''Aussie rules is a dumbed down field sport; it is essentially a game of long-distance running, with the ball as an optional extra. As it happens, they play it with an oval ball, which in a kicking game reduces the skill level even further.
''They learn to kick it very long, and very straight, off the flat of the foot, because that is the only way an oval ball can be kicked with accuracy. It is a one-dimensional skill, outside of which there is little room for experimentation. You cannot put curl on it with a shot off the instep, nor slice an arc on it with a shot off the outside - you'd just look stupid for trying.'' - Tommy Conlon,
Irish Independant