We’re huge fans of all things Australian (Tim Tam anyone?) and when we had the opportunity to check out the South East London Giants play in the AFL we jumped at the chance. If you’re new to AFL, let us give you the run down. Let me compare it to rugby, as I’m sure most of you are familiar with this sport.
South East London Giants
Scoring
In rugby, you can score by three ways, Try – the equivalent of a touchdown (either earned naturally or awarded via a penalty), a penalty goal/drop goal, or a conversion.
In Aussie rules, there are two types of score, a goal (6 points) and a behind (1 point). If the ball is kicked through the central goalposts this is a goal, whereas if the ball is kicked through the outer posts it is a behind. Goals can only be scored when the ball is kicked by a player from the attacking team. If the ball hits one of the central posts it is also a behind. If the ball has been moved over the goal-line by any defending players one point is awarded. If the ball hits one of the outer posts it is called as out of bounds.
South East London Giants
Playing direction
In rugby, for most of the game you can expect to see the attacking team pushing forward with the ball in front of them, and the defending team between that ball and their own try-line. Aussie Rules is more free form, as pitch-positioning more resembles football, with an open middle section of the field and both teams using the entire pitch. Another main difference is that the game is played in 20 minute quarters, not halves.
Also, AFL doesn’t have an offside or knock on rule. The ball must be passed by either kicking it or hand passing (punching the ball) to a team mate
South East London Giants
South East London Giants
They’re fastest growing AFL club in London. Starting in 2013 they have gone from one men’s social team to being a founding club in the women’s league, adding a men’s premiership team and an over 35s team. All in the space of 4 years!!!
2017 has been a great year for the Giants, not only with the setup of their premiership team but their women’s team has gone from strength to strength. Prospero Teaching was able to take some time on Sunday 23rd July to come down to the Elimination final to witness the Giants in action, watching the Giants kick a last minute goal after a nail biting final quarter which now leaves them one game away from playing their first ever grand final!!
If you’ve never played Aussie rules before and want to try it, or have thought about it but are too scared to try, come and play with the friendliest and most social club in London. Drop them a line on their Facebook page
Fun Fact
Unbelievable! In 1993 a pig was smuggled into the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and released on to the field, causing a three-minute pursuit of the little runaway. The pig was captured by a Sydney Swans player and the game continued.
South East London Giants
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