Eighty-six International Curtin University students attended their first AFL game at Domain Stadium on Sunday when Fremantle beat Greater Western Sydney by 21 points.

Thanks to the Australia Awards Scholarship Program, which gives students the opportunity to study in Australia, these new Freo fans were also given the opportunity to experience the loud and passionate purple fans first hand.

“It was actually really entertaining, hearing the crowd, the screaming, it was really good,” Natalino from Papua New Guinea said.

A small group took part in the Purple Playground at Market Square prior to the game, as they handballed and kicked for the first time.

The majority of students had no idea about the rules of the game, but one student came with an existing tie with the club.

“My local football team back home is called the Port Moresby Dockers,” Theresa said.

“We have a Freo Dockers back home.”

Theresa said watching the game at home doesn’t compare to being there live.

“It just blew my mind,” she said.

“Watching it on a small screen is totally different than watching it live.”

Elizabeth from Papua New Guinea was overwhelmed by the experience but is still trying to figure out the rules.

“I didn’t have any idea on AFL when I went in to the stadium,”

“But it was a good chance to observe how the game is played,

“It’s a very fast game.”

The AFL’s Multicultural Round this weekend will see a range of initiatives implemented during our game against St Kilda, including it being broadcasted in Hindi.