'I have never seen anything like this!' AFL game is hit by SNOW for the first time in the sport's history - forcing players to drink hot tea and huddle under blankets
- Snow has fallen during an offcicial AFL game for the first time in code's history
- History made during GWS Giants and Hawthorn Hawks clash in Canberra
- Players, officials, fans and commentators were unfazed by the crazy conditions
History has been made in the AFL with the first game in the code's history played in snow.
There were incredible scenes as a rare and heavy snowstorm blasted GWS Giants and Hawthorn Hawks players late in the first quarter of their clash at Canberra's Manuka Oval on Friday night.
It's the first time in AFL/VFL history where an official match has seen snow.
'That rain down there, it's just like a sheet,' Channel Seven commentator Bruce McAvaney exclaimed.
History was made in the first quarter of the GWS versus Hawthorn AFL match in Canberra
One fan tweeted: 'I have never seen anything like this!'
The bizarre conditions didn't appear to bother Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson, who was wearing shorts with a huge smile on his face as he addressed his players on the ground at the first quarter break as snow continued to fall heavily.
Nor did the freezing conditions faze Channel Seven's Daisy Pearce, who was commentating from the boundary in temperatures which dropped to a low of 2.7C.
'It's looking like a hot shower, new socks and a fresh jumper at half-time,' Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd said while commentating for 3AW.
Players drank hot of tea and huddled in blankets to keep warm during the half-time break after playing in near-zero temperatures.
GWS players huddle together as snow continues to fall during the first quarter break
AFL fans of all ages expressed delight as snow tumbled on them in Canberra
'I must admit when the snow came down the crowd went a bit wild,' GWS star Heath Shaw told television commentators at half-time.
'That was a bit interesting ... it's obviously going to be a bit of a slog this game.
'(But) it's not too bad. (My) hands are a bit numb at the moment but I'll warm up and get back out there in the second half.'
Despite a chilly night forecast for Canberra, more than 11,000 fans braved the freezing conditions.
These AFL fans came well prepared for the freezing conditions at Manuka Oval
Some arrived well prepared wearing ski wear.
Hawthorn coped with the conditions better, going on to post a 13.7 (85) to 4.5. (29) thumping to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
It's not the first time snow has fallen during a professional football match in Canberra.
Snow blanketed Canberra Stadium during an NRL rugby league match between Canberra Raiders and Wests Tigers in May 2000.
While it's the first time for the AFL, it's not the first time a sporting match has been blanketed in snow in Canberra
