This past Sunday the boys’ Australian Rules Football Club held their end of season presentation and AGM. Unfortunately the necessary AGM matters came first, but the organizers kindly thought of the kids and organized games for them while the parents listened and voted on 2009 electives and issues.

For Nevan and Liam though this was the day they had been long waiting for, the day they received their trophies.

Aussie Rules is a sport (short for Australian Rules Football): not a statement. Though it does have a pretty good argument if used as a statement. Aussie Rules. Onwards.

I’ve noticed that amateur sport is extremely organized in Australia. I guess I remember this from my teenage years but it’s different looking on as a parent. Everything is so detailed and professional. And I mean EVERYTHING.

That was the number of spectators at tonights Semi Final clash between the Parramatta Eels and the Canterbury Bulldogs. The first time these two teams have met in a finals game in about ten years. And yes, I was there. What an atmosphere it was with probably a 70/30 favoured Eels following. This was the first footy final I have ever been to and I have not left disappointed. A close game for much of the game ensured I was always a roller coaster of emotions before a superb finish made sure I walked back to the car a happy man.

My team, Parramatta Eels, finished 5th for the season so our first playoff game was against the Auckland Warriors in New Zealand. They got the home game as they finished 4th and let me tell you the kiwis know how to be a formidable opponent and spectator. The Prime Minister called for a “black out” - requesting everyone get to the game and wear the black colour of the Warriors. Watching it unfold on TV was amazing, the Parramatta supporters (all 3 or 4 of them) were so easily spotted in the sea of black.

My Fathers Day present was traveling to Parramatta Stadium to watch the Parramatta Eels play the Brisbane Broncos in Sydney. In recent years Brisbane has typically been a much better team than the Dragons, who we lost 6-14 against last week (read it here) so when we were down 6-16 early I was worried.

But then something remarkable happened. Parra went on a monumental rampage; newspapers labeling it an “astonishing flogging” by outscoring Brisbane 62-6 to finally record a smashing 68-22 victory.