DESPITE the calendar suggesting we should be in our warm weather clothing, Melbourne has turned on a suitably wintry evening for the deciding match of the 2008 Toyota International Rules match between Australia and Ireland.

A few light showers and some wind should be more than familiar for the visiting Irish team and the Australian team used to slugging it out in the depths of winter.

It’s a big sporting weekend for Melbourne and the International Rules has a bit of competition for patronage. But you should never question Melbourne’s appetite for sport.

Take Greg from Cheltenham who has lived in Australia his whole life but has Irish blood.

He is taking a neutral viewpoint for the match but is as excited to see it as he is for Saturday’s Derby Day at Flemington, or Sunday’s Rugby League World Cup clash between Australia and England. He plans to attend all three.

“I don’t know too many people who are going to all three but I’m pumped for all of it,” Greg said.

“I’ve told the girlfriend I won’t be able to squeeze her in ‘til Monday and I’m not sure how well that’s gone down.”

Fans started to trickle in 45 minutes before the game. Outside a steady stream of Australians sported bright yellow outfits and the Irish were in their signature green. Which does lead one to wonder, why don’t either of these teams wear their country’s traditional colours?

Sean from Perth is one of many parading around with the Australian flag around his shoulders.

Funnily enough, Sean didn’t attend last week’s match in his home town but is in Melbourne to meet up with friends and attend a couple of horse races.

“I’ve never been to the MCG before so I’m pretty excited about this. It’s been a bit of a dream of mine for a while,” he said.

While Sean’s childhood dreams may have involved seeing a cricket test match or an AFL grand final at Australia’s greatest sporting stadium, he is more than happy to watch the hybrid game.

“It’s a pretty interesting sport. Just seeing the different way the two teams go about it. The games are usually pretty close and I’m hoping that will be the way tonight.”

The two teams run out on the ground and both national anthems are sung. The Irish side sing with gusto and pride while the Australians assume a traditional pose of moving their lips slightly while standing awkwardly in front of the camera.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.