You might never have heard of the Finskaroos. In fact, you may not have heard of Finska at all. This game of Finnish origin – loosely resembling ten-pin bowling crossed with pétanque – involves tossing a piece of birchwood at other smaller bits of birchwood to accrue points. It’s played outdoors, like backyard or beach cricket, often supporting a BBQ or picnic and accompanied by beers. 

“Finska is technically a game, not a sport,” Hugh explains, “That’s because we would need a whole drug & alcohol policy to become a sport. But enjoying a drink while playing is such a big part of Finska culture, and I don’t think that’ll ever change.” 

Whether a sport, game or casual pastime, Finska is making waves across Australia. And the Inner West is its humming ground zero – thanks to the Finskaroos. They’re a group of friends who got hooked playing one summer, discovered there wasn’t a national team and saw an opening… 

“We met Damien, Chair of the International Association, and he just so happened to live locally.” Bernie tells us, “So, we asked him if he could coach us, and he was generous enough to say yes.”

“I think he was just desperate for someone to play with to be honest,” Hugh adds, “He moved here from France, where they have actual clubs and regular tournaments. So he was stoked to hear that people in the same country were keen to get involved in the game.”   

Travelling the world a throw at a time

Appropriately, we find the Finskaroos at Birchgrove, where they host monthly tournaments. It’s the lead up to the big one: The Australian Finska Championships at Petersham Bowling Club. The Finskaroos run this annual competition, bringing it back from hiatus after the previous hosts could no longer keep it going in Canberra. 

We’re grateful to catch Bernie and Hugh between their return from the World Champs in Europe and the biggest event of the Australian Finska calendar. They’ve been involved in the Finskaroos since the beginning, the game taking them to France, Poland, Belgium, Japan… crossing their paths with those of new friends from across the globe. Several will join them at Petersham Bowlo in the coming month.

“They love us overseas,” Hugh says, “People love Australians in general, but I think it’s also because we’ve come so far, just to play Finska. We can go to some tiny Belgian town in the middle of nowhere, and locals will welcome us with open arms, offer us a place to stay.”

“It’s amazing,” Bernies adds, “It’s that warmth of the community that makes Finska such a special thing to be part of. That’s why we want more people to get involved in Australia. That’s what we’re trying to build.”

Breakfast of Champions

At European tournaments, the comp-day brunch provided is usually croissants and black coffee, Hugh shares. It’s 11AM on a Sunday, so the refreshment of choice today is Extra Light, our case tucked in the shade of a Moreton Bay Fig to stay cool. Sydney spring is in full effect, and the prospect of a beer is a tantalizing one. We’re set up by the harbour, bridge stretching out as backdrop, punctuated by passing ferries. 

This is the perfect spot for Finska, Bernie informs, not just because of the view, but the pitch underfoot. Gravel like this is rare in a country hooked on grass. While it’s easier to play on gravel (as you’d generally use for Finska around the world) grass is something specific to Australian spots like the PBC.

That’s one of the key differences between the game downunder and in Europe, we’re told. Another is the weight of Finska logs, which can be heavier abroad due to differences in how birch grows according to climate. Bernie shakes his head with a laugh, “Yeah, this is usually where we lose people: geeking out about wood densities.”

Serious Business, No Joke 

It’s clear that, while there’s tongue-in-cheek to the Finskaroos, as seen on their Instagram, this is far from a frivolous thing for them. Their story might’ve started as a bit of a gag; the name is a play on national sporting teams like the Socceroos, the portmanteau made more ridiculous as the mind conjures images of a Finnish kangaroo. But all jokes quickly dissipated for the group of friends as they fell in love with the game. 

This feels like part of Finska’s appeal – the balance of fun participation with serious competition. That’s exactly the tone of our match in Birchgrove. The boys are friendly, laidback, casual, quick to laugh and generous in explaining the rules. All the while, they pull no punches in our Finska game, putting a devastating score on.  

It’s the same day that a new chair will take over the international board from Damien. Although he’ll be stepping down, they’re pleased that a member of the Finskaroos will be inducted to the committee at this year’s ceremony, which the boys will be tuning into over Zoom later. Hugh and Bernie are in deep with this whole Finska thing, and they’re grateful to be. 

Growing the Community

The game has evolved significantly in recent years. In Japan there are reportedly over 1 million registered players, some even enjoying celebrity status. The Finskaroos have evolved as well, to the point that several Australian teams entered the last tournament, including the “Finskoalas”. This is just one aspect of how they see the game growing in this country, something they’re excited to be part of. 

“The big dream is to have local clubs, something that’s standard in the rest of the world,” a twinkle-eyed Bernie says. They see the future of the game in this country as being about local rivalries, perhaps through Finska teams tied to bowling clubs. That set-up could benefit the clubs as much as the Finska community, Bernie feels, drawing in younger crowds and putting fallowing greens to good use. 

The Finskaroos have no regrets about starting with the big move of creating a national team, however. The novelty of the idea has helped give them something of a cult status. They’ve interviewed widely, including by The Morning Show, meanwhile picking up sponsors like us as at The Grifter Brewing Co. 

We’re proud to be on the bandwagon and taking part in the hype; in fact, TGBC will be entering several teams in the upcoming Aussie Champs. See you all at the PBC on October 25th, Finska Heads. With deals all day across Grifter brews, it’s shaping to be an absolute cracker!