Being a spectator on the other side of the fence, it is hard to see what really goes on with our favorite footballers. What drives them? what is 'their' life like outside of those weekend afternoon games? What do they have to put up with that us mere mortals couldn't even contemplate? It's not like every supporter asks these questions but in over 100 years of Australian Rules Football, it's about time someone did and here is the result.
The Passion to Play' is a documentary about the footballers that play Australian Rules Football. It takes you on a behind the scenes look at the sacrifices and commitment an AFL player makes to rise to the top of their game. The 4+ hours is made up of interviews with legends such as Graeme ‘Polly’ Farmer, Allan Jeans, Peter Moore Ron Barrassi aswell as current heroes and many other past and present players of the game who give a rare insight in to the player's perspective on AFL.
‘The Passion To Play’ gives the players a rare occasion to reveal the emotions they felt when being drafted to a club, the joy of playing that first AFL game, being dropped from the team, dealing with peer group pressure, facing up to ending your career and life after football. Some of the stories the players tell will shock you, some will make you laugh and others will inspire you to put on the boots and go out and have a kick. The player’s talk about the immense pressure and abuse they receive from fans and the disappointments of long-term injuries. What of those great players of years gone by that never played in a premieship winning team? Isn't that the ultimate goal for a player? All the heartache and joy is revealed in this excellent production.
‘The Passion to Play’ is a DVD for the most dedicated of football fans. After watching this DVD you will walk away with a new found respect for the players who made Australian Rules the exciting and noble game that it is today.
The footage is presented in a full-frame format and there is a diverse range of footage used from decades gone by. With this in mind, the image is of very good quality. Most of the interviews have been filmed in the past few years and these come up trumps as would be expected.
The original music score was produced by Tony Woods and Brendan Fitzgerald and it is a really stirring soundtrack that brings up all manner of emotion, even to a
'in-passing' football admirer like yours truly.
This DVD is a must have for any fan of the game and would make an excellent fathers day gift. The Passion to Play is easily the best documentary made about Australian Rules football and deserves a place in all football fans homes.
Highly Recommended for any and all footy fans.