I came to Australia in 2002 (from India) and fell in love with the Aussie Rules. Now since I was following AFl in my first year in Melbourne, I had to pick a team and I became A Magpies supporter because I loved their guernsey (as simple as that). I had no knowledge of AFL records, premierships won/lost etc. But after I got into the league, I started reading about records, statistics etc. Infact I was damn lucky that the PIES made it into the grand final in 2002 itself, considering that (if I am right), they were the wooden spooners in 2000. That for me is the great drama on which AFL thrives.

Now I am back in India after having finished my studies. In my country, apart from cricket, there is a huge passion for Barclay's Premier League Soccer. I too follow it (though not as passionately as AFL) and when I had to pick a team for BPL, I chose Newcastle United (Magpies). Now, the thing with BPL is that season after season, it is certain that only the team belonging in the "Big Four" (Manchester United,Chelsea,Arsenal.Liverpool) have a chance of winning the Premiership. It becomes boring and very monotonous. No wonder that people in India who follow the BPL, usually support one of these "Big Four" clubs!
And this I am talking about a Football League which has 92 clubs spread across 4 divisions.

Coming back to AFL, it gives every club and their supporters a reason to dream! 2004-2006 had 3 consecutive Grand Finals featuring non-Victorian sides and now in 2008, the Top 4 might not have even one interstate team. Ohhh the beauty lies in the unexpectancy of this great league!
Ofcourse, since there is no promotion/relegation scenario, the season becomes a drag for clubs that lose most of their first 7-8 games (ask the Demons) but nonetheless following an AFL club is much more exciting than barracking for a team in the English Premier League (which isn't part of the "Big Four").

In my opinion, I found Australia a country that does (in most cases) give everyone a fair go-provided you want to compete! AFL for me is a league that compliments this. All the teams have a fair chance-no monopolies here, even the great Brisbane Lions of the 2000's had to surrender their crown! Go AFL and Go the PIES!