i did that once when the Lions were in their hey day, went to the Gabba to watch a game with a mate who was into AFL as apparently it's better live then watching it on the telly.....news flash....NO IT'S NOT!!!....lol. i think you either like it or you don't, live or on the telly makes no differance 
I grew up in Newcastle and country NSW before moving to Victoria. Agree it took me a while to understand AFL, but inevitably I came around. These days I get to appreciate all 3 codes (Rugby, NRL & AFL) and can go and watch all 3 any time and enjoy (Go Blues).
p.s. I asked swmbo about dreamtime at the G and she replied 'In your dreams!!!!!!!!!'