An American sports fan has just discovered the AFL in a desperate attempt to watch some form of sport as US teams call it quits amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Around the world, thousands of sporting events are being called off because 1. it’s a health hazard for the crowd, and 2. it’s a health hazard for the players.
Here in Australia, we’ve banned gatherings of more than 100 people indoors (500 outdoors), but if you thought that would stop the AFL from going ahead, think again. It’s utter madness.
But one US sports fan has grown an interest in our little ol’ AFL thanks to the fact that our Saturday afternoon Essendon/Fremantle match airs at a prime time for some Friday night footy over in the US.
Pat McAfee, who is a former NFL player himself, live-tweeted the Bombers/Dockers game from his home in Indianapolis on Friday night (Saturday afternoon here in Australia).
Watching this Aussie Rules Football.. I think it’s my favorite sport I’ve ever seen. About 6 punts a minute right now.
LET’S GOOOO MATES #ForTheBrand pic.twitter.com/OuzzRWSzQ0
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 21, 2020
He seemed a little confused by the concept of a mark (which is obviously not a term in the NFL), but thankfully the USAFL account cleared it up for him.
That is acknowledgement of the mark, the catch. Once you make an attempt to play on “or go off the mark”, you are fair game — the umpire Will shout “PLAY ON!”
— USAFL (@USAFL1997) March 21, 2020
I’m not quite sure why Pat’s tweets have warmed my cold, dead heart so much but there’s something so wholesome about a former NFL punter seeking comfort in the AFL in a time of crisis.
I’ve watched one quarter of Aussie Rules Football and I already know that this sport was supposed to be my calling back in the day.
This was supposed to be my sport.
When my child arrives in the next couple yrs, his ass is gonna be punting & punching balls all around the house.
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 21, 2020
I’m not going to include the entire Twitter thread because it’s pretty extensive (you can read it here). But hoo boy, Pat’s mind has been well and truly blown by our beloved AFL.
Rather long halftime.. probably smart tbh.. this sport has to be an absolute kick to the sack cardio wise.
What is training camp called? Do they do 2 a days and such? I bet it is disgustingly hellacious to get thru
Puke and rallies happening all over the place I assume
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 21, 2020
WHOA.. what the fuck was the backwards overhead throw in thing?
DIDN’T THINK THIS GAME COULD GET MORE ELECTRIC then the ball went out of bounds.
Is this the 2nd greatest sport on earth? pic.twitter.com/PUiDBP7Iwl
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 21, 2020
AFL fans quickly welcomed him into the Twitter community, bonding over historic moments like that time Dustin Martin left his car at the MCG for 3 months after the grand final.
If you’re having a bit of a bad day, I encourage you to go read the replies to Pat’s tweets because the sense of community among footy fans is sure to warm your heart. Honestly, this is what makes our beloved AFL so great.
But Pat isn’t the only American getting in on the AFL action today. Here’s just a few of the countless American-watching-AFL-for-the-first-time tweets I found today.
https://twitter.com/ErikPetersen/status/1241214583978819586
I have no idea what’s going on in this Aussie Rules game but the boys are cute and it looks like they are killing each other so it’s watchable.
— Michelle Watson ⚽⚾🏒🏈🏀🇺🇲 (@kcmichelle72) March 21, 2020
You probably understand why you see a big influx of Aussie Rules Football players coming to America to punt now. One of those goals made in the first half would’ve been equivalent to a 60+ yard punt.
— Travis Leder (@travisleder) March 21, 2020
