We are planning a two-week trip at the end of July (12th-25th). We are already planning to visit the Reef for a portion of that trip, but my 16-year old boy wants to do either Melbourne, Sydney or both. We realize it will be winter and cold, but we'd like to accommodate his request. What he'd really like to do is see an Aussie Rules Football match and/or Rugby. Is it possible to get in without season tickets? Which is the best city? What else to do with a 16-year old boy who wants to experience an Australian winter. Thank you.
Rosana

Ok Rosana....
I would try and get to see both an aussie rules game and one of the top rugby league games of the year ,at the start of your trip in Brisbane

Sunday July 13
Brisbane Lions (aussie rules top team) play Hawthorn in Brisbane.

Wednesday 16th July
NSW play Queensland in state of origin 3 at Suncorp stadium in Brisbane.

You may have to work at it to get tickets for these games.
Other things he might enjoy out of Brissy are...steve irwins zoo...gold coast theme parks...riding sand dunes at tangalooma etc.

Rosana, I'm not sure of exact match fixtures, but my son when he was a teenager went down to Melbourne with friends and they went to an AFL game at the "Gee" (MCG) (Melbourne Cricket Ground) - the Hallowed Ground of AFL - then they went up to the snowfields of Mt Hotham for some snowboarding.

On the other hand, if you are planning on going up to the Reef, it may be more convenient to see footy here in Brisbane on your way up.

State of Origin is amazing - one team from Queensland, playing one from New South Wales.

Suncorp Stadium has just had a huge refurbishment. Its nickname is "The Cauldron" and the stands have been redesigned so you are pretty close to the players. Given its a State against State game, the atmosphere is totally electric.

Have fun!

On Sunday 13th there's an Aussie Rules game in Brisbane (Brisbane Lions V Hawthorn). On both weekends there are lots of games on in Melbourne from Friday night through to Sunday. For all details go to www.afl.com and click on "season fixture". The link is right at the bottom of the page (it's not very obvious).
You won't have a problem getting tickets to the AFL games - particularly if you're coming to 18th-20th Melbourne games as you can book once you arrive in Oz, I'm not sure if you can pre-book over the internet internationally - but I can't see why not! I'd suggest booking ahead as buying a ticket on the day is a hassle and time consuming. tickets are available at www.ticketmaster7.com. As far as the 'best' city - Melbourne is the home of AFL - if you come to Melbourne try and go to a game at the MCG rather than Telstra Dome as it's more atmospheric. There aren't any games on in Sydney over the time you're here anyway! However, it may save you some precious holiday time if you go to the Brisbane game.

I went to the MCG. Melbourne last night for Sydney v. Richmond game.
We purchased our seats at the gate at 5.30.p.m. game started at 7.p.m. Sydney won. My advice would be book through ticketmaster7.com (as prev.post) as if at the MCG. it will give you closer seats to the ground, we were up high & at front which was okay but people behind are up sooooo high I'm not sure if you would enjoy it that much.
Price. Aust.$17.50. per person. at gate. Food there another thing small bottle water $3.50. Hot Chips small $3.90. Round of sandwiches $6.00.
You are not allowed to take cans or glass into game but can take food & drink in plastic containers (I think)
If you are only coming to Melbourne for football reasons then I suggest you have a look at the game in Brisbane the only difference is the venue.
Enjoy

Further to post above. I have just looked at the booking site. Cost for reserve seating aust.$39.00. plus booking fee $3.30.
Quite a lot more but you will have seats. The game we attended last night would not have attracted a sell out crowd.

Thank you to all of you have responded. We are seriously considering the Brisbane game. We'll likely book online as you've suggested. Even though the cost is a bit more, we'll feel better that we have seats.
Rosana