Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Some of the biggest names in America’s world-renowned National Football League have been given a taste of AFL finals footy ahead of a historic match in Melbourne.
The San Francisco 49ers’ squad and staff arrived in Victoria via a chartered 16-hour flight on Friday to acclimatise before next week’s contest against Super Bowl fancies, the Los Angeles Rams.
And they were given an early look at the MCG, which will host the first NFL regular season game in Australia during the opening weekend of the new season.
Tyshun Raequan “Deebo” Samuel Sr led a contingent of stars who took to the field during the halftime break of the elimination final between Geelong and Carlton after watching the match from the comfort of a luxury box.
Carlton champion Brendon Fevola was on hand as the AFL guru to explain the game to the Americans.
Samuel has earned well over $100 million during his illustrious NFL career.
49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro told Channel 7 he was loving his first experience of Australian Rules and the country itself.
“Just the atmosphere and seeing these athletes out here, it’s just been awesome,” he said.
“(The game) is amazing. You see all the kicks and the punting, and obviously, I’m a kicker, so you love to see that.
“The food has been amazing. Coffee’s been great too.”
Pineiro is the first Nicaraguan to play in the NFL and said he loved being able to continue creating history in Australia.
“It’s amazing. My family’s super proud and just being able to play in this game is awesome,” he said.
“At the end of the day, it’s a football game; anyone can come out and win. This is going to be a fun game. Tune in!”
The Rams won’t arrive Down Under until 24 hours before the game as both sides come to grips with cross-globe travel.
The NFL has played international games in England, Germany and Brazil in recent seasons.
