Football Australian Style.

Many Aussies have links to overseas countries. Maybe a grandparent heralds from Croatia or Italy, maybe your ma or pa was born in Ireland or Germany. Maybe you came here from China or Vietnam.

Wherever your heritage chances are football was in the family. Maybe you'd played when you lived overseas or visited relatives.

Well I bet your overseas relatives have never seen football Australian style.

Under 8's down at the local oval. An engrossing game where only the scorers remember the game.

Suddenly the goalie shouts, "A kangaroo!"

Everyone looks at there goes the big grey, bounding past the corner taker. Moves between the two sides, great swerves and then picks up pace. Then heads across the oval, where at least ten games are taking part.

There is a man, in a line of spectators, watching his daughter. He has his back to the commotion. He is oblivious.

Not for long, as over his head leaps the Roo, landing in front of him and right on the pitch.

A more spectacular display of pace, skill and leaping has not been seen on the oval for years.

And then it started.

"Sign him up."
"He's got a good turn of speed."
"Put him up front."
"He's on our side, we could do with a bit more energy in the team."
"Ref, get him off he's hopping mad."

How did we know he was a boy? Well he looked like he was showing off in front of a crowd. Sound like any boys you know?