Accessing Aussie Rules in Kansai

Australian Rules Football (AFL, Aussie Rules, Footy) doesn't just belong Down Under. It's played in many parts of the globe and has its own cult following. International play will be given a boost this year when Melbourne hosts the international cup in August. Things are also happening in Japan. In Kansai, teams will square off for the ANZAC Cup to be played at Maishima Sports Island near USJ on the 23rd of this month. Many of those competing in the ANZAC Cup will head up to Narita for the Narita Cup in June. It's Aussie Rules all round, and Kansai resident Andy Carne let KS know how to go about it.

First off, we take a crash course on the ins and outs of the game for those (including the writer) who are not wholly au fait with this sport. C'mon how many of us are from Essendon, after all? Aussie rules is a physical contact sport and is a form of football that is uniquely Australian.

The object of the game is to outscore the opposition. Each team consists of 18 players with an extra four players on the interchange bench. These interchange players can come on and off at any time throughout the match. A goal is scored when a player kicks the ball through the two tallest upright posts, which gets you six points. If the ball passes between a goal post and a behind post it is classed as a “behind” and it scores one point. To start the game off, the ball is bounced in the centre of the field. The players then try to move the ball towards their goals by either hand passing (holding the ball in one hand and punching it with the other hand) or kicking it. A game consists of four quarters of twenty minutes each.

Aussie Rules is played at a fast pace with minimal stoppage so if you're thinking of giving up lawn bowls or other mild sports in favour of something that'll lift your cardio levels, sessions on the treadmill wouldn't go astray before getting involved. As Carne points out regular participation in the sport “will make you fit”.
Carne busies himself with the Japan Osaka Australian Football League (JOAFL) under the moniker of Public Relations Officer for Kansai. He is responsible for keeping registered league players up to date with upcoming games and events, the recruitment of players, as well as administration.

Under the auspices of the JOAFL League there are two men's teams, The Osaka Dingoes (which has been around since 1990 is the senpai of the two) and The Kansai Kangaroos (which is into its second year). There is also a women's team, The Osaka Bilby's and a kid's team, The Russell's.

The season is all year round with a break in the summer, and trainings are on Saturdays at Osaka Jo Park. Due to the grounds being smaller, Japanese teams consist of 12 players at one time instead of the standard 18. The JOAFL welcome both experienced players and newcomers to the sport. Says Carne “If you play soccer, rugby, basketball or touch rugby, you'll adapt to Aussie Rules…and if you don't, we'll teach you”. Experienced players will ultimately bring their understanding of the game and its rules so all are welcome, male and female, young and old.

Aussie Rules has a reputation for being dangerous so KS thought it only fair we did some independent research into this rumour before encouraging our readers get involved (insert, disclaimer clause). There's a Blood Rule, which states 'A player who is bleeding … is required to leave the ground ... player will not be allowed to return until the bleeding has ceased'. But, let's face it, this is often the nature of high contact sports and Carne insists “it's no more dangerous than rugby or soccer”. Besides, the idea of participating in a seemingly dangerous sport is often the attraction for some.

Text & Photos: Renee Karena