The Rule of Australia
Saturday, March 1st, 2008By: Priscilla Fox
The Queen, the British Monarchial icon and Head of the Commonwealth of 53 countries including Australia is a very important representative of the rule of Australia. For now though she is hand passed for another form of ‘rule’ in the Australian culture, called Australian Rules.
It is considered important to the lifeblood of Australians, a way to link our spirits young and old and most of all a unique way to define our attitude towards the Aussie way of life. Australian Rules or more affectionately known as ‘Aussie Rules’, is a game like no other. It embodies the athleticism of men and the competitiveness of war-like strengths that only few sports can maintain.
Originally traced back to Gaelic roots, this uniquely Australian game consists of two teams of 18 players with the freedom to wear just a shirt, shorts, football boots and the ability to run around the field anywhere they wish. This 100 minute game consists of getting a ball kicked over mountainous goal posts and where the action to claim the ball between teams doesn’t stop.
Watching grown men jump higher than a Kangaroo to catch the ball is a fun thrilled way to see possession earn a new meaning. With umpires waving flags and the crowds booing them off it is just the Australian way meaning “We need ya there, but doesn’t mean we like ya mate”.
White line fever hits all the players in some way where they turn from a quiet personality to the aggressive player that their fans expect. From conducting Banana kicks to scoring a Screamer, this game is here to stay as the true Australian representation that’s on the mark.
