These NFL players just got their first taste of Aussie rules. This was the verdict

Los Angeles Rams star Tyler Davis says he has great respect for the toughness of AFL players – and is now keen for the Los Angeles Rams to leave their own imprint on the MCG in the inaugural NFL match on Australian soil for championship points.

Davis, a defensive linesman who has the job of attacking the opposition quarterback, and his wide receiver teammate Xavier Smith were given their first look at the fabled venue at Saturday night’s AFL clash between Collingwood and Port Adelaide, and were taken aback by the intensity and physicality of the game.

“Yeah, I was actually, because, you know, with our game, we have … some type of protection, but for them guys, to lay it on the line without that protection, it kind of builds that respect level for me, watching them,” Davis said.

“I love it man, I loved it … fast pace, a lot of up and down, not many breaks, and then, you know, without pads, they do hit a little hard.”

The AFL and NRL’s stranglehold on Australian winter sport remains as strong as ever, but a crowd of about 100,000 will attend the historic clash between the Rams and San Francisco on September 11.

It will complement the growing presence of Australians in the NFL and US college football, including Sunshine Coast-born teenager Tom Huber who made history this year by becoming the first Australian-born athlete to sign with an NCAA Division I football program as a quarterback.

Davis said the MCG clash was a major fillip for the sport here and would add to growing momentum.

“I think it will do wonders, you know, being Australia, having just a whole different market. I think it takes the game to a whole another level,” Davis said.

“I have seen people with like, Miami Dolphins gear, Oakland Raiders gear. It’s already big over here, so it’s crazy.”

The NFL enjoys growing Australian viewership of games on ESPN and free-to-air broadcaster Seven and there is greater awareness in the US of the NFL Academy on the Gold Coast. Flag football is also emerging as a sport of choice, and has been given a major boost with inclusion in the Olympics.

Davis and Smith conducted a flag football session at Kew Primary School this week, which has a successful program – one of 740 here, according to the league.

Smith said he was looking forward to playing at the MCG, although the ground’s oval dimensions means fans will sit back from the NFL’s smaller, rectangular field. It did not stop NRL fans flocking to the MCG last week for the State of Origin clash.

“I don’t think it will really matter that much. I just can’t wait to see the stands, the people in the stands, the environment they bring to the game. So, you know, the intensity that they had at the AFL, I can’t wait to see the intensity they bring when we come with the NFL,” Smith said.

The NFL match, to be broadcast on Netflix, will have a 10.35am kickoff on the Friday morning of the AFL’s semi-final weekend. Davis said the early start was not an issue.

“It won’t change the preparation at all. We have a good staff in place, we have got the right type of people to get us acclimatised and get us prepared for the game the right way,” Smith said.

For the Rams, the season opener is the first step towards what they hope is a season of redemption after falling to eventual Super Bowl champions Seattle in the NFC championship game.

The Rams had the No.1 scoring offence behind a brilliant season from coach Sean McVay and quarterback – and league most valuable player – Matthew Stafford. They head into the new campaign with a strong, young defence, and weapons Stafford can use in Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Kyren Williams.

“Yeah, reloading, you know, adding fuel to the fire, but we are ready to go,” Davis said.

Smith said the Rams had added “key pieces that’s going to take our game to the next level”.

That was in reference to having traded for star Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie and two-time NFL defensive player of the year Myles Garrett. They also signed McDuffie’s former Chiefs teammate Jaylen Watson through free agency.

The 49ers, one of the NFL’s leading franchises, have vowed to paint Melbourne red through their large fan base – about 10,000 49ers fans from the US are expected to make the trip – when they arrive complete with a cast of about 200 players, staff and cheerleaders.

But Davis said the Rams, who are hosting the game, will have plenty of support of their own against their fierce NFC west division rival.

“I think it’s definitely going to be high intensity. I think the Rams and Niners game already brings that intensity, but doing it in Australia with the fans that already come with that intensity, just adds a little bit more fuel to the fire,” Davis said.

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