The AFL’s overseas expansion is off to a flying start, with a big, loud crowd at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium, a buzzing atmosphere in the city and many first-timers keen to see more.
Bars and pubs throughout the heart of the city were packed with the colours of Saints and Swans fans, at least 4500 of whom travelled for the game, on Thursday afternoon.
Many venues were screening the Essendon-Collingwood Anzac Day MCG blockbuster for their Aussie patrons before they walked to the stadium to watch the AFL’s first match on foreign soil.
The Wellingtonians also came out in strength – swelling the crowd to 22,546 – and got wholeheartedly into what for most of them was a new experience.
And St Kilda and Sydney turned on a thriller to match the occasion.
One first-time AFL watcher, Scott, who was invited by a work client but said he had been keen to come anyway, planned to return when the Saints come back next season.
He quickly studied up on the rules beforehand but said that was barely needed.
“It basically said not many rules,” he told AAP.
“It’s quite fascinating, it looks like anything can happen.
“Compared to rugby it seems quite a free-for-all, not a lot of restrictions.”
Another AFL newcomer, Stephen, also normally a rugby union fan, said while he didn’t know the nuances of AFL rules, there was still plenty to enjoy and he would definitely be back.
“There’s plenty of movement, a lot of action, the guys are incredibly fit and athletic, it’s fantastic,” he said.
Another first-time fan, Bex, admitted she knew little about the sport.
“I think if you catch it you get like a free kick hey?” she said.
“And if it’s closer to goal you’ve got more chance of getting it in?”
But her unfamiliarity didn’t spoil her enjoyment and she planned to return.
“It’s awesome, it’s exciting,” she said.
“It’s quite aggressive – I like that, who doesn’t like that?”