The AFL is back

Tonight I took Ethan to his first Australian Football League game. It was a practice match between the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood, played at Carrara, down on the Gold Coast. They had a practice game last year which I also went to, and this year they already have had a few games. As it says, AFL is Back! Brisbane won 14.15.99 to 12.10.82 in the end, although we didn't stay for the whole game, as Ethan got tired into the last quarter. That was ok, as I didn't really want to leave at the end with the rush out of the only exit from the carpark. I barrack for Carlton anyway, so the overall result wasn't that important, as long as Collingwood lost.

It was an interesting affair for Ethan. We arrived late, just as the first quarter ended. We went to rush in, then got told we had to go an buy our tickets at a separate booth, so of course, although there was no one waiting at that time as we walked over to it, all of a sudden these Collingwood supporters came out of no-where, and jumped the queue. Ethan and I waited whilst they argued about whether they could get a seat in the stands, and there was only one ticket window open. Can you imagine how frustrating it is to stand in front of 7 ticket windows, with women behind each counting ticket sales, and wait for Collingwood supporters. At this point, I should point out that Collingwood, unless you barrack for them, must be the most hated team in the league. Ethan also wanted to go to the loo. Fortunately, our saviour arrived when this guy offered us complimentary tickets. I took them, and we got in for nothing, saving us 20 bucks!

We went in and watched most of the second quarter on the fence, then at half time we moved into the dry area where most of the kids who did the little league games ended up. Ethan was wrapped. He spent most of the second half trying to get a kick with all the other kids running around, although he didn't have that much luck. I still think he had a lot of fun. He was happy because there was a lot happening, and I was happy as it was a reasonably close game!

Ciao for Now, Footy Loving Angry Dad.