Bulldogs and Magpies

Primarily I didn’t go to see the game. Mostly it was to see the people and the stadium. But it happened that the contesting teams were formidable forces in the AFL (Australian Footy League), and we had a great match as the Bulldogs and the Magpies ( Collingwood) fought it out.

The ambience was just awesome when Kartik and I reached Etihad (previously known as Telestra Dome). There were stalls of both the teams outside selling flags and similar merchandise. Piyush shocked us with the news that the spectators have to stand throughout the game. Seats are only for members. But after getting a seat, we remembered that Piyush is always wrong unless proven right.
Needless to say, the stadium was excellent.

The game is a derivation from rugby, and requires a lot of stamina. Use of both hands and feet. Not suited for Indians. A single clash would have been enough to throw us out of the arena. The game is divided into 30 minute quarters. There are these tall posts, at each end, through which the rugby like ball is to be passed. Central section: 6 points. Two sections on either side of the central section: 1 point. No off side. There is a concept similar to a free kick called a mark. And, the game never stopped. Injury, knocked down, unconscious, dead – whatever the case, just continue playing, while concerned people would come into the ground to tend to them.
Kartik and Piyush supported the Magpies. I was always supporting whoever was losing, and that was the Dogs all the time. The Aussies really love their sport. And these games being held only in the weekends there is no interruption of work. And then the public just let themselves loose in the stadiums. Full of booze and enthu as they cheer their team on. “Go go Dogs” or “Come on Swarley” (Swarley seemed to be an important player of Collingwood, but he missed a sitter in the last quarter)

Till the end of the 3rd quarter, the score was 105-68. But the dogs came back hard in the last round. 5 minutes to close of play, the score was 105-104. Then the Magpies saved the blushes with a goal (whatever it is called). And the match ended at 111-110.