The first goal of Fremantle's semi final against Geelong was signalled with an NFL-style action.
Experienced officiator Matt Maclure raised his arms straight up and over his head, mimicking an NFL official after Shai Bolton slotted a goal in the first minute of Fremantle's final at Optus Stadium, paying homage to the American game which played in Australia earlier on Friday.
The San Francisco 49ers took on the LA Rams in front of 100,021 fans at the MCG, with the officiator signalling a field goal with an AFL goal signal which was met with widespread praise as a sign of respect between the codes.
NFL-mania has swept Melbourne today after the landmark match which is the first of four NFL matches down under across a five year period.
Fremantle burst out of the blocks to kick the first three goals of the game at Optus Stadium.
