Story about a Yank playing footy in Melboune

[Craig the Aussie]

http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2004/06/27/1088274626436.html?oneclick=true

[babytiger2001]

Great article. :)

This intangible aspect of the article, and a statement about Aussie culture as a whole, stood out for me...

Certain cultural elements of the game also bemuse him, most notably that "all these skilful guys are playing for no money", the saturation football gets in the Melbourne media and the "crazy and unfair" holding-the-ball rule.

While steadily ironing out the flaws in his game has rewarded him with regular senior games, it is the less tangible elements of Australian football that are the most unique and appealing.

"It's the mateship factor," he said.

"You just don't get that in the States. You've got 22 guys on the same page, playing together, partying together, making connections.

"Hell, even if you need a ride somewhere, there's always someone from the club to help you out. We just don't do that back home."

[BhoysFC1995]

good story, finally got around to reading it (hate having to sign up for things).