I used to love AFL footy, and nothing else.
Other sports, I almost saw as the enemy, a threat. But as I've hit and become consolidated in my 40s - I've found that the footy has probably dropped out of the top 3 of my favourite sports.
I used to resent American sports almost. They seemed hollow, choreographed, and almost fake. They were just entertainment products - whilst my beloved footy was something of substance!
But these days, I'm far more into the baseball, the NBA, and to a lesser extent the NFL. Actually, whilst I'm typing, I'd have to rethink it and put the footy into the top 3 above the NFL. But the NBA and the baseball are miles ahead of the footy for me. Rugby league is up there too with the AFL.
I've actually grown to love the entertainment. That's what it's all about for me now. The weird, tribal passion almost seems moronic to me now.
So anyway, that's the preamble.
I heard an interview with Damian Lillard from the Trailblazers in the NBA, and he was basically lamenting the fact that he believes the NBA has lost its way a bit, and has pretty much become a 'ring or bust' competition. Meaning, you either win the chip, or you suck and your achievements are worth nothing.
And this got me thinking. One of the reasons I love the NBA so much, is because even the greats if the game seem to have a sense of humour on court. They try hard clearly, and are very competitive people - but they get it. They get that it's an entertainment product first and foremost..they're putting on a show. Even the crowd is in festival mode during a game, regardless of whether they're winning or not. It's fun!!
So I reflected on Lillard's comments, and thought 'dude, FFS, you should spend a week in Melbourne. The NBA is absolutely not even close compared to how seriously the whole AFL community takes itself. It's actually one of the reasons I think my interest wained over the years.
So I watched a little bit of Round 1, and there it is - the fun just isn't there. It's intense. It's like life and death.
Is it too serious? Does the AFL need to make a conscious effort to lighten up as an industry? Is it fun enough?
Other sports, I almost saw as the enemy, a threat. But as I've hit and become consolidated in my 40s - I've found that the footy has probably dropped out of the top 3 of my favourite sports.
I used to resent American sports almost. They seemed hollow, choreographed, and almost fake. They were just entertainment products - whilst my beloved footy was something of substance!
But these days, I'm far more into the baseball, the NBA, and to a lesser extent the NFL. Actually, whilst I'm typing, I'd have to rethink it and put the footy into the top 3 above the NFL. But the NBA and the baseball are miles ahead of the footy for me. Rugby league is up there too with the AFL.
I've actually grown to love the entertainment. That's what it's all about for me now. The weird, tribal passion almost seems moronic to me now.
So anyway, that's the preamble.
I heard an interview with Damian Lillard from the Trailblazers in the NBA, and he was basically lamenting the fact that he believes the NBA has lost its way a bit, and has pretty much become a 'ring or bust' competition. Meaning, you either win the chip, or you suck and your achievements are worth nothing.
And this got me thinking. One of the reasons I love the NBA so much, is because even the greats if the game seem to have a sense of humour on court. They try hard clearly, and are very competitive people - but they get it. They get that it's an entertainment product first and foremost..they're putting on a show. Even the crowd is in festival mode during a game, regardless of whether they're winning or not. It's fun!!
So I reflected on Lillard's comments, and thought 'dude, FFS, you should spend a week in Melbourne. The NBA is absolutely not even close compared to how seriously the whole AFL community takes itself. It's actually one of the reasons I think my interest wained over the years.
So I watched a little bit of Round 1, and there it is - the fun just isn't there. It's intense. It's like life and death.
Is it too serious? Does the AFL need to make a conscious effort to lighten up as an industry? Is it fun enough?
Last edited: