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The Fun Of ‘Footy’ Attracts Kids to North Delta

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Journalist Tom Zillich from the Surrey Now – Leader newspaper in Vancouver, British Columbia has written a wonderful little story about the work of Mike McFarlane and his great team at the North Delta juniors in Canada. His achievements to grow junior footy in a part of the world where the game is a long way from the most popular is nothing short of amazing. 

Mike McFarlane would love to play the game known as “footy,” but he says he’s “way too old. 

“Head tells me I can, body says no,” says the man who helps run the North Delta Junior Australian Football League, or NDJAFL.

Instead, McFarlane is keen to get kids sign up to play the game, which has been played in Canada since 1989 and in B.C. since 2001. The NDJAFL was formed in 2003 and has since grown from 28 young players to approximately 140.

From March to June, league officials run practices and games at Gray Elementary, with kids from Delta, Surrey and other areas of the Lower Mainland welcome to get involved. 

“This is what we call one of our open practices to start the season, where we invite kids to come down, try to play a little Aussie football and see what they think, get them signed up to join the league,” McFarlane said during an hour-long morning session at the school last Saturday (March 17). 

“We’re the only organized kids (footy) league in North America,” he added. “There are other spots where they’ll do a clinic, but this is the only place they’ll play regular scheduled games.” 

“Footy,” also known as “Aussie rules,” involves elements of volleyball, basketball, football, rugby, soccer and athletics, all resulting in a bit of “organized chaos,” McFarlane explained with a smile. 

He said the NDJAFL has developed a league that allows children of any athletic ability to find a level of success. That means every child plays the entire game and plays all of the positions every game. Kids of the same skill set are matched against each other, McFarlane added. 

“Why I think it attracts the kids is, regardless if they’re an athlete or not, they all start out on the same footing, because no-one has any real concept of this game,” he noted. “So it brings the non-athlete (and) gives them a chance to succeed, because it’s kind of a sport that if you can do little bits of different sports, you can bring it all together in this, and all of a sudden you can find some success.” 

Starting in April, games will be played on Saturdays, and practices are held Wednesdays starting at 5:30 p.m. To fee to register is $100, with details posted at ndfooty.com. 

“This price includes a T-shirt and a pair of footy socks that the kids get to keep,” McFarlane wrote in a recent letter to parents of kids at local schools. “Equipment costs are minimal, as all that is needed is a pair of soccer cleats and a mouth guard.… The travel is less than other sports as all practices and games take place at Grey Elementary in North Delta. At this time there are no away games.” 

The league is open to boys and girls age nine to 17. 

“This is not the sport you may have seen on TV in the 70s or 80s,” McFarlane explained in his letter. “Our league is based on a very successful program in Australia called Auskick. Our league for boys and girls stresses skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship and fun. The pressure that some other sports can sometimes bring onto our children is not a part of the NDJAFL.” 

“We encourage parents and interested players to come down and see one of our practice sessions,” McFarlane added. 

A related team, the all-girls West Coast Wildcats, practices Saturdays starting at noon, on the school’s lower field, 10855 80th Ave., Delta. 

The original story can be found at: https://www.surreynowleader.com/sports/video-the-fun-of-footy-fun-attracts-kids-to-north-delta-field-from-march-to-june/ωklk

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Don't Believe In Never - Part 3 - Richmond Tigers

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The third instalment of the AFL's 2018 campaign featuring stories of overcoming adversity features the Richmond Football Club and their journey to the 2017 AFL Premiership against the odds. Whilst the two previously published clips featured topics of multiculturalism and diversity (see Don’t Believe In Never – Dema And The Bankstown Bull Sharks and Don’t Believe In Never – Aliir Aliir), this latest about the Tigers' success will resonate with all followers of footy.




Story Synopsis;

Richmond's remarkable 2017 Toyota AFL Premiership

The Richmond Football Club embarked on the 2017 Toyota AFL Premiership Season with a renewed focus to ignore the turbulent offseason and perception that a flag was never going eventuate for the current playing group.

The club, their coach Damien Hardwick and captain Trent Cotchin searched within themselves to persevere and continue with their common goal.

Their persistence delivered Richmond their first Grand Final victory in 37 years on Saturday September 30, 201 ...

Leprechaun Cup Rocks Northern Ireland

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The sixth annual Leprechaun Cup will be held this weekend in Belfast. The event is one of the most important on the Northern Ireland footy calendar. Featuring men’s and women’s teams from across Europe, this year will see the event as a four-nation competition.

This year’s event will be co-hosted by Northern Ireland’s own ARFLI team, the Belfast Redbacks, as well as the ARFLI Women’s competition. Teams coming to Belfast for the 2018 Leprechaun Cup are the Paris Cocks from France, AFL London teams the West London Wildcats, London Swans Wandsworth Demons and Wimbledon Hawkettes and the South Dublin Swans from Ireland.



Leprechaun Cup Honours List
2017- South Dublin Swans/ Dublin Angels
2016-Wandsworth Demons "A"/Kilrea Kookaburras
2015- Belfast Redbacks
2014- Belfast Redbacks Old boys
2013- West London Wildcats " A"

The tournament will be played at the Woodlands Playing Fields in Belfast, starting at 10.00am local time and going deep into the afternoon. The day will also feature a BBQ and after party.

For more information about the 2018 Leprechaun Cup, visit the event’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/304890979992841/ or go to the Belfast Redbacks page at: https://www.facebook.com/belfastredbacks/
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Anatomy Of A Rebuild – Cairns City Lions

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Standing in the eastern goal square at the Holloway’s Beach Sporting Complex, located on the northern beaches of Cairns, former Melbourne Demons’ champion Aaron Davey simply points to the other end of the field and says, “look at that!” He is referring to a football field chock full of kids of all ages – girls and boys – kicking footballs, laughing, listening to coaches, showing off to their team mates and generally having a blast.

It showed all the health and vitality of a strong club going places – part of the vision that new senior coach Davey has for his new team. “That’s the future” he adds. He is right. Davey knows only too well that for the Cairns City Lions to rise from the depths of a forgettable 2017 and sustain strength and success into the future, the club has to now foster the young kids who will take over when Davey and others have moved on.


But, whilst Aaron Davey is at the club he has the chance to rebuild tha club, a culture and a future. Senior training was cancelled that night. Instead, all of the club’s senior players were told to be at junior training to work with the kids. Nothing is lost for the senior team missing a training session. Much is gained when the kids at the club are coached by their club heroes. That is unity, and Davey is building a club around it. This is a part of the anatomy of a rebuild at the Cairns City Lions.

Davey, a veteran of 178 games with AFL club, the Melbourne Demons (where he also kicked 174 goals, was an AFL Rising Star nominee in 2004 and played our times for Australia in International Rules matches), brings an impressive resume to a club that was about to be put on life support. A winner of the Demons’ best & fairest “Bluey” Truscott Medal in 2009 and a three-time representative in the Indigenous All-Stars teams, Davey has since honed his coaching and administrative skills working with young indigenous talent for AFL Victoria with their Kickstart teams. He has spread his other time playing and coaching in Melbourne suburban football as well as back home for his Palmerston Magpies in Darwin. He also works now for AFL Cairns., especially in the development of junior indigenous footballers.

In Cairns, the 2017 season for the Cairns City Lions is well known and often talked about. The nadir was probably a match against the South Cairns Cutters where the club was hammered by 290 points. (See 48.17 (305) to 2.3 (15) – Ouch!) That day could have broken teams, yet, almost oddly, it became a unifying experience (I played for the team that day and never once felt a sign of a broken team or club whilst on the field). Instead, it has become Ground Zero for a club rebuild, with Davey leading the charge.

After spending time watching Davey taking his junior boys through some drills, there was time to interview club president, Robbie Taranto, about the future.

“The club had to make some big decisions over the off-season. First thing was getting a good coach that would attract players, then things like looking after our sponsors, players and supporters better. But the big one was to get all the little things around the club right, creating a better atmosphere and culture.”

“Sustainable success is the key to our future, and our juniors are the future, so by having this experience around them over the next three years we are hoping to get up to 15 players in the 15-18 year old bracket with 50+ games under their belts. We are looking to improve each year and turning a 290-point loss around won’t happen overnight. We are looking forward to 2019 as it is or 50th year and recruiting has already started. As for a flag, we have a long way to go but anything can happen.”

“In two years I’d like to be able to look back and be proud of where we have come from - hopefully playing finals. All the little things around the club are running smoothly. We have moved on from 2017 but all the people involved in saving the club will not be forgotten along with the support of the AFL Cairns community.”

When Aaron Davey finished his chat, his final words were, “it’s [the amount of people on the field] a good start, but there’s more to do.” He is right, but the experience he has brought - tactics, philosophies, beliefs, skills - from his time as a player at the highest level and as a player and coach at state and club levels will go a long way to changing this club now and forever. It will be exciting to see how the club embraces change and where they will be at the end of this season – and beyond.

It is also going to be interesting to see if the success of the Cairns City Lions – like the Nunawading Lions in Victoria before them – becomes the blueprint on how to turn clubs around at times of great uncertainty.

Aaron Davey and the Cairns City Lions have a massive challenge ahead of them. However, seeing a playing field full of kids having a great time makes you believe that they will turn their fortunes around with this rebuild – they will succeed.

Football will be all the better for i ...

CEO Gillon McLachlan in Tasmania

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Following recent media coverage of the state of footy in Tasmania, and statements about the subject by a number of high profile Tasmanians and other passionate football identities, AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan today visited Hobart where he met with the Premier of Tasmania Will Hodgman and AFL Tasmania CEO Trisha Squires.

The following statements were made by McLachlan following the meeting.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to visit today.

There is extraordinary passion for football in Tasmania.

 

It is a vital part of the community across the whole state.

 

It is also clear there are some challenges ahead of us.

 

One of the biggest challenges has been at community level where we need to grow junior and youth participation to ensure a pipeline into senior teams and clubs.

 

In response to this, over the last 18 months the AFL increased funding by nearly 30 per cent.

 

This investment went to more football development managers, coaching, umpiring and school coordinators.

 

Significant growth has already been delivered in baseline participation, including;

 

Junior participation – Auskick +26%, schools up +112%

 

Community football – umpires +7%, accredited coaches +30%

 

Female football – participation / teams +30%

 

Today I want to talk to the other challenges.

 

There are challenges to the talent pathway and there are challenges in the Tasmanian State League (TSL).

 

With our talent pathway, the junior talent player levies are too expensive, there is a fragmented under-12 to under-15 pathway, and there are not enough games or exposure for the under-18 team post the academy games.

 

In the TSL, challenges include financial sustainability, a lack of relevance to AFL recruiters and the geographical demands of playing in a state league with up to four hours of travel each way.

 

Over the past weeks I have had many proposed solutions presented to these above issues, including:

 

• Increased funding for the TSL

• Potentially splitting the TSL into two conferences,

• Possibly introducing a VFL or NEAFL team,

• An overhaul of the talent pathway from under-12 to under-15

• Investigating having a stand-alone Tasmanian team in the TAC Cup.

 

To remove a barrier for boys and girls progressing their football development, I have committed today to subsidise the levies of all Tasmanian junior players selected in the AFL Tasmania talent programs, with an immediate injection of $200,000 for this year.

 

In order to work through the broader challenges and potential solutions I will chair a steering committee that is dedicated to evaluating progress of Tasmanian specific recommendations from Future Directions of Australian Football project.

 

Members of that steering committee include:

 

o AFL Tasmania CEO Trish Squires

o Carlton Coach Brendon Bolton

o Former St Kilda captain Nick Reiwoldt

o AFL Head of Game Development Rob Auld

o AFL state league manager Simon Laughton

o Access to our AFL Strategy team to assist in facilitation, design and outputs

o We will also consult with the state government and the Premier’s office.


The project will include key recommendations on:

- State League sustainability and options to improve the talent pathway;

- Investments and structures required to support, strengthen and grow football in 2018 and beyond;

- The future governance and funding of AFL Tasmania;

- Funding of these options will be part of the steering committee mandate.

 

Baseline participation growth remains a critical focus and will require a sustained focus for next three to five years – this will be the ongoing work of AFL Tasmania game development.

 

We will have meetings in the coming weeks, and look forward to being back inTasmania on April 14 to provide further announcements on the talent pathways.

 

The committee also have a deadline of June 30 to provide a recommendation for 2019 TSL season.

 

Our vision for Tasmanian football is clear:

 

We want

 

• Tasmanian talent competing at every level of the game.

• More kids – girls and boys - playing our game.

• A robust, sustainable community football that Tasmanians can support in their towns and regions – however that is structured.

 

Today is a strong start, in order for footy to prosper in one of our founding footy states, we need the help from the Tasmania football community to help create the solutions.

 

We won’t let Tasmanian football go without, but the solutions are not easy, and it will take time. 

 

I, along with Trish, will ensure the right structure, resources and investment will be provided to ensure all Tasmanian’s; men, women, boys and girls, have every opportunity to play footy.

  ...

Crocs By A Whisker – NTFL Premiers

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In one of the most remarkable finishes to an NTFL grand-final, the Southern Districts Crocs have desperately held on by a solitary point to defeat the Darwin Buffaloes. It is the closest result in the NTFL Premier League since 2015/16 when St Mary’s held of Wanderers by two points. The previous occasions where a premiership was decided by just one point were in 1981/82 when Wanderers defeated St Mary’s and in 1971/72 and Saints downed the Buffaloes. A draw in 1932/33 was decided by a larger margin a week later when Waratah defeated Buffaloes.

The game looked to be on the way to being sealed by quarter time when the Crocs raced away with a seven goal to one term. Not to be denied, the Buffaloes charged back in the second quarter to bring the difference back to a goal by the main break.


The patient crowd at TIO Stadium in Darwin had endured a week of uncertainty with the passage of Cyclone Marcus leading to two postponements of the game. Finally, with better weather, the game proceeded and fans from both teams were treated to a quarter each of dominance as the pendulum swung from Crocs to Buffaloes.

The third quarter was an arm wrestle: neither side prepared to back down or give an inch. By the end of the quarter, the Buffaloes had bridged the gap further and Crocs went to the final change with a two-point lead. The last quarter was set for a huge finish and fans of both teams sensed something amazing was about to unfold.

The Crocs got the first goal of the final quarter to kick away to a handy 8-point lead, but the Buffaloes just were not prepared to give in. They clawed their way back and you could feel the collective gasp of the crowd when they levelled the score at the 16-minute mark of the quarter. It would be too easy to blame a missed shot to the Buffaloes late in the term, but in fairness, neither side was able to kick straight by that stage. Finally, a long bomb forward for the Crocs saw a desperate Buffaloes defence hurl themselves at the ball but it casually bobbled through for the back-breaking and premiership winning behind.

Emotional scenes followed, as with any grand final, as the Crocs finally put behind them missed premiership opportunities in recent years to claim their first flag since 2006/07. Players from both sides were exhausted. Buffaloes players – who had given everything to fight back and get so close – were seemingly too physically drained to be emotionally shattered. Shell-shocked was a better way to describe scenes of gutted Buffaloes. Their own quest to break a premiership drought was over for now, but they were the big improvers this season and they will be back.

Crocs players, officials and fans embraced, danced and sang as the club snared just their third NTFL premiership – a cup to stand beside their inaugural premiership in 1997/98 and their last flag in 2006/07. Since joining the competition in 1981, Crocs have been a highly competitive beast, but they have often fallen at the final hurdles come finals time. Not this year! This has certainly been the year of the Southern Districts Crocs and the years of hard work have led to one of the greatest wins in the club’s relatively short history and has soothed the tears and pain.


Quarter Time: Southern Districts Crocs 7 1 43 to Darwin Buffaloes 1 3 9
Half Time: Southern Districts Crocs 8 4 52 to Darwin Buffaloes 7 4 46
Three-Quarter Time: Southern Districts Crocs 11 7 73 to Darwin Buffaloes 11 5 71

Final Score: Southern Districts crocs 13 8 86 defeated Darwin Buffaloes 13 7 85

The match was one for the ages and is sure to be talked about for years to come. It will be hard for Buffaloes supporters to feel this now, but they were very unlucky and should be forever proud of their efforts to co-produce one of the best NTFL games of all. Certainly, one of the best grand finals.

In the Division 1 Grand Final, Waratah 11 10 76 defeated Banks 5 7 3 ...

International Broadcast Scheule Round 1

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FOX SPORTS Australia Pty Ltd

Round 1 of the 2018 AFL Season kicks off tonight (Melbourne time) at the MCG with reigning AFL Premiers Richmond hosting Carlton.

The full international broadcast schedule can be seen below.

In addition to the TV networks you can also subscribe to the Watch AFL service that will give you live access to all the matches and more (outside Australia only). You can access that service by clicking on the link here or the Watch AFL promo shot on the left to register and by then paying the subscription fee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 All times subject to change - please check with your local guides ...

Up, Up and Away…In Cairns

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The Far North Queensland city of Cairns is about to host a very special football match. The AFL Premiership season for 2018 starts this weekend across the nation and Cairns is in the exciting position of hosting one of the Round One fixtures with the Gold Coast Suns hosting the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Cazalys Stadium on Saturday evening.

With the Suns’ home at Metricon Stadium at Robina being seconded into the grand scheme of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the club has been forced to find options across the lands to play home fixtures. Cairns has been given the biggest, tastiest cherry of all with the honour of an opening round – traditionally one of the best attended rounds in a season with fans having endured their six month break from footy and desperate to get to a match.


Whilst neither team reached the finals last season, both the Suns and Roos have been developing northern talent, making the match a significant showcase of the “best” that North Queensland has to offer.

Former Cairns Saints’ junior, Jack Bowes, has been tearing up the training track over the off season for the Suns. Already tipped as a big improver for 2018, Bowes has been selected on a wing for the Suns. He knows every blade of grass on Cazalys Stadium – almost at a personal level – and will be itching to show his wares to an adoring “home” crowd.

Jarrod Harbrow, a former Manunda Hawk and South Cairns Cutters player, has long been one of the Suns’ leaders and is the backline general in a team being reshaped by new coach, Stuart Dew. Like Bowes, Harbrow knows the vagaries of Cazalys Stadium well and will relish playing there again.

Jacob Heron will not play, but is the third Cairns player on the Suns’ list after being rookie-drafted last year. His appearance on the Suns’ list shows the depth to which Gold Coast has invested in Cairns-based talent. The Suns have always been keen to embrace the AFL Cairns product with Charlie Dixon (now with Port Adelaide), Lewis Moss and Rex Liddy all having been with the Suns at some point.

North Melbourne also has a North Queensland connection, albeit with Cairns football rival Townsville. Whilst neither are selected to play this weekend, both Braydon Preuss and Josh Williams played their junior footy at Townsville club, Hermit Park Tigers. There will be footy fans driving the four hours from Townsville to Cazaly’s, eager for their own footy fix after Townsville hosted a recent JLT Community Series match between the Suns and Geelong Cats. The Townsville connection adds another layer of interest to the clash.

The curtain-raiser for the match will feature the North Queensland Challenge Cup between AFL Cairns premiers, Port Douglas Crocs, and the AFL Townsville premiers, Hermit Park Tigers. That will certainly drive the city versus city rivalry further.

Crowds for AFL Premiership matches in Cairns have dipped below the ten thousand mark in recent years, but this new and prime timeslot opening the new season is a golden opportunity for the Cairns footy public – and population in general – to get behind the game and aim for a record crowd. It is hoped that fans will be pouring into the stadium on the day, but also being involved in a myriad of promotional opportunities whilst the teams are in Cairns including open training sessions, autograph signings, meet the player opportunities and some community visits by players.

The match gets under way tomorrow (Saturday) with a 6.25pm kick off. Tickets are still available for what us sure to be a fantastic show in Cairns of the best AFL football has to offer on many front ...

2018 AFLW Grand Final - International Broadcast Scheule

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The Grand Final of the 2018 AFLW Season will be played tomorrow (Saturday, 12.35pm Melbourne time) at Ikon Park in Parkville with the Western Bulldogs playing the Brisbane Lions.

The full international broadcast schedule can be seen below.  The matches will be streamed live on the Watch AFL service and shown live on TV in the Asia/Pacific region on Australia Plus and on Fox Soccer Plus in the USA.  In Russia the match will be shown on delay.  

In addition to the TV networks you can also subscribe to the Watch AFL service that will give you live access to all the matches and more (outside Australia only). You can access that service by clicking on the link here or the Watch AFL promo shot on the left to register and by then paying the subscription fee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 All times subject to change - please check with your local guides ...

Canadian University Australian Football Championships.

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The Edmonton Australian Football Club in conjunction with AFL Canada is introducing Australian Football into the Canadian University Championships. These games actually go under the banner of KIN, or Kinesiology Interscholastic Conference Games and are held annually across Canada..

Currently there are two university football clubs in Canada, Concordia and the University Of Calgary. They will be the backbone in introducing football to the other groups. There will be 500 kinesiology university students playing footy according to AFL Canada president Lachlan http://Griffiths.It will be an indoor co-ed touch version of footy. It is hoped that this taste of footbaoll will encourage players to return more serious at the next KIN scheduled for next fall.

 

The AFL Canada article is here  http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-7259-0-0-0&sID=154776&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=61609808

KIN games on facebook   https://www.facebook.com/kinesiologygames/ ...

Dogs premiers after strong second half

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Western Bulldogs are the 2018 AFLW premiers, which was set up on the back of a strong superb second half of football played by the daughters of the west. It was heartbreaking for the Brisbane Lions who were unlucky again to go down in the AFLW Grand Final two years in a row. This grand final was a tale of two halves, as the Lions played a great first half of football and then were quiet in the second half where the Dogs became played dominant football in the premiership quarter. It was a very tough high intensity match of women’s football played by both teams this afternoon at a wet and slippery, Ikon Park.

Image Source: @MichaelCWilson

It was a tough and relentless start to the match from both teams in the opening quarter of the grand final. The Lions brought the pressure early to the Dogs with their superb tackles and they stood up well in their defensive 50. Jess Wuetschner kicked to Sophie Conway who slotted through the opening goal of the match for the Lions. Angelica Gogos placed a great run down goal saving tackle on Wuetschner who was on her way to put through a certain goal, but due to the pressure from Gogos she just missed it. Rising Star Sophie Conway was on fire in the opening term with her forward pressure for the Lions and her two shots on goal. Kate Lutkins played great in defense for the Lions. In a low scoring quarter, the Lions led by a goal at quarter time.

This second quarter was a scoreless and intense second term from both teams. Kate Lutkins continued her strong start in defense for the Lions in the second quarter. Neither team was able to break away clear with possession due to the strong tackling pressure put on from both teams. The Dogs found it hard to get out of the Brisbane wall in defense and also the defensive pressure from both teams was outstanding. Particularly, Lutkins was a brick wall in the Dogs forward line and the Dogs could not get the football past her.

In the second quarter, the Lions played better in the wet than the Dogs, possibly a factor was they had played more football this year in the wet than the Dogs. They made it difficult for the Dogs forwards to score a goal. Kaitlyn Ashmore placed a great rundown tackle on Tiarna Ernst. Sabrina Frederick-Traub kicked the football in the forward half, but Lauren Spark intercepted the mark brilliantly in defense. It was a high pressured and high intensity second half from both teams. Lutkins was the best player in the first half. At the main break the Lions were up by a goal over the Dogs.

The Dogs came out with all the run in the third quarter and they took control, as they outscored the Lions three goals to one. It was a good tight contest from both teams even though the Dogs lifted their intensity in and around the contest. Deanna Berry who was recruited from the Demons in the offseason kicked the Dogs first goal of the match after a quick breakaway, bursting out of the contested situation. Berry kicked the goal from just on 50m. Kirsten Mcleod dribbled through the goal for the Dogs second of the third quarter of the match.

Emma Kearney showed her courage as she put her body on the line. Kearney came off second best, but she did not let it faze her because she brushed off the trainers. Breanna Koenan placed a sling tackle on Kirsten Lamb who was slow to get to her feet and Lamb came to the bench to get assessed too. Monique Conti from 40m out on the run and nailed through a beauty of a running goal for the Dogs. It was an impressive goal from the young gun Conti who had a massive third term. The Dogs were on fire in the third term and at three quarter time the Dogs had a 13-point advantage over the Lions. It was a very exciting tight last stanza.

In the final stanza, the Lions outscored the Dogs two goals to one but it did not matter at the final siren as the Dogs held on to win. The Lions had an ideal start to the final quarter with the opening goal via Wuetschner who booted through the goal from the pack. It was a hot football due to the toughness shown from both teams in and under the contest. Hannah Scott went down and Sabrina Frederick Traub also went down after they put their bodies on the line but both continued to play. This passage of play summed up how much it meant to each of the players, because each and every woman out there gave it their all and put their bodies on the line making for some tired bodies out there late in the fourth quarter.

Ellie Blackburn placed a strong tackle on Shannon Campbell who looked to knock her head into the ground. Campbell did not look to be in a good way, as she was taken from the ground in the hands of trainers. Shane Campbell took no further part in the match with about five trainers on the bench supporting her neck.

Kearney placed a good match winning tackle on Kaitlyn Ashmore and was awarded the free kick in front of goal and slotted through the goal between the big sticks. Emma Zielke picked up the football and put it on the boot, but former Wimbledon Hawks player Lauren Spark was there on the last line with a defensive spoil. Wuetschner scored a great goal and a much needed one for the Lions late in the final quarter.

It was a nail biter of a match between both sides who played brilliant top-notch football all afternoon. The Dogs held on by a goal to become the 2018 AFLW premiers after a dominant second half of football. Conti was the player of the grand final. The youngster has been brilliant in her first year in the AFLW after switching codes from Basketball to AFLW.

   

    Image Source: @MichaelCWilson

                              Image Source: @aflwomens                                                                ...

Suns Shine In Cairns Deluge

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Visiting teams have learned this over the years – Cazalys Stadium in Cairns is wind affected. The howling southerly gales that travel up the valley from Innisfail heavily assist the northern end of the ground and make scoring at the other end difficult. Not so last night, with scoring heavily assisted by the tide rather than the wind.

(Picture: Jack Bowes leads the way for the Suns)

With Tropical Cyclone Nora nearing landfall at Kowanyama on western Cape York, and threatening coastal communities around the Gulf of Carpentaria, the cyclonic rain settled happily over Cairns. With freestyle and backstroke races an equally viable option on the Cazalys Stadium surface, the football went ahead as planned making a whole new spectacle that even the AFL hadn’t bargained on.

The opening centre bounce was wisely replaced by the opening ball-up, otherwise they’d have never found the ball again. However, from then on the Gold Coast Suns and North Melbourne Kangaroos sloshed it out in front of a very enthusiastic, albeit mostly bedraggled crowd. Those who braved the conditions should be commended, and they witnessed a hard slogging affair from two committed teams. During the first quarter, neither gave an inch and adapted relatively quickly to the conditions.

Only a solitary goal was kicked for the quarter…a moisture-defying shank out of the pack to North Melbourne’s underwater specialist Shaun Higgins after 18 minutes of soccer, volleyball, skiing and football.

Local players, Jack Bowes and Jarrod Harbrow, had been heavily involved in the first quarter, but were front and centre in the second as the Suns slammed on five goals as the rain eased to take a very handy four goal lead to the main break.

Not to be outdone, the Roos fought back hard in the third with four goals to nil and got the margin back to a solitary point by the final change, setting up a huge last quarter. The game might not have been pretty by Etihad or MCG standards, but it was engrossing all the way and had the crowd gasping, cheering and yelling as they willed the combatants on to the finish line.

The last quarter continued in much the same arm-wrestling manner when the game was there to be won, and it was here that local knowledge came to the fore. With Harbrow repeatedly hacking the ball back the Suns’ way, and a largely submerged Bowes appearing, as he had done all night, from the inky depths like a rampaging shark, the Suns scraped together two goals for the quarter. Bowes himself capped off his breakout game in front of his former home crowd by kicking the sealer late in the final quarter and being named as the team’s best player…a feat that may even see a Brownlow vote or two later in the year.

In one final remarkable note, not a solitary goal was kicked to the southern end of Cazalys Stadium for the entire match – something that should have statisticians clamouring for the record books. All twelve goals were kicked, almost ironically, to the northern end but with little to no breeze assistance this time.

The Suns, and particularly new coach Stuart Dew, will be delighted with both the winning start to the season and also their second win in Cairns since they first played at Cazalys Stadium in 2011. That alone should be something to keep the Suns’ appetite for Cairns matches well and truly catered for.

There will be questions regarding Cairns matches in the “wash” up – but they should be confined to when the games be played here in the Far North Queensland city, not if. The crowds saw a tough game in tougher conditions, but are delighted the city hosted a round one match. Take the roof covering of Etihad Stadium out of the equation and all other venues have seen their share of wet-weather clashes over the years, recent years included.

Weather is a fact of life, and especially in tropical Australia during the wet-season. Nevertheless, a return to winter months would seem a good idea in retrospect. But Cairns worked hard to make this a memorable opening round and should be commended again for their efforts. In fact, the organisers in Cairns have really pulled off a huge coup by defying nature to play the game at all.

The weather, on the other hand, could have been a little more cooperative. But the local crowd, and the multitudes sitting warmly in front of their televisions, saw Cairns deliver another professional and enthralling football match.

However, beyond football, all of our thoughts go out to the people of Kowanyama and western Cape York and gulf communities impacted by the serious reality of Cyclone Nora.

Picture Credit: http://www.news.com.au ...

Lions Back In Top Four – CNFA

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With just on round left to play for the ALFA Lions, they have managed to claw their way back into the top four of the CNFA competition in France. Their 65-point victory over the Toulouse-based Aviators has seen them leapfrog the Paris Cockatoos into fourth place. However, from here they will need some divine providence or similar to play in this season’s finals.

Certainly, the win against the Aviators was just what the Lions had to do. In the end, the Lions won 95 to 30 and grabbed the maximum five points from the match as well as a percentage boost. But all of that will be for nought if they cannot defeat the Paris Cockerels in the nation’s capital next round on April 14th.

As it is, the Lions must be watching the result of the postponed match between the Cockatoos and Toulouse Hawks with huge interest. They will be barracking wildly for the Hawks to win at home to keep the Cockatoos under pressure and just outside the top four going into the final round. But that won’t be enough. They will need to either defeat the ladder leading Cockerels in a huge final round upset or hope that the Cockatoos go down in an even bigger upset to the Perpignan Tigers.

Destiny is in the Lions’ own hands. Even if both the Hawks and Coyotes lost all of their respective remaining games, they would still finish ahead of the Lions. The Lions simply must win their final match and hope that Cockatoos fall at their final hurdles.

After the rescheduled Cockatoos versus Hawks match on Wednesday, the home and away season will finish in a big way with the final four matches being played on the same day with matches in Toulouse, Paris and Bordeaux.

In the meantime, the ALFA Lions know they have a mountain to climb. This could be a huge couple of weeks for the reigning premiers as they play their last cards in a bid to retain their title. They are sure to leave no stone unturned in their quest.
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Aguilas Down Bombers In Colombia

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The CAFL season in South America continued on the weekend with the DC Aguilas up against the Bogotá Bombers. In a great game, and a showcase of what Australian Football is all about, the Aguilas held on in a classic. Paddy Smallwood from the CAFL (Colombian Australian Football League) shared the details of the clash, set against a grey and damp Bogotá backdrop.

“The league came alive on Saturday with an enthralling contest. The Aguilas jumped out of the box with six goals to two to take a handy four-goal quarter time lead in cold and wet Bogotá conditions. Sam Miller up forward was causing massive headaches for the Bombers and slotted three goals. The second quarter was a better contest with the Bombers pushing back hard and being on top for large parts of the quarter, but ultimately inaccuracy cost them and they went to the main break three goals down.”

“The second half was a hard and fast affair, some big hits and tackles got the 3rd quarter under way and both teams knew they were in for a contest until the end. The Bombers jumped out of the box with the first two goals in quick succession to bring the game back within a goal before the Aguilas settled by getting a goal back. The game then went end to end for the rest of the quarter with fatigue setting in for the Aguilas as they lost some players and had no interchange. The Aguilas led at three-quarter time by 16 points.”

“The last quarter was intense. The Bombers kicked the first two goals and brought the margin back to 3 points. Another long shot at goal from the Bombers appeared to be sailing across the line to put them in front for the first time, but fullback Mick Phillips amazingly got a fingertip to it. The Bombers had all the momentum with the ball locked in the Aguilas defence for the first half of the quarter and looked like they would run away with it at this point. However, the Aguilas rallied and took it back down the other end to kick next two goals and hold on for an impressive 12-point win.”

“By far the best game of the season, and possibly the best in Colombian history. The intensity went up a big notch across the board with some of the Colombian boys laying the biggest tackles and hits. A great day to be a part of in what could only be described as real Melbourne winter footy conditions.”

“The final score was the Aguilas defeated the Bombers 17-12 114 to 14-18 -102.”

“Best for the Aguilas were Paddy Smallwood, Mick Philips and Sam Miller who kicked 5, and for the Bombers Liam Oh Konel, Chris Payne and Camilo Medina. Colombian Andres Cardona was also brilliant for the Aguilas.”

After the first three matches of the inaugural round robin season, the Bullants sit on top of the ladder with two wins, followed by the Aguilas with one and the Bombers yet to get a win on the board. However, all three games have been great battles with teams even for long periods of the game. All teams are capable of producing wins and the season is a long way from being over in Bogotá.

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Jason Holmes into the ruck at Old Xavs

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When he suited up for St. Kilda in 2015 Jason Holmes became the first American-born and raised player to play AFL footy since the league’s beginning in 1897.

Jason Holmes is a Chicago, Illinois (USA) native who played U.S. college basketball at Mississippi Valley State (Itta Bena, Miss.) and at Morehead State (Morehead, Kentucky). St. Kilda took a chance on him after a strong showing at the April 2013 AFL combine in Los Angeles, California.

Spending 2014 and most of 2015 at Sandringham, Holmes played the ruck in St. Kilda’s final three games of season 2015 (debut - rd 21 vs Geelong, a 97-97 draw) and in the last two matches in 2016. Having to either be delisted or elevated, Holmes signed a one-year extension through 2017 after running through his three-year rookie deal.

Last season Holmes got caught in a numbers game, as Billy Longer established himself as primary ruckman for the Saints and Tom Hickey and Lewis Pierce also battled for a spot. Rowan Marshall also was in the mix, creating a logjam. Holmes saw no action at the parent club in 2017 and the club delisted him at the end of the season. This was a case of role reversal, as Holmes had previously held down the #1 ruck spot at the Zebras, forcing Hickey and Pierce into other roles.

For season 2018, Holmes is committed to playing with Old Xaverians in the Victorian Amateur Football Association. VAFA A Grade Amateur football is the ideal pathway to continue playing a high level of competitive football but does not have the time demands of professional sport.

From the OXFC site: “We warmly welcome Jason to the Old Xavs. We know he will fit in well with his new teammates and our club. We can see him becoming a real cult hero at Toorak Park. To say the least, his size, energy and enthusiasm will all be real assets at stoppages," club President Matthew Cosgrave said.

“Jason was 28 years old and was starting think about life after professional sport. He was also keen to remain in Australia with his partner. Jason came to the attention of Old Xaverians FC via his manager, Nigel Carmody from TLA Worldwide,” club Vice President Matt Hannebery said.

Jason is a 202cm (6'8") athletic ruckman which was a role that Old Xaverians were looking to fill. He brings an energy and enthusiasm to the group along with some great leadership skills and experience. All the players have welcomed Jason into the club and Jason has reciprocated, Hannebery said.

Hannebery also said Holmes finished studies in the financial planning industry and the club was able to find work with Honan Insurance Group, one of Australia’s largest independent insurance brokers with offices in all states of Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Jason is the key Honan’s representative within the St. Kilda Business Network.

Holmes and his mates at OXFC open the VAFA season on April 7 against Old Trinity Grammarians.

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AFL Europe Champions League – Amsterdam

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It is not long now until the prestigious AFL Europe Champions League tournament to be played in Amsterdam next month. AFL Europe’s website has featured a great series of articles looking at the clubs coming to Amsterdam for the event. The complete stories are to be found on the AFL Europe website, however the links to each article are include below.

 

2018 Champions League Team Previews – Part One

In the lead-up to the 4th annual AFL Europe Champions League hosted by AFL Netherlands in Amsterdam on Saturday 7th April, afleurope.org will be taking a quick look at the teams who have qualified for the continents’ premier club tournament. 

In our first round of team previews, we showcase two women’s sides including the highly acclaimed champions of the AFL London Women’s Premiership competition, the Wandsworth Demons, and the sole French women’s side the Bordeaux Bombers. 

 We will also take a look at the reigning premiers of the Central European Australian Football League, the Zagreb Cvjetno Dockers from Croatia, the formidable Berlin Crocodiles from Germany and semi-finalists from the 2017 Champions League the Leeside Lions.

 

To read this article in full, go to: http://www.afleurope.org/2018-champions-league-team-previews-part-one/

 

2018 Champions League Team Previews – Part Two

In our second round of team previews, we showcase a new women’s side the Hamburg Dockers, who will become the first German women’s club to play in the Champions League, as well as the Odense Lionesses from Denmark before taking a look at three men’s teams in the West London Wildcats, the Lyon Lions and Croatian champions, the Sesvete Double Blues.

To read this article in full, go to: http://www.afleurope.org/2018-champions-league-team-previews-part-two/

 

2018 Champions League Team Previews – Part Three

In our next round of team previews, the Nottingham Scorpion’s and Port-Malmo Lynx are our feature sides from the female division, while we get insight from the men’s camps of the Greater Glasgow Giants & Styrian DownUnderDogs.

To read this article in full, go to: http://www.afleurope.org/2018-champions-league-team-previews-part-three/ ...

AFL 2018 International Broadcast Scheule - Round 2

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FOX SPORTS Australia Pty Ltd

Round 2 of the 2018 AFL Season kicks off tomorrow (Adelaide time) at the Adelaide Oval with reigning the Adelaide Crows hosting Richmond.

The full international broadcast schedule can be seen below.

In addition to the TV networks you can also subscribe to the Watch AFL service that will give you live access to all the matches and more (outside Australia only).

You can access that service by clicking on the link here or the Watch AFL promo shot on the left to register and by then paying the subscription fee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 All times subject to change - please check with your local guides ...

Giants earn regular season AFLNZ premiership heading into Easter bye week

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The past three rounds of the AFL New Zealand premiership have seen a whirlwind of action, but one thing remains clear: the Central Giants are the class of the competition heading into the Easter weekend.

Round 5 Recap

The Southern Saints were looking to capture their elusive first win in 2018 and they finally got it, defeating the Northern Suns by 13 points at QBE Stadium. The first half was tightly contested, with both sides trading blows, but the Saints used excellent performances from Misilifi Faimalo and Pat Gibbs to lift them to a three-goal lead at the half.

 

Despite some valiant defensive pressure from the Suns, they couldn’t take advantage of further scoring opportunities. Star Saints Michael Boyce, Daniel Howie and Andriu Secu took care of the rest as they registered their first win of the 2018 season.

 

“I thought that we played to our potential today; we have certainly been building to it which is pleasing to see,” said Saints coach Craig Goodhue.

 

Final: Saints 7.12.54, Suns 5.11.41

Leading goalkickers (Saints): Misifili Faimalo (2), Pat Gibbs (2), Michael Boyce, Ryan Marsland, Clayton Walters

Leading goalkickers (Suns): Tim Stokes (2), Peter Van Kampen (2), James Kusel

Best on Ground (Saints): Misifili Faimalo

Best on Ground (Suns): James Kusel

 

The second games featured the two best teams in the competition thus far, the Central Giants and the Western Crows. As expected, the duo of Sam and James McKenzie got the Giants off to an outstanding start, but the Crows’ pressuring midfield kept them in the contest, holding the Giants to account while their own offense struggled.

 

Brad Wade’s two goals for the Crows kept them within striking distance at three-quarter time, trailing by three goals, but the Giants used a monster fourth quarter to seal the deal, winning by 67. However, the Giants’ coach, Christchurch native Izaak Williams, was complementary of the Crows in post-game. “The Crows are a good side. Before the game we spoke about having a strong fourth quarter and we managed to achieve that, which is fantastic to see.” Best on ground winner Tristan Burnett echoed this sentiment, saying that the game was much closer than the final scoreline suggested.

 

Final: Giants 15.11.101, Crows 4.9.33

Leading goalkickers (Giants): Sam McKenzie (5), James McKenzie (3), Nick Bailey (2), James Bowden, Tristan Burnett, Dean Smith, Josh Cunliffe, Elliot Bennetts

Leading goalkickers (Crows): Brad Wade (2), Te Kopa Tipene-Thomas, Alastair Maisey

Best on ground (Giants): Tristan Burnett

Best on ground (Crows): Sam Burdett

 

Round 6 Recap

After securing their first win in Round 5, the Saints were looking to capitalize on that momentum, and they did, taking home an upset win over the heavily-favored Crows. A healthy Saints lineup was out to avenge their 63-point demolishing at the hands of the Crows in Round 2, and they showed it from the first bounce.

 

The first quarter almost entirely went to the Saints due to the wind conditions, but the Crows powered back, with four different players kicking majors to set up a two-goal differential at halftime. The third quarter was a heavily-contested affair, and Coach Goodhue was pleased with the Saints’ midfield tackling. Meanwhile, Alastair Maisey led the Crows with three majors and also took home best on ground honors.

 

The hero of the day was definitely Saints full forward Alex Fakatoumafi; the former International Cup star bagged five goals for the victorious side. However, star midfielder Ryan Marsland suffered an ankle injury and is likely done for the final two weeks of the season.

 

Final: Saints 12.6.78, Crows 11.5.71

Leading goalkickers (Saints): Alex Fakatoumafi (5), Ryan Marsland (2), Luke Williams (2), Clayton Walters (2), Carlos Donnell-Brown

Leading goalkickers (Crows): Alastair Maisey (3), Zac Maio (2), Ty Smith, Shane Leat, Te Kopa Tipene-Thomas, Lewis Gill, Jay Johnson, Stephn Tabaillou

Best on ground (Saints): Andy Bissett

Best on ground (Crows): Alastair Maisey

 

The second game featured the Suns and the Giants, but another major upset was not in the cards at QBE Stadium -- the ladder-leading Giants cruised to another big win, defeating the Suns by 63 points.

 

James McKenzie continued his assault on the record books, booting five goals; he is now within striking distance of the single-season AFLNZ goalkicking record. Blake Nahu and Josh Cunliffe both dominated the midfield, but once again, the Giants defense stole the show, holding the Suns scoreless in the second quarter. Midfielders Nick Rhodes and Dean Smith were also very influential in attack alongside Nahu and Cunliffe.

 

Final: Giants 14.7.91, Suns 4.4.28

Leading goalkickers (Giants): James McKenzie (5), Wayne Sullivan (4), Declan Crann (2), Sam McKenzie, Josh Cunliffe, Blake Nahu

Leading goalkickers (Suns): Josh Allen (2), Josh Sedgwick, Brad Maloney

Best on ground (Giants): Nick Rhodes

Best on ground (Suns): Josh Hook

 

Round 7 Recap

With seven consecutive wins, the Giants are officially the 2018 AFLNZ premiers with only two rounds to go. The boys in the orange and charcoal beat the Saints in a 91-point laugher, scoring seven goals in the first term alone.

 

While Michael Boyce and his Saints were valiant in their efforts, they couldn’t get past the rock-solid Giants’ D. Blake Nahu and Declan Crann continued to show their worth as some of the best Kiwi midfielders in the competition. Additionally, James McKenzie is now only six goals away from tying the AFLNZ single-season record of 31.

 

Final: Giants 15.15.105, Saints 2.2.14

Leading goalkickers (Giants): Declan Crann (4), James McKenzie (4), Elliot Bennetts (3), Braedyn Collins, Sam McKenzie, James Dakin, Blake Nahu

Leading goalkickers (Saints): Alex Fakatoumafi

Best on ground (Giants): Blake Nahu

Best on ground (Saints): Nico Donnell-Brown

 

After their disappointing finish against the Saints in Round 6, the Western Crows were hungry to rebound against the Suns, winning by 35 to cement themselves as the competition’s second-best team once more.

 

Brad Wade (four goals) again showed his class for the Crows, while his Suns counterpart, forward Josh Sedgwick, also led the way with four majors after being held to only one goal in Round 6. New Zealand national team alum Ty Smith showed his aggression in the midfield for the Crows, earning best on ground, while defender James Kusel was once again a consistent presence for the Suns in the backline. Jackson Clince and Joel Brown had solid days in defense, too, having been some of the most consistent players for the Suns all season.

 

Final: Crows 13.13.91, Suns 8.8.56

Leading goalkicker (Crows): Brad Wade (4), Ben Hutton (2), Luke Dunning (2), Alastair Maisey (2), Zac Maio (2), Luke Williams

Leading goalkicker (Suns): Josh Sedgwick (4), Jackson Clince, James Kusel, Mitch Ryan, Ali Cargo

Best on ground (Crows): Ty Smith

Best on ground (Suns): Joel Brown

 

Up Next

After a break for the long Easter weekend, the AFLNZ season is back for Round 8 in Auckland with the Suns and Saints kicking things off at 11:30 AM local time, while the hotly-anticipated Crows-Giants clash will start at 1:45 PM.

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Wildcats, Lucky Charms and Leprechauns

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The West London Wildcats have taken out the men’s division of the 2018 Leprechaun Cup in Belfast, Northern Ireland, last weekend. Played under delightful sunny Belfast skies, the London powerhouse has got their 2018 season of to a flyer taking the title. Taking out the women’s draw, the ARFLI Women’s combined team – the Lucky Charms – won through to snare the women’s title.

According to the West London Wildcats Facebook page, “Congratulations are in order for both men’s and women’s teams that took part in the the Leprechaun Cup 2018 Tournament. Our lads came away as victors for the day coming up against host club Belfast Redbacks. Our ladies made it into the Grand Final but came up short against a very strong side from ARFLI Women's.”


“Brett Wolfenden was named best player of the tournament for the men’s competition. Tyson Mihocek and Tanaya Redman were awarded as best club players for the Wildcats.”

“A special thank you to the Redbacks and ARFLIW for hosting a great tournament along with all the other teams, officials, medics, trainers and volunteers that made it happen. It was a fantastic day out and we look forward to returning in 2019.”

Photo Credits: Graham Service Photography & ARFLI














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Province Of Origin Clash To Return To Ireland

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It was back in 2012 when the most recent “Province Of Origin” football tournament took place in Ireland. Next month the event returns after a six-year hiatus. The concept is simple – Ireland is separated into the four key provinces – Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connacht – loosely, north, south, east and west – and the teams play for the pride of their province.

The call to action is out now to get as many players as possible interested in heading to Galway for the event.

According to Ronan O Móráin, organiser of the event along with Padraig Brady, Tony McAfee and Shaun Murphy of the Galway Magpies , “The Galway Magpies are hosting the ‘Province of Origin’ in 2018 in Galway. This event was a great success when last hosted in 2012 and we are trying to make it a big success with the hope of making it an annual event. It is open to Irish players and anyone of Irish descent and is a great opportunity to play for your province. Those interested must register on the link in the event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/152586618899840/ ). Cost includes an O'Neills guernsey and the cost of medals and ground hire.”

To answer whether or not a player qualifies for a certain province, Ronan explained that, “interestingly it doesn't go by which team you're playing with - it is your province of origin. So, if you're from Galway or Mayo but playing with the Redbacks, Swans or Lions you would play for Connacht. We are opening it up to any players with a connection to Ireland so if you're family is from Kerry you're welcome to play for Munster or if you are from Perth and married a Donegal lady, for example, you can declare for Ulster. At the moment it's a men’s competition and if we have numbers we will run a women's tournament.”

Guernsey designs for the event are expected to be released via the event’s Facebook link shortly, as is a major sponsor for the event – likely to be the Life Pharmacy Group.

So, those who play footy, want to play footy or simply want to get their support behind the ‘Province of Origin” event, register your interest on the link above and get behind your province in what is the Irish equivalent of Australia’s “State of Origin” clashes from bygone days.

It is sure to be a great event, and a welcome return after six long years, with AFLI [formerly ARFLI) supporting the even ...
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