South African Footy in TIME Magazine

Learning to Play by Australian Rules

It may never rival rugby union or soccer, but “footy” is winning South African fans
BY SIMON ROBINSON/POTCHEFSTROOM

Monday, Mar. 21, 2005
Spread across a manicured football field in groups of 10 or so, the children dart back and forth like the parts of a complex machine. In one group, they mark balls thrown in the air by Aussie Rules players from the St. Kilda Football Club. In another, they awkwardly practice handballing to the veteran players. They smack into tackling bags, play bullrush, and try to evade the tackles of lurking Saints. And they learn how to scoop balls off the turf and kick short into the muscled arms of two-time Brownlow medalist Robert Harvey.

Legends of the game help raise funds for AFL South Africa as seen on www.afl.com.au

Ron Barassi, Kevin Sheedy, Grant Thomas and Brian Dixon (Chair, AFL South Africa) have joined forces in an attempt to raise funds for AFL South Africa.

AFL South Africa are striving to bring a team to Melbourne, this August, to participate in the Australian Football International Cup. Having participated in the inaugural International Cup (August 2002), and with the growth of participation in and popularity of Australian Football in South Africa, AFL South Africa want to ensure other indigenous South African players have an opportunity to be part of this exceptional experience.

Ron Evans, Chairman AFL Commission, unveiled a unique painting to be auctioned at a special fundraising dinner later this month. Barassi, Sheedy, Thomas and Dixon, who all feature in the piece entitled ‘Dare to Dream’, were on hand to speak about their special relationship and feelings toward, not only the painting, but their experiences and views on football in South Africa.

Mr Evans said, ‘The AFL conducted the first Australian Football International cup in 2002 to support the volunteers who conduct numerous leagues around the world and to provide a central focus and camaraderie for those groups.

Given the work we are currently doing in South Africa and the prospects for establishing a strong participation base in that country, it is critical that we have a South African team here in August. I am therefore very pleased to support Brian in his efforts to raise $30,000 at the forthcoming dinner.’

Michael Britter (known for his recent painting ‘Pharlap’) was also at the unveiling and talked about his inspirational piece ‘Dare to Dream’, depicting a mythical future Australian Football test – Australia v South Africa. Michael has used his creativity coupled with extensive research to provide a glimpse into this ‘future’ event – a capacity crowd at the MCG awaits the start of the match between the South African Buffalos and the All Australians as the legends look on.

The painting will be auctioned at a dinner being hosted by the AFL, Tattersalls and William Angliss on Wednesday 16 March 2005.

Tickets to the dinner can be purchased by contacting Ed Biggs – (03) 9643 1944