Barely have enough time to watch NRL, my preferred winter spectator sport, let alone find more time to watch a game that seems to go on forever.

Understand that in southern and western states AFL is very tribal and almost like a religion. As a kid growing up in Canberra the local league team I played for used North Sydney Bears strip of red & black and hence why when I bought my first (and last) VFL jersey it was an Essendon one. Didn't really follow any team but remember seeing some great Carlton vs Collingwood games in black & white on TV during the 70's when Jezzalinko (probably not correct spelling) was playing. Played a few games at school and it is a lot harder to play well than any of the others and fitness levels required were just insane. League didn't require as much skill back then, just a lot of courage due to the dirty tactics that existed in the game during 70's.