Each footy code has its own special idiosyncrasies, whether they be supporter-generated over a long period of time, or contrived from within the club for marketing purposes. We have numerous traditions in Australian Rules, whether it be the guernseys, the club songs or other unique characteristics, as do each of the other football codes. Based on my own experiences of footy around the globe, in the context of growing up with an underlying passion for Australian Rules, I thought I’d put together a list of what I believe are the 5 greatest football traditions, mostly from personal experience.
1. The Haka
Not purely a rugby phenomenon, I realise, but never delivered with any more passion than it is just prior to an All Black game. The Haka in its many forms has struck fear and awe into opponents for many years, and never fails to send a chill up the spine of spectators. Needless to say it has also carried a huge cultural significance, and remains the most imposing and impressive gesture on the world’s sporting fields.
2. Liverpool’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone”
I’m a massive Arsenal supporter, so it takes some doing including this one on my list, let alone so high. But being in the stands at Anfield while this Gerry & The Pacemakers song is chorused by the Liverpool supporters prior to kick-off or late in a match is really something else. Other clubs have tried to imitate such singing, even sing this very same song, but have never matched the Kop version.
3. NFL Cheerleaders
Again, not unique to NFL, but cheerleaders have certainly been embraced and popularised by this code. They almost typify the glitzy, glamorous and some might argue superficial aspect of American sporting culture, but there’s no doubt they have become synonymous with the football code itself. And, might I say, very easy on the eye.
4. The Banner
I could’ve included a number of Aussie Rules traditions in my list, not the least of which are the various club songs sung after each game by the winners, or the mannerisms of the old-school goal umpires (although they’ve been sanitised in their approach over the last decade or so). But the large banners prepared by respective cheer squads in the lead up to each match, and run through by players before the game, are a fantastic attribute of AFL football. It encapsulates the passion and dedication of footy fans toward their clubs. We just wouldn't be without the displaying of the banner when the players run out.
5. The Silence of Munster
Now pretty much adopted by the Irish national team as well, this amazing sporting gesture by the fans of Munster Rugby is performed each time a player – Munster/Ireland or opponent – lines up and kicks for a penalty or conversion. Being in a stadium where 60,000 supporters assume complete silence right in the midst of a match has to be experienced. In fact, I’ve been in packed pubs in the south of Ireland when a Munster match is on the big screen and the entire pub goes deathly silent for the half-minute or so whilst the kick takes place.
Happy to have others discuss and debate their most notable football traditions.
1. The Haka
Not purely a rugby phenomenon, I realise, but never delivered with any more passion than it is just prior to an All Black game. The Haka in its many forms has struck fear and awe into opponents for many years, and never fails to send a chill up the spine of spectators. Needless to say it has also carried a huge cultural significance, and remains the most imposing and impressive gesture on the world’s sporting fields.
2. Liverpool’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone”
I’m a massive Arsenal supporter, so it takes some doing including this one on my list, let alone so high. But being in the stands at Anfield while this Gerry & The Pacemakers song is chorused by the Liverpool supporters prior to kick-off or late in a match is really something else. Other clubs have tried to imitate such singing, even sing this very same song, but have never matched the Kop version.
3. NFL Cheerleaders
Again, not unique to NFL, but cheerleaders have certainly been embraced and popularised by this code. They almost typify the glitzy, glamorous and some might argue superficial aspect of American sporting culture, but there’s no doubt they have become synonymous with the football code itself. And, might I say, very easy on the eye.
4. The Banner
I could’ve included a number of Aussie Rules traditions in my list, not the least of which are the various club songs sung after each game by the winners, or the mannerisms of the old-school goal umpires (although they’ve been sanitised in their approach over the last decade or so). But the large banners prepared by respective cheer squads in the lead up to each match, and run through by players before the game, are a fantastic attribute of AFL football. It encapsulates the passion and dedication of footy fans toward their clubs. We just wouldn't be without the displaying of the banner when the players run out.
5. The Silence of Munster
Now pretty much adopted by the Irish national team as well, this amazing sporting gesture by the fans of Munster Rugby is performed each time a player – Munster/Ireland or opponent – lines up and kicks for a penalty or conversion. Being in a stadium where 60,000 supporters assume complete silence right in the midst of a match has to be experienced. In fact, I’ve been in packed pubs in the south of Ireland when a Munster match is on the big screen and the entire pub goes deathly silent for the half-minute or so whilst the kick takes place.
Happy to have others discuss and debate their most notable football traditions.
