Greetings from Canada...

[WillyRBeek]

So a little about myself first: I'm 28. I'm from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. I'm in the Canadian Navy. I'm a huge sports fans. I have a wonderful girlfriend, and together we have 3 cats and 1 dog. Anyway enough about that boring crap, onto what really matters!

I've just started getting into Aussie Rules Football(Or Footy, as i'll call it from now on) in the last 2 months or so. It started on one particularly slow Saturday afternoon. I was having a few beer and flicking through the channels looking for something to watch and on TSN2 I seen "Australian Rules Football". So I decided to check it out, and i've been hooked ever since!
As you can imagine, living in Canada, it's fairly hard to keep track of everything that's going on. TSN2 generally broadcast's 1 or 2 games a week, but aside from that i'm left to simply read the post game reports. As for my favorite team I currently have it listed as Adelaide, but that's because i'm required to pick a team in order to register. I'm still up in the air between Adelaide and West Coast as for whom i'm going to root for. I would greatly welcome any input from supporters of either team in order to make up my mind.

Anywho, i'm only going to be home for about 3 weeks or so, then i'm going to be out to sea for about 2 months, but in the meantime i'm going to try to be as active a poster here on this forum as I can, although at this point most of my activity will likely consist of reading and absorbing the information of fans far more informed than myself.

 

[The_Reaper]

The Adelaide theme song has the same tune as one of the US Marines hymns.
As a Canadian naval man that should rule the crows out for you.

 

[lloydbraun]

Don't listen to the West Coast theme song before making your final choice, which will be West Coast.

 

[DREAM TEAM BUFF]

Welcome

 

[Brown Bottle]

Welcome. You may be required to fail an IQ test to support one or both of those clubs.

 

[spacejam]

Welcome. I suggest West Coast

 

[Karnezis_13]

Another Canadian? I wonder if this thread will take off as much as Ogopogo 's

Welcome

 

[OrdinaryJoel]

Welcome to BigFooty!

I would suggest Adelaide as a club to follow due to like some of above posters have mentioned, our club theme song is sung to the same tune as...



And that in historical terms, we were the first non-Victorian team to win two consecutive flags (premierships)!

 

[Ogopogo]

So a little about myself first: I'm 28. I'm from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. I'm in the Canadian Navy. I'm a huge sports fans. I have a wonderful girlfriend, and together we have 3 cats and 1 dog. Anyway enough about that boring crap, onto what really matters!

I've just started getting into Aussie Rules Football(Or Footy, as i'll call it from now on) in the last 2 months or so. It started on one particularly slow Saturday afternoon. I was having a few beer and flicking through the channels looking for something to watch and on TSN2 I seen "Australian Rules Football". So I decided to check it out, and i've been hooked ever since!
As you can imagine, living in Canada, it's fairly hard to keep track of everything that's going on. TSN2 generally broadcast's 1 or 2 games a week, but aside from that i'm left to simply read the post game reports. As for my favorite team I currently have it listed as Adelaide, but that's because i'm required to pick a team in order to register. I'm still up in the air between Adelaide and West Coast as for whom i'm going to root for. I would greatly welcome any input from supporters of either team in order to make up my mind.

Anywho, i'm only going to be home for about 3 weeks or so, then i'm going to be out to sea for about 2 months, but in the meantime i'm going to try to be as active a poster here on this forum as I can, although at this point most of my activity will likely consist of reading and absorbing the information of fans far more informed than myself.

Welcome to a fellow Canadian AFL fan! I have tremendous respect for the men and women of our miltary, thank you for being willing to protect our country.

I have become an AFL fan just this season as well so, hopefully a few of the things I have learned along the way can help you on your journey:

• When finally settling on a team to barrack for (Australian for cheer for) pick a team that you like the colors and logo of. You will likely want to buy a shirt or hat and you want something that you will like the look of. I chose the Suns because of their colors, logo, and the fact that they are a new team - I like underdogs.
• Take a look at purchasing AFLTV; TSN2 games are good but there are a lot of teams they never show. I finally paid for AFLTV this weekend and it is fantastic! You can watch all games on demand or live if you prefer. All games this season are archived so you can see all of your chosen team's games. I watched 3 full Suns games this long weekend! It's not crazy expensive either, I paid $54 for a half-season. If you don't want to spend the cash, AFL Gameday on the AFL site provides the links to radio coverage of games and has a real-time stat tracker
• Hang around BigFooty - lots of knowledgeable people here that can really help your understanding of the game.

Welcome to the best code of football on the planet. Enjoy your AFL journey, eh.

 

[WillyRBeek]

• When finally settling on a team to barrack for (Australian for cheer for) pick a team that you like the colors and logo of. You will likely want to buy a shirt or hat and you want something that you will like the look of. I chose the Suns because of their colors, logo, and the fact that they are a new team - I like underdogs.

Yes this was a big thing for me when I was trying to choose who my club would be. Sydney was one of the clubs I was considering early on, but I had to drop them cause I just wasn't a fan of their name. No offense to the Sydney fans, but "The Swans" isn't a very intimidating team name!
I also didn't want to choose a team that's on top right now, because that would be like starting to follow the NBA right now and becoming a Heat fan! I didn't wanna choose a perennial loser either though, I wanted a club that seemed to be on the rise, but aren't quite at the top just yet! One thing that has me leaning towards West Coast though is the fact that i've got a chance to see a lot more of their games(3 WC games to 1 for Adelaide), and I really like the style of footy that the Eagles play!
A couple of weeks ago I was looking into prices for purchasing some gear and it's incredible expensive. $60 for a fitted hat, that's insane! For most North American sports you'll pay about $40 for the same hat. I didn't even want to look at what the shipping costs would be on top of it.

• Take a look at purchasing AFLTV; TSN2 games are good but there are a lot of teams they never show. I finally paid for AFLTV this weekend and it is fantastic! You can watch all games on demand or live if you prefer. All games this season are archived so you can see all of your chosen team's games. I watched 3 full Suns games this long weekend! It's not crazy expensive either, I paid $54 for a half-season. If you don't want to spend the cash, AFL Gameday on the AFL site provides the links to radio coverage of games and has a real-time stat tracker

You're very right about TSN2 only showing certain teams. Like I was saying earlier they've shown a lot of WC games, but very few Adelaide. And what really irks me is the fact that they have what games they're gonna broadcast scheduled well in advance, so it's not like they're even showing the "Game of the week". Like 2 weeks ago for example, I read about the crazy game between Brisbane and Geelong, and I knew there was an AFL game being shown on TSN2 later that day so I was all excited to see it, and then it turned out they were showing the North Melbourne vs Fremantle instead. Needless to say I was not very happy!

 

[WillyRBeek]

Welcome to BigFooty!

I would suggest Adelaide as a club to follow due to like some of above posters have mentioned, our club theme song is sung to the same tune as...



And that in historical terms, we were the first non-Victorian team to win two consecutive flags (premierships)!

Yes I was just listennig to the Adelaide song and it certainly is pretty good. Much better than the WC club song, I certainly have to give it to them there!

 

[Ogopogo]

Yes this was a big thing for me when I was trying to choose who my club would be. Sydney was one of the clubs I was considering early on, but I had to drop them cause I just wasn't a fan of their name. No offense to the Sydney fans, but "The Swans" isn't a very intimidating team name!

I also didn't want to choose a team that's on top right now, because that would be like starting to follow the NBA right now and becoming a Heat fan! I didn't wanna choose a perennial loser either though, I wanted a club that seemed to be on the rise, but aren't quite at the top just yet! One thing that has me leaning towards West Coast though is the fact that i've got a chance to see a lot more of their games(3 WC games to 1 for Adelaide), and I really like the style of footy that the Eagles play!
A couple of weeks ago I was looking into prices for purchasing some gear and it's incredible expensive. $60 for a fitted hat, that's insane! For most North American sports you'll pay about $40 for the same hat. I didn't even want to look at what the shipping costs would be on top of it.

You're very right about TSN2 only showing certain teams. Like I was saying earlier they've shown a lot of WC games, but very few Adelaide. And what really irks me is the fact that they have what games they're gonna broadcast scheduled well in advance, so it's not like they're even showing the "Game of the week". Like 2 weeks ago for example, I read about the crazy game between Brisbane and Geelong, and I knew there was an AFL game being shown on TSN2 later that day so I was all excited to see it, and then it turned out they were showing the North Melbourne vs Fremantle instead. Needless to say I was not very happy!

Yes, I have found that AFL merchandise is more expensive than NHL merchandise and the shipping can be expensive. I bought a shirt directly from the Suns and paid $25 to have it sent to Canada! You may want to check eBay - I have bought some stuff through there that has been a little less expensive and less costly shipping. On the Suns site, they have clearance stuff for good prices - you can probably find similar offers on the Crows or Eagles site.

I got to see that Brisbane v Geelong game online and it was insane. If you do decide to get AFLTV, definitely watch the 4th quarter - it was crazy! You may even be able to find the 4th Quarter on YouTube.

 

[WillyRBeek]

Yes, I have found that AFL merchandise is more expensive than NHL merchandise and the shipping can be expensive. I bought a shirt directly from the Suns and paid $25 to have it sent to Canada! You may want to check eBay - I have bought some stuff through there that has been a little less expensive and less costly shipping. On the Suns site, they have clearance stuff for good prices - you can probably find similar offers on the Crows or Eagles site.

I got to see that Brisbane v Geelong game online and it was insane. If you do decide to get AFLTV, definitely watch the 4th quarter - it was crazy! You may even be able to find the 4th Quarter on YouTube.

Ya i'm looking into the AFLTV right now, because I went through the guide and unfortunately TSN2 won't be showing the WC vs Adelaide game this week, and I really wanna see that game. There would be no point to me getting the Mid-Season pack because like I said in my initial post, i'm only here for a couple of weeks then i'll be out to sea for the remainder of the season. I may look into getting the Monthly pack though. I'm on leave for the next 2 weeks so it would give me something to do!

 

[lloydbraun]

Adelaide vs West Coast

The battle to win the heart of WillyRBeek.

 

[lethal03]

Welcome,

Hawks v Cats this sat night our time, don't miss it

AFL at it's finest.

 

[Catfish Alley]

Welcome,

Hawks v Cats this sat night our time, don't miss it

AFL at it's finest.

It's on TV here too. TSN2 on Saturday at 10am (Pacific Time).

 

[ScottishRoos]

It's on TV here too. TSN2 on Saturday at 10am (Pacific Time).

So a little about myself first: I'm 28. I'm from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. I'm in the Canadian Navy. I'm a huge sports fans. I have a wonderful girlfriend, and together we have 3 cats and 1 dog. Anyway enough about that boring crap, onto what really matters!

I've just started getting into Aussie Rules Football(Or Footy, as i'll call it from now on) in the last 2 months or so. It started on one particularly slow Saturday afternoon. I was having a few beer and flicking through the channels looking for something to watch and on TSN2 I seen "Australian Rules Football". So I decided to check it out, and i've been hooked ever since!
As you can imagine, living in Canada, it's fairly hard to keep track of everything that's going on. TSN2 generally broadcast's 1 or 2 games a week, but aside from that i'm left to simply read the post game reports. As for my favorite team I currently have it listed as Adelaide, but that's because i'm required to pick a team in order to register. I'm still up in the air between Adelaide and West Coast as for whom i'm going to root for. I would greatly welcome any input from supporters of either team in order to make up my mind.

Anywho, i'm only going to be home for about 3 weeks or so, then i'm going to be out to sea for about 2 months, but in the meantime i'm going to try to be as active a poster here on this forum as I can, although at this point most of my activity will likely consist of reading and absorbing the information of fans far more informed than myself.

Welcome friend

 

[WillyRBeek]

It's on TV here too. TSN2 on Saturday at 10am (Pacific Time).

Yes I caught the game today(Thank you DVR), and it was a really great game. What made it better is a had a few friends over waiting for the UFC fights to start, and I was watching it with them and they were all very intrigued! It was a really great game though, it's just unfortunate that i'm not going to be able to see Adelaide vs West Coast, even though i've already seen that West Coast won.

 

[lloydbraun]

I

Yes I caught the game today(Thank you DVR), and it was a really great game. What made it better is a had a few friends over waiting for the UFC fights to start, and I was watching it with them and they were all very intrigued! It was a really great game though, it's just unfortunate that i'm not going to be able to see Adelaide vs West Coast, even though i've already seen that West Coast won.

OK so the West Coast Eagles are now your team and Josh Kennedy is your favourite player.

True story.

 

[Gameova_]

Welcome to the site. Pick North Melbourne as your team... Stay far away from West Coast

 

[WillyRBeek]

Welcome to the site. Pick North Melbourne as your team... Stay far away from West Coast

Actually the first game I ever seen was that crazy game that NMFC and West Coast played earlier this year, that was the game that got me hooked!

Unfortunately I was unable to see the West Coast vs Adelaide game this week. I looked into buying one of the AFL Packs, but the girlfriend quickly vetoed that, said we spend enough money on cable packages so that I can watch sports, haha. Apparently it was quite the good game though. Instead got to see the Hawthorn vs Geelong game, which turned out to be a really good one. I had a couple of buddies over Saturday to have a few beers and watch the UFC fights, and while we were waiting for the fights to start I put on the Hawthorn vs Geelong game so that they could finally see what i've been talking about. They found it pretty hard to follow at first, because the sport is so much different than any other major sport we have over here in North America, but by the end of the game they were really starting to get into it. I'm doing my best to bring more people to this great game!

 

[WillyRBeek]

I



OK so the West Coast Eagles are now your team and Josh Kennedy is your favourite player.

True story.

Josh Kennedy is a damn good player, he's one of the most exciting guys to watch.

Well this is a real piss off. Just scrolled though to see which games TSN2 will be showing this week. Was really hoping for the West Coast vs Fremantle game, as that should likely be a good one. Instead they're showing Port Adelaide vs Hawthorn(Can't complain there), but also Carlton vs St. Kilda. I'm not very happy about this at all as you can probably imagine!

 

[Ogopogo]

Actually the first game I ever seen was that crazy game that NMFC and West Coast played earlier this year, that was the game that got me hooked!

Unfortunately I was unable to see the West Coast vs Adelaide game this week. I looked into buying one of the AFL Packs, but the girlfriend quickly vetoed that, said we spend enough money on cable packages so that I can watch sports, haha. Apparently it was quite the good game though. Instead got to see the Hawthorn vs Geelong game, which turned out to be a really good one. I had a couple of buddies over Saturday to have a few beers and watch the UFC fights, and while we were waiting for the fights to start I put on the Hawthorn vs Geelong game so that they could finally see what i've been talking about. They found it pretty hard to follow at first, because the sport is so much different than any other major sport we have over here in North America, but by the end of the game they were really starting to get into it. I'm doing my best to bring more people to this great game!

I watched the 4th Quarter of the Hawthorn v Geelong game and it was fantastic - what a finish! I did also stay up until 3:30 AM on Friday night watching the Suns v Lions. Love watching the games live if at all possible.

At first, the game does seem hard to follow but, now that I have half a season under my belt, I would say that it really is a lot like hockey. Moving the ball around the playing surface, trying to score a goal while the opponents are trying to physically stop you. It's like hockey on a different playing surface - probably why you and I have gotten hooked on the game.

The best thing is, the AFL doesn't have goalies with giant equipment strangling the offense out of the game. Could you imagine if the AFL reduced the width of the goals to 5 meters (they are currently 6.4 meters) feet then talked about how great teams have become defensively? That is modern NHL goaltending in a nut shell.

 

[Ogopogo]

Josh Kennedy is a damn good player, he's one of the most exciting guys to watch.

Well this is a real piss off. Just scrolled though to see which games TSN2 will be showing this week. Was really hoping for the West Coast vs Fremantle game, as that should likely be a good one. Instead they're showing Port Adelaide vs Hawthorn(Can't complain there), but also Carlton vs St. Kilda. I'm not very happy about this at all as you can probably imagine!

You should cancel something else so you can get the girlfriend on board with AFLTV.

I have had AFLTV for two weekends now and it is great. I watch the Suns game live and check the scores to see what other games were exciting - then watch the 4th quarter of those games. AFLTV records all the games so you can watch them anytime.

 

[WillyRBeek]

You should cancel something else so you can get the girlfriend on board with AFLTV.

I have had AFLTV for two weekends now and it is great. I watch the Suns game live and check the scores to see what other games were exciting - then watch the 4th quarter of those games. AFLTV records all the games so you can watch them anytime.

Well what I may do is since i'm only gonna be home for 2 more weekends I may just pay for a weekend pack or 2, and that way I can get as much AFL in as I can before I leave and miss the rest of the season. This weekend may be a good time to do it as Adelaide and West Coast both have very good games coming up this weekend!