ON ANY given match weekend, AFL matches are beamed to more than 140 countries around the world via a network of TV broadcast partners or via international streaming service, WatchAFL.
The success of the recent IC14 tournament held in Melbourne, where no ex-pats were allowed to participate, brought in more than 850 players from 18 different countries, is testament to the growing popularity to game "converts".
We decided to ask some of our global fans a few questions about their own Grand Final experiences and memories.
Leiha Shrubsall – an ex-pat living in Dublin for seven years
"The same as every year, in my dressing gown with a cup of tea on the couch at 5am in the morning watching the game on my 10inch screen tablet. I have to try and be quiet so not to wake anyone which is really difficult especially if Hawthorn are playing! I also usually watch the repeat at midday down at 'The Woolshed', the local Aussie Bar."
When we asked Leiha what her favourite Grand Final memory was she told us
"I think it has to be watching the 2008 Grand Final, seeing Shane Crawford get there. I grew up watching that guy play at Waverley Park. I'm getting emotional just remembering that! We used to pat him on the head as he ran out of the head tunnels! I have never been to a Grand Final but I really felt like I was there with them, enjoying every moment."
Mark Dillman, a WatchAFL member, told us
"Here in the U.S. at our house on Grand Final weekend we always bake meat pies from a recipe I found on the internet. We also make lamingtons. In the U.S. you can get Tim Tams imported from Australia at World Market stores. So this is our annual Aussie feast. If only I could get Solo soda it would be perfect. I never stay up late or get up early to watch games live. I am content to watch replays at a convenient time on Watch AFL. I have a strong feeling about which teams will be in the Grand Final but I kinda look forward to a team winning for the first time."
Ben MacCormack – AFL Europe CEO – will have a very busy morning with match day duties calling the game for Eurosport2 for a continental audience.
When we asked Ben - are there any weird/wonderful ways that AFL fans celebrate Grand Final in your country (in this case London)? he proffered up "Generally by finding a pub that opens at around 4am with a couple of hundred other ex-pats and local football fans. Usually there are plenty of beers drunk way before 6am which is much too early."
Ben also nominated Leo Barry’s game winning mark as his most memorable Grand Final moment – even as a Demons supporter.
For Grand Final coverage overseas
