Welcome to the digital age of footy fandom! The 2024 AFL season is in full swing, and it’s time to jump into the action. Whether you’re an experienced couch coach or a complete rookie who just fell in love with the game, we have a few expert streaming tricks that will help you enjoy this footy season. 

1. Unlock Global Access with a VPN

Are you an Aussie stuck abroad on business, holiday, or studies overseas? Don’t worry, take a breath, and refrain from panicking. It’s still possible to catch every second of the action back home, all thanks to a Virtual Private Network (VPN). You’ve probably heard of VPNs by now (everyone's talking about them). And what could be a better opportunity to make use of one than this footy season, regardless of where you are on the globe?

With a VPN, you can demolish geographic boundaries and catch your favourite Aussie Rules football matches from anywhere. It doesn’t matter if you’re in New York, Tokyo, London, or Singapore. All you have to do is use your VPN to access Australian servers. This will give you full access to Australian streaming platforms and live coverage of every thrilling moment on the field. Imagine being in a hotel room halfway across the world and still being able to cheer for your favourite footy team back home. Whether you use a VPN for Firestick, Roku, or Chromecast, you'll always have a front-row seat to the AFL action.

2. Optimise Your Streaming Setup

You’re moments away from your favourite team scoring the winning goal. But instead of a clear image, you see pixelated players and buffering — is there anything more infuriating than that? Well, probably, but a poor streaming setup can ruin the footy for anyone. Put that in the past and optimise your streaming setup to watch the game as it’s meant to be watched! 

First, check your internet connection. A fast and stable connection is necessary for flawless streaming. Check your speed and see if you’re getting all the bandwidth required for an uninterrupted stream. If not, consider the option of purchasing a plan with more devices.  Or you could start searching for (more) reliable ISP to watch the match without buffering. 

Then, take a critical look at your streaming device or smart TV. Some older models lack certain features or have lower performances that make efficient streaming impossible. Whether it's a 4K Ultra HD resolution for crisp, life-like visuals or Dolby Atmos sound for immersive audio that makes it feel like you’re in the stadium, investing in a high-quality streaming device ensures that every kick, tackle, and goal is captured in stunning detail.

3. Stay Updated with Reliable Streaming Platforms

You can choose from a plethora of options to stream sports in 2024. There’s Foxtel Now, Kayo, or Channel 7 streaming services to name a few. But amongst all these possible choices, which one will give you the perfect footy experience? It’s crucial to choose the streaming service which covers all games, delivers perfect video, and doesn’t glitch out when it matters the most. 

Although free streaming websites may sound ideal at the first sight, they come with several pitfalls. Imagine low quality video, a streaming connection that could die at any second of the game, and annoying pop-ups that appear during important moments. Instead opt for services that you know have secured broadcasting rights for the AFL season. Subscription-based services like Foxtel Now, or pay-per-match on Kayo guarantee the smooth sailing of your streaming experience. 

Additionally, it would be wise to stick to services that offer extra benefits that improve your viewing. Digital video recording (DVR), would allow you to record matches and watch them at a more convenient time. Imagine never having to worry about missing an important game again. With the ability to pause for a short break, rewind, and replay key moments, you'll have full control over your footy-watching experience.

4. Embrace the Community Spirit

While home streaming in your pyjamas might be the most convenient way to watch AFL matches, community spirit is one element of fandom not to be underestimated. This season get together with your mates in a group and share the thrill. Whether by firing up some sausages on the barbie or reserving a table at your local RSL, enjoying the game with friends and family adds an extra layer of fun to the experience.

Why not take the fun online too? Use social media to connect with fellow footy fans, share your predictions, and discuss the most recent games. Whether you’re tweeting through matches or voting in polls, community spirit enhances your experience and creates lasting memories with like-minded people. 

5. Plan Ahead for Prime Time Viewing

For footy fans few things get their hearts pumping into their throats like those euphoric moments on the field! However, there still are a trillion things on our to-do lists. It may seem impossible to steal time to watch your favourite team play. This season you don’t have to languish in FOMO. All you need is a little bit of planning. 

Be brutal about your calendar, too. Can you fit a window to indulge your guilty pleasure in your schedule? Maybe you can move a few things and find time to sit back and watch your favourite teams do what they do best. 

But why stop there? This AFL season, tech can be your BFF. Put reminders about the games on your tablet, smartwatch, or smartphone. At the end of the day, footy is a way of life — a time off from the drudgeries of life. Or that’s what we like to believe, anyway! 

6. Explore Interactive Viewing Experiences

Why not take your viewing experience to the next level with some interactive fun? It’s like setting your footy-watching schedule into rocket mode — you don’t just sit there taking it all in. You engage with the game. As you’re watching your team play, you can check out live stats or answer a couple of entertaining quizzes. It’s like being in a stadium without leaving your cosy apartment. Talk about the perfect mix of introverted and extroverted fun! 

Interactive features are designed to be super easy to use. Whether you’re a seasoned AFL fan or here to see what’s the buzz about, there’s always something to enjoy. And we haven’t even mentioned the social component yet! Many platforms offer a live chat for fans, so you can always share your thoughts during the match with like-minded footy fanatics. Why settle for passive viewing when you can dive into the interactive world of AFL and take your experience to the next level?

Catch Every Second of the AFL 2024 Season

These top streaming tips are all you will need to get ready for the 2024 season. Whether you’re streaming from the comfort of your home or enjoying a game (and a bevvy) at the pub with friends and family, let the footy fever bring us together!