Italian Girls Share Love of AFL

Jan Cooper | Nov 19, 2010

For romantics Verona in Italy is well known as the home of Romeo and Juliet’s love story. But in 2010 there is a different love story unfolding - a love of AFL by 40 Italian women and girls, and their 3 male coaches.

On a bleak, overcast morning 14 keen players and 3 coaches gathered at the local rugby pitch to train. Three of the women had driven three hours to get there while others had travelled for two. They usually do this once a month, and when there’s not a wedding on there’s usually around 40 players.

None of the coaches have played AFL (although one had a few games leading up to the Euro Cup).

One of the women represented Italy eight times in Volleyball, several have been Italian or district reps in Rugby but only one, a West Australian, has previously played in a women’s league. In her own words, "I’m not that good!"

So why do these women travel so far to participate in a game they know very little about and with people they barely know?

Daniela Scalia, who really started this love of AFL, was drawn to the athleticism of the game. On a weekly basis she analyses the AFL Game of the Day on Italian TV in her role as a sports commentator.

“I thought there was so much to the game with different ways of moving the ball,” she said.

The other attraction was that the game seemed inclusive. “If you observe the audience (at AFL games) there are many children and women in the crowd,” she added. “No sport in Italy offers families this.”

Samantha, an incredibly fast 16 year old, loves that she can run wherever she likes to gain a kick. With her little English she was able to comment that “coaches in other sports would not like it if I run all over the pitch. You must stay in your position.”

But when she plays AFL she is a midfielder and charges quite brilliantly from one end to the other.

Margurite, who hasn’t played sport for over 15 years, feels there is something for her in AFL, given she is of sturdy build. “It doesn’t matter that I can’t kick properly. I am good in the team because I tackle and shepherd well.”

When asked about shepherding, Margurite responded enthusiastically, “Yes, a lot of us love this game because we can block and bump!”

After improving with every coaching tip the athletes received, they relaxed into a torrid and fast paced game.

After some inspired and skillful passages of play (the girls have been well coached by Luca, Carlos and Fernando) the three hour session concluded with a typical Italian long table lunch.

The strategic plan that evolved meant that a six-team competition (six a side) in 2011 could easily be the result of these AFL love-struck Juliets!

Republished from http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/105442/default.aspx with minor edits.