Australian Rules Football - AFL - 2019

[Hibernia&Alba]

Anyone else enjoy Aussie rules; perhaps some Hibees who now live out there? I'm not into American sports, such as NFL and baseball, but I've really gotten into Aussie rules in the past couple of seasons and have adopted St Kilda (perennial underachievers with one title in their history) as my team :agree:. Tremendous sport which demands skill, fitness and courage.

New season kicks off in a couple of weeks time - BT Sport has live games :aok:

[Hibernia&Alba]

Looks like I'm the only Aussie Rules fan on .net :greengrin. Grand Final next Saturday, live on BT, Richmond v Great Western Sydney Giants. It's the Giants' first Grand Final; they will be big underdogs, but I hope they do it.

[brianmc]

I enjoy it. And used to follow it weekly back in the day (30 years ago, jeez) when it was first in Channel 4.
Obviously Hawthorn were the team for me - HFC all the way.

I rarely catch it these days, sadly.

Though now that I think of it I'd STILL say it's my second favourite sport behind the real HFC.
Go Hawks!

[Mibbes Aye]

Looks like I'm the only Aussie Rules fan on .net :greengrin. Grand Final next Saturday, live on BT, Richmond v Great Western Sydney Giants. It's the Giants' first Grand Final; they will be big underdogs, but I hope they do it.

I posted on the other thread! I’ve seen Richmond live, playing against Collingwood. I was supporting Collingwood but I think they are maybe like the Rankgers of AFL. Also had a liking for West Coast Eagles.

I have BT so might make more of an effort to catch games in the future.

[Danderhall Hibs]

I watch it every week mate - the Collingwood v GWS semi was a cracker.

It’s a pity BT scrapped the highlights show this season as I’ve not got the time to watch 3 or 4 live games every weekend but I make sure I watch the finals in full - amazing games.

I’ve not got a team as such - I just enjoy watching.

[Calvin]

Sorry I missed this post!

I’m a West Coast Eagles fan. Was at two games in May and was lucky enough to see Liam Ryan’s mark of the year right in front of me.

Was disappointed how we went out but it was a fun season to get into the sport (although obviously I look like a glory hunter after last year... both my sisters live in Perth though.)

I’m actually moving to Brisbane in 3 weeks so will be able to enjoy next season at the Gabba... I’ll still be an Eagles fan though.

[Hibernia&Alba]

Sorry I missed this post!

I’m a West Coast Eagles fan. Was at two games in May and was lucky enough to see Liam Ryan’s mark of the year right in front of me.

Was disappointed how we went out but it was a fun season to get into the sport (although obviously I look like a glory hunter after last year... both my sisters live in Perth though.)

I’m actually moving to Brisbane in 3 weeks so will be able to enjoy next season at the Gabba... I’ll still be an Eagles fan though.

Wow, bon voyage, mate. Why are you also making the move? Brisbane to Perth is only 3000 miles :greengrin

[Calvin]

Wow, bon voyage, mate. Why are you also making the move? Brisbane to Perth is only 3000 miles :greengrin

I know right! An opportunity came up with work so I thought I should take the chance to live down there for a few years! Plus I suppose a 5 hour flight to see the rest of the family is more manageable than the 17 hour flight just now!

[Hibernia&Alba]

I know right! An opportunity came up with work so I thought I should take the chance to live down there for a few years! Plus I suppose a 5 hour flight to see the rest of the family is more manageable than the 17 hour flight just now!

Great, that will be some adventure. The weather will be a bit nicer in Queensland!

[Danderhall Hibs]

Anyone setting the alarm for the final?

I’m just going to record it and watch it later in the afternoon or maybe even on Sunday. Fairly easy to avoid the score.

[Calvin]

Anyone setting the alarm for the final?

I’m just going to record it and watch it later in the afternoon or maybe even on Sunday. Fairly easy to avoid the score.

Yeah I’ll be up early for it. Heading north for Preston v Bristol tomorrow so won’t be able to avoid the result all day.

I better go to sleep now actually!

[Calvin]

Are we now safe to say that Saturday’s game was a shocker?

[Danderhall Hibs]

Are we now safe to say that Saturday’s game was a shocker?

Probably the most one sided game I’ve watched all season.

[Hibernia&Alba]

Are we now safe to say that Saturday’s game was a shocker?


Probably the most one sided game I’ve watched all season.

I got up in the middle of the night to watch it; certainly the most one-sided Grand Final I've watched. I felt sorry for GWS; they were beaten early into the second quarter, then it just kept getting worse. A shame the biggest game of the season wasn't competitive.

[Keyser Sauzee]

Are BT sport still showing the AFL season here in the U.K.?

[Danderhall Hibs]

Are BT sport still showing the AFL season here in the U.K.?

Yes - it’s been on this weekend although I’ve not seen any of it.

I think they’re playing games behind closed doors.

[Ryan91]

Yes - it’s been on this weekend although I’ve not seen any of it.

I think they’re playing games behind closed doors.

AFL now suspended season until June at earliest, a shame as I was looking forward to watching it again to fill that sporting void that now exists in my life.

[Danderhall Hibs]

AFL now suspended season until June at earliest, a shame as I was looking forward to watching it again to fill that sporting void that now exists in my life.

I watched the 2nd half of the game this morning. Why did they bother starting the season?

Looks like the rugby league’s still on - might have to make do with that.

[HibernianJK]

I watched the 2nd half of the game this morning. Why did they bother starting the season?

Looks like the rugby league’s still on - might have to make do with that.

They probably would have continued but states in Australia started to close their borders which made interstate play impossible.

[Calvin]

AFL now suspended season until June at earliest, a shame as I was looking forward to watching it again to fill that sporting void that now exists in my life.
I bought an interstate membership this year and was on track for 7 games this season! Let's see how that works out...

[Curried]

Tight last quarter in play-off between Port Adelaide and Richmond.

[Calvin]

Was down in Adelaide on Friday but couldn't get a ticket.

Was at the Brisbane game last night. Not their best showing.

Still, finished the season with 18 games under my belt so counting my blessings!

[HibernianJK]

Hope Geelong give Richmond a pumping at the weekend. Can’t stand Richmond fans and would be nice to see Ablett retire with a flag and Dangerfield finally get one.

[Calvin]

Hope Geelong give Richmond a pumping at the weekend. Can’t stand Richmond fans and would be nice to see Ablett retire with a flag and Dangerfield finally get one.

Managed to get a ticket - absolutely cheering on Geelong.

[Ryan91]

Managed to get a ticket - absolutely cheering on Geelong.

Enjoy your night at the Gabba, though hopefully it's a disappointing night for the Cats. :greengrin

[Curried]

Only three minutes in and Ablett and Vlastuin are gone.

[Ryan91]

Yellow and Black go Back-to-Back

[Calvin]

Quite an entertaining first weekend with a few surprising results!

No border closures or restrictions in place at all here just now so fingers crossed for a relatively straight forward season.

[Hibernia&Alba]

Quite an entertaining first weekend with a few surprising results!

No border closures or restrictions in place at all here just now so fingers crossed for a relatively straight forward season.

Yes, St Kilda started with an away win at GWS, despite an injury ravaged team :greengrin. I'm hoping for finals again this year.

[HibernianJK]

Been some really really good games in the first 2 weeks of the season so far. Sydney have showed up really well with some young guns while Richmond look as good as ever and will be hard to stop again. Outside shout good be the Bulldogs, stacked midfield and if they’re just good at both ends the midfield is probably the best in the competition.

[Calvin]

Quite an entertaining first weekend with a few surprising results!

No border closures or restrictions in place at all here just now so fingers crossed for a relatively straight forward season.
Well. If ever a post screams of "keep your mouth shut" then that was it!

I booked up to go down for the Bulldogs v West Coast game last Thursday. Got a case on Saturday. Border closed on Sunday. Missed out on getting to an absolutely phenomenal game.

Looks like we won't be travelling interstate any time soon so my trip to see us play St Kilda in 2 weeks and Collingwood in Perth in 3 weeks are all up the swanny.

Still, I'm liking how we're looking this season... and at least a lockdown allows for plenty of AFL time!

[Hibernia&Alba]

Well. If ever a post screams of "keep your mouth shut" then that was it!

I booked up to go down for the Bulldogs v West Coast game last Thursday. Got a case on Saturday. Border closed on Sunday. Missed out on getting to an absolutely phenomenal game.

Looks like we won't be travelling interstate any time soon so my trip to see us play St Kilda in 2 weeks and Collingwood in Perth in 3 weeks are all up the swanny.

Still, I'm liking how we're looking this season... and at least a lockdown allows for plenty of AFL time!

That's a real shame. Yes, West Coast could go very well again this year. Terrible result for Saints against the Demons, but Essendon this weekend should be a gimme. They already look like wooden spoon contenders.

[Danderhall Hibs]

Yes, St Kilda started with an away win at GWS, despite an injury ravaged team :greengrin. I'm hoping for finals again this year.

I’ve been up early this morning and watched Essendon v St Kilda - it’s been 1 way traffic, 60 point lead and q3 not even finished yet.

[HibernianJK]

That's a real shame. Yes, West Coast could go very well again this year. Terrible result for Saints against the Demons, but Essendon this weekend should be a gimme. They already look like wooden spoon contenders.

I’ll accept your apology for the outlandish writing off of my bombers in writing please.

[Hibernia&Alba]

I’ll accept your apology for the outlandish writing off of my bombers in writing please.

Apology freely given. I can't believe Saints conceded 143 points to an injury ravaged Essendon. However, anything is possible with St Kilda. West Coast will destroy us this weekend.

[Calvin]

Apology freely given. I can't believe Saints conceded 143 points to an injury ravaged Essendon. However, anything is possible with St Kilda. West Coast will destroy us this weekend.

Just flew into Melbourne this morning. Off for a covid test now and have to isolate til my result comes back. Got my ticket for the game though, genuinely can’t wait!

[Hibernia&Alba]

Just flew into Melbourne this morning. Off for a covid test now and have to isolate til my result comes back. Got my ticket for the game though, genuinely can’t wait!

Got the alarm set, even though I'm dreading it. Enjoy the game.

[Danderhall Hibs]

Got the alarm set, even though I'm dreading it. Enjoy the game.

Some game this has been. That should be it all over now.

[Calvin]

Shambles

[HibernianJK]

Apology freely given. I can't believe Saints conceded 143 points to an injury ravaged Essendon. However, anything is possible with St Kilda. West Coast will destroy us this weekend.

Wrong again! Haha

Game of two halves. Saints lifted massively in second half but their effort and pressure was there all game. Steele is absolutely superb. Eagles had no answer at all.

[Hibernia&Alba]

Some game this has been. That should be it all over now.


Shambles


Wrong again! Haha

Game of two halves. Saints lifted massively in second half but their effort and pressure was there all game. Steele is absolutely superb. Eagles had no answer at all.

I should have bet in play when Saints were 33 points down. Eight consecutive goals later and it's a great win. :greengrin

That was St Kilda summed up in one game! You never know what you're going to get. I'm zero from four on my game predictions so far! :agree:

[Calvin]

I'm still pretty salty about the game. What a capitulation. You'd rather it happened now than at the other end of the season though.

[HibernianJK]

I'm still pretty salty about the game. What a capitulation. You'd rather it happened now than at the other end of the season though.

West Coast, Geelong and Collingwood are 3 teams I would be looking closely at this season as with the new man on the mark rules and ageing squads they could be in a spot of bother. Youthful teams with runners from deep will benefit the most.

[Calvin]

West Coast, Geelong and Collingwood are 3 teams I would be looking closely at this season as with the new man on the mark rules and ageing squads they could be in a spot of bother. Youthful teams with runners from deep will benefit the most.
Couldn't agree more. Swans early success is a great example of this. That being said, I still think West Coast will come out as a top four team once everyone figures it out.

[Hibernia&Alba]

West Coast, Geelong and Collingwood are 3 teams I would be looking closely at this season as with the new man on the mark rules and ageing squads they could be in a spot of bother. Youthful teams with runners from deep will benefit the most.

One thing that frustrates me about the sport is the constant rule changes. Every year there is something new to adapt to. Surely, after 150 years they can figure out what's best and stick with it.

[HibernianJK]

Couldn't agree more. Swans early success is a great example of this. That being said, I still think West Coast will come out as a top four team once everyone figures it out.

I agree. Think Optus is a big advantage for them and will help them in. They do still have a really good squad too.

[HibernianJK]

One thing that frustrates me about the sport is the constant rule changes. Every year there is something new to adapt to. Surely, after 150 years they can figure out what's best and stick with it.

Yep you and everyone else. Constant tinkering with the game does no good. Should be a review every 2/3 years.

[Hibernia&Alba]

St Kilda's 88 point defeat to Richmond in Round 5 was every bit as bad as the Melbourne hammering. The most unpredictable team in the competition, but the defence is a massive worry: over 500 points conceded in five games is appalling.

[HibernianJK]

Anzac Day weekend this weekend so the big Collingwood vs Essendon headline is only a few days away. Both teams having a tough time with injuries but buzzing nonetheless.

[HibernianJK]

**** the Pies

[Hibernia&Alba]

**** the Pies

Another disaster class from St Kilda against Port. The Hawthorn game is now a must win.

[HibernianJK]

Another disaster class from St Kilda against Port. The Hawthorn game is now a must win.

No idea what’s happened to the Saints this year. Look a shell of the team from last season. Midfield is slow and small forwards not nearly as productive. Worrying for them.

[Calvin]

No idea what’s happened to the Saints this year. Look a shell of the team from last season. Midfield is slow and small forwards not nearly as productive. Worrying for them.

Still good enough to beat West Coast though....

Our game against the Cats on Saturday was as bad as I’ve seen from any of my teams in any sport for a long, long time.

[Hibernia&Alba]

No idea what’s happened to the Saints this year. Look a shell of the team from last season. Midfield is slow and small forwards not nearly as productive. Worrying for them.

There are rumours of splits in the dressing room etc, but I don't know if it's just media talk. Yes, they've taken a big step backwards this year, which is surprising, as they were hoping to build on making finals. There are two winnable games coming up (Hawthorn and Gold Coast) which are now huge. Lose those and it's going to get grim.

[Zorro]

I've just come across this thread! Although I've not followed the AFL properly for a few years, I stil love watching it when I can. I lived in Perth for a while many years ago, with some diehard Eagles fans. So naturally I opted to support the Dockers to noise them up - a port side who at the time favoured purple and green as part of their colours :) Had some brilliant experiences going to games, although at the time WCE were by far the strongest Perth team and humped the Dockers when I went to any derbies. Also managed to see the Swans in Sydney a few times. I find Aussie Rules a brilliant game to watch, and wish it had more coverage over here.

[Hibernia&Alba]

I've just come across this thread! Although I've not followed the AFL properly for a few years, I stil love watching it when I can. I lived in Perth for a while many years ago, with some diehard Eagles fans. So naturally I opted to support the Dockers to noise them up - a port side who at the team favoured purple and green as part of their colours :) Had some brilliant experiences going to games, although at the time WCE were by far the strongest Perth team and humped the Dockers when I went to any derbies. Also managed to see the Swans in Sydney a few times. I find Aussie Rules a brilliant game to watch, and wish it had more coverage over here.

BT sport has very good coverage, with live games and highlights show. :aok:

[Calvin]

I've just come across this thread! Although I've not followed the AFL properly for a few years, I stil love watching it when I can. I lived in Perth for a while many years ago, with some diehard Eagles fans. So naturally I opted to support the Dockers to noise them up - a port side who at the time favoured purple and green as part of their colours :) Had some brilliant experiences going to games, although at the time WCE were by far the strongest Perth team and humped the Dockers when I went to any derbies. Also managed to see the Swans in Sydney a few times. I find Aussie Rules a brilliant game to watch, and wish it had more coverage over here.
Welcome.

Against all odds I've managed to get a ticket for the derby on Sunday. Masks required, but a small price to pay - albeit I fear it'll be to see Fremantle end our winning streak against them.

[Zorro]

Welcome.

Against all odds I've managed to get a ticket for the derby on Sunday. Masks required, but a small price to pay - albeit I fear it'll be to see Fremantle end our winning streak against them.

I had a check of the ladder for the first time in a long time, and saw that the Eagles hadn't had the best season, is this a blip or has it been like that for a while? Although from what you say they've still had the upper hand on Freo for a while... I lived in Perth back in the 90s so at that time the Eagles were very much the dominant derby side, and Freo were complete underdogs. Enjoy the match, had some great banter with Eagles fans at the games I went too, and my Perthmates are all Eagles fans but I still have that soft spot for the Dockers!


BT sport has very good coverage, with live games and highlights show. :aok:

Thanks for that, will check it out and see if I can get it. Can't believe I've missed it for so long, but now I really want to see a match!

[Calvin]

I had a check of the ladder for the first time in a long time, and saw that the Eagles hadn't had the best season, is this a blip or has it been like that for a while? Although from what you say they've still had the upper hand on Freo for a while... I lived in Perth back in the 90s so at that time the Eagles were very much the dominant derby side, and Freo were complete underdogs. Enjoy the match, had some great banter with Eagles fans at the games I went too, and my Perthmates are all Eagles fans but I still have that soft spot for the Dockers!
My brother in law is an Eagles fan so I didn't have much choice but to barrack for them; long before I ever thought I'd live in Australia.

Not travelling well has been our problem forever; but especially the last couple of seasons.

I really was not expecting such a convincing win yesterday - shame we were locked out in the end. That's the third game this year I've had a ticket for and been unable to go to because of Covid!

A much better performance and the Dockers will be rightly annoyed at themselves.

I'm down in Melbourne for my first MCG visit on Sunday for the Hawks game though so fingers crossed we carry the form on; especially after Hawthorn's inauspicious recent form. Mind you, that didn't stop us crumbling to the Saints.

[Zorro]

My brother in law is an Eagles fan so I didn't have much choice but to barrack for them; long before I ever thought I'd live in Australia.

Not travelling well has been our problem forever; but especially the last couple of seasons.

I really was not expecting such a convincing win yesterday - shame we were locked out in the end. That's the third game this year I've had a ticket for and been unable to go to because of Covid!

A much better performance and the Dockers will be rightly annoyed at themselves.

I'm down in Melbourne for my first MCG visit on Sunday for the Hawks game though so fingers crossed we carry the form on; especially after Hawthorn's inauspicious recent form. Mind you, that didn't stop us crumbling to the Saints.

Just checked in to see the weekend results - oofty, that looks like a doing, Eagles by 59! Well done, but that's a real shame the fans couldn't be there, hopefully next time. Enjoy the MCG, I never saw a game there but it's some ground.

[Hibernia&Alba]

St Kilda hammered Hawthorn. Superb performance from such an unpredictable team.

[Zorro]

St Kilda hammered Hawthorn. Superb performance from such an unpredictable team.

Just watched the highlights - an absolute rout!

[Hibernia&Alba]

St Kilda beat Gold Coast 63-54. The season mightn't be dead yet.

[lord bunberry]

The Aussie rules players absolutely love a moustache. There’s some crackers on show in this game.

[Calvin]

The Aussie rules players absolutely love a moustache. There’s some crackers on show in this game.

I came down to the GC for the game... the moustaches are probably the most entertaining thing on show.

[lord bunberry]

I came down to the GC for the game... the moustaches are probably the most entertaining thing on show.
True, it was a bit one sided. :greengrin

[Hibernia&Alba]

St Kilda completely destroyed by Western Bulldogs, losing by 111 points. Another shambles.

[Zorro]

Big result for Melbourne at the Bulldogs.

[Calvin]

Really entertaining opening week of the season. Might be a long year in store for West Coast...

[AltheHibby]

Really entertaining opening week of the season. Might be a long year in store for West Coast...

Especially after Freo's last 2 wins. The Dockers are having an amazing season and I can't wear my hoodie out here in the Midlands in case people think I'm celebrating auld Lizzie.:greengrin