I'm moving to Melbourne Australia

[Superfraggle]

Check out Hockey Night in Melbourne. Never got a chance to go while I was there, but they show recent taped games at a pub in the CBD. http://hockey.suburbia.org.au/Hockey...urne/Home.html

[valo403]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

I heard that argument a thousand times when I lived in SA. As an outsider not having any preconceived notions about either sport before I lived in Oz. I would have to say that the AFL is one of the greatest spectator sports in the world in my opinion. Still it seems that anybody I talked to from up North about it wouldn't even give the AFL the time of day. Must be a cultural thing.

I actually didn't really know that League even existed before I moved to Australia, I just assumed that AFL was big all over. I was living in Sydney when the Swans won the AFL, so I caught a few games and definitely got caught up in the excitement. I just don't find it to be all that enthralling, there's far too chasing around a bouncing ball like sugar crazed 8 year olds. Maybe my lack of familiarity, but I just couldn't find all that much strategy or technique to appreciate as a spectator, I'm sure it's there I just couldn't pick it up. And of course there are the ever present faux hawks.

I may also be biased by the fact that a bunch of my friends were League players and we hung out with a couple NRL guys on occasion.

BTW, do any of you who live down under take in any AIHL games? It's decent hockey, certainly not the NHL but it's not a waste of time. IIRC the season will be starting fairly soon.

[Ducay]

St. Kilda made me shutter. I felt like I was going to get stabbed a lot of the time. That said, some of that area is decent.

There are plenty of choices in Melb, really depends what kind of lifestyle you're looking for; just don't cheer for the Saints

[Ducay]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

I heard that argument a thousand times when I lived in SA. As an outsider not having any preconceived notions about either sport before I lived in Oz. I would have to say that the AFL is one of the greatest spectator sports in the world in my opinion. Still it seems that anybody I talked to from up North about it wouldn't even give the AFL the time of day. Must be a cultural thing.

As a rugby fan in SA, I had to learn to enjoy AFL, but I eventually grew to love it, despite so many men running around trying to grab an oblong ball bouncing erratically.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by valo403

I actually didn't really know that League even existed before I moved to Australia, I just assumed that AFL was big all over. I was living in Sydney when the Swans won the AFL, so I caught a few games and definitely got caught up in the excitement. I just don't find it to be all that enthralling, there's far too chasing around a bouncing ball like sugar crazed 8 year olds. Maybe my lack of familiarity, but I just couldn't find all that much strategy or technique to appreciate as a spectator, I'm sure it's there I just couldn't pick it up. And of course there are the ever present faux hawks.

I found it to be confusing when I first started watching it. Some Rugby fans that I knew, who happened to originally be from Queensland, refered to it as "ping pong". Once I figured out what the hell was going on it made a lot more sense. I really liked the battles for the "mark" and the "mark" itself.

[SoulOfTheFlame]

Thanks for the awesome feedback guys!

For my part, I'll say Union edges out League, but not by much. I love State of Origin. Afl sucks and so does VB! Boags and Tooheys New are alright. Still, nothing compares to the beer I used to get in Halifax... or that I had in Scotland recently...


I cannot seem to find a decent Bitter lager in Oz.

[The Goon]

I have family in the suburb of Mentone. When I was there, it seemed like a great location - nice and quiet, but close enough to catch the train downtown. I also recall walking along the nearby beach and crossing paths with a group of topless female inline skaters. I almost wanted to move there immediately.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by SoulOfTheFlame

Thanks for the awesome feedback guys!

For my part, I'll say Union edges out League, but not by much. I love State of Origin. Afl sucks and so does VB! Boags and Tooheys New are alright. Still, nothing compares to the beer I used to get in Halifax... or that I had in Scotland recently...


I cannot seem to find a decent Bitter lager in Oz.

Origin pretty much sealed it for me, that was one intense atmosphere and I wasn't even in the stadium.

If you haven't tried cooper's Red I highly recommend it. And stay well away from XXXX.

[icarus]

Originally Posted by valo403

If you haven't tried cooper's Red I highly recommend it. And stay well away from XXXX.

As far as the beers mentioned in this thread go:

Cooper's Sparkling (red) > James Boag's lager > Castlemaine XXXX > Toohey's New > Foster's Lager > VB.

Not sure if there are any true bitters in Australia, I'll think about it and let you know if I recall any. Anyway, in Melbourne hopefully you'll be able to find some beers from the Yarra Valley Brewing Co. which is quite a good craft brewery.

[3thirty]

Lucky, I loved Australia when I visited there last May.

[SoulOfTheFlame]

Originally Posted by icarus

As far as the beers mentioned in this thread go:

Cooper's Sparkling (red) > James Boag's lager > Castlemaine XXXX > Toohey's New > Foster's Lager > VB.

Not sure if there are any true bitters in Australia, I'll think about it and let you know if I recall any. Anyway, in Melbourne hopefully you'll be able to find some beers from the Yarra Valley Brewing Co. which is quite a good craft brewery.

Sweet!

I'll check them out.

[icarus]

Originally Posted by SoulOfTheFlame

Sweet!

I'll check them out.

Correction: they are called the Grand Ridge Brewing Co. http://www.grand-ridge.com.au/flash.asp. They make a beer calley Yarra Valley Gold. Hatlifter Stout is also very good.

[valo403]

If you have yet to learn this lesson allow me to pass on my painfully gained knowledge:

Bundy and coke on tap is not your friend.

[mbd]

Hi,

Came across this page when googling for something else and thought I might be able help with some of the answers, so registered. Lucky I know who the flames' captain is.

If so... I'm in need of some good advice as to what neighborhoods and stuff are good to live in near downtown..

Everyone has their preferences - You'll find lots inner city younger-ish folk live either around the St Kilda (south) area or Fitzroy (inner north) area. I used to live south, but moved to the inner north about 10 years ago and wouldn't go back. Too many backpackers around st kilda now . It might be best to rent a place of six months and make it a habit to check out the suburbs so you can pick where you'll go next with more on the ground knowledge.

Also wondering if this city could possibly be big enough to boast a sports bar that has NHL Center Ice

You might want to check out hockeypulse.com.au, I know there's a Hockey Night in Sydney thing they do, maybe there's something going on in Melbourne.

This was why I signed up - we've got a Hockey Night in Melbourne going here where we show a couple of NHL games once or twice a month at a pub in the city. Stupidly I failed to see the post which already pointed you in the direction of the HNIM website. If you're on facebook you can also join the HNIM group to get up to date info: http://tinyurl.com/hnmelb

BTW, we're doing one tomorrow (9th April) and will hopefully be showing today's Flames/Canucks matchup as one of the two games shown.

There's lots of people who show up alone and gather around the centre tables to chat with each other, so don't be shy. And, say hi if you come along, I'll most likely have a Linden Jersey on (that's right, i'm your enemy :-P)

Buy a bunch of black clothes. Last time I was there, everyone was dressed in black. I think it has the largest Greek population outside of Greece.

Right on both counts, but that said, Melbourne folk know it and are just as likely to joke about it. I don't wear black all that much though.

Aside from the large greek population, there's heaps of italians, vietnamese and africans too amongst others. Makes for a wonderful and diverse city (with heaps of great restaurants)

I always though Melbourne was a lot like Vancouver.

I agree. I've lived in both cities, and think there's a lot of similarities. I lived in Calgary too for a couple of years. I prefer Melbourne and Vancouver (sorry).

I hate the Canucks, but I do think Vancouver is a pretty nice city.

It's okay to hate the canucks. It's the same way sydneysiders hate Melbourne. It's just because they know we're better and they're too insecure and jealous to be able to accept their shortcomings... :-P. (feel free to insert a comment about how many cups vancouver as won here)

In all honesty, I love watching canucks/flames games more than any other nhl matchup, there's always a great atmosphere, close games, and you rarely know who's going to win till late in the game. And, Iginla offered one of my fave moments this season when he fought someone (don't recall who) but spat on each glove just before going at it. Looked awesome - if I ever get in a fight, I'll be sure to spit on my fists just like him. :-)