Around 11 am, I stirred awake, knowing that I would be meeting Liam in the CBD later that day to watch an exciting game of Australian football. The morning and afternoon unfolded lazily, filled with idle moments of typing and planning for the upcoming days. The realization that my Australian adventure was drawing to a close prompted me to schedule the return of the car on Wednesday. Tomorrow’s agenda included tidying up the vehicle and delivering it to the depot.
Embarking on the Final Chapter
At approximately 2:45, I rendezvoused with Liam in the CBD, right in front of Hungry Jack’s. Spotting them enjoying Subway sandwiches with his friend Ryan, I realized I had already grabbed two burgers from Hungry Jack’s for a swift meal. “If I knew you guys had time to eat, I also would’ve ordered at Subway,” I quipped to Liam. Equipped with my camera, I seized the opportunity to capture the captivating architecture around us.
Stadium Spectacle and Quidditch Vibes
We strolled toward the stadium, a journey of less than a kilometer. Liam had gifted me a Geelong scarf the previous day, expecting me to root for their team, which happened to be Ryan’s favorite as well. Since both Liam and Ryan were supporting Geelong, I decided to join in. During my tram ride to Flinders Station, I hesitated to don the scarf, fearing that I’d be surrounded by fans of the opposing team. However, Liam and Ryan assured me that Geelong was likely to win against the Hawks, the team from northern Melbourne. As the tram buzzed with fans, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the quidditch matches in Harry Potter, with everyone onboard painted in the colors of their respective teams. Liam explained that both Geelong and the Hawks were currently at the top of the league, tied in the championship standings. The upcoming match would determine the league leader, setting the tone for the rest of the season.
We strolled across a bridge, passing the sports complex that hosts the Australian Open every year. The area was bustling with people making their way toward the stadium. With the match about to commence in just five minutes, I was pleasantly surprised at how swiftly we navigated through security and found our seats. Upon reaching the tribune, Liam’s brother, Lachlan, had saved seats for us. The field sprawled out larger than I had envisioned. It took me about 30 minutes to grasp the game of Australian football, and it turned out to be relatively straightforward. Hoping for a Geelong victory, I sensed a bit of an underdog spirit, given the outnumbered presence of their fans against the opposing team. I felt a connection to Geelong, having visited just two days prior and proudly donning their scarf, haha.
Decoding the Game: A Crash Course in Australian Rules Footbal
A game of Australian football was straightforward to grasp: teams aimed to kick the ball into the goal. The central goal awarded 6 points, while the goals on either side offered one point each. If a player kicked the ball into the goal area and a teammate caught it, it resulted in a penalty taken from the line.
In front of the central goal, there was a small square. If a player caught the ball in that area, they would receive a penalty right in front of the goal. This scenario unfolded after just 15 minutes of the game, prompting me to ask Liam before the kick, “Can they miss the goal from that distance?” Liam confidently replied, “No, most definitely not! Maybe one in a thousand kicks that it will miss the goal, but it’s almost impossible to miss the goal from that distance.” To our surprise, a second later, the player ran and kicked the ball. The ball hit the pole, bouncing off. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter, and Liam, along with Lachlan and Ryan, joined in, amused by the unexpected outcome.
A game of Australian football comprised four quarters, each lasting 30 minutes. It proved to be quite captivating, with both teams delivering strong performances. Geelong led for the majority of the game and, in my opinion, played better. The second half intensified as both teams reached an equal score. The last quarter heightened my nerves as the Hawks took the lead with 2 more points. However, fifteen minutes later, the game’s outcome was settled: Geelong secured a lead of 30 points, making it nearly impossible for the opposing team to stage a comeback.
A Taste of Australia
Certainly, they emerged victorious, and a wave of relief washed over me. Liam’s brother expressed frustration as he had been cheering for the Hawks. Exiting the game, we ventured into the CBD for dinner. Liam, aware of my desire to taste crocodile and kangaroo meat, guided us to a familiar restaurant or pub offering Australian cuisine. Together with Lachlan and Ryan, we shared a starter: crocodile and pork spring rolls. I found the crocodile intriguing, possessing a unique taste that defied easy description; it bore some resemblance to chicken, yet the meat was notably more robust.
Within half an hour, our main dishes arrived. I opted for the kangaroo steak, and it exceeded my expectations. The meat was delightful, and I relished every bite. Despite its cost, the dish was undeniably worth the expense. Price became inconsequential; after all, tasting kangaroo and crocodile meat was a satisfying check off my bucket list, haha.
Farewell and Late-Night Reflections
Around 9 pm, I bid farewell to everyone and headed back to the hostel. I needed to make arrangements for Wednesday, the day of my flight departing from Melbourne. Taking care of the belongings in my car was on the agenda. Eventually, by 1 am, I called it a night and went to bed.
