Sports come in a variety and for Australians; AFL is the real deal alongside horse racing, cricket and rugby.
Since 1858 when the sport was founded, AFL is one of the most-watched sports in Australia, featuring top professionals from across the land down under and from other countries. But for a beginner looking to learn about AFL, a question of why it is one of the most appealing sports among Australians and even beyond is important.
AFL is deeply rooted in tradition
AFL traces its root to Australia’s tradition. After the game was invented in Melbourne, it quickly spread to other states. As a result, it has gained roots in Australian families who then pass it from one generation to the next. The perfect illustration of this is during the Grand Final when thousands of Australian families go out to watch the spectacle, cheering their favourite side to win the silverware.
Moreover, AFL has become a pastime among friends and families in Australia and even beyond where they formulate tournaments around the sport. Thus, you could conclude that AFL has become an identity sport for the land down under that for many years was most known for sports such as cricket, horse racing and rugby.
Strong rivalries among teams
Most people only know of derbies in soccer. However, the feud among sports fans extends beyond football. Today, just like soccer, NFL, and basketball, AFL derbies that pit city rivals against each other have created a strong euphoria around the sport. Melbourne is particularly the core of action because several AFL teams are based in the city. It also means the competition for supremacy is data premium, as is the case with the Manchester City and Manchester United derby in England.
People love contact sports
Contact sports such as soccer, boxing, and NFL are immensely popular. And while AFL players do not wear protective gear like in the NFL, there are rules to ensure no one gets injured. The sport also employs tactical approaches that ensure abrasive situations do not get murkier. Most importantly, players must cultivate high levels of discipline and fitness to participate in the sport, which is achievable through constant physical exercise.
A high-intensity sport
High-intensity sports are also the most gruelling and energy-consuming. AFL fits the bill as one of the most high-intensity sports. It is a very competitive and combative game that hardly stops. While the average stoppage time in NFL is 11 minutes, the rules for the Aussie game ensure maximum game time. It means AFL is a high-octane game that is more exciting due to several adrenaline rush moments. There is no room for boredom when watching AFL, something that has contributed to its continued acceptance globally. The competitiveness of the sport has gotten better over the years and the pace with which it is played keeps everyone glued to the action
