We'll be in MEL from April 3-7 and would very much like to see a match. There are matches at the MCG, Colonial Stadium and Optus Oval that weekend. We're great sports fans but aren't very familiar with Aussie rules. Any recommendations on where to go? Any tips on how to get tickets would be great too.

Thanks.

I don't think the draw is out yet for the 2002 season (the pre-season draw is available, but that won't help you for April).

I would recommend the MCG as a venue providing you get two quality teams (arn't they all) and a big crowd, but that will depend on who is playing.

Check out http://www.afl.com.au for draw details when available. You can also find some good info and history on the sport.

I thoroughly recommend getting to a game with a big crowd. It will be an experience you won't forget quickly, even if you don't completely follow the rules. I am from Qld (rugby teritory until last year when Brisbane won the AFL premiership) and still don't fully understand a game where they give you a point, even if you miss the gaols http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Going to watch a football match in Melbourne is a good idea, especially when your team wins the match.
http://www.afl.com.au for the draw when it comes out.
http://www.ticketmaster.com.au when you want to buy your tickets. You can purchase online and collect the tickets at the match. They also have shops around the city so you can pick them up if you want to before the match.
I found ticketmaster.com.au to be easy to order from and its competitor http://www.ticketek.com.au, they don't sell AFL football but the other code rugby league both have other events available not just football.
MCG or Colonial, grounds are fairly easy to get to close to the city centre, Colonial is newer, but MCG(Melbourne Cricket Ground has more history.
Probably best to see 2 local teams battle it out would be guaranteed of a good crowd, check afl.com.au to see who is top when you buy the tickets.
I would opt to buy better quality tickets than go for cheap, if you don't understand the rules without a good view you may get a little lost.



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Indecision is the key to flexibility

Mr.Buster
Biggest game that weekend is Essendon v. Richmond on Friday night at the MCG. Crowd will be 70,000 plus so you need to book before you arrive, a month at least and reserve seats also. Game starts at 7.45 but everyone arrives late so I'd suggest you get there no later than 7pm to avioid being held up. Enjoy the greatest game on earth played in the best city on earth.




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JBC
If it is to be, it is up to me

Thanks for the replies. We went to the Essendon/Richmond match. There was a crowd of 67,000, primarily Essendon supporters. The final score wasn't as close as people and the newspapers expected, with Essendon winning 16.16.112 to 8.12.60. I even understood the scoring. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

I pre-booked reserved seats and picked them up at the MCG. The seats were in the Great Southern Stand not far from the goal, in the very front row. To sit there eating a pie and drinking beer while I took in the action was one of the highlights of our two week trip.

I even tried to drag Buster to the Kangaroos-Western Bulldogs match at Colonial Stadium the next night, but once was enough for her.

Following the whole Wayne Carey saga was quite interesting for us, coming from a country where things are so crazy that football players can be accused of murder and still play. We'll see if he ends up punting for the Dallas Cowboys.

Anyway, thanks again for the tips.

Mark

After going to a few footy matches last year while I was working in SYD, I am convinced that if I grew up in MEL, I would be a professional footy player right now!

Ahem, Mr. Buster, but I am going to have to dispute your version of events! I had no problem with going to the Kangaroos-Western Bulldogs match...sheesh! Who knows what other slanders Mr. Buster has written around here. I'm going to have to check each board to see what Mr. Buster is saying about me! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif