The Australian Bringing Former NFLers to Aussie Rules

Australian Rules Football brings in thousands of fans for each match, millions in revenue and virtually zero attention from the US. Miro Gladovic is trying to change that by bringing former NCAA and NFL football stars to Australia to play the game. We followed the journey of former New York Giant Ramses Barden as he tried to break through into the AFL and create a new overlap between the two sports.
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[@supLIPS]

as a former high level Australian Rules footballer, & now actually playing American Football in Australia I love to see the sport i was once obsessed with growing up being discovered by new talent. I have always believed for how little exposure Aussie Rules has globally it still has to be one of the best sports in world.. And it makes perfect sense that former skill position players from American Football are the perfect athletes to transition and try become AFL players.. That said, athleticism is one thing, but what i could see from this video is the hopefuls fundamental skills were not at a high enough level to come even close to competing for a spot on a professional team. Much like a QB, most people can throw a decent spiral, or even bomb it 60 yds. But the difference between a backyard QB and an NFL/NCAA QB is huge when it comes to mechanics, footwork, progression reads, accuracy just to name a few... Now all the parts are there for guys like this to succeed, because frankly when it comes to pure athleticism these guys would make a lot of these AFL guys look sub par. But these guys need someone to help them with the mechanics and fundamentals of kicking/handballing/bouncing etc if they are to have a real shot at this... i firmly believe that guys like this can make it if their skills and fundamentals are worked on and drilled correctly

[@chrisk6887]

Completely agree with you mate. I've also played both aussie rules and gridiron but at an amateur club level, and unfortunately not many of the skills are transferable at all. While these guys are incredible athletes I am doubtful of their success without the years and years of experience mastering not only the skill set required, but also the intuition and game sense required to be successful in the afl. unfortunately you cannot learn these things in a play book like in grid iron. the best chance for American success in the afl and vfl is through afl sponsorship and endorsement like mason cox and Jason Holmes. but my best wishes to them, the more cultures and influences into the game, the better.

[@SimplyAmazingGamers]

+Lukey Lips GO CHARGERS

[@jackyz3101]

Luke Furse What happened to these guys!

[@reapertty]

Jacky Z I think you answered your own question by asking that! It's a shame though. AFL should be followed more around the globe

[@neilconde32]

And people wonder why more people dont follow the sport? Look at how 50 teams wouldnt even give these guys a sniff andits all paidfor! Now the nfl has leagues and workouts and trainning coaches go all over to promote the sport knowing that its really gonna be 10 yearsbefore we startseeing aussies n othernations repped in goodnumbers in the draft and college.when this generation of aussie 10yo football fans spend their childhood imersed in us footie then they will be on the level as us yanks.for nowthoughthenfl knows that we will be lucky to see a forgin born player start andhavemore than a 4year rookie contract.im all for both sports,but ithink the afl could learn from tthe nfl,its why nfl football is the fastest growing sport in the world

[@lachieeet]

The AFL literally has combines over in the US and Canada for international prospects to come through.

[@AdamShaiken]

Impressive and passionate clearly all of these athletes are. These men deserve to be pursuing legitimate opportunies not pipe dreams.

[@raspymoth8027]

+Adam Shaiken i read that first sentence in a yoda voice.

[@AdamShaiken]

+Raspy Moth Hmmmm, Idk why that would be ? I never have seen a Star Wars movie. I am not a hermit. I do know the cultural phenomena that they represent and am aware of most of the characters. So, I do know who Yoda is and his strange speech inflection. I, however, was not aiming at a Yoda style delivery with my comment. Though I do, now, see what you mean !

[@yourlifeisagreatstory]

+Adam Shaiken I think you might have over analyzed the Yoda voice comment...

[@Ojokernegro]

+Adam Shaiken Yoda is the wisest of Jedis. Lol it was a very wise comment deserving of more upvotes.

[@leonscott543]

+Adam Shaiken A life spent chasing something that is easily attainable is a life wasted.

[@coachanonymous9073]

Rugby league would be an easier transition for these guys instead of AFL.

[@thevans98]

+Its Chevvy But those skills apply to basically every team sport in existence. The actual play style in rugby/rugby league is much more similar to NFL football than AFL football is. Basketball skills are actually probably more transferable to Aussie Rules, and that's why a few of the Americans who are coming to the AFL have a background in basketball.

[@84rebz]

Absolutely agree. League is lateral the ball and run somebody over

[@buttsmcgoy875]

yeah but rugby is gay as fuck lol

[@84rebz]

Butts McGoy yes, nut huggers and sleeveless shirts...a lot gayer

[@Dominickudo]

+Butts McGoy OK dude explain to me how rugby is gay compared to American football please go on

[@MegaCaptainfun]

This is a great international story. Its great to see sports transcend borders and cultures and see guys make their dreams come true (even though they probably never saw it coming).

[@martintheiss743]

Fun one wonders what can happen when NRL bosses come over to see this.

[@SwayJJ]

Ok, soo this Miro guy seems like a bit of a fraud. The thing is when this was filmed there was already American afl players on actual AFL lists (e.g. Mason Cox, Jason Holmes, Eric Wallace) and the AFL had already set up offical AFL International Draft Combines that created a direct line between club recruiters and potential prospects in places like America. They would conduct training camps in America to gauge talent then clubs would ask a select group to come to Australia to participate in the offical draft combine. The AFL also implemented an International rookie system that allowed clubs to recruit International talent without their pay being included in the teams salary cap or impacting on the maximum amount of players you can have on a list to encourage clubs to pick up international players. These are things that all occured before Miro brought these Americans to Australia. Why he thought it would be a good idea to send a couple of them to play AFL in a country town in New South Wales (a state in Australia) I have no idea. For one, New South Wales is one of the few states that is not big on AFL, that state is really into Rugby and Rugby League. If you were serious about giving these guys a real shot at AFL then you sign them up at a club in Victoria (AFL is the main sport played in South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, and Northern Territory as well, but Victoria is the capital of AFL). And to send them to the country side to play was a crazy decsion. You could of easily of signed them up to lower division clubs in and around Melbourne, Victoria with ease where this is a greater chance of getting noticed. There is literally zero chance they will ever get noticed or elevate to a higher division playing for a country town that small in New South Wales. I just hope to god these Americans arn't paying this Miro guy large amounts of money for this because he seems to be leading them down a ridiculous path. A message for all Americans. If you are getting asked to come to Australia to play afl, make sure it is via an official organisation that directly deals with the AFL. It is what players like Mason Cox and Jason Holmes and others did. They were contacted by the AFL International Combine and directly linked to a professional AFL club. It is being linked to these clubs that allows for the greatest chance of developing your skills for the AFL game, and being around such a professional organisation will increase your chances of actually playing matches in the big league. The thing is these Americans I have mentioned have could not kick a AFL good at all but they were super athletic, and being around great training staff allowed them to develop their skills real fast. Following people like Miro who will get you to play country football in NSW is totally not the way to go.

[@jackyz3101]

SwayJJ omg you might be right

[@mortarriding3913]

Knew it. Especially with the language he was using. And the intent and focus of his efforts.

[@WeCuban]

He even looks like the typical guy that’s a fraud

[@tj323i]

Jamie Kent greasy

[@tj323i]

Also notice when they were at the St kilda v essendon game they were up in the 3rd tier general admission seats. If this miro bloke had any cred at all with the afl they would get much much better seats

[@maddenastro3416]

The fact that they're physically superior is fantastic for their success rate, but I think their lack of knowledge about the game and inability to kick the ball well is going to prohibit their chances of being stars.

[@ausraider]

Physically superior? Jarryd Hayne went to a league after never playing the game and made the roster.

[@ausraider]

And to add to that, Being able to sprint one time and jump one time faster or higher doesn't represent doing it for an hour and keeping the pace.

[@MegaCaptainfun]

+ausraider Jarryd Hayne was an NRL player was he not? This is Aussie rules.

[@ausraider]

Yes but if Americans were physically superior then Hayne wouldn't make the cut, He's from a country of 23million going to a country of 320+million so if they were superior then what would that make him? If he was in the top .1% of Aussie athletes and the NFL players are even the top 1% of American athletes and they were superior then he wouldn't even be as good as the college stars.

[@ausraider]

Hardly Vincent, are you jealous because you're a loser mate?

[@PhlyDaily]

good shit vice, loved it.

[@BmillTheGamer]

+PhlyDaily didn't expect to see you here

[@raspymoth8027]

+PhlyDaily same

[@Liam-mv1qo]

Never thought you would be at this end of you tube

[@justincercado5469]

+PhlyDaily I never expected You to be here

[@ismisebarney]

wow phly you here

[@AcousticJuice93]

athleticism is one thing but stuff like handballing and kicking, positional awareness are all things you learn in AFL at a very young age. I find it hard to believe anyone picking up AFL after 18 is going to ever be as good as your average AFL player. Maybe a specialist play like a ruckman or a tall forward, but not a dominant midfielder. I'd like to be proved wrong though.

[@anthonyward2433]

athleticism will get you pretty far in 1 on 1 contests with the average player, wont help so much against a highly skilled or experienced player or against a team that plays a better game.

[@cool_cat007smoove3]

AcousticJuice American football players can learn the game.

[@anthonyward2433]

Tigger, they can but it would take them at least 2 or 3 years which isnt worth the investment on a maybe good player.

[@deanlejeune5005]

@@cool_cat007smoove3 man id love to know why it hasnt happened yet then... Id say the game is too fast paced and they generally get to it too late, giving them a distinct disadvantage compared to people who have played the game their whole life

[@shamimarman2519]

The authenticity of love and passion in their eyes to make it to AFL or NFL or whatever FL is just amazing to see! More importantly, it is beautiful to see that people are sharing their experiences all over the world. The fact that they are aware of what AFL is a big step!

[@Jordan-oy3bg]

Miro seems really dodgy. Go on his twitter and he literally tweeted Obama asking him for help.. other odd stuff too. In regards to the players though. Aussie Rules footy is a endurance sport, not necessarily a strength one. Turn the former NFLers bodies into an AFLers and the majority of their strength disappears and all they got left is speed with zero skill. These guys will have more chance at success at either code of Rugby. Aussie Rules is a sport you learn over the years. There's a reason why the furtherest they got was playing in a bush league.

[@LeatherCladVegan]

Did he need change for a 50 or something?

[@YTho-ev1ej]

NRL and Rugby Australia should set up a system for American footballers to try make Super Rugby or NRL. I mean these athletes are freaks of nature and if taught the ways of the game and adapt well they will surely crack it. There athleticism is out of this world.

[@methylphenidate1270]

Physically superior is a bit of a stretch. Guarantee only 1 or two of them is taller than 5 foot 10

[@mnb4414]

Methylphenidate have you seen their strength and athleticism

[@EarlJohn61]

"It's a hybrid" Australian Rules football (AR) was codified before any other code: Before Soccer (football for most of the world), before either code of rugby, before basketball, before volleyball. The skills that people claim AR "stole" from other codes have actually gone in the other direction. And it's played on a larger playing arena than any other, except cricket (a sport with minimal skills overlap). The next biggest would be baseball including the outfield.

[@EarlJohn61]

Oh, and golf also has a larger playing arena, but it's in a league of its own in that respect!

[@ubergiant]

The kicking skills at 9:18 explain why your tryout lasted 10 mins bro.

[@CDCgamingHD]

Hahhaah what a shocking kick

[@hoopcity6436]

You guys act like it’s easy to kick a footy like if you haven’t played the amazing sport AFL your not just gonna pick up a ball a kick a lace out to your team mate takes time boys.

[@frozenblitzalphagaming4301]

hahaha i saw that

[@coolkid7151]

A baby could do it

[@Epimpin101]

There is a former college basketball player named Jason Holmes, who already plays in the top league in AFL.

[@iAsbestos]

only played like 2 games ,Mason Cox who played for OKC College team playing atm who's in very very good form

[@leegul]

Rarely works out, American Eric Wallace was released from his Australian football club without making a first team appearance in 3 years

[@coolkid7151]

Who asked

[@mirzaahmed6589]

@@coolkid7151 Who asked you to ask who asked?

[@SuperMinto2566]

These guys should be playing rugby

[@thejuiceman4213]

lol don't push your joke too far , they would get slaughtered by a local league team in rugby as has been proven , the world champs have come to rugby teams many times and got played with like children.

[@TDMFAN]

TheJuice Man - can you give us some examples? I've been trying to find examples of American Footballers switching to Rugby (beyond the US Eagles).

[@jon-unicorn-doxxer]

mostly European teams bro...But SANZAAR/SuperLeague is planning to recruit those former American Football Players soon...

[@rebeccamayol7882]

minto smith true dat

[@nexxogen]

@@thejuiceman4213 Your words would have more weight if you actually gave a couple of names. Who are those former american football players who got slaughtered and played with like children? I know the opposite example of Perry Baker in rugby 7s who, when getting a bit of open space, plays with rugby players like children. Yeah, 7s is different, but those players he's playing against are also playing regular rugby at a high level aren't they?

[@tomvaughan5831]

The skills in AFL are so wide and varied, it doesn't come down simply to who is quickest or strongest. Marking one on one is different to a pack mark, bouncing the ball at full pace, hand balling long distance, hitting kicking targets both 15 and 50 metres away, shepparding, tackling. Knowing how to judge the ball and the game. It takes a long time to pick up and perfect these skills, not to mention nearly all AFL players are as good a kick and hand pass on their opposite as they are on their preferred.

[@stephothelegend]

+Tom Vaughan I completely agree, they need to get these athletes coming to Australia as early as possible, they're athletic ability wont help them in the short term, but it sure hell will in the long term, look at Nic Naitanui. Giving them scholarships to Victorian schools at around 14 would make the outcome much better at about the age when you can see such potential in them. Even if it doesn't work out these athletes can play basketball in the summer if they want and go back to america and play college like so many Australian 18 year olds. But in the Winter they can learn the skills playing for school and club then be given a chance at TAC

[@snowman01]

These NFL players aren't necessarily _superior_ athletes. Rather, they are superior in areas that they've trained for. Specifically, power (at the expense of endurance). Look at rugby to AFL converts Israel Falou and Karmichael Hunt. Both players had to lose a lot of weight (and power) in order to increase their capacity to run long distances.

[@AaronCaldwell.]

What are you talking about

[@snowman01]

Aaron Caldwell Words are difficult aren't they :/

[@AaronCaldwell.]

No what are you talking about as in everything your saying is a shit opinion not worth being in my eye site. Get your shitty opinions outta here people only care about facts you stupid bitch. C: now you have a nice day sir.

[@snowman01]

Aaron Caldwell You swore at me on KZbin. You must be a smart person :)

[@206guy5]

Watch the NFL combine if you don't think they are superior athletes.

[@dominickmaez4189]

Im not gonna lie, I've never heard of this sport, but I'd love to see a series on this. I'd be cool to see their journey (kinda like Hard Knocks for the NFL). Keep up the good work

[@benreinstepp3849]

How about fuck off, we don't want yank cunts even knowing about the greatest game on earth

[@solace8622]

@@benreinstepp3849 Ben how about you shut the fuck up. go fucking smoke some more shit alright

[@NicksLegoBin]

I'm sitting here like...what the fuck is this shit?

[@85Aheadstix]

It's Australian rules football mate, or footy and it's older than NFL.

[@NicksLegoBin]

GamerDares wins bet.

[@jarednajjar6096]

+IB Savage. Afl was founded in 1896 vs nfl in 1920 where it was only the Green Bay and Chicago

[@tidefanyankee2428]

+Jared Najjar Tell me, how much money does the AFL make when compared to the NFL?

[@NathansWargames]

+TideFan Yankee because money is everything right ?

[@alrightalrightalright6165]

At first I thought Footy was slang for Rugby... never heard of it.

[@jayr2314]

+Bill Nye It can be a bit confusing, because it depends where you are and who you're talking to. Footy = Rugby League - in NSW & Queensland Footy = Aussie Rules Football - almost everywhere else in Australia.

[@MrSkeleton131]

+Jay R In NSW and QLD it's called GAYFL

[@jayr2314]

Warden Freeman I guess you prefer a game where players tackle by sticking a finger up your arse! Just like they do in Rugby League :)

[@MrSkeleton131]

Jay R Notice I said "In NSW and QLD", not "I call it". I don't necessarily agree with it either. Next time try using your brain as well as your eyes when reading my comment. Also I'm more of a Union fan than League. I might as well let my inner grammar nazi come out as well, it's 'finger up* your arse.'

[@jayr2314]

Warden Freeman Clearly I was reading too much into your earlier comment, and assumed you followed League (A.K.A. finger up arse). I also prefer Union over League. I find it to be a more exciting game to watch, but I prefer AFL over both.

[@matthewscully4816]

Why are people hating? Give them a chance, could be the first step to making AFL international.

[@martintheiss743]

Ever heard of Qantas Airlines? Mainstay at LAX.

[@anthonyward2433]

but what makes them deserve a chance over the thousands of aussies who are also working their asses off to make it to the top level?

[@James-pb8xu]

nothing, but neither is any of those Aussies more deserving of chance to make to the top level if they're working equally hard.

[@anthonyward2433]

so you think the person who works the hardest should get a spot regardless of if they're actually better at the sport?

[@MookieGAMING]

As an Aussie, I would encourage you Americas to come in play, love to see this beautiful sport take off around the world!

[@Adamska_v1]

ik this is 6 years old, but ill take up on your offer

[@leegul]

Would love to see this made into a series

[@scanspeak00]

Aussie Rules has a very high skill set which takes 5 years or more to develop. The American guys are super athletes but just don't have the experience in the game yet. I look forward to the day when an American AFL superstar arrives on the scene.

[@adamg_23]

*Mason Cox*

[@Rodda1983]

Has a long way to go, his advantage is he is the tallest player in the AFL at 211.5cm. He gets ran off at will by defenders which is the main way teams score through rebound footy. He is weak aerially in the contest often arms collapsing at the slightest touch, tap work is ok but gets lost around the ground, barely gets a the ball and yeah long way to go.

[@studdmuffinJake]

scanspeak00 4

[@mattymatt2323]

Rodda1983 hes getting there now

[@Internetbutthurt]

Aussie Rules has a high skill set? LOL. Its a game of running, kicking and cheap shots. Any long in the leg and thick in the head bum can play it.

[@imhellag]

this guys got that mogul-villain thing going on, i think he will make it.

[@richlo7617]

I wish AFL was played globally as Australia is limited to the amount of talent we have with such a small population. I love AFL and it's an amazing game but I can only imagine how much better it could be if we had a wider range of athletes to choose from. These guys are athletic but if you watch at 9.18 his skill level of kicking a drop punt is lower than my 5 year old nephew. I hope one day there will be more kids around the world playing AFL.

[@martintheiss743]

Australia is limited to where they are yes. But more and more American kids are waking up to see how they can relate to Australians. Who knows what can happen.

[@haydendo9412]

The thing is the best way to be great is to start when they are young, unfortunately unless you are born in Australia why would you learn AFL when other sports have much bigger salaries.

[@domais68]

Fascinating "Vice" doc. I'm an American football fan and would have never thought college players would have serious interest in this transition. Our college players, even guys that don't make the NFL, are incredible athletes. However, I have to believe that it's very difficult for any athlete to excel at a sport they didn't grow up playing. Most great athletes started in their respective sports at extremely young ages. I'd like to know more about the money angle. Miro's dream is an expensive one. Paying players to keep them interested and flights to Australia don't come cheap and then there has to be something left for Miro. I assume he's an independently wealthy guy. I hope so! Best of luck to these guys!

[@TheMotherfer]

As an American who does love watching the AFL. I just keeping there might be another reason those guys may not be getting picked up.

[@BrandonjSlippingAway]

+TheMotherfer There's a pretty simple reason actually. Aussie Rules is a unique game, and reading the play is a central element of it. I played Auskick when I was very young, then didn't play a match for about 7 years. When I came back and played a couple of one-off matches, I couldn't even get near the ball more than a couple of times. These guys can be supreme athletes, but they play a sport that has very, very short plays. Every thing is scrutinised and planned before hand. Then 6 or 7 seconds and the play is over. Repeat. In AFL you have to constantly adapt to the flow of play, which goes at breakneck speed thanks to the no offside rule and space the oval affords. Combine this with sub-par kicking and handballing, and they won't get picked up.

[@TheMotherfer]

***** I agree with you, but that takes time. If someone likes Ramses Barden learns those skills, he could be called up to the AFL. It would be great if he was as good as Goodes, or the Big Texan. But you hope those guys learn the game, and excel at it.

[@BrandonjSlippingAway]

TheMotherfer Well exactly that's the issue, they could be athletic beasts, but clubs need to weigh up how much time, patience and money they're willing to pour into these guys, when they could just get quicker returns from homegrown talent. This is like the same thing that happens in reverse with NFL hopefuls like Jarryd Hayne. Sure he's a fine athlete, but he hasn't been a worldbeater for the 49ers exactly. The most successful code hoppers to NFL were probably the ex-AFL players taking punting duties like Ben Graham or Sav Rocka.

[@matthewscully4816]

+BrandonjSlippingAway Jarryd Actually did alright, these guys are no where near AFL ready. The aggressive nature of our beloved sport, jumper punching is all good but can they adapt to sneaky bullshit we pull just to piss you off? I dunno Australians love pissing people off, it's like our thing and throwing down getting scrappy is also a thing we love. NFL from what I've seen is "false" aggression. Imagine Barry Hall having some idiot tackle him and go "OOOHHH RAWR I'M A BEAST" I think Barry would put the man to bed.

[@SwayJJ]

+TheMotherfer There are Americans currently on professional AFL lists (Jason Holmes plays for St. Kilda, Mason Cox plays for Collingwood, Eric Wallace used to play for North Melbourne, and their are others who have been on AFL lists). Why these guys aren't even being considered by AFL clubs is because they are following some random guy who has no offical links with the AFL organisation. The AFL already have a International Recruiting Program called the International AFL Combine that targets talent overseas, especially America. The AFL holds annual fitness and skill try outs in America that allows AFL recruiters to check out the latest talent in the U.S, and yearly they select a group that will be chosen to fly to Australia to participate in the offical AFL Draft Camp where all the young talent from all over Australia try out in front of recruiters. This has resulted in many Americans joining Rookie Lists at many clubs. But not going through the offical International recruiting channels, which is what occurs in this video, will likely mean you have zero chance of being taken seriously.

[@dwaters279]

Not surprised Essendon sent Ramses home after 12 minuets... Miro doesn't have a clue! has clearly nerve watched a game of AFL in his life. i think its a bit of a shot if he thinks he can just bring a couple of guys who have never played the game before and expect them to crack the into the league..

[@verceti23]

Aussie rules has been around for 150+ years

[@arandomer1075]

verceti23 bs

[@coolkid7151]

Who asked

[@pauljarvis446]

@@arandomer1075 yes it has.

[@ljfrocksursocks1566]

I hope they put out update videos I'm interested now lol

[@jackyz3101]

LJFrocksursocks It didn't work

[@donstaunch7895]

4 years later...this Miro guy is a fraud. None of his guys are playing AFL. There is one successful American playing in the AFL. Mason Cox, Collingwood football club. Came over from being a walk on college basketball player. Hes pretty much an Aussie now!

[@mashek331]

Onto the Woolies homebrand food as well; love it! lol I'm a Bombers supporter and the poor bloke rocked up to the club at perhaps the worst time, what with the drug saga hanging over it, and the coach in the box seat for getting sacked. Was always bound to fail. :/

[@contrarian4762]

These guys should try to break into Rugby league.

[@tylersim9025]

These guys in New Zealand with 2 years at club level could play professionally given the right circumstances, would make great wings.

[@MIDO6056]

Jason Holmes debuted last year for St Kilda Saints and Mason Cox should debut this year for Collingwood, so there'll be 2 Americans playing AFL in 2016

[@Blackmagic1o0]

Great piece but I myself gotta say I've never heard of this sport either until now. Rugby yes, Footy!? Never!

[@westsydneystyle9777]

Don't ever watch it it's fucking shit most boring sport ..., they are just trying to get african americans to watch it they've been trying to do it for years

[@ausraider]

It hasn't got any interest in the biggest States of Australia ie NSW & QLD (population), it's known as GayFL, Ariel Ping Pong or Australian Fairy League. If the NFL players who couldn't make the cut came to Australia & built up some endurance they could make a good crack at NRL or maybe Union and would most probably enjoy it a lot more.

[@windingcirclelifesch]

Don't make these two idiots ruin the sport for you. Some people are just butthurt over the fact AFL (the biggest league in professional Australian Footy) is bigger than our take on Rugby in attendance and TV ratings. Only about 15,000 attend the Rugby season until the finals series is on, then you get 30,000, whereas in Australian Rules, you get 30,000-40,000 attendees on average attending a normal AFL Home & Away game, and 90,000-100,000 at the 'G attending the Grand Final. In between 30,000 and 100,000, n attend the finals series in AFL. :)

[@westsydneystyle9777]

Where did u get those fact look a a suns or gsw game there is about ten poeple in the crowd

[@frankmat]

+Blackmagic1o0 ROFL don't listen to these butthurt Rugby guys. Australian Rules Football is by far the best sport in Australia. It has the highest attendance at games.... biggest TV rights deal... a dedicated 24 hour channel just for it. By comparison Rugby has a minor semi professional sport that is only played in NSW and QLD and the rest of Australia don't care. Australian Rules football is played literally in all 7 states in Australia professionally. We even have rugby players trying to convert to AFL because the salary of rugby players is so poor... it's almost semi professional... compared to the AFL which is fully professional. It's funny because I remember a few years ago somebody telling a story about how he was in America and got some of his American friends around for a party to watch "The Australian football grand final"... the American guys were all excited about seeing Australian Football because they remembered seeing it on ESPN years ago and loved it but hadn't seen it on ESPN since... .... they all got there and started watching and about half way through said it was completely boring and nothing like they remembered, They thought they were seeing Australian Rules Football but instead had invited them over to watch Rugby and they couldn't believe how boring it was! hahaha they all left his house at half time!!! That's the difference between Rugby and Australian Rules. Australian Rules is fast and exciting and full of skill. Rugby is blokes just bumping into eachother and tackling and throwing the ball backwards to go forwards. As exciting as watching grass grow.

[@christophervinci6835]

I'd fuckin love to have some yanks in afl I can't understand why no ones accepting this :(((

[@BrandonjSlippingAway]

They struggle because the two most important skills of the game; kicking, and reading the play/ football decision making are something that is almost universally foreign to them.

[@bensum9111]

I've been talking about Aussi football for the past 3 years. I love it. In America it's Aussi not footy.

[@Rodda1983]

bensum9111 Aussie.

[@CSLucasEpic]

As a person that has studied how Americans think and react, I can say that the best way to encourage College players to go to Australia and play Aussie football, is to make a sports movie, a comedy drama would work best, about an American player from a college team that doesn't get drafted and then ends up getting an offer to play in the Aussie rules league in Australia. Make it funny, make it about the different cultures and such shenanigans, make it inspiring at the end. If its a hit, you'll have hundreds of former college players that didn't make the draft getting interested to go to Australia.

[@hvgyhyvfhjuvhjjgfgjfhsdfbr401]

It'd be great to see the game take off overseas!

[@martintheiss743]

We don't have the fields for it. anything like that big center field square would ruin most pitches here. It wont look the same on an NFL pitch.

[@MrCaseHarts]

I've watched footy for years. You give these guys a chance and they'll dominate afl. They're scared to admit it. Obviously their kicking will have issues but they will dominate possession.

[@mitchb61]

+MrCaseHarts Except that kicking is like 70-80% of the game

[@ozziehodgson7289]

+MrCaseHarts They won't dominate because you either keep their speed, vertical jumping and mass but they can't play a game with out getting tired and worn out or you endure them by doing lots of longer distance (2-8km.) running and they'll be able to run the whole game but will be slower, jump shorter and will lose a bit of mass.

[@tyleroliver5608]

50 possessions a game is no good if every touch is going to be turned over to the other team

[@pablovega5651]

+Ozzie Hodgson they have practice for a reason.

[@eagleswings9080]

I'd rather a midget with good game sense and footy IQ than an athlete who won't have a significant impact with every possession.

[@CoziHasSauce]

In that Essendon "try-out" I felt bad for Ramses being led to believe that the "try-out" was serious, because he just did not fit in with the Essendon players. I mean that kick at 9:18 is comparable to what is seen in C-grade year 7/8/9ish high school football... And like, he was wearing a supporter's guernsey and pants for the so-called "try-out".

[@taylah5442]

To all Collingwood fans you would all know Dane swan (swanny) im a 13 year old girl who has been playing footy since 2015. That was when we had our first girls side. I joined halfway through the year. Dane swan was the person who made me play footy. Just watching him was amazing. He was and still is my favourite player. Yeah so he made me play footy and not trying to be cocky I think I’m actually good. Not the best though. I was actually upset when he retired. I cried a little. My team went to the city to have a tour of the cooling wood Center where they train. And I got to meet my hero. DANE SWAN. I was so happy. GO THE PIES!!!!!!!

[@BigBlack81]

Eric Wallace. North Melbourne. Google him. And remember that this is for us what sumo might be to Mongolia right now: A sport to produce stars in. Could it be that the attempt to take some of the sting out of AFL is to encourage stars from other countries that they can play this game too if they start early enough in games and work hard? I surely hope so. I remember thinking back in the mid 90's that if our athletes ever took up the sport and saw the potentials in it given how we play basketball, given enough time, we'd have an American AFL superstar. How long? That depends on how much teams want to give kids a chance.

[@chrisk6887]

+Matthew Penrose don't forget mason cox for Collingwood, he's making some pretty good progress in the vfl and I think is expected to play next year.

[@OVERCAPITALIZE]

Have you seen Mongolia wrestlers becoming an Olympic judo power house? It's crazy

[@BigBlack81]

+Mata Leao And that's what I mean. Sport is now ultra global and the way to win is to bring in new talent that can be rapidly assimilated into the games played. What I want to see is kids being given scholarships earlier like in middle and high school to give them a different opportunity. Like show kids the game in elementary school and then see a few middle schoolers who want to give it a try.

[@Rodda1983]

They would need to really get them early enough BUT in doing so that kid then is already giving up on his NFL/NBA dream so it wont happen until AR is big enough to come close to US top sports player wages which unless Aussies start rooting like rabbits or it goes global won't happen. Mason Cox is going ok but is still early days. What would be interesting is if it was introduced as a second sport for the US high school systems, then we may see some real progress made and not just with players that are 7ft tall either.

[@MD-pl4ww]

Ambitious idea, unfortunately this didn’t age well …. he under sells existing afl athletic ability & under estimates the ball skills required to succeed in elite afl

[@hariavtar4693]

Its cool that this guy is trying to bring more american players into AFL and in the future there could be a closer relationship between Aussie Rules and American Football. There's an Australian player in the Canadian football league, Josh Bartel, who is an incredible punter that has a odd kick with a odd bounce that goes out of bounds behind the 10 yard line basically every time he punts. He use to play in Aussie Rules I believe.

[@benreinstepp3849]

Look, you keep your player's and we'll keep ours !! Fuck off yank

[@nate_wil]

As a die hard AFL fan, I seriously hope these kids get a fair go and make it big in the AFL. Good stuff!!!!

[@martintheiss743]

Worth a shot but 250 K Australian Dollars is not entirely high dollar for them at all.

[@trainco1643]

Agreed

[@Joshua-jj4xn]

embarrassing stuff Miro. youve taken these guys for a ride

[@stephendelacruzone]

Miro is brave dude! Investing, recruiting, and pushing these athletes to the consciousness of Australian teams!

[@randomfm5983]

imagine coming all the way to australia just to go to temora

[@zacs9798]

Football isn’t all being the biggest and fastest it’s about reading the play positioning kicking handballing you need all these skills

[@TheAllisterMac]

I'm american, i adore aussie football. Its awesome

[@JVN_Capital]

can't you create a club

[@JVN_Capital]

fill it up with these ex NFL players and see where it goes

[@wavecrash952]

+Jacobain Ntini that would be a good idea but they would have to start in a lower division

[@tillyg1541]

+Jacobain Ntini It would be really really good to actually see a Rugby League team with some of these guys on the team.

[@wighto73]

+Jacobain Ntini Excellent idea Jacobain

[@anthonyward2433]

they'd have to find a town/suburb willing to let them have a whole team then on top of that pay all the fees involved, register all the players officially, organise an oval for training and games, organise umpires, registras, club managers and a tonne of other things. all of which cost money and time and would only get them into the lowest possible grade for that area which they then have to move up through the grades each year (if they have successful seasons), until they're in a high enough grade to swap to a different league, just to work their way up again until they're at the grade where scouts would start to become interested. thats the problem with the way hes tried to organise it, he wants these guys to play at the highest, or near the highest, level with no one having viewed any of these guys in game. He mentions how the chance of any of them getting to the top level in their sport is less than 1%, its not any better for people trying to get into the afl so why should some randoms who claim they're good enough get priority over people who have also been playing and training for years to reach afl grade.

[@markdp1983]

Americans that have transitioned to playing in the AFL; although there has only been a few -- so far have tended to be really tall and play in the ruck which is basketball centre in a way. In this position they handle the ball less than other positions, and can use their size well... The guys in this video are great athletes and there is huge potential there...

[@MrSuckafree247]

I love these short documentaries, I wish these guys the most success.

[@BrisbaneLionsAreEpic]

“They are far superior to anything the afl has ever seen” Piss off they wouldn’t last a quarter even with 5 years training

[@mako4874]

too many non transferable skills between nfl and afl. these guys are super athletic- but in short bursts- nrl and afl is non stop running, conditioning your body more like a triathlete than a sprinter takes a long time, catching the bai think ll, kicking the ball- especially kicking- isn't an american skill u use much. i think if they wanted to get an american to play sport in australia, asap- get them over here- naturalise them asap, and put them in the nbl, or have them play nrl. where the skills are similar. u can't get a guy who's a freak athlete and expect em to be good at say, ping pong, just cos they're great atheltes- these kid s have been doing the same thing for 20 years. just having african genetics isn't going to be enough to be good enough.

[@samwroblewski748]

+Loop Set a lot of your points are valid, but your ideas on conditioning are off. true NFL guys play in bursts, but do you want to know how long it would take an in-shape athlete to transition to a new physical style? less than a month. the body is already primed, you're just rerouting the Central Nervous System. fundamentals are the tripping point, which is why we have so many issues with rugby on the international level

[@eagleswings9080]

No it's not the conditioning. The fundamental skills of these guys are equal to those of junior level. By junior I mean bordering U12s. Maybe if they picked up the game, say in their teens, they may have more of a chance than what they have now. It's hard to kick a sherrin as it is, takes years to feel comfortable with it.

[@kibskibs498]

MN_EDIT lol you are scared of blacks, admit it

[@stuckupcurlyguy]

@@samwroblewski748 if that was really true, why did it take Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau so long to get to an AFL level of fitness? They always looked slow, and they were the top players in a non-stop sport like rugby.

[@tomdalton1647]

I was told by one of my coaches, you can give any man athleticism by constantly training them over and over. But you can never give a man the ability to read the play and make fast decisions, that comes naturally through playing the game for many years as a child and teenager

[@evilla123456789]

No you can study and learn the rule and plays, but these players have heart something you can't train for or learn

[@SirSamTheThird]

Miro seems like a guy who is telling different things to different sides.

[@jackrichardson4859]

Poor guys are getting scammed

[@MasterGuero]

4:20 those outfits....yikes

[@thewiezman]

What's wrong with them?

[@206guy5]

African American custom over here.

[@brizliongooner3086]

Love this, I'm a Brisbane supporter and the one thing I love about our game is it is for every1. Short, Tall, built or skinny only thing u can't be is outta shape. Would love to see these athlete's from the States in my team, thing is u don't try you'll never know if your gonna cut it. Really hope this continues!

[@DexterTan1]

Google Mason Cox. The Texan has been damn good. Also, Mike Pike. A Canadian who has won a Premiership (Championship) with the Sydney Swans.

[@crimsonfrippery]

Mason Cox got to spend an afternoon with Vice President Biden when he was in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago. It was at a game where it was Mason's task to explain what was going on to the VP. I bet when he came here to learn how to play this weird game he never thought he would end up rubbing shoulders with the VP.

[@verceti23]

White... the people... so white

[@MrMax197]

+verceti23 lame

[@verceti23]

MrMax197 does australia have any black people??? i mean i know its the whitest continent on earth but still

[@MrMax197]

+verceti23 Yes we have the Aborigines. Whitest continent on earth? perhaps, but if you've ever been here especially to our major cities you would know that Australia is quite multicultural. But yes, Australia doesn't have as many black people as America but it doesn't mean they're not welcome.

[@verceti23]

MrMax197 i have been there and everybody was sayin that melbourne is multicultural but when i went there it was atleast 50% white and then a group of other niggas... suppose your stereotype of you all being racist probably dosent help

[@MrMax197]

verceti23 lol that stereotype stems from the fact that there's not as many black people here compared to some other countries. I've read on other forms of social media african americans saying that 'there's no black people in Australia so there obviously racist', which just makes no sense it's not like we ban them from entering the country once they land or something like that. Australia is made up of many different cultures and ethnicities just because there's few africans doesn't mean we're racist.

[@silvazoldyck366]

I wish these guys all the best in their pursuit of an AFL career. Someone from NRL should be doing the same thing as that would be an easier transition in my opinion.

[@421nygiants]

I was wondering what happened to Barden after he left the GMEN

[@EKSBEntertainment]

Happy to see the only main sport I watch regularly start taking off overseas.

[@Mrlegend947]

at 9:18 i would have immediately called off the training session. Try getting this guy to execute the web against a team like Hawthorn haha

[@martintheiss743]

Hey you had a good actor who resurrected Ned Kelly. Was not doing that badly in the USA when he suddenly died.

[@weston407]

AFL needs to get a licensing contract with espn+ in the states and do some serious PR/marketing - I'd ABSOLUTELY watch it

[@buc0004]

mannnnnnnnn sooo happy this was made/happening thank you miro and vice for shedding light on this opportunity>>>>!!!!!

[@LokkiSomerville]

It seems that bringing these guys and expecting them to be a traditional Australian football player is what clubs are looking at. But why not use them at their strengths? One thing that breaks down the zone is running the ball very well - a clever coach may use one of these guys specifically to run the ball and break tackles to make ground... They are gonna take 1, 2 or 3 guys sometimes to brings them down - which is gonna mean the zone is broken. Don't have them kicking - purely sprinting, bouncing and then passing off means they would burn nearly anyone on an AFL ground. If an AFL coach decides to take a gamble on this, and use a player to his strengths and it works - watch out. It's the same with Jarryd Hayne, the minute he throws a lateral pass and it results in a touchdown from a return - things will go completely nuts ;)

[@taipan185]

I totally believe this can be done it'll just take the right attitude from the clubs. I have seen the footballers on both sides of the pacific and you can't fault the dedication of American footballers they are very driven and top shelf athletes. The hardest thing for the Americans will be reading the game outside that all the skills can be taught.

[@squeak21992199]

The clubs do have the right attitude though. They regularly scout amateur Gaelic football players from Ireland and some of them go on to be successes. I think the trouble with scouting Americans is that the skills don't transfer as well as one would expect.

[@StefansZZ]

It's crazy for me to watch this as a huge NBA fan. I've grown so accustomed to seeing how basketball players train and condition themselves into the best possible shape, that it's bizarre for me to see these jacked football players. Such a transition between sports. I guess the reason is for better speed and endurance in basketball... but of course you do have your guys who are going to be naturally bulging like LeBron, David Robinson, early Larry Jonhson, Eric Bledsoe, etc... I mean, guys in the NBA do all kinds of unique workouts that help shape and build muscle, but isn't as demanding as weight lifting. (Though, obviously, most do still weight lift) LeBron for example never implemented a heavy amount of weight lifting in his career that I know of... Except when he did come to Miami. He did bulk up a bit. TLDR; Holy shit football players are more jacked than basketball players

[@drunkill]

I had no idea these guys were taking the 'back roads' by playing for country clubs. That is great to see and I wish the footy mad media here in Melbourne would pick up on it and run a huge story sometime.

[@martintheiss743]

Perhaps have a show off against one of the lesser teams from the AFL or a Victorian club.

[@charliepalmer1933]

If you can’t kick, then you can’t play. That’s been the problem with recruits from the US

[@valtec.]

To call them more superior athlete's is a understatement to what sport your trying in. They can't make it in the NFL what makes you think there good enough to make it into the AFL, especially when the game is much more physical game. Unless your 7ft tall like Mason Cox, you might get a chance...

[@theflyingdropbear2009]

not really, some of the better players are no taller than myself at around 5'8. Don't need to be 7ft tall to play AFL.

[@valtec.]

@@theflyingdropbear2009 What I meant is Mason Cox only got in cause of his height. He came over not knowing or even played the game before, but cause of his height, Collingwood thought they could take advantage of that and teach him the game. After 3 years, he finally got his shot. Played really well 1 game against the eagles but has never done great after that game. He's lack of ball skills show in games but his height makes him able to take marks.

[@theflyingdropbear2009]

@@valtec. that was the big mistake Collingwood made, the only way to develop players from the USA, is to get them learning early, such as at the age of 6. but when it concerns the USA, the biggest challenge, is getting them away from MLB, NBA, or NFL, and exposing them to the AFL, that is easier said then done, since that is rather unlikely.

[@masterdinosawr]

Very good idea in theory. America has incredible training for it's athletes. AFL is very physical but demands agility just like most NFL positions. I can see why the AFL teams are reluctant. These guys havent been seen or proven before. The biggest downside to them is their skill set. They can be stronger, faster and jump higher than the AFL players but they need to know how to kick the ball, pass and various other skills. The current AFL players have been playing since they were kids so their skill set is mastered. It will work in the future. Even though the money in the AFL is nowhere near as profitable as the big american leagues, it's more than enough to live comfortably in Australia.

[@EannaWithAFada]

Miro is a bit of a character I see why they don't want to accept his offers

[@ThePodiumSC]

Any team in any sport needs niche players, I'm surprised that AFL (with specific requirements of evasive running, competing for balls in the air, and strength in contact) is pretty much ignoring these guys. We've seen many successful transfers of American football based players into sevens rugby, and I'm sure if given a chance these guys could become impact players in AFL.

[@phuocdo5938]

I think the problem is their endurance, sure they can look spectacular for a few minutes but then they will just cramp up and their team would be a man down. Now if they were to get their endurance up who knows they may lose their explosiveness.

[@ThePodiumSC]

I think they get unlimited subs in AFL? If not then yes a lack of specific fitness would be a concern

[@Great7721]

this sport is so badass, makes you feel good for the athletes finally finding some work, wonder if the locals dont try to target and injure these guys for some sort of street cred or somethin

[@KlaximumSkroeft]

Is there an update on this story yet? I want those guys to do well.

[@Creees]

different energy systems for each sport. American NFL uses 10 seconds and the ball ialways stopped for 30 seconds to do anything else (quite boring) whilst Afl you need to run non stop for each quarter. I doubt they can make it AFL

[@monsternrgy]

Its Very Rare for converts from other countries to be successful at Aussie rules. The game is so very different to any other played on the planet and whilst they may be more athletically gifted it doesn't make up for years of football experience at younger levels.

[@zadkovichraj3246]

I think it's a great idea and a great opportunity for both these American athletes and growing the Aussie game outside of Aus These guys are remarkable athletes but they seem to have forgotten about all-round athleticism. Their sprint times etc. wouldn't hurt their chances but anyone who's been to an AFL game knows you gotta have an incredible amount of game smarts, spatial awareness, manueverability and bravery to play. Having seen the way Americans do sport (even like soccer) there isn't as much an emphasis on the all-round stuff, more just a very specific role and pure ability in one facet such as sprinting. But they have a great attitude, probably not easy to leave SoCal behind for Temora lol, I've lived in places like Leeton and Dubbo and they're a tad different to SoCal lol

[@tracewell]

I'd love to get an update on this story. Where are the guys now, has anyone made it?

[@jkalka2844]

To everyone saying that these guys won't be any good because they don't have a high aerobic capacity like our Aussie bred footballers, just wait. Give it maximum 10 years and we will see someone like these guys in the AFL, the game is changing. You're kidding yourself if you think they're not being trained to be aerobically fit. Any half decent coach is going to put them through a proper pre-season.

[@adamrose5690]

American football is probably one of the easier sports for an athlete pick up. so much of it is learning play books and positioning (run five steps, cut 90 degrees right, and catch). i would think it would be near imposable to just pick up the organized cluster f*** that is Aussie rules, and become one of the best in the world overnight.

[@shafhamid83]

It's a hybrid of football, rugby, basketball and volleyball played on a cricket ground

[@pauljarvis446]

No it isn't.

[@jimethota]

Can there be a followup video to this?

[@NuubsDawg]

it sucks what essendon did to that bloke, they really aren't the best team when it comes to integrity and treating their players well

[@Will-lw4zf]

It’s like Aussie punters in American football it will take off when it does and a storm will start when it happens

[@tms2352]

I really wish sports like this and Rugby were big here. Soooo much better than endless months of boring baseball and basketball.

[@micdavis6]

Is there any kind of follow up planned?

[@nickmorley87]

those body types are much better suited to Rugby League. If they were to make it into any professional league in Australia it would more than likely be the NRL

[@MrYoYoMasterSwag]

would love to see a follow up of these blokes, any of them have social media?

[@yeahnah7220]

Fuck yeah, good on the 3 blokes that took a leap and come and played in whatever league the country team is in. Having a crack, with a can do attitude deems them to be honorary Aussies imo! As for Miro, well his having a crack and you've gotta be in it to win it. The likelihood he strikes it lucky and lives his dream which it too obviously be a player manger is very slim to zero BUT if his happy then good on him. Effectively these lads are being thrown a Sherrin and introduced to a 150m in L x 130m in W ground among 36 other blokes that have practically handled a Sherrin since birth and consumed thousands of hours of AFL via watching and playing since primary school. It's a HUGE ask in anyone's book and whilst I commend anyone who simply has a crack it's just as likely there won't be any USA invasion in the near future nor far future imo . There's always one exception to the rule's though so we may see one slip through and turn out to be a champion but it will be a total anomaly. As history has shown the best chance of cross over success lays with the lads out of Ireland with their Gallic Football upbringing. Just cause the kid who ate all the pies is a crack shot running around Target with his Nerf it doesn't indicate your in the company of a future crack special op's sniper.

[@henryharms8836]

Strange that they didn't mention the Americans who have made it onto the bigger AFL teams. One has already made his debut in the league!

[@LewisCostin]

Bombers should sign him up now with all their bans. Go Saints!

[@MrRokotui]

Super interesting! More like this please Vice!