Five reasons to watch Aussie Rules in the hockey offseason

The hockey season is over, everybody has climbed off the Jets bandwagon, and fans now must find a way to pass the time for the agonizing months before the new season begins.

Luckily though, there is an alternative.

Australian Rules football. It has many remarkable similarities, and most importantly, it’s played in the offseason.

Here’s why you should watch Aussie Rules in the offseason.

1. It’s fast

We all know hockey is fast, but so is Aussie Rules. Some have even called it the fastest game on grass. The top professionals can clock up to 35km/h while running, all while bouncing a ball and avoiding being tackled.

2. It’s tough

Like hockey, there’s quite a bit of push and shove. Unlike hockey, there are no pads or helmets. Often nicknamed “Aussie no rules”, once you have the ball you can be tackled – from any direction. And once you’re even near the ball, you can be bumped with a “hip-and-shoulder”, which has been known to send players flying.

3. The marks

This is one thing hockey doesn’t have. The specky, or spectacular mark. It basically means you get to use your opponents, or occasionally teammates, as a step ladder to catch the ball. As a pack of players forms to catch the ball, the more athletic types will often launch themselves onto the shoulders of somebody in the pack and “mark” the ball. Definitely a must-see.

4. The kicking

Another thing hockey doesn't have. Obviously. But these aren't just regular kicks. These players consistently kick an oblong ball larger than a Canadian football more than 50 metres to score a goal. The longest kick ever recorded was more than 100 metres. Is it any wonder there are so many Australians that become punters?
But on top of the incredible length they can kick the ball, they can also finesse it from the tightest of corners, or make it dribble and bounce through just the way they want it. And when they pull it off, it's as good as any hockey goal you've seen.

5. Andrew McGrath

McGrath is a Mississaugan-born Aussie Rules player smashing it on the big stage (the AFL) for the Essendon Bombers. In 2016, McGrath not only became the first Canadian selected in the national draft, he was the number one draft pick. As a Canadian, it is your patriotic duty to watch an Essendon match and support McGrath.

So relax! Hockey will be back in October. In the meantime, Aussie Rules is here to fill your hockey shaped hole. Click here to see the AFL schedule on TSN

Opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and not necessarily AFL Canada.