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Eric Bana gets animated during AFL game between the St Kilda Saints and the Western Bulldogs

Time:2024-04-20 06:48:44

He's the Hollywood hunk famous for his roles in blockbusters such as The Hulk, Black Hawk Down, and Troy.

But on Thursday, Eric Bana was just like any other football fan as he took in an AFL game at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. 

The Australian actor, 55, was spotted enjoying a Round 6 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Western Bulldogs.

Bana rocked dashing salt-and-pepper hair and heavy stubble for the Thursday night game.

Eric, who is a noted Saints supporter, smiled every time the St Kilda-based club scored a goal. 

On Thursday, Eric Bana took in an AFL game as the St Kilda Saints faced off with the Western Bulldogs. Pictured

On Thursday, Eric Bana took in an AFL game as the St Kilda Saints faced off with the Western Bulldogs. Pictured

The Australian actor, 55, was spotted at Marvel Stadium enjoying 2024 AFL Round 06 match between the two teams

The Australian actor, 55, was spotted at Marvel Stadium enjoying 2024 AFL Round 06 match between the two teams

In 2010, Eric became the AFL team's Number One Ticket Holder after travelling to Melbourne regularly during game season. 

His love for St Kilda FC is well-publicised, and his passion for the team has popped up in some very surprising places.

The club was featured in the Adam Sandler film Funny People, in which Eric co-starred. 

Bana had his attention fixed on the field as he enjoyed the match, at times appearing very concerned

Bana had his attention fixed on the field as he enjoyed the match, at times appearing very concerned

Eric, who is a noted Saints fanatic, smiled every time the St Kilda-based club scored a goal

Eric, who is a noted Saints fanatic, smiled every time the St Kilda-based club scored a goal

In a hilarious scene, Eric's character explains Australian Rules Football with a lot of swearing while Sandler and Seth Rogan's character look perplexed.

Bana's promotion of the film in 2009, notably on NBC's The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon, saw him praise the Saints as he taught host Jimmy Fallon about AFL.

Eric passionately discussed the differences between American and Australian football during a November 2018 interview with US outlet Newsday.

In 2010, Eric became the AFL team's Number One Ticket Holder after travelling to Melbourne regularly during game season. Pictured with the late cricketer Shane Warne in 2019

In 2010, Eric became the AFL team's Number One Ticket Holder after travelling to Melbourne regularly during game season. Pictured with the late cricketer Shane Warne in 2019

His love for St Kilda FC is well-publicised, and his passion for the team has popped up in some very surprising places.

His love for St Kilda FC is well-publicised, and his passion for the team has popped up in some very surprising places.

'I used to struggle with your game, I actually really enjoy watching it now. I think both sides could learn a bit from each other,' he began. 

Eric said the one thing he didn't understand about American football is why there wasn't more involvement with the crowd. 

'We do a lot of close-ups of our crowd. That's part of the game. I always feel weird when I watch an American sport - there's a crowd there, so why aren't we seeing them? It's weird. It sort of dehumanises it,' he added. 

The club was featured in the Adam Sandler film Funny People, in which Eric co-starred. In a hilarious scene, Eric's character explains Australian Rules Football with a lot of swearing while Sandler and Seth Rogan's character look perplexed

The club was featured in the Adam Sandler film Funny People, in which Eric co-starred. In a hilarious scene, Eric's character explains Australian Rules Football with a lot of swearing while Sandler and Seth Rogan's character look perplexed

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