Well, the dust has settled on the semi-finals for Australia’s 2 major football codes, the NRL (National Rugby League) and the AFL (Australian Football League). The results are no doubt pleasing to the hierarchy of the codes respective managements as proof of their plans to develop truly national competitions. The grand finals of both codes will not have a team representing the traditional strongholds of each code.
The NRL Grand Final will be played out between the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm. As a New South Welshman, I have mixed feelings about this result. As a follower of rugby league from my early childhood, it is hard to swallow a grand final that will not have a NSW based team in it. On the other hand, I am happy to see the game growing in strength and widening it’s support base, although most of that growth at this time stems from areas that are traditional rugby league supporters anyway (that being NSW and Queensland). As to who I want to win? Given that I don’t support either team, it’s a decision that I really don’t care about too much. Ahh, stuff it! Old rivalries come to the fore, and I simply cannot back the Broncos. Go Storm!
The AFL Grand Final will have the Sydney Swans defending their 2005 title against the West Coast Eagles. Not being an avid follower of AFL and being based in Sydney, it is difficult for me to do anything other than say, Go Swans!
Good luck to all the participants.