Last weekend (not the one just gone) we went along to The Oval to watch the AFL's London Exhibition match between Essendon and Richmond. It was a wintry Melbourne day and a full capacity 12,000 Aussies (and about 12 locals) turned up for the festivities. Someone in our group commented "Last one out of Earls Court, turn off the lights", which was pretty accurate I think.

There was lots of VB consumed, along with Tim Tams, Violet Crumbles, Cherry Ripes and other delights from the Australia Shop stand. The highlights of the day were the ground invaders. One male Aussie streaker put on a fantastic run, which was appreciated by the ladies. He reappeared, still naked, at a nearby rooftop party after being chucked out (see photos).

My play of the day went to one guy who ran who out to the centre square at 3/4 time to retrieve his footy. On the way back to the fence he held out the ball and 'sold the dummy' to the two local security guards running out to grab him. They'd obviously never seen this maneuver before; they slipped over in unison and the invader made it safely to the fence.

As for the game, Captain Richo probably had the best game of his season, kicking 5 goals. The Tigers won easily. It was great to watch some real footy for a change.

Afterwards the players mingled on the ground with friends from home they hadn't seen in ages, as the traditional 'kick to kick' erupted. I even bumped into Matty Stewart, ex MYOB Melb. John W was delighted to get a few photos with Dean Rioli and even got his autograph on the back of a Boots* receipt.

* Boots is a chain of Pharmacies.

Footy comes to The Oval, London

Rushed through for a (bare) behind.

Click on the image to see a bigger version.

The back of John's Boots receipt, including Dean Rioli signature