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My introduction to the NFL was in 1984 while I was in PNG undertaking the research for a Master of Science degree. They had access to the armed forces pay TV and showed games most weeks. The 49ers were a great team centred around three great offensive players. Quarterback Joe Montana, wide receiver Jerry Rice and running back Roger Craig. Since the 49ers were shown most weeks I naturally became a supporter and have been a proud member of the 49ers faithful for 42 years.<\/p>\n
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Naturally, it was on my bucket list to get to see a 49ers game live and when I heard they were coming to Melbourne I hoped I would get the opportunity to see them live.<\/p>\n
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Today I saw the best sporting event I have witnessed, surpassing the 1992 Cricket World Cup, the Olympics, Test matches, Commonwealth Games and AFL Grand Finals.<\/p>\n
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American Football live is completely different to watching on TV. You have no idea how fast the players move on TV. Much faster than AFL players but for lightning spurts that end in seconds, usually with tackles than are more like car crashes.<\/p>\n
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You knew this game was different as you walked to the MCG encircled by a ring of steel with police carrying automatic rifles strategically positioned at regular intervals.<\/p>\n
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Inside the ground, the fans predominantly wore San Francisco red with the Rams\u2019 blue and gold a distant second. However, I saw jerseys of all of the other teams except for the Cleveland Browns, but who would wear a Browns jersey?<\/p>\n
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The game itself seemed to move faster than on TV between plays. The 49ers stopped the Rams\u2019 first possession in three plays then marched down the field to put the first points on the board in Melbourne with a field goal.<\/p>\n
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The teams then failed to score in their next possessions with the punters kicking the ball so high the ball could have hit the roof if it were played at Marvel Stadium.<\/p>\n
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A Brock Purdy interception looked to change the course of the game but the defence held strong, led by Fred Warner who seemed to make every second tackle.<\/p>\n
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A Rams touchdown saw them take the lead 7-3, but the 49ers grabbed back the ascendency with a Purdy bomb to Robinson. The match was evenly poised 10-7 at half time.<\/p>\n
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The half time entertainment was sharp, with set up, singing, removal of the stage all completed in 15 minutes.<\/p>\n
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The second half was all about the 49ers who monstered the Rams in offence and defence.<\/p>\n
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Purdy threw a touchdown pass to Evans in the only score of the third quarter. Evans is huge. And he runs fast too. He looks like he will be an important key in the 49ers season. The defence stood firm getting a turnover on downs after the Rams had four plays inside 6 yards.<\/p>\n
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The fourth quarter started with a Purdy pass to Samuels who then tossed it deep into the crowd. A fumble by the Rams led to a 49er field goal and the game was done and dusted. The rams finished with their back-up quarterback for the final drive of the game.<\/p>\n
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What a game!! The 49ers have been known for their defence and it was rock solid. I thought Warner was the MVP\u00a0\u00a0of the game. McCaffrey was busy as usual and Purdy was the dominant quarterback on the day.<\/p>\n
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I think the quality of the teams contributed to the spectacle. Both teams made the playoffs last year with three of the four in the NFC West in the playoffs with the other team, the Seattle Seahawks the eventual Super Bowl Champions.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
I can\u2019t wait until the next game at the MCG. The stadium rocked from the pre-match entertainment to the end of the game. Finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention the Rams cheer leaders. They performed for virtually the entire match. They must be incredibly fit to maintain such a performance for that length of time.<\/p>\n
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by George Grossek<\/p>\n
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