@AsterixtheGaul7]

Geelong Cats vs Western Bulldogs round 14 this year was a fantastic game. Highly recommend if you can find the full match, highlights will suffice as well though

[@snimmo]

Good skills in the game, though lacking atmosphere due to the COVID restrictions.

[@adencoverdale3756]

Yeah definitely the best game of the year so far. Unfortunately yes there was little atmosphere due to covid but still awesome. I’m bias here cause I’m a Geelong supporter but if you want to see the biggest gape between the best side of the year and the second best in AFL history check out the 2007 grand final.

[@anndeneka9305]

Aden Coverdale it sure was. I was in hospital for this final and after we won, we had a car full of revellers go around the hospital from night fall to approximately 2.00am, ( that’s when I finally fell asleep ) of very happy people cheering and singing. It was medicine to see and hear Geelong get such a boost, it will be in my memory forever

[@PhirePhlame]

I was actually pretty surprised when I found out that footy doesn't permit simply throwing the ball. You _have_ to handball or kick it. Also, to clarify something that the video showed only to not explain even a little bit, the scoring line is standardized to display in this order: number of goals, number of behinds, total score. The big scoring displays (i.e. just after a commercial break) label them, but the small one in the corner usually doesn't.

[@MrjokerYT221]

It was a great reaction

[@glitch2250]

Proud as punch to watch foreigners love this game. After all we've always said it's the best game in the world and now I don't think we're being biast haha. Glad you liked it! Cheers

[@AJHornet1]

Aussies are usually pretty chill about banter. Don’t expect too many dislikes there. Most of us are pumped that you are having a look at our sport.

[@julianaFinn]

Welcome to the greatest sport in the world my friend. Relentless, fast and highscoring (if played well) it's a thrill to watch.

[@Anarchsis]

Watch the 2016 Grand Final, also you should be able to get it live on ESPN or other pay TV during the season.

[@RickyisSwan]

I believe it is televised on ESPN. It’s played all over the world in an amateur fashion. In the states there is the USAFL which comprises 40 different leagues including a women’s league. As amateur, the skill level is nothing like Australian players. It’s more of a community get together and have fun type situation. This Sunday, (Sunday in Australia) The best match of the round will be between The Sydney Swans and the Western Bulldogs.

[@jackduncan7214]

Wce nm was better

[@RickyisSwan]

@@jackduncan7214 . Sorry I’m not familiar. Is that another broadcaster?

[@drunkill]

FS1 and FS2 mainly, 3 or 4 games a week . Checkout USAFL website for information

[@91Fusion]

@@RickyisSwan West Coast Eagles vs North Melbourne

[@RickyisSwan]

@@91Fusion . Didn’t see the game, don’t know why it was better unless you’re a north fan. I know it’s spelt the end for WCE.

[@Matthew24.4]

Watch - 2018 AFL Grand Final West Coast Eagles v Collingwood.

[@paulstephens7973]

One thing to keep in my mind is that a lot of the camera shots tend to be close to the play, so it can be hard to grasp the size of the ground and also the way the play at the forward and defensive ends are set up. Sports like Soccer, NFL, Rugby can be viewed in most of the tv frame because of the size of the pitch/field. There have been some very good recent games and I think there are chances to see full games or game highlights on KZbin. One thing to keep in mind is that we are in our winter in the southern states and that can sometimes affect the quality of some of the games. Games in Queensland are good at the moment because their weather is more mild at the moment.

[@markrene6108]

mate, it's a winter sport so it rains often. Which sport is as good in wet & dry weather, l can't think of one, can you? Also in the wet the hits aren't as hard compared to a dry game, therefore less injuries.

[@The_funny_dude]

I've seen a few of these and reactors always say "how do you know if you've gone 16 yards" this is the first time I've seen a reactor amazed that you can bounce it without it going in any direction.

[@Preview43]

It's always fun to see the eyes of a newborn Aussie Rules fan being opened. Watching with excitable friends is always fun too.

[@monsters116]

If you watch college nfl then you would be interested to know that the guy in the red in black that made the giant kick at the start his son is playing college nfl; dustin fletcher - mason fletcher

[@velvetandchester]

Finally got to it. Probably best to think of sports in America as they took one element of earlier games and perfected them in their own respect. Where AFL is all of those elements in fairly original form perfected together. As I have said I am a league baby but you gotta respect the physicality and skills on the move of AFL.

[@SerialChiller1000]

I can watch League but I prefer Union.

[@tomrusso88]

Legalized murder.

[@alec7568]

As an Aussie I love how he watches this and his reaction is: "I WANNA WATCH ITTTT!!!!"

[@Irish381]

This sport was confusing but entertaining to watch when I was stationed in New South Wales back in the middle 90s when in the marine corps!

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

It's a simple sport.

[@geoffmaloney2717]

@@dcmastermindfirst9418 it sure isn't. Took me three years to understand it completely when I first moved to Melbourne in the late 80's. Highly intricate that even long time watchers don't fully understand the game structures and gameplans used by different teams that change on a weekly basis.

[@taranullius9221]

@@geoffmaloney2717 I still have to explain to my Dad what zone is etc. and he's nearly 70. He has a netball view of how football should be played. Stay in your area with your opponent all the time no matter what. He also can't keep up with some of the rule changes so I have to remind him about sling tackle etc.

[@taranullius9221]

Which is weird because he knows nothing about netball and never once bothered to watch a game of mine. That's probably how he played footy when he was younger and is stuck there.

[@crystalrudy7089]

Being an aussie would love to see your thoughts on some more videos on AFL. There are some amazing tackle videos!!!

[@CoachTube]

Awesome, do you recommend a particular video?

[@franknyhuis6607]

@@CoachTube as someone else recommended, try the 1989 Grand Final (link above). It was brutal.

[@Smokeyr67]

Something worth noting is that the Grand Final isn't the only game at the MCG to get 90 + thousand, there are "special games" like ANZAC Day and the Queens Birthday that are usually sell outs, not to mention a lot of other rounds that get very close to capacity (i.e. if Carlton and Collingwood are having a good year, then those games will get 80k plus)

[@mattallen2801]

You've just fallen down the AFL rabbit hole, good luck, it's an awesome game

[@BayleyBlake]

Watch: West Coast Eagles Vs Collingwood Grand Final. Absolute Classic! You should also react to biggest AFL hits & Best Marks.

[@lu7812]

the trick to bouncing the ball is to make one of the flat sides near the top hit the ground so it comes straight back at you, and doesn't fully rotate. its generally bounced further in front of you so you can run onto it and the bounce will come back to where you will be

[@silverhand7748]

AFL is played all over the world. There are amateur Men's & Women's leagues in the US & Canada as well as all through Europe and Asia. In fact, prior to Covid there used to be a tournament called the International Cup that was played in Melbourne every 4 years. I hope it gets resumed soon.

[@vinorob]

I played in a UK based league back in the earl 90's. Go Wandsworth Demons

[@lu7812]

2:29 the 'three sections' aren't really used during play, they're mainly for the beginning of each quarter and each ruck tap after a goal. they used the 50s (50 metre mark that is the curved oval) for set up and giving an approximation of where the forward and back lines are, but they aren't used for strict positioning during the game (players can genuinely run anywhere)

[@davedownunder5056]

I like how you understood it…thanks for checking out our football code

[@thephantomeagle2]

I found Footy a while back. I love it. Super fast paced, high scoring, nearly constant clock.

[@shornesanders6634]

Don't know if it's been mentioned previously but watch the 1989 Grand Final between Hawthorn and Geelong. In my opinion, even as a Geelong supporter, arguably the best Grand Final I have ever seen.

[@TheJeffrie05]

The 1989 grand final is definitely the go to game to watch. It had everything from the first seconds to the end.

[@kathrynmichaelsen4687]

1989 was just brutal... 2023 was a thriller, without the brutality

[@blueycarlton]

Funfact During WW2 a hybrid game was developed to allow US servicemen to play Australian footballers. This game was called AUSTUS, a combination of Australian and American Football. It was played on an Australian football field using an American ball with the addition of penalty areas. The ball could be thrown and kicked. It was a great success. There is a brief film of it on YT. Ern Cowley a former Carlton player and Private Jost of the US military conceived the rules.

[@vaudevillian7]

Had no idea this existed, cheers mate, going to have to look into this now

[@garymacdonald7866]

One thing that wasn't mentioned was that they can accrue a total running distance of 20 kilometres each game. These are generally the smaller midfield players

[@zakarymeakin6673]

If you can, the 2016 Preliminary Final between Western Bulldogs vs GWS was insane. I'm a Richmond Tigers supporter so I am biased that the 2017 Grand Final was great. Also the 2019 and 2020 Grand Final as well. But I do have to say that the 2017 qualifying Final between Richmond Vs Geelong was fantastic.

[@markrene6108]

The 89 grand final mate, the greatest grand final ever. Ablett kicking 9, what a game.

[@Erebus369]

The average distance run by players is 12km a game and doing all those other actions in between. The best is watching a player getting smashed (severe tackle with a hip and shoulder almost concussing the player) and then coming back to play out the whole game. The pace is constantly hectic but steps up a notch in finals to insane levels because it's knock out rounds.

[@davidschulz5315]

I may be biased as a Melbourne fan, but this year's Grand Final between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs was a great watch imo.

[@danlundberg8118]

Go DEES!!!

[@rachellehuxham2918]

Best comment ever. AFL looks like Quidditch!! I’m an Aussie and massive HP fan btw

[@CoachTube]

Oh good! I thought I was going to get hate on that comment 😜

[@markschwartzkopff7442]

The season in live time is usually from March with finals deep into September. Basically our cooler months. There are pre -season comps in the lead up to Season proper to prepare and try out players/ new recruits for the year ahead. I always think it pays to select a team and follow their fortunes to be able to experience the ups and downs of the game.

[@geoffgloyn9888]

1994 interstate game sa versus vic -it's probably the best advertisement for our game !!

[@athlonen]

Funny you mention this. As an American, I was at that game. My first trip ever to the MCG, and the most memorable; it was EJ Whitten's last public appearance.

[@SJG321]

@@athlonen I was at that game too. But I'm a born and bred Victorian. Teddy Whittens drive around the boundary line was one of the most emotional things I've seen at a sporting event. It was in 1995 though, so maybe not the game Geoff was referring to?

[@user-bf8ud9vt5b]

Welcome to Aussie Rules, mate. To dip your toe into watching games, you can watch highlight packages a few minutes long of almost every game on the AFL's channel. Two to watch might be the 2018 and 2017 Grand Finals (the former for a close game and the latter for the big game atmosphere).

[@cherish762]

Yes great idea. Watch the highlights package of to stree starting off. A whole game goes for over two hours

[@sunburntbulb4384]

Collingwood VS Richmond 2018 Preliminary Final. One of the best games iv seen in a while (aside from the Granny as much as I hate to admit it). The whole game is up on KZbin

[@blueycarlton]

Fun Fact 3 Perhaps Spalding was successful, as the Australian game was played in Grammar Schools in California. A schoolboys tour of Australia was conducted before WW1. Before the boys left for Australia they were coached by former Melbourne football player Pat O'Dea who became a sensation in the US when he took up the American game in Wisconsin. Pat still holds kicking records in Wisc. and is in the NFL Hall of Fame.

[@markrene6108]

Thanks for that info mate, good stuff 👍

[@Marcelo-hf5xl]

You should definitely check out the 2018 AFL Grand final

[@aussieyogie]

The 1989 grandfinal to me was the best I've ever seen. And no I dont follow the hawks, go Saints lol

[@ruben00110010]

I’m in Australia on a work trip and gonna catch the Bloods and Tigers game. So excited.

[@vaudevillian7]

I’m sure you get why college football and increasingly the NFL are looking to Aussie Rules players as punters, and to a lesser degree kickers

[@TheConDuke]

G'day Mate, when US clients come to Melbourne Australia (the heart of Afl) in the footy season, I take them to a game, there faces say it all lol, they never thought of a game that the players don't wear any padding, the speed and stamina, the only confusing for them are the rules, which you need to understand, which is the same as other sports.

[@tralee2006]

Popularity/following so big too that they broadcast the Grand Final on a cruise i went on 1 yr. I was too tired to watch it but it was shown on the outdoor big screen over the pool usually music videos/kids (PG) film are shown during the day

[@shawnsnow2655]

Hey Coach, I loved the Quidditch joke. I remember when ESPN first started, they showed Aussie Rules matches. I really liked the Gold Coast Suns then. I was always mesmerized by the athleticism these guys have. Dont think of me as callous, but it reminded me then Smear the (you know what ). I remember trying to mimic this game as close we could with all us boys down at the local high school during summers 38 years ago! After this rabbit hole, go enjoy hurling from Ireland!😉

[@JaneDoe-se8ku]

I lived in the States for two years, I could watch it on cable back then.

[@bartsimpson7037]

I knew you'd get here eventually after the rugby reactions. Now you can learn the best sport in the world. Enjoy.

[@gregorytremain4086]

I’m an Aussie and I giggled at the ‘Quidditch’ “Digg”.

[@MrJustinParks]

Natural progression is Gaelic football then hurling. Enjoy ;)

[@shawnsnow2655]

Meh...

[@MrJustinParks]

@@shawnsnow2655 no?

[@shawnsnow2655]

Yer correct, but I just don't care for it much nor find it enjoyable except for the cataclysmic hits. Other than that its just a buncha brutes.

[@MrJustinParks]

@@shawnsnow2655 im not sure how we are brutes. Sure your not mixing it up with something else?

[@shawnsnow2655]

Its just a mess, its not rugby, its not bssketball, its not footy, its like Quidditch on land🤣 Ok you guys might not be brutes. Ill strike that. I apologize.

[@velvetjuzzy]

Welcome mate. It’s pretty amazing

[@dalewyatt1321]

"it looks like rugby" Really? Rugby looks like gridiron. Make some yards, stop and do nothing then make some yards and stop. This game is different in every way. No throwing is the 1st clue, throwing is to easy. Bouncing during a run is because just running is to easy. What the video doesn't explain is you need the same skills, left and right handed.

[@markfrombriz]

"looks like rugby" because the ball is the same shape LOL

[@GenTzu]

You're describing Rugby League with make a few yards, stop, do nothing, etc. Rugby Union (or just Rugby) is the most commonly played game, where play is continuous unless the ball goes into touch (out-of-bounds) or there is an infraction. In Rugby the ball is thrown but only backward, never forward. Aussie Rules and Rugby (Union) are both very physical and require good ball-handling / kicking skills. BTW when US football players tried playing Rugby, they usually quit when they found out they had to play the entire game. I image it would be the same for Aussie Football as well.

[@flamingfrancis]

@@GenTzu In today's games players are fitted with gps devices and records of their activities are monitored all game. Do yourself a favour and check the statistics for the number of running metres attained by RL players as opposed to RU players in any modern day elite game. You might consider withdrawing some of your comment after you have done so.

[@GenTzu]

@@flamingfrancis We're getting off topic here of Aussie Rules "like Rugby." However, Thanks for information. Fascinating how technology has changed sports; GPS, video tracking, drones, etc. I played in the ancient times - last game in 1983 before GPS was fully operational. The key is how the data is used and who has access to it. Used properly it provides more focused training and monitoring of players physical condition, especially during a match. Though, in many of the articles players voiced concern over data being used against them. And how the "big brother" concept is negatively impacting the player's style of play. Didn't find any articles about Aussie Rules using this technology. Would be interesting to compare football (soccer), RL, RU, AFL, and NFL macro data. None of what I said had anything to do with distance, merely the overall style of play.

[@carltraill4414]

@@GenTzu yeah, gridiron players aren’t used to fast paced games. Very stop start.

[@MrShanev78]

So glad to see you learning about AFL....the running joke is AFL has extra posts so a player is awarded a consolation point when he misses the goals!! Stay safe, mate!

[@petergeorgelin6320]

Here is a List of great Grand Finals for you to watch - 2018 West Coast V Collingwood , 2010 St Kilda V Collingwood It was a Draw , 2009 Geelong V St Kilda , 2005 and 2006 Sydney V West Coast Both Fantastic Games , 1989 Hawthorn V Geelong That was a Brutal High scoring Game , Probably the Most Famous Grand Final is the 1970 Carlton V Collingwood , It is in Black and White because of its age , Definitely worth a Look because of the Famous Fightback by Carlton , Theres lots more to choose from , But these are a good start For you , Have Fun , Enjoy

[@kimrecreant]

Great selection. The Swans v Melbourne game last night and the Brisbane v Richmond game the previous night .... INCREDIBLE.

[@Jesse-lq1dv]

Always nice to see someone recommend the '05/'06 pair between the Eagles and Swans. For fans of each club, one year was devastating, the other was glorious (Eagles fan here).

[@helenwalsh6993]

I lived in the US for several years in the 80s and 90s. Really missed watching footy and playing netball. But I remember when they introduced the game to main stream US tv for a short while. I had to sit up in the middle of the night to catch a game and they had Don Lane on to explain the game and "translate".

[@Twopennysau]

Ha ha I’ve been waiting for this day 😂. It’s the oldest codified game in the world (1858). And it is played in the US (just not much). It is said to have at least part of its origins from our indigenous folk a game called Marngrook. I often wondered if basketball was an attempt to play indoor Aussie Rules. Fun fact: players run between 7.5 & 11 miles per game (depending on position) Love watching you suck up knowledge like a vacuum cleaner 👍 Edit: ‘50 greatest marks’ generally blows minds of the uninitiated,

[@bradnorman7535]

Marngrook is the most commonly used indigenous name but because there was a large number of different languages spoken in the south east it has many names

[@neild3074]

The rules for Association football (Soccer) were "codified " at Trinity College Cambridge in 1850, The rules for Union Football were "codified" at Rugby School in 1857, though (Rugby) football was a much older game than Association football. Australian football evolved at Melbourne University in the early 1850's when an English lecturer attempted to teach Irish-Australian students how to play Rugby with balls he had brought from Cambridge. It has nothing to do with Indigenous games and Basketball evolved in a YMCA gym in Springfield Massachusetts in 1891 because it was too cold to play sport outside. This was the accepted timeline for Australian football before the woke-osphere started rewriting Australian history. Wikipedia can be full of shit.

[@owencrisp1494]

@@neild3074 I believe footy was developed to keep cricket players fit during the off season

[@neild3074]

@@owencrisp1494 Sort of, football evolved from a post cricket drinking game game of tag with a small whiskey keg. When the keg was replaced with an oval ball it became the basis of all football games. The upper class liked the contact game like Rugby seen as manly, the working class played a non-contact version to avoid injuries that could effect them working, this became soccer.

[@jimmatty]

@@neild3074 You're full of shit... another history denialist. If Tom Wills loved rugby so much why didn't he start a rugby league? I suppose you were there when it all happened, since you know so much. Lol.

[@planetpetey]

This year because of COVID the Grand Final is not in Melbourne but will be played at Perth Stadium in front of 62000 fans on September 24th. You should be able to watch it on ESPN or a similar platform. The game does have elements of Irish Gaelic football but is derived from an ancient game called Margruk played for thousands of years by the Australian Aboriginal people

[@markpaweena781]

There's tons of games. Have a look inyo the swans eagles rivalry, had some great finals games. Support your local league in the USA, it exists

[@thomassephton2808]

With stuff all scoring.

[@anacondasaurousandinfinite6134]

Also rivalry between Geelong and Hawthorn between 2009 to now. Always close hard games with very loyal fans. Go cats 🙃

[@jbone69]

This is hands down the best afl react video

[@normanmacleod8949]

Thanks for your interest in our sport. We think it is very under-rated outside of Australia but interest is growing. One of the main aspects that is hard to grasp for a lot of people that haven't played Australian Rules Football, which is the game, as opposed to the Australian Football League (AFL), which is the top league in the country, is that it is a 360 degree game. With NFL, Rugby Union, Rugby League they are 180 degree games. The teams set up with all of the opposition in front of them and then the attacking team tries to break the opposition defence. In Aussie Rules each team lines up from one end of the ground to the other, so one team's backline lines up with the opposition Forward line. Yes, once you have possession of the ball you have to break the opposition defence but at any time the play can change direction; forward, sideways, backwards depending on circumstances. If you have the ball in open play you can be tackled from any direction as well, and there is almost always an opponent in any direction you look, it's just how far away they are that changes. I should add that is only really a concern when someone thinks "I'll give Aussie Rules a crack" after a life of playing one of the other codes.

[@robvegas9354]

The 2021 Grand Final is the most insane sporting event i have ever seen. definitely check that out!

[@joshuakeltie2374]

I'd recommend watching the Grand Final between West Coast and Collingwood in 2018 - it's one of the best games I've seen and the noise of the crowd is unreal! AFL is the most complex, exhausting, brutal, confusing and awesome sport in the world... So many rules, but there is nothing else with both the intensity and physicality. (In case you can't tell, I'm an Aussie 😁)

[@ChrisAnderson42]

Yeah, I suggest that game too, and my team lost. Was still a great game though.

[@utha2665]

There was also the first American to play a Grand Final that game too. He had a blinder of a second half, nearly won Collinwood the match. Well worth the watch.

[@spiritualalchemist22]

Yep! Our footy is the best and our Original people's are just insanely brilliant at it

[@chrismagnussen4089]

Hey Cobba, love your Rugby and Footy reactions. Check out the 2010 AFL grand final between Collingwood and St Kilda, I don't think you will ever see a greater spectacle in sport than this game ( I'm a rugby fan by the way). The game was played 100% in the spirit of the game. It is a must watch. Cheers

[@markrene6108]

Yeah, unless you follow the Saints pal, are you a Collingwood supporter & would you recommend that match if you lost, of course not. The greatest grand final was 89, Ablett locking 9 and Dunstall kicked 6 l think. The greatest grand final ever, besides 66 😁😇

[@bobgentleman1534]

G'Day from OZ, if you can find a replay of the 2023 Anzac day match( Collingwood vs Essondon ) it is a classic example of the game!, cheers, Bob.

[@leunaticable]

You maybe interested in the history of the game. It has been around since the mid 1800s.

[@ndjfnxndkd8153]

A good game for you to watch is the 2018 grand final west coast vs Collingwood

[@Moore30]

I'm amazed nobody has mentioned the 1989 grand final. That was one for the ages. Definitely worth a watch. Extended highlights here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJykmmCmfbRsnZY

[@franknyhuis6607]

Some hard hits in that game!

[@LochieOReilly]

Just scanned your KZbin channel and couldn't believe you haven't featured any more AFL.... :O

[@The_funny_dude]

If you want to watch a great game of footy I suggest the 2018 Grand Final between Collingwood Magpies and West Coast Eagles. One of the greatest Grand Finals in recent years.

[@matthewmoorfoot4945]

Checkout the 1989 Grand final Hawthorn V Geelong. The toughest game ever

[@steveo4095]

Watch the 2018 Grand final its the best in the last 15 years

[@osocool1too]

AFL has been evolving over 160 years. There are USAFL teams also, as most US cities play AFL eg google USAFL New York Magpies and so forth.

[@spslap5771]

Now we're cooking with gas.

[@annfrancoole34]

or sucking diesel

[@stevenclarke3873]

2018 Grand Final Collingwood vs West Cost Eagles. Must watch!

[@joncarter9041]

Original 'folk' football is about 600-700 yrs old. Played in medival England. Rugby is about 200 yrs old. Modern football is about 150 yrs old. Rugby, soccer football and Aussie rules would all stem from the medival folk football, which is more like an unscripted, un regulated riot compared to today's sports.

[@MrJustinParks]

I think the modern day incarnation is probably Gaelic Football :P

[@aussierose]

er no! The oldest football sport in the world is MARN GROOK. DNA evidence has proven that Australian Aboriginals are the oldest current living civilization in the world and they have been playing Marn Grook for millennia. AFL is derived from MARN GROOK after Tom Willis watched Aboriginals playing it. Maritime history & traditional aboriginal language & rock art in Western Australia has proven that people from Europe had come to Australia centuries beforehand, with some aboriginal words of the north western tribes having words similar to Portuguese/Spanish etc. Facets of Marn Grook/AFL were taken back to UK/Ireland by the early settlers later on.

[@joncarter9041]

@@aussierose I'd never heard of Marn Grook. I've just read up on it and definitely accept that Aussie Rules would have been influenced by this.

[@user-mg1p]

​@michaelrogers2080There is evidence the guy that wrote the rules as a kid watched the Natives playing Marngrook on his family's property!

[@BomberFan92]

You can download the AFL app or get a VPN and download Kayo? Or go to www.afl.com.au and you might find prompts to download Kayo or something?

[@elizabeth10392]

ZA mark isn't just a high jump and grab the ball. You can be standing the ground and catch the ball someone kicked. As long as it's kicked from a certain distance and you grab it out of the air, it's still a mark.