How To Watch Afl In Usa 2021

G'day, mate! Ever wondered how you can catch all the Aussie Rules Football (AFL) action from the USA in 2021? Well, buckle up because it’s easier than wrangling a kangaroo (and probably less sweaty, too!). Forget about carrier pigeons and smoke signals, we’re living in the 21st century!

Where to Find the Footy (That's AFL, for the Uninitiated)

First things first, let's talk platforms. Forget channel surfing – unless you have some magical Australian cable package I haven’t heard about! In 2021, your best bet was streaming.

ESPN+ was the go-to place. Yep, the same ESPN that brings you LeBron and Tom Brady also brought you the high-flying marks and bone-jarring tackles of the AFL. Hooray for global sports!

ESPN+ usually had a selection of games live and on-demand. So, if you missed the live broadcast because you were, you know, sleeping (AFL games happen at weird hours for us Yanks), you could catch up later. Consider it your AFL study hall.

Now, sometimes the specific games available on ESPN+ could be a bit unpredictable. Sort of like the bounce of an Aussie Rules footy itself! But generally, they showed a good selection of matches each week, especially the big ones. Think of it as the "cream of the crop," or the "best of the best," if you prefer less dairy-related metaphors.

Navigating the Time Difference: Coffee is Your Friend!

Okay, this is the tricky part. Australia is, shall we say, a long way away. That means games are often played at ungodly hours for us here in the USA. Prepare for some serious sleep deprivation... or clever scheduling!

I’m talking 2 AM kick-offs. 4 AM finishes. Times when you’d usually be dreaming about winning the lottery or, you know, world peace. But hey, dedication, right?

Coffee. Embrace the coffee. Become one with the coffee. Invest in a good coffee maker. Or, better yet, befriend your local barista. They’ll appreciate the early morning business, and you’ll appreciate the caffeine.

Pro-tip: Set your alarm, watch the game, then take a nap. It's called strategic napping, and it's practically a superpower.

AFL Tips for Beginners (Because You'll Need 'Em!)

Okay, so you've got the channel, you've got the coffee, now you need to understand what you're watching! AFL can look like a chaotic free-for-all at first. But trust me, there's method to the madness.

Here's the super-simplified version:

The Goal: Get the ball through the big sticks (the goals) for six points. Or through the smaller sticks (behinds) for one point.

The Ball: Can be kicked, handballed (punched with a clenched fist), or marked (caught after being kicked at least 15 meters).

The Tackle: Legal as long as it's between the shoulders and the knees. Above the shoulders is a free kick. Below the knees is... well, let's just say the umpire won't be happy.

The Umpire: Has the final say. Always. Even if you think they're blind.

Don’t worry about mastering all the rules immediately. Just enjoy the spectacle! The athleticism is incredible, the contests are fierce, and the crowds are passionate. Think of it as a mix of soccer, basketball, and rugby… but with more kangaroos (metaphorically, of course!).

The Joy of Discovery

Look, watching AFL in the USA might require some commitment (and caffeine), but it's totally worth it. You'll discover a new sport, a new culture, and maybe even a new favorite team! Plus, you'll have bragging rights when you can explain a "specky" (spectacular mark) to all your friends. Prepare to sound incredibly worldly and sophisticated.

So, grab your coffee, tune in to ESPN+, and get ready to experience the awesomeness of Australian Rules Football! Even if you only understand half of what’s going on, you’re guaranteed to have a ripper of a time. And who knows, maybe you'll become the next big AFL convert in the States! Now get out there and enjoy the footy!