One of the most pre-eminent professional competition of the Australian rules football, Australian Football League is much loved and followed, not only in Australia but around the world too. According to Wikipedia, Australian Football League ranks fourth among domestic professional leagues in the world as per average attendance. Clearly the most popular spectator sport in Australia, the Australian Football League is watched by more men than rugby, cricket and golf.
On a global scale, the Australian Football League has 33,200 fans attending each game, and it is the fourth largest league in the world. The Australian Football League also has a large number of celebrities supporting their teams, and here’s a look at some of most popular names in the world who are avid Australian Football League fans and support their teams through thick and thin.
- Olivia Newton-John
Australian actress and singer Olivia Newton-John is a big Carlton fan. The actress, best known for her performance in ‘Grease’, performed at the 1986 grand final of the Australian Football League and sang the national anthem before watching the Blues lose to Hawthorn by 42 points.
- Portia de Rossi
Australian actress and model, Portia de Rossi, best known for her roles in TV shows Ally McBeal and Arrested Development, is a huge fan of the Geelong Australian Football League team. Portia, who is married to Ellen Degeneres, grew up in Geelong and is also an avid Cats supporter.
- Ricky Ponting
Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting, himself has been a massively popular name in the world of cricket. He is a passionate supporter of the North Melbourne Australian Football League team, and is regular at the club’s matches. The Tasmanian local has previously been considered as a member of North’s board as well, and has often talked about the australian rules odds.
- Hugh Jackman
A-list Australian actor and singer Hugh Jackman is a Port Adelaide fan. He has been such a great and supportive fan for the team that he once was asked to give the team a pep talk prior to a Showdown clash. However, Hugh Jackman describes it as the most embarrassing thing in his life as the pep talk failed miserably.
- Chris Hemsworth
A die-hard supporter of the Melbourne Australian Football League team, the Western Bulldogs, Chris Hemsworth can always be seen supporting the team in the crowd. The 35 year old hunk grew up in Melbourne, hence his love for the Victorian team, and the actor has even introduced his good pal, actor Matt Damon to AFL.
- Barack Obama
One of the most distinguished and popular leaders of the world, former president of the United States of America, Barack Obama is an Eagles fan. The West Coast Australian Football League team once also presented an Eagles jumper with the former president’s name on it.
- Russell Crowe
Actor and film producer Russell Crowe is also an Australian Football League fan and supporter. The star had been born in New Zealand but has lived most of his life in Australia. He is the co-owner of NRL side South Sydney Rabbitohs, but also supports Richmond.
