Boxing Day: When cricket takes over in Aussie Rules-mad Melbourne

Melbourne is a footy city. It's here that Australia's No.1 sport was born and took shape to eventually become an integral part of the country's identity. You're unlikely to go too far here without coming across some sign of the Melburnians' unbridled fanaticism for Australian Rules Football. In fact, some believe you're considered a true Melburnian only if you believe that the AFL Grand Finals day is bigger for you than Christmas.

If you don't find it in some pictorial form among the incessant graffiti along the walls, so characteristic to Melbourne, there'll be mini-flags or posters of local clubs hanging or printed on the porches of the many quaint townhouses in one of the many leafy suburbs around town. If not, there'll always be a sedan or SUV painted or themed entirely based on either a Richmond or a Hawthorn - two of the many clubs who play nationally in the league.