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Grass Roots |
| Barracking is an Australian word
that has its origins from the barracks of the early penal settlement. It is not
known how it became part of general speech. Eating a pie and sauce is also a
tradition of Australian Football. |
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In 2000 over 7,000,000 patrons
attended AFL games in the pre-season competition, regular season and finals and
the State of Origin games. Most were passionately barracking for their team or
state. No other sport in Australia even approximates the crowds, television
ratings, passion or enthusiasm of Australian Rules Football.
No game can be truly great, or
maintain its greatness, if it forgets to nurture its roots, its champions of the
future.
On the 16th September 1987,
Australia Post issued the "Aussie Kids" series of stamps. The 90c stamp was
"Barracking at the Footy".
The issue was complemented by
the release of four maximum cards. It is cancelled with PM1405a which is similar
to the FDI PM except the the words "First Day of Issue" have been deleted. The
90c stamp and card is shown to the left. |
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In the "Sports Series I" of
definitive stamps issued on the 13th February 1989, the 3c issue showed junior
Aussie Rules. As each issue is reprinted, the issue is marked with a series of
Koalas, up until 5 reissues when a Kangaroo is used. Initially the markings were
only printed on alternate selvedge, as is the one koala set, however eventually
Australia Post decided to print markings on all selvedge on both the left and
the right of the sheet. The 3c has been re-issued 4 times. |
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Junior football is played all around
the country. Up to the age of seven children, both boys and girls, are involved
in AusKick, sponsored by McDonalds. After seven, kids participate in modified
games with the more physical aspects of the game introduced on a
graduated level as the children get older.
In 1990 Australia Post released a
cover to commemorate The Fourth Suncorp North Queensland Games. It included
junior Aussie rules with teams from Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns
playing in Under 13's and Under 15's.
The cover is shown at left with
the Football PM (PM 1647) including Eddie Echnida, the Games mascot. |
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On the
first of October 1996 Australia Post issued a miniature sheet and set of self
adhesive stamps showing several popular pets.
The cats on the far right of the miniature sheet
found a good object to play with, a nice "cherry", as an Australian Football is
known.
The bottom of the garden is a good place for old
footballs and even some old footballers or supporters to live out the rest of
their days dreaming of things that might have been. |
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