Originally Posted by MartinLuther

I must admit that I thought Aussie Rules was less skillful until I played a couple of games.

Originally Posted by BenandPam

Say something sensible or don't say anything.

Originally Posted by BenandPam

I am sure I would look like a complete numpty trying to play it. It is just that for me, the skill involved doesn't come across well enough when I have watched it (both live and on TV) to make it interesting.

Originally Posted by Scossie

My point entirely!
You're finally catching on. Nice one.

Originally Posted by BenandPam

This is exactly my point, I couldn't give 2 tosses for the game, and it appears nor could the rest of the World. Given that it has been around for donkey's ages, Aussie Rules has absolutely failed to make people in other countries say "Wow, this sport is fantastic. I love the way those blokes with 80's style cap sleeve shirts and dodgy hair play such an interesting stop/start game that involves scoring through an area the size of most other sport's pitches. The singing of a ridiculous 50's style song to round it all off really makes it special".

If it was such a great sport, it has had more than enough time to establish a reasonable size league in at least one other country. When there are so many other choices, it simply isn't interesting enough to watch. People vote with their feet and they aren't rushing to watch Aussie Rules.

Given that Aussie Rules is one of the most popular spectator sports in Australia, the low level of actual participation is amusing. In it's desperation to be like America, is Australia producing a nation of sports fans who are happy to sit in front of their big screen TV's, but can't shift their fat arses to actually get out there and kick a ball about ? The Great Sporting Nation thing is an absolute joke.

In the grand scheme of things, Aussie Rules can be seen as a bit of a joke. I would rather watch Gaelic Football; at least they still have a goal to score in which requires a degree of skill.

Originally Posted by movetoperth

Why does it have to be a worldwide sport? It's called Australian Rules Football not World Rules Football, whats the great facination with having it played round the world?

I didn't say it has to be a worldwide sport, simply that if it was as great a spectacle as I am constantly being told, then it would generate more interest around the World.

If your reason for hating it are those that you have stated above such as what players wear and songs they sing then really thats just plain sad, it's sad that you can't see past the packaging and appreciate whats underneath. If you really hate the game that much then why let it get you so uptight? I must admit i don't care for cricket, but that doesn't mean it's a bad game or that its a game that should be abolished, it's just a game that many people love and i'd prefer not to watch.

You used the word hate, I didn't (try actually reading what people have written ). I was responding to those people who don't like football because apparently "Oh and a lot of girly screaming cos someone kicked their shin pad and messed their hair up. I quote.... "a game for wogs and sheilas". I take it that you don't find those views sad at all then ? I am most amused that a couple of people think I am getting "uptight" about this. I am sat here finding it quite funny.

From what i've read your knowledge of football and especially it's particiapation at local level is negligable at most.

"From "The Threat of Soccer" article,

"This may sound controversial but it's not when you look at the figures. We are a nation of only 20 million people. Of those, only 417,000 play Australian football. As discussed above, due to the inclusion of Auskick numbers this figure is misleading. Take the Auskick numbers away - 112,000 - and we have only 305,000 people playing our national game."
Did you even read this . Are you saying that these figures are wrong, and that because you have seen a few kids playing locally that you know better ? You seem to be the one with negligable knowledge.

Now go and enjoy the world cup and whtever other sports you enjoy watching or playing and leave football to those of us who understand it and enjoy it, because despite what you may believe that are many of us.


Lynn

Originally Posted by Hels

I'm getting dizzy!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Shakmaty

Stop spinning round on your office chair

Originally Posted by BenandPam

See above

Originally Posted by Hels

Its not the office chair thats making me dizzy!!

Originally Posted by movetoperth

No i didn't read the article, because basically i don't see the point, you can spout quotes and figures all day but i prefer the reality of what i see week in week out, and that is many people playing and enjoying and even more watching and enjoying, which is after all what sport is all about.

I am obviously never going to convert anyone to my way of thinking, I have no facts and figure to spout, just hands on experience of how it is where i live and to me that counts for quite a bit.

Changing the subject though.... i know a couple of kids here from Pom families who haven't been allowed to join the local club because their parents have said that aussie rules is not english enough foir their kids to play.....

Lynn

Originally Posted by Hels

Its not the office chair thats making me dizzy!!

Although back in my very first job, at christmas parties we would have swivel chair races around the office!! Had to stand up on them and attempt to propel them around while incredibly pissed!!

Ahhh...the days before Occ Health & Safety!!!

Originally Posted by BenandPam

And I can quite understand any parents wanting to give their kids a decent start in life not letting them play Aussie Rules

Originally Posted by BenandPam

The Great Sporting Nation thing is an absolute joke.