Spida Goes Full Aussie, Takes In First Game Of Australian Rules Football
Aug 23, 2019, 10:54 AM | Updated: 11:03 am
Donovan Mitchell of the USA Basketball team greets fans ahead of the round 23 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 23, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, Australia -Donovan Mitchell and the USA Basketball Team made a special appearance at an Australian Rules Football game overnight. The team is ‘down under’ preparing for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup which is being held in China.
Earlier this week, USA beat Australia 102-86 in front more than 50,000 fans in Melbourne, Australia. Mitchell ended the game with 13 points, shooting at 40 percent. While his Jazz teammate, Joe Ingles, finished with 6 points, 5 rebounds and 1 assist over 29 minutes.
During the team’s spare time, a few players made a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to take in an Australian Rules Football match between Collingwood and Essendon. Prior to the game, Mitchell kicked the ‘footy’ around and posed for photos with fans in the crowd.
It was the first time Mitchell has been to an Australian Rules Football match, according to his Twitter account.
First AFL game tonight👀👀👀 @CollingwoodFC vs @essendonfc 💯💯
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 23, 2019
Mitchell was joined by former USA Basketball teammates Kris Middleton, Kemba Walker, Myles Turner, Harrison Barnes, Derrick White and Brooke Lopez.
Donovan Mitchell is being considered team captain by USA head coach Gregg Popovich, while Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart are also rumored to join Mitchell as captains. Although nothing has been confirmed, yet.
.@usabasketball represent! ✨
📷: @MichaelCWillson#AFL #AFLPiesDons pic.twitter.com/dBHkLtb0oJ
— AFL (@AFL) August 23, 2019
Mitchell has been enjoying his trip down under and seems to be getting into Australian Rules Football. Earlier this week, he showed his respect and appreciation for Jarryd Roughead. Roughead plays for another local Melbourne team, the Hawthorn Hawks, and announced his retirement after playing 283 games for the club and kicking 578 goals since debuting in 2005.
Congrats @JarrydRoughead2 on a great career! You got a fan in me @HawthornFC 🙏🏾💯✌🏾 https://t.co/8j6riitW7t
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 20, 2019
Joe Ingles is a big supporter of the Hawthorn Football Club and is good friends with Roughead. When Ingles returns home to Melbourne during the NBA off season, Ingles is frequently spotted at the MCG supporting his Hawks.
Ingles will often post photos on his Instagram page of his twin boys wearing Roughead jerseys. The two have been seen hanging out and spending time with one and other when Ingles is back in Melbourne.
