Australians love their sports, with AFL being right at the top of the tree, especially since the competition became nationwide and embraced many concepts which keep its fans in touch with every development. The fast paced and exciting spectacle draws in massive crowds to cheer on their favourite teams against their traditional rivals with local pride often being at stake.

When the action reaches its climax, or a huge match is upcoming, the demand for tickets is huge, meaning that some might miss out on the original sale. However, there are secondary marketplaces that only feature AFL tickets from reputable sellers, ensuring that they are genuine, and the purchasing process is secure. Here are 5 great reasons why it’s unparalleled to be in the stands than watching a nail-biting encounter on TV.

1. The whole buildup is just as wonderful and can be as dramatic as the actual game. Securing the ticket is an amazing feeling to begin with before the essential planning of what to wear and where to meet mates begins. The previews on TV in the days before get the juices flowing as does a meal and then a few drinks in a bar when joined by other fans as the chat gets going and the excitement builds.
2. There’s magic in simply going through the turnstiles and then heading upstairs to the concourse where the atmosphere is building. The smell of the food from the concessions and the chance to grab a drink, adds to it, before that moment which is just as good no matter how many times it's experienced of seeing the oval and its pristine turf while remembering the balance of the game’s structure.
3. The atmosphere simply cannot be replicated when watching on TV. The mics adjust the noise so that it cannot be truly appreciated. The joy and agony that is etched on the faces of those in the stadium as they roar their lungs out trying to offer their team the support that makes all the difference to the final doesn’t transmit on the small screen. You simply must be there.
4. Part of the day out is the social aspect and meeting new friends. They might be in the seats alongside or met by chance on the train or in a bar. It can be the start of a relationship lasting years as they are met at future encounters sharing the agony and ecstasy of a sports fan, safe in the knowledge that the tickets bought online come with consumer rights.
5. At the final siren, there is either the joy of victory or trying to remain stoic in defeat. The whole experience captures the heart meaning there’s a yearning to return and do it all again. Exchanging thoughts with strangers all adds to it as does heading away a packed train or bus which will either be like a party or a wake.

Attending a big AFL game is something watching on TV can never get close to replicating.