49ers Faithful take over Melbourne as Niners dominate Rams in season opener Down Under
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The San Francisco 49ers were Down Under to open their NFL season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, and ABC7 Eyewitness News had complete coverage from Australia and the Bay Area.
ABC7's J.R. Stone arrived in Melbourne and had live reports in the lead-up to the season opener and the latest on how 49ers fans were enjoying everything Australia has to offer.
The trip ended successfully for the 49ers and all of the Faithful who made the journey, as the team ended up dominating the Rams 27-7.
49ers Faithful take over Melbourne, celebrate Niners win
The San Francisco 49ers opened their season with a victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, in the longest road trip in NFL history.
Despite playing overseas, the 49ers had strong support at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where fans in red filled the stands and cheered throughout the game. The 49ers defeated the Rams to begin the season on a winning note.
Melbourne resident Max Ouisell said the crowd's reaction reflected the support for San Francisco.
"You heard when the Niners came out. The cheer. You heard when the Rams came out. The boos. It's because they embraced our culture, they enjoyed it and because of that they won. At the end of the day go the Niners," Ouisell said.
Ouisell also credited the team's preparation and fan support leading up to the game.
"They were definitely ready. We didn't fly in last second like the Rams. The fan base supported the Niners, came out a week early just to support our boys, so we all were here supporting the city, supporting the country, supporting the Niners," he said.
Fans who traveled from the United States said they arrived well before kickoff.
"came out here a week in advance just to prep for this game. What do we say babe? Bang bang niner gang," said James Harden of from LA.
Some pointed to the 49ers' efforts to connect with the local community during their stay in Melbourne.
"I think the jet lag got to them," Melbourne resident Jack Le said of the Rams. Le added that the 49ers spent time "coming here the week before and seeing Melbourne and really marketing themselves to the city."
Although he was rooting for the Rams, Le said he was impressed by the 49ers' presence in the city.
"I'm impressed I think the Rams have a bit of work to do when it comes to building a presence in Melbourne. I think the Niners did a fantastic job with the influences and the media so really impressed with what the Niners did Friday as well as the last week in Melbourne," Le said.
Steve Soulsbee from Seattle said the 49ers' early arrival appeared to help both on and off the field.
"Not only to prepare their bodies and overcome the jet lag but they actually tried to identify with the culture here and the fans here and made a real strong impression. Not just a business trip, but getting out and seeing the city," Soulsbee said.
Joanna Lizarraga from LA said the large turnout stood out.
"It was amazing to see all the Niner fans, and all the Australian Niners fans," Lizarraga said.
Jamoda Keomek from Florida said the experience extended beyond the game itself.
"It was great, the vibes were great, we got the W. It's all good. Melbourne has been great to us, it's just been a fabulous experience," Keomek said.
The victory gave the 49ers a successful start to their season, backed by strong support from traveling fans and local supporters in Melbourne.
Australia natives show off kangaroos and koalas as we approach 49ers-Rams game
Kangaroos, dingoes, wallabies, and of course koalas. All found in Australia and all found at Moonlit Sanctuary just outside of Melbourne.
"We flew in from California and when we think of Australia, we think of kangaroos and we think of koalas. What is it that has put them front and center that people love about these animals?" asked ABC 7's J.R. Stone.
"They are an iconic animal. They are only found in Australia, and look at them. They look cute and cuddly. They're cute, cuddly and look at those fluffy ears," said koala keeper Faye Hodgkinson.
Koalas are her specialty, and she knows all about Moe the koala.
"Moe's okay with this?" asked Stone as he petted the koala.
"Yes, absolutely!"
The beauty of the koala is hard to describe, magnificent to say the least.
These animals we came across here might look like wild dogs, but they're not, and don't say that because it can be taken as a sign of disrespect, they're dingoes.
"It's important to teach people that dingoes are not a dog, they are a..." said Gemma Goodland of Moonlit Sanctuary. She stopped talking as the dingo named Flynt started licking Stone's face.
There are thousands of dingoes in the state of Victoria, Australia but they are tough.
"They'll eat all kinds of things. Kangaroo, wallaby, emu, small bats," said Goodland.
Luckily the dingoes are kept far away from these kangaroos, one of whom you can see has a 'joey.' That's what they call it when a baby is in the pouch.
"It's pretty special being in here and feeding them in light of all the social media videos that I see because I get to the assumption that all they do is fight," said Stone.
"Nope it's not, and it is the male. So the male, the alpha male will protect his hierarchy, so it is his group the mob of kangaroos, they have a social structure," said Claudia Schaumann who is a mammal keeper.
"When in Australia they said find yourself a wallaby, find yourself a kangaroo, and find yourself a koala. I think we did just that," said Stone.
J.R. tries local food, gives his take on 'magic' Melbourne coffee
The San Francisco 49ers are taking advantage of their time Down Under and so is ABC7's J.R. Stone, who spent the day tasting some of Melbourne's local delicacies.
Thousands of 49er Faithful invade Melbourne, share team spirit with the locals
The Faithful have officially taken over Melbourne, Australia. ABC7's J.R. Stone braved the long tailgate-party lines and bar crowds to speak with fans from the States and locals enjoying the vibes.
Share your photos, videos with ABC7
If you are heading to Melbourne to watch the 49ers, share your experience with ABC7 Eyewitness News!
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
