Loving "Footy"

When you live in a place where the reigning premiers are, you just can’t help but catch the fever.

Australian Football, Aussie Rules or as they say “Footy”, is Australia’s “National Sport”. It is very much celebrated that every Aussie that I have met has a team the he or she supports. It’s very much like the PBA in the 80s and early 90s where Pinoys are die hard supporters to their teams. The season runs in 22 rounds from late of March to early September. And after the normal season, a series of finals matches will be played until 2 teams will emerge to play for the premiership.

When I arrived last year in July, it was Geelong’s undefeated run that made me stuck to their matches. Watching the games just made me an instant supporter and a fan of the sport. Though there are “superstars”, the game is so fast that being on that pedestal has to be reclaimed in every game. And every game is every player’s avenue to confirm its status. It was an instant click that if I have to compare an established sport like NBA and NFL, NBA and NFL are so gay.

Having seen the matches last year and learning the sport as I get through the rounds, I have appreciated the sport very much that this year, each team has evolved and are very hungry for the premiership. While Geelong has never been defeated at of the moment, it gave me a fright yesterday when Sydney was getting close to 3 points in devouring the Cats. I’m just glad that Gary Ablett Jr. went to his job and gave 3 straight goals to further the lead. One of my favorites, Matthew Stokes, also did well as he graced the 150 m with his passes and marks. With his size, I really admire his talent on the field.

And the match with Richmond Tigers and Western Bulldogs this afternoon, I can’t help but went berserk with the ball being passed around the field many times. This sport is I think the most active sport as I haven’t seen any “dead time”. The ball is always alive.

Round No. 5 has ended and Geelong is leading the ladder, followed by Hawthorn. I hope Geelong will continue to get things done as I would want them to get the premiership again.

Go Footy! Go Geelong!