{"id":889366,"date":"2026-09-12T13:00:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-12T13:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/889366\/"},"modified":"2026-09-12T13:00:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-12T13:00:54","slug":"ram-it-why-do-we-fawn-over-nfl-when-our-own-football-codes-have-it-all-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/889366\/","title":{"rendered":"Ram it: Why do we fawn over NFL when our own football codes have it all?"},"content":{"rendered":"

September 12, 2026 \u2014 5:00am<\/p>\n

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Look, just as Australia has to suffer the annual cultural cringe about how staggering it is that rugby league teams get to play in Las Vegas<\/a> because, you know, Vegas is so glittering and our cities are all so grey and maudlin, this carry-on about the NFL being in Melbourne is just embarrassing.<\/p>\n

Might I, for a moment, set the record straight?<\/p>\n

Australian rules, rugby league and rugby union are much better games than American football, both to play and to watch.<\/p>\n

The American pundit George F. Will captured it perfectly: \u201cFootball combines two of the worst things in American life: violence punctuated by committee meetings.\u201d<\/p>\n

In our games, any bastard can score, any bastard can be the hero of match. In their game, it is pretty much only the quarterback, the running back or one of the receivers that gets to be the regular hero.<\/p>\n

In our games, every player has agency. In their game, you are being moved around in a match of human chess, with the coach calling the shots.<\/p>\n

\"KyrenKyren Williams of the Rams is tackled in the clash against San Francisco at the MCG on Friday.Getty Images<\/p>\n

In our games, you don\u2019t need heaps of heavy equipment and carry-on, but can get a match going with a free field and the right shaped ball. In their game, you have to be part of the sporting industrial complex to even get to first base.<\/p>\n

In our game, concussion is unfortunate collateral damage. In their game \u2013 and I played it for a season in Ohio in the late 70s \u2013 your head never quite stops buzzing in both training and games from the endless clashing of helmets.<\/p>\n

Related Article\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s fine that the NFL is here for a visit as a cultural curiosity. But the game should never take hold here. Our games are better!<\/p>\n

The Bers are back<\/p>\n

Rah! 23 years ago, your humble correspondent recounted the story of how, over North Sydney way, \u201cSomebody most likely a small child in a red-and-black beanie, or possibly a league forward on his way home from pre-season training scrawled in wet concrete on the footpath bordering Willoughby Road at Crows Nest, \u2018GO THE BERS\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cTFF reader Scott Mclean always thought this summed up the Bears nicely: local support; optimism as another season began; and ultimately, close but no cigar.<\/p>\n

\u201cSadly, oh so sadly, North Sydney council has recently redone the footpath and the graffiti, like the Bears themselves, has disappeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, as the nights grow cold, and we grow old, all that is left is us we few, we dwindling few, who remember. The mighty Bers are gon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MalMal Meninga\u2019s Bears will open the 2027 season against South Sydney in Perth.Cass Edwards, Perth Bears<\/p>\n

But no!<\/p>\n

As we know, they are coming back next season.<\/a> And as it happens, you\u2019ll find the opening game of the entire 2027 schedule will be between two foundation clubs from 1908 \u2013 the Rabbitohs and … the BEARS!<\/p>\n

It will be played at the Bears\u2019 new home base of Perth. Stand by to hear \u201cCarn the Bears!\u201d once again ringing out from the Lower North Shore, as in days of yore, after a three-decade hiatus.<\/p>\n

The call will be as forlorn as ever, of course, but that is the tradition, and it will be good to have it back. And having the Bears v Souths as the opening game of the season is a good move.<\/p>\n

Walk of life<\/p>\n

Back in 1974, five girls met at Villawood North Public school and formed an inseparable bond, as girls often do, like sisters. It\u2019s a bond that endures over 50 years later. So many experiences and memories, so much water under the bridge as they paddled their canoes together, through careers, marriages, children, grandchildren, life \u2013 and, lately, one sojourn up Shit Creek.<\/p>\n

Every day, 58 women in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer.<\/p>\n

Last month, one of the five, Sandra, received her diagnosis. Last week, she underwent a double mastectomy. She faces more treatment, but she is staying strong, positive, and has her loving family and her four best friends with her for whatever lies ahead. At least, she noted after the surgery, she\u2019d lost five kilos.<\/p>\n

To shine a light on breast cancer, and to support Sandra, the five girlfriends have signed up for the 58-kilometre Walk for Breast Cancer Challenge to raise funds for the Cancer Council. Their team\u2019s name is Sandra\u2019s Angels, and all proceeds from the Challenge go to the Cancer Council, supporting the one in eight Australian women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85. Brava, mesdames, and all strength to you, Sandra. You can support her here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Best of the West<\/p>\n

I thought I recognised the name, and I was right! Alert readers will have been following my colleague Kate McClymont\u2019s reports on the ICAC\u2019s Operation Rosny<\/a>, which is broadly investigating Liberal Party rorts on the NSW hard right wing.<\/p>\n

\"ICACICAC Presiding Commissioner and and one-time feared rugby back-rower, Fabian Gleeson, SC.KATE GERAGHTY<\/p>\n

The whole affair is being presided over by Fabian Gleeson SC, who was a very good back-rower for the Western Suburbs rugby club back in the late 80s. When I meet him, I shall lie at his feet and scream to see if he recognises me. (That Western Suburbs pack, led by the great Bob Lamaro, was fearful back in the day.)<\/p>\n

Another rugby connection that might interest the cognoscenti is that the new secretary of the ACTU, Melissa Donnelly, is the younger sister of Tim Donnelly, the Waratahs and Australian Sevens fly-half of two decades ago. Just in case you were wondering!<\/p>\n

When I checked with Melissa, she replied instantly: \u201cI spent my whole childhood being called \u2018Tim Donnelly\u2019s sister\u2019, so if you ever use it, make sure you call him \u2018Melissa Donnelly\u2019s brother\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brains of the bunch<\/p>\n

TFF attended an Icons of Rugby lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel on Wednesday featuring Mark Ella and Christian Cullen. I\u2019ve heard both Ella and the former New Zealand fullback Cullen speak several times before, and they are both excellent. But on this occasion it was Ella who carried the day.<\/p>\n

His best yarn concerned his original decision to become a rugby union five-eighth after growing up as one of twelve children in La Perouse. Back in the 60s, he shared a bedroom with his twin brother Glen and younger brother Gary, and though there were a lot of pick-up football games on the streets of La-Pa, the game they played through primary school was league, in which Mark was a hooker.<\/p>\n

When they got to Matraville High, however, the great coach Geoff Mould was running the show, and the game was union. Asked what position he wanted to be, Mark said \u201cfive-eighth\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"AA teenage Mark Ella, right, with brothers Gary and Glen.Fairfax Media<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Glen said, \u201cYou\u2019re a hooker. Don\u2019t be stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to play five-eighth,\u201d Mark insisted.<\/p>\n

By halfway through the season, Mark went back to Glen.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see now? At five-eighth, I don\u2019t get tackled, I don\u2019t make a tackle, and I\u2019m always Man of the Match.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are the smartest,\u201d Glen replied.<\/p>\n

Brought the house down.<\/p>\n

Meantime, speaking of icons, our Cauliflower Club Rugby Lunch of the Decade on October 16 \u2013 the day before the Sydney Bledisloe Test \u2013 at the Fullerton Hotel, featuring Richie McCaw, Senator David Pocock, Tony Abbott and Jacinda Ardern, is going gangbusters. With 650 tickets sold, we are well on our way to selling out. But you can still get tickets<\/a> if you are fast. Thank you!<\/p>\n

What they said<\/p>\n

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan on how the time in Australia is different: \u201cWe\u2019re a little confused with \u2014 when I look at my clock and it says a time and then I try to see my family\u2019s time and then it says the time, but it says yesterday. I don\u2019t even get how that\u2019s possible.\u201d The mind boggles.<\/p>\n

Shanahan continues: \u201cSo I feel like I\u2019m in the future. And then also when we play on Friday, which I think is a Thursday in the US, we\u2019re such creatures of habit. So I call today Tuesday. No, wait, sorry, I call today Wednesday. Which is the first day we put in a game plan. But I think it\u2019s Monday. However, though, it\u2019s Sunday in the present. Friday\u2019s the final part of the game plan. Saturday, we walk through and we play on Sunday, which is a Friday in Australia and a Thursday in the US. So, don\u2019t ever make me do that again.\u201d Call off the fight!<\/p>\n

\"KyleKyle Shanahan talks to the media.Getty Images<\/p>\n

Australian cricket selector George Bailey on Marnus Labuschagne keeping his place in the Test squad<\/a> because there is simply no one to replace him with: \u201c[We\u2019re] not shying away from the fact that we\u2019d like some more runs from Marn, that\u2019s clear, but we\u2019re also confident that he can still make a positive contribution to that squad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Axed North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson on allegations he made inappropriate comments ahead of their match against the Swans: \u201cI was trying to explain about the four Ps \u2013 the piss, the punt, the penis and the powder \u2013 and how it was so important they make the right choices and that they would all find themselves in situations at times, and sometimes these wrong choices can destroy your careers and sometimes ruin your life. Three minutes later, I spoke to them again and explained what I was trying to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clarkson on his firing: \u201cThey chose to dance on my grave . . . Any deficiencies I\u2019ve got \u2013 and you know that I\u2019ve got them \u2013 to be absolutely blindsided like that. How we all feel to be so publicly humiliated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AxedAxed Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson.AFL Photos via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Leigh Matthews on how Clarkson was treated: \u201cNot only did they show him the door, they kicked him in the arse on the way out.\u201d But, with a few notable exceptions like Jai Arrow, isn\u2019t that the way professional sport works?<\/p>\n

Aryna Sabalenka on the smell of cannabis at the US Open: \u201cIt\u2019s a bit tricky to handle that smell while you\u2019re trying to compete at your best. I don\u2019t know if it was coming from the crowd or was from the outside because the wind blows it into the stadium.\u201c Perhaps Trump could send out drones to zap dope-smokers?<\/p>\n

Ange Postecoglou on why he can\u2019t watch Ted Lasso after being compared to him: \u201cThat guy came from a different code \u2026 I\u2019ve come from the same code, do you understand? I know it\u2019s a different country, but football is my game. I haven\u2019t come from cricket into football. That annoys me. And because it annoys me, I didn\u2019t watch it.\u201c Geez, Ange. Earnest, much?<\/p>\n

Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson after the disappointing 28-28 draw against Argentina<\/a>: \u201cThe boys were hurting with the result. We really wanted to win that, and there\u2019s a lot of disappointment. We\u2019ve obviously had a few wins in a row, and to get a draw tonight is not ideal.\u201d<\/p>\n

The partner of outgoing Gold Coast Titans hooker Sam Verrills, Teagan Parker, on him leaving the team: \u201cThank god that\u2019s over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mitch Moses on Parramatta losing 24-22 to the Dragons in their final time at bat for the 2026 season: \u201cWe came with a shit attitude and thought we\u2019d get it dished up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Latrell Mitchell on James Tedesco taking umbrage at his big hit on Roosters young \u2019un Toby Rodwell<\/a> in last week\u2019s match: \u201cHe\u2019s got my number.<\/a> If you\u2019ve got a problem, ring me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Team of the weekRelated Article\"Latrell<\/a><\/p>\n

Penrith Panthers. Normal service resumed as they won the NRL minor premiership.<\/p>\n

LIV Golf. Filed for Chapter 11 protection. Chapter 12 should be a doozy, as they work through recriminations as to who was most responsible for the whole catastrophe. Paging Greg Norman. Paging Greg Norman. Are you there, Great White Fishfinger?<\/p>\n

Easts. Won a second Shute Shield in three years.
Eleanor Patterson and Cameron Myers. Aussie high jumper and 1500m runner won their respective Diamond League finals.<\/p>\n

Australia cricket team. In Zimbabwe for some one-dayers, to provide a little \u2013 a very little \u2013 streaming wallpaper.<\/p>\n

News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Friday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\"PeterPeter FitzSimons<\/a> is a journalist and columnist with The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X<\/a>.From our partners<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"September 12, 2026 \u2014 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":889367,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[559],"tags":[64,63,593,85],"class_list":["post-889366","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-nfl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/889366","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=889366"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/889366\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/889367"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=889366"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=889366"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=889366"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}