For the first time ever, Moncton played host to an Australian Rules Football match, which is also known as “footy.” Teams from around the Maritimes met for several games at the CN Sportsplex on Sunday as part of Gather Round, a Festival of Footy. The Saint John Bulldogs defeated the Halifax Dockers 37-30 in the afternoon game which wrapped up the day. The teams were mixed with men and women playing for both teams on a humid afternoon. Organizers and players told CTV News Atlantic that Moncton was chosen for a site even though the city doesn’t have a team because of the size of the fields on the CN Complex. The sport sees 18 players per team on an oval-shaped field, usually between 135-185 metres long and 110-155 metres wide. Among the Bulldogs and Dockers were the Sydney Giants, the Dartmouth Devils, and Cornwall Tigers. Click here for a collection of photos showcasing Gather Round, a Festival of Footy. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
