Footy v Soccer

[cennals05]

Not until I lived in London did I start appreciating soccer. I really enjoy watching it. I hate the diving and think that the game would benefit by having the games reviewed afterwards and yellow or red cards given for those diving or faking.

I also enjoy watching Aussie Rules. However the way it is starting to be governed is concerning me. Teams are putting more of an emphasis on recruiting athletes than skilled football players. It's very rare to find a good footy brain playing AFL these days. I am very concerned for the future of the game and if the SANFL ever dies and lets face it the AFL would love for it to, then my love of Aussie Rules will die that day too.

It's stupid to compare the skills needed to play either sport. They are both worlds apart and players of both codes would struggle to pick up the other game.

[Bum Crack]

Not until I lived in London did I start appreciating soccer. I really enjoy watching it. I hate the diving and think that the game would benefit by having the games reviewed afterwards and yellow or red cards given for those diving or faking.

I also enjoy watching Aussie Rules. However the way it is starting to be governed is concerning me. Teams are putting more of an emphasis on recruiting athletes than skilled football players. It's very rare to find a good footy brain playing AFL these days. I am very concerned for the future of the game and if the SANFL ever dies and lets face it the AFL would love for it to, then my love of Aussie Rules will die that day too.

It's stupid to compare the skills needed to play either sport. They are both worlds apart and players of both codes would struggle to pick up the other game.

Watch Geelong. If you ever want to find a reason why you enjoying watching football, it's because of them. Yes, I'm a Geelong supporter, but in the same breath, you know I'm right. They are the epitome of AFL at the moment. If you want to convert someone, watch them play a Geelong game.

[Dutchy]

It's certainly the world game, but time to dispel some myths.

The beautiful game? - you're kidding: cheating, diving, acting.

All that happens in Aussie Rules R&B

Amazing how when a Aussies Rules player throws his hands in the air or fakes a push in the back no one cares, yet if a Soccer player does it people are critical?????

Can I ask if you have ever been to a game live R&B?

[redandblack]

Yes, I have, mate, but not at any major tournament.

There is no comparison between the occasional 'staging' in our game and the embedded acting culture in much of the soccer world. For one thing, there isn't time in our game to dwell on the staging and the player who overdoes that soon loses respect, whereas in soccer the game usually stops for some time for the trainer to come out with a wet sponge for the miraculous recovery of the injured player, who can sometimes win a game for his side by his acting.

I enjoy nearly all sports, including a good game of soccer. I'm merely arguing the comparitive merits of the two codes and what I see as myths that become accepted, such as the so-called higher skill level in soccer.

In Australia, of course, the A League is often really poor to watch, but I enjoy a lot of the European soccer games and I hope I'll enjoy some of the remaining games in the World Cup, praying that it's not decided on penalties, or a referee's decision.

The Australian public have already voted. The A League crowds are at crisis levels now.

[sherminator]

As for skill level/physical attributes/decision making, for me AFL involves the greatest. A good player needs good hands and feet skills, physical strength and toughness and superior aerobic fitness to the other codes mentioned.

The point I was trying to make was that AFL is the more complete game when comparing it to other codes. I think soccer and football require good foot skills, but soccer doesn't require as much upper body strength or hand skills such as marking/handballing.

Rugby requires more strength than football to tackle bigger blokes etc and similar hand skills to catch and pass, but (with a few exceptions) requires less foot skills and for the majority of players and situations that occur, not much need for decision making/tactics ie "get ball, run" ... "he has ball, tackle"!

AFL is played on a bigger ground than both Rugby & Soccer for a longer period which requires greater aerobic fitness, especially as there is more 'gut running' involved.

I definitely wasn't implying that the other games are unskillful. I'm sure that anyone capable of playing one code could be handy at any other, although very few would be world-class.

[Dirko]

Is there any need to compare sports ? Why can't people just watch what they want to watch without people taking potshots and criticising the sport they don't get.

It's easy. If you don't like it turn off.

And Bum Crack you're still a wanker

[sherminator]

Is there any need to compare sports ? Why can't people just watch what they want to watch without people taking potshots and criticising the sport they don't get.

It's easy. If you don't like it turn off.

And Bum Crack you're still a wanker

Agree SJABC, and said as much in a previous post. Just thought I needed to clarify. Says a lot about my mental state that even on an anonymous forum I worry that a comment might be misconstrued!

[mal]

This game I saw recently
They kicked backwards, sideways, tried to keep possession
They flooded amd zoned relentlessly
They played a congested match
They had Interchange after Interchange after Interchange after Interchange
No it was not an AFL game I saw, it was under 13 girls soccer ....


FWIW
Football is a better game to watch for long periods of time
Soccer is a better game to watch when you see the highlights on TV
Rugby is 10 times more boring to watch than Soccer and 25 more times boring than Aussie Rules to watch

[Bum Crack]

Is there any need to compare sports ? Why can't people just watch what they want to watch without people taking potshots and criticising the sport they don't get.

It's easy. If you don't like it turn off.

And Bum Crack you're still a wanker

I hate soccer and I may sound like a wanker. sorry. nothing against you or anyone else who loves soccer. i just don't like the game.

[the big bang]

for me, nothing will ever come close to my 2 favourite sports, footy and basketball. i'm not a fan of soccer at all. but being a rather patriotic aussie, i do love to see us do well in whatever it is that we're doing, be it the soccer world cup, or bog snorkling in scotland. dosn't matter, just love to see us win.

i couldnt tell ya who won the A-League last season, but i could tell ya how we went in the '06 cup
and how we're going in this campaign

but in a weeks time after the 'roos bow out, my interest in the game will disintergrate into nothing again for another three and a half years.

[Booney]

Soccer is about the only game where knowing the result before seeing a replay is on any benefit.

ie : if the score is 2-2 you might just watch it, if it is 3-2 you certainly would.

If it is 0-0 or 1-0, probably just catch the highlight.

[gadj1976]

CP, I actually am one to disagree that it's a highly skilled game. Blatant misses from close range, blasts that go over the bar, or wide of the goals, when no pressure is applied.... I really don't think it's as highly skilled as everyone talks.

Heck, that all happens multiple time in your typical SANFL match!!

True, but those guys don't get paid multi millions of dollars, and aren't "professionals"!

[RoosterMarty]

I see plenty of easy misses and silly mistakes in the AFL as well and they are paid quite well and are considered to be 'professional'.

[gadj1976]

As for skill level/physical attributes/decision making, for me AFL involves the greatest. A good player needs good hands and feet skills, physical strength and toughness and superior aerobic fitness to the other codes mentioned.

Agreed, well done sherminator

Australian Rules Football is 10 times more skillful than soccer. In AFL you have to use your hands and feet together, which takes years to learn. Anyone can kick a soccer ball around, but it takes a very long time and real skill to learn how to kick a perfect drop punt.

Anyone can kick a soccer ball around. Why aren't you off earning millions in the EPL then? What a ridiculously stupid post.

I also laugh at people saying soccer lacks skill because players miss easy chances!! Do you people not watch aussie rules? Players miss easy goals all the time, miss targets by hand or foot.... Terrible argument really.

That's where I disagree RM, the drop of the ball onto the boot, and the shape of the ball adds to the skill required to kick it straight. You only have to be a degree or two out in the drop of the ball from 50m to miss a 7 metre target. Yes, players miss "easy" shots in AFL, but I believe it takes a higher degree of skill to get it right from anything more than straight in front 40m out than it does in comparison for a set shot in soccer.

My opinion so take it for what it's worth!

[RoosterMarty]

Yes it may be more difficult, I wasn't arguing that, but 'Dark Knight' stated that anyone can kick a soccer ball as if it is an easy thing to manage. You must remember that the goal is a lot smaller, actually has a height limit, and has a big bloke trying to stop the ball from entering the net. Plus the fact that they can only use their feet, chest, head which is not as easy as it sounds.

Both sports are fantastic and it is funny to see people trying to make footy out to be rocket science while Joe Bloggs can master soccer within minutes.

[Pseudo]

Is there any need to compare sports ? Why can't people just watch what they want to watch without people taking potshots and criticising the sport they don't get.

It's easy. If you don't like it turn off.

And Bum Crack you're still a wanker

I hate soccer and I may sound like a wanker. sorry. nothing against you or anyone else who loves soccer. i just don't like the game.

I hate all sports except Aussie Rules and I am a bigger wanker.

Top that.

[Dirko]

But you're a good wanker Pseudo

[Iron Fist]

Im not a huge fan of soccer
mainly cause of the fact one kick can win a game, a bloke gets lucky with a kick and the team that has controlled the game and ball all day loses cause of one kick.
AFL though, cause so many shots at goal and chances, usually the better team will win on the day.

People who think soccer isnt skillful are wrong though.
Takes great skill to be able to contol a ball coming at you without your hands.
(this is from someone who isnt a fan of the sport)

[Pseudo]

But you're a good wanker Pseudo

... because when I'm done I'm so sore I can hardly walk?

(only SJABC will understand that comment)

[Dirko]

My missus actually laughed at that post on Snouts too.....