AFL 2023 Round 17: St Kilda vs Melbourne – Melbourne, Australia
While visiting Melbourne, a friend insisted that watching an AFL (Australian Football League) match was a must-do experience. He had already bought tickets and told me to come with an open mind and plenty of excitement. Trusting his local knowledge, I happily agreed—curious to see what makes Australian football such a big part of the culture.
On the night of the game, we met up for dinner before making our way toward Marvel Stadium. Knowing this would be my first-ever AFL match, I had done some light research beforehand, reading up on the rules and a bit of the sport’s history. While I grasped some of the basics, I still felt largely confused. My friend reassured me that even many lifelong fans debate the rules and that I’d pick things up as the game went on, with his help along the way.
As soon as we arrived at the stadium, the energy was unmistakable. Fans in team colours filled the concourse, and the excitement built as kickoff approached. Once we found our seats, I took a moment to soak it all in—the size of the stadium, the crowd noise, and the buzz that comes with live sport. My friend is a St Kilda supporter, so that became my team for the night as well.
When the game started, my friend did his best to explain the rules as play unfolded, and I asked questions whenever something puzzled me. What made the experience especially memorable was the people seated around us. Hearing my accent, they quickly realized I wasn’t local and happily jumped in to help explain rules, calls, and player positions. Nearby, a father and daughter from Texas were also attending their first AFL game, and they benefited just as much from the spontaneous explanations from local fans.
The friendliness and inclusiveness of the crowd added so much to the experience. At halftime, my friend insisted we grab meat pies—a classic AFL tradition. The line was long but moved quickly, and we soon returned to our seats with hot pies and tomato sauce. Sitting in the stands on a cool winter evening, surrounded by cheering fans while eating a meat pie, felt like one of the most authentically Australian moments of my trip.
By the final siren, I probably understood about 60 percent of the rules, but that didn’t matter in the slightest. The atmosphere, the people around us, and the shared excitement made the night unforgettable. I was grateful my friend pushed me to attend, as this is something I never would have thought to add to my Australia itinerary on my own.
Background
Australian Football League, commonly known as AFL, is one of Australia’s most popular and uniquely homegrown sports. Originating in Victoria in the mid-19th century, the game combines elements of soccer, rugby, and Gaelic football, resulting in a fast-paced and highly physical style of play. AFL has since grown into a national league with passionate fan bases across the country.
Marvel Stadium, located in Melbourne’s Docklands, is one of the league’s major venues. With a retractable roof and central location, it regularly hosts AFL matches as well as concerts and other major sporting events. Watching a game here offers an ideal introduction to AFL, especially for first-time visitors.
Getting There
Marvel Stadium is easily accessible from Melbourne’s city centre. We walked from our dinner spot, joining a steady stream of fans heading toward the stadium. The surrounding area is well signed and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to navigate on game nights. For those coming from farther away, the stadium is also well connected by Melbourne’s tram and train network, with Southern Cross Station located just steps away.
Route Overview
Duration: 2 hr 30 min (Four 20 min quarters + 44 min breaks + stoppage time add-on)
Booking Info: AFL tickets can be purchased through the official AFL website. Browse the match fixtures, select the game you want to attend, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase.
Cost Breakdown
Food: AU$27.26
