This was one of the interesting cultural and linguistic questions being explored by the Sydney Swans in their engagement with the Chinese media.

What better way to introduce the Chinese community to the AFL than by organising a full game day experience for Sydney’s Chinese media. Representatives from Chinese language press, radio, online and international student media donned the red and white colours of the Swans in their match against the Western Bulldogs.

The event included touring the ground, watching the game from a media box and attending the post-game media scrum. The food was game day essentials, meat pies and a beer.

Mia Zhou, Chief Editor of the WeSydney website spoke most passionately about her game day experience.

“The football game was absolutely sensational and the atmosphere in the SCG was fantastic.” Mia was equally enthusiastic with her coverage of the event.

Natalie Fagg, Head of Consumer Business warmly welcomed the media representatives, “The Swans are keen to develop a meaningful, long lasting relationship with the Chinese community. We cannot grow this game unless we engage with new and emerging communities and work towards making the AFL your game”.

Natalie watched the game with the group and her involvement and emotional roller coaster as the score changed infected all around her.

The most interesting question of the day put to Natalie was, “How can they play like that without padding?” Of course the answer was “because that is the way we play in Australia”.

Cultural Perspectives is excited about our ongoing relationship with the Swans and their efforts to grow the game in Sydney by engagement of the culturally and linguistically diverse communities that make up the city’s vibrancy.