After personally experiencing the amazing weekend that is Gather Round in Adelaide last weekend, I had time to reflect (driving 8 hours home gives you plenty of time to reflect) on the phenomenon that is football and its impact on the Australian landscape.
As we all know, there are 5 seasons in a year; Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer and 'Footy Season'. Being a passionate football follower since I was 6, I have always said the best day of the year is AFL Grand Final Day (Christmas Day for grownups!) and the worst day of the year is the day after as it's the furthest away from the start of the season. And every week during 'Footy Season' the passionate followers know it's not just about the game of football; it's about the tribes (we call them 'Trybes') that form around each team, creating a rich tapestry of identity, loyalty, and passion. As fans gather round to support their beloved teams, they become part of something larger than themselves—a community bonded by a common cause. Tribalism in AFL runs deep, ingrained in the fabric of Australian culture. From the bustling streets of Melbourne to the remote corners of Western Australia, supporters proudly don their team colours, chant their anthems, and celebrate victories with unwavering energy. But what exactly drives this sense of tribal loyalty?
At its core, supporting an AFL team is about belonging.
Humans are social creatures, drawn to groups that share common interests and values. For many, their football team becomes an extension of their identity—an emblem of who they are and where they come from. Whether it's the Magpies, Tigers, Eagles, Bombers or Blues, allegiance to a team often transcends mere fandom; it becomes a marker of one's place in the Australian landscape. After moving over to Melbourne from Perth 11 years ago, I was always fascinated with the 2 common questions that were asked early into any new meeting; the questions being 'Which school did you go to?' and 'Who do you follow in the football?' with a large number of people thinking that if I was from Perth I would have to either go for Eagles or Dockers, like there was no other option. But when you lift the lid on which team people follow you get to see a number of ways their allegiance has been created far beyond mere geographical allegiance. It's about family traditions passed down through generations, childhood memories forged at the MCG, and the camaraderie shared with fellow supporters. From the die-hard members who never miss a game to the casual fans who tune in for the Grand Final, each individual contributes to the collective spirit of their team's tribe.
In the digital age, social media has amplified the tribal nature of AFL support. Online forums, Facebook groups, and Twitter threads serve as virtual meeting grounds where fans can connect, debate, and commiserate with like-minded individuals. In this digital landscape, the boundaries of tribalism blur, allowing supporters from around the world to unite under a common banner. But with tribalism comes rivalry, and AFL is no stranger to heated competition both on and off the field. Matches between traditional rivals like the Carlton and Collingwood are more than just games; they're epic showdowns that pit tribe against tribe in a battle for supremacy. The banter, the taunts, and the sheer intensity of these clashes are a testament to the power of tribal identity in sport. Yet, for all its divisiveness, AFL tribalism also fosters a sense of community and belonging. Whether you're cheering alongside fellow supporters at the pub or high-fiving strangers in the stands, there's a shared sense of camaraderie that transcends differences. In a world increasingly fragmented by politics, religion, and ideology, the unifying power of sport offers a glimmer of hope for unity.
As another week of AFL action unfolds, fans across the country will gather round to support their teams, united in their love of the game and the tribes that bind them together. Whether it's the roar of the crowd, the thrill of victory, or the agony of defeat, one thing is certain: AFL tribalism is alive and well, shaping the landscape of Australian football for generations to come.
And just like in sport, finding a Trybe that shares your purpose and values is extremely important for human connection. Want that sense of belonging? Want to work for a company that shares your values and purpose! WorkTrybe can help!
Go Blues!!
