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Former Lion Kaitlyn Ashmore will now play for one of the new AFLW teams in the 2019 season, the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos.
“Family is a big thing for me, and being closer to them was one of the main reasons why I came home. When North were granted a license, I thought it would be the perfect fit for me," Ashmore said
"North has had an alliance with Melbourne Uni for years, where I have played for 6 years and over 130 games. I was also moving back and forth from QLD every 6 months over the 2 seasons I had there and it’s actually quite exhausting."
Image Source: North Media
For the Kangaroos, Ashmore will continue to wear the jumper number 10 in 2019 same as the number she wore at the Lions.
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Ashmore joins fellow Melbourne University teammates and high AFLW recruits Tahlia Randall (former Brisbane Lions player) and Emma Kearney (former Western Bulldogs player) at the Kangaroos.
Image Source: @kaitashmore Twitter
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The former Lions player was selected in the very first North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos leadership group with Emma Kearney leading the way as captain.
Ashmore will be vice captain alongside fellow vice captains Jess Duffin, Britt Gibson and Emma King (leadership group pictured left).
Image Source: North Media
“An absolute honour," Ashmore said.
“Not only is it exciting to be a part of the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos first season, but to be named in the leadership group is something special. Gives me confidence going forward."
Ashmore believes that each of the girls in the leadership group can bring something different and she shared what leadership qualities she believes she can bring to the leadership group.
“I like to think I’m pretty approachable and hopefully the girls can communicate to me in a way that’s different to the other girls in the leadership group," Ashmore said.
"I’m probably more of a ‘social’ leader and am really looking to helping the girls gel and love the environment they’re in."
According to Ashmore, Ash Riddell will be the AFLW player to watch in 2019.
“Ash Riddell will definitely have an immediate impact on the game and our team. I’ve been able to watch her closely in the VFLW with Melbourne Uni and between then and now she has grown and learnt so much," Ashmore said.
Since being at the North Melbourne Kangaroos Ashmore has learnt the most from 2018 league best and fairest Emma Kearney.
“Just a wealth of knowledge and loves what she does," Ashmore said.
Image Source: North Media
"Emma King has also been great throughout the midfield and I did a bit of work preseason with Britt Gibson doing some forward 50 work which has really helped my game."
Ashmore models her game around Western Bulldogs men’s player Jason Johannisen (JJ).
“He’s an explosive runner off Half Back and takes the game on with his run and skill,” Ashmore said.
When Ashmore is not playing women’s footy she is a primary school teacher and being a primary school teacher has helped Ashmore with her footy.
“I was very quiet when I first started footy. Teaching has helped me communicate to my teammates a little better and probably gave me the confidence to come out of my shell," Ashmore said.
"You don’t think about it, but the qualities you learn from footy you do take into the classroom and use with the kids."
You would not be able to tell from how skilled Ashmore is as a footy player that she only started playing Aussie Rules from year 7.
Ashmore grew up in a baseball family and when she was young she took part in Athletics, Karate and Netball.
Her love of footy grew when she turned 18 years old, she found a team the North Ballarat Eagles.
Right from her early days of footy Ashmore’s biggest supporter was her Pa.
“I absolutely loved my Pa and he would come and watch me play, and he would never come and watch me when I had Athletic comps,” Ashmore said.
The star midfielders footy career really took off when she was invited to a Footy Academy in Melbourne and she realised that footy was bigger in Melbourne than in Ballarat. At the Academy, Ashmore trained with other AFLW stars Daisy Pearce (Melbourne AFLW Captain) and Steph Chiocci (Collingwood AFLW Captain).
“My Pa randomly had a stroke and unfortunately passed away, so my footy journey really began to take the front seat and I think Pa was the one behind that, I’ve always wanted to make him proud and I think he would be stoked to see how far I’ve come,” Ashmore said.
Ashmore’s footy career has gone from strength to strength and has become known as one of the top outside midfielders/wings in the AFLW competition.
She was fortunate to play in two consecutive AFLW Grand Finals, but unfortunately did not come away with a premiership ring.
“You play to take home the premiership. It’s hard work both on and off the field, so to get to that stage and lose both by 6 points was devastating," Ashmore said.
"After the siren, it’s honestly the worst feeling. I felt like I let my friends, family and the fans down. I’d like to say that you move on, but you never completely move on. I still think about it, and I definitely don’t want to feel that pain again."
Image Source: Michael Wilson/AFL Media/Getty Images AsiaPac
Ashmore believes the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos are capable to take home the premiership next season.
“I know we’re capable of doing that. We have a great group of girls who are all talented and all good people, and if we can work together and gel on the field then that’s a possibility for us,” Ashmore said.
Heading into her third AFLW season with the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos, Ashmore believes they are well prepared for their inaugural season in the competition.
“Obviously so much has happened since the very first year of AFLW, but North have done an amazing job. Not only have they had the long standing connection with Melbourne Uni and being around the women’s footy environment but they’ve had a few girls like myself come from other clubs," Ashmore said.
"We’ve been able to give some feedback on what worked well and what might not have. I’m very happy at the Kangas."
Image Source: North Media ...
Lost in the shuffle of Majak Daw’s recent injuries when falling from Melbourne’s Bolte Bridge is his impact on the game of Australian Rules football. Whilst there is some polarisation of people’s reaction to Daw’s latest misfortune – from sympathy to, sadly, discriminatory – Daw’s contribution to opportunity for young immigrants is profound.
Rohan Smith’s article at www.news.com.au sheds great light on his journey and achievements within the context of how hard daw has had to work through his life to achieve at all.
Majak Daw has survived it all, and continues to hang tough. It’s not just a tribute to his strength — it’s a result of where he’s come from.
When Majak Daw speaks, you’d never know English is his second language. He’s got the Australian twang.
When he kicks a footy, you’d never know he grew up a world away where the luxury of recreational sport isn’t afforded to kids like it is here.
When he laughs, you’d never know he’s struggling.
The Aussie Rules trailblazer is an incredibly impressive young man who appears to take life in his stride given all that he’s been through — surviving a civil war, being an outcast in Egypt, a high-profile court case. Despite it all he’s hanging tough.
In a 2017 interview, Daw laughed and joked about being a “laughing stock” when he first picked up a footy across the road from his parents’ Werribee home, in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
He spoke warmly and positively about his role as a poster boy for Sudanese children who have a hard time settling in Australia.
It’s why the news on Tuesday morning that Daw was found badly injured beneath the Bolte Bridge rocked the Australian football community.
The 27-year-old reportedly fell from the 25m bridge — one of Melbourne’s tallest — and broke his hip when he hit the water.
It’s a fall that others have not survived but Daw is in a stable condition in hospital.
Police were called to Lorimer St at the Docklands about 11pm on Monday after reports that a man had been discovered “at the edge of the water” on the banks of the Yarra River.
The area where Daw fell is more than 1.5km from the bridge’s southern entrance and is protected by a three-metre-tall chain link fence. There is no pedestrian access along the bridge.
The North Melbourne Football Club released a short statement this morning.
“The North Melbourne Football Club can confirm Majak Daw is recovering in hospital after an incident last night,” the statement read.
“At this stage the full extent of his injuries are unknown, however he is in a stable condition.
“The club is providing full support to Majak and his family and will give a further update when it is in a position to do so.
“We understand the level of interest but ask the privacy of the player, his family, teammates and staff at the club be respected at this sensitive time.”
Former Kangaroo great and mental health advocate Wayne Schwass was among those offering their support online.
“Sending you unconditional support, love and respect during this difficult time brother,” Schwass wrote on social media.
As news spread around the football community, the focus shifted to Daw’s life outside footy.
The third eldest of nine children, Daw moved around a lot growing up. His family fled South Sudan in 2000 for a better life when he was nine years old.
For three years he struggled to fit in as a new arrival in Egypt before arriving in Australia on January 26, 2003, of all days.
“I didn’t know a word of English,” Daw told Beat Magazine last year. “It was pretty challenging. We were the first sort of migrants in my area.”
The family home was opposite an oval where locals kicked around a strange shaped ball. Some gentle encouragement from his parents was all it took. Daw picked up a footy and never looked back.
He recalled fondly the moment his name was read out on draft day.
“My family was around and everyone was there,” he told the Herald Sun. “I was just screaming, I was just so happy to be at North Melbourne and be the first Sudanese to achieve this. It was a big achievement.”
The 194cm Kangaroos defender has been followed by other Sudanese players including Sydney’s Aliir Aliir and is regarded as one of the elite intercept marks in the game today.
But footy is only half his story. When he’s not training at Arden St, he’s fulfilling his role as one of the AFL’s multicultural ambassadors — a role he takes pride in.
Or talking to the Sudanese community in Melbourne through social media. In 2016 Daw used Facebook to call for calm as tensions rose following a riot at the Moomba Festival.
“You all have to understand criminal and violent behaviour will not be tolerated at all,” he wrote.
“It’s time for us to act on the reasons our parents brought (us) to Australia.”
He told Beat that the difficulties he experienced growing up helped shape him.
“Through adversity and growing with limited opportunities, I have learnt to appreciate what I have today.
And he doesn’t take that for granted.
“(AFL) has given me the opportunity to live out every kid’s dream. To do what I love as a job, but (it’s) also given me a voice to influence people in a positive way.”
This year was supposed to be a coming-out party of sorts for Daw following ankle surgery in September. He’s not been training with the club but was expected to be at full health in January.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency, call triple-0
Rohan Smith’s original story can be viewed at: https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/majak-daw-recovering-in-hospital-after-fall-from-melbournes-bolte-bridge/news-story/380eec69c48fd5f533d09b9d4da0ff3f
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In a massive coup for AFL Middle East, the AFL club Greater Western Sydney Giants (GWS) have agreed to work together to help develop the Middle East’s competition. The following statement from AFL Middle East Operations manager, James Larkin, details the arrangement.
Statement GWS Giants Relationship
Introduction: On the morning of December 21st, the AFL Middle East (AFLME) announced it had come to an arrangement whereby it would develop a relationship with the AFL club – Greater Western Sydney Giants. This relationship was sought as a means to help expand Australian Football in the greater Middle East region at all levels including Auskick.
The AFLME initially approached the Giants whilst it also approached other organisations to help bolster its position in the region as a growing sport. The Giants were very receptive of the idea and keys areas were agreed upon. The intention is to seek as many avenues as possible from both parties to further enhance the relationship.
Agreed Support: The giants were very receptive of the idea of supporting the AFLME and have agreed to support the league in many ways. From a League level, the club has agreed to provide their club attire including training wear and club merchandise which will be used for fundraising along with other administrative and engagement opportunities.
At a junior level, the club has agreed to provide member packages which include access to the Giants junior recruit website which has many games and instructional videos for the young girls and boys to watch and learn from. They have also agreed to providing certificates and awards for the program.
With the funds raised, the league will work to grow both senior and junior football in the region. The league will also improve support to pre-existing clubs within the league itself. International growth will be aimed initially at Bahrain whilst also developing a middle ground in Muscat for future fixturing.
Appreciation: The league would like to thank; Lauren Francis - AFL Programmes and Community Coordinator, GWS Giants, Melissa Lambert – Community & Group Sales Executive, GWS Giants and Ali Faraj - Head of Community, GWS Giants for their initial support and we look forward to working with them in the future.
Enquiries: Any and all enquires can be directed to the Operations Manager – James Larkin, admin@aflmiddleeast.com ...
The following article by Kevin O’Brien from the Irish sporting website, The 42, looks closely at the journey of Derry’s Gaelic star of the 80’s and 90’s, Dermot McNicholl. His time at the St Kilda football club in the VFL gives great insight to the early days of the movement to recruit Irish talent to the VFL/AFL system.
Following is an excerpt from the original story.
'Our pre-seasons were brutal. I’ve never gone through anything like it in my life'
Derry legend Dermot McNicholl discusses his stint in the AFL, the Oak Leafers’ All-Ireland victory 25 years ago and the rise in GAA stars heading Down Under.
“And St Kilda joined the international recruiting race, taking a punt on Dermot McNicholl, who has been brought to Australia by VFA club Prahran…St Kilda will bide its time with McNicholl, recognised as the best player in Gaelic football…St Kilda targeted McNicholl because of his pace and toughness and believes he could become a highly skilled player.”
-The Age, 10 November 1988
The 1988 AFL draft featured three Irishmen – Brian Stynes (83rd – Melbourne), Tom Grehan (97th - Melbourne) and the 99th pick Dermot McNicholl who was selected by St Kilda.
Derryman McNicholl was the fifth Irishman to be drafted in the AFL and became just the fourth to play in the league, behind Paul Earley, Sean Wight and Jim Stynes. He was 23 by the time he made the move Down Under, but McNicholl was on the radar of AFL clubs long before then.
An underage prodigy, the Glenullin native played minor football for Derry for four years, making his debut as a 14-year-old in 1980. He won three Ulster titles during that golden period and captained the Oak Leafers to All-Ireland minor glory in 1983.
With his potent mix of power, pace and balance, McNicholl made his senior debut for Derry in October of that year. 12 months later, he was awarded an All-Star while still at school and remains the youngest ever recipient of the honour.
The first approach for McNicholl from Australia came while he was 18 from and the next when he was 20. Both were turned down and in the meantime he helped his county to three provincial crowns at the U21 grade
“Looking back on it, I should have possibly gone whenever I was 18,” McNicholl tells The42. ”Hawthorn were pushing at the particular time and Melbourne were pushing too.
“I was 23 or 24 when I went over. As the old saying goes, habits are hard to change. It takes you that year or two to make that transition.”
McNicholl finally took the plunge after starring for Ireland in the 1987 International Rules series. When he signed with St Kilda, he had two familiar faces to help him settle into Melbourne – Stynes and Wight, who had forged impressive careers for themselves with Melbourne Football Club at that stage.
At that stage it was a big move,” he says. “Jim, God save us. It’s shocking whenever you think about it – Sean Wight and Jim Stynes are both dead. Whenever I first went out there they were absolutely brilliant.
“They were out kicking and practising with me to try and bring my skills on. They were really super and helped me out when I was there. They helped me make the transition that wee bit easier.”
But McNicholl was on his own when it came to pre-season at St Kilda. AFL players endure notoriously tough pre-seasons these days, particularly for GAA players who make the move, but back in the 1980s they were even more tortuous and bordered on inhumane.
“Our pre-seasons were brutal. They were brutal. I’ve never gone through anything like it in my life.
“I remember going to a place at the time for a training camp. It was this big safari park. In that camp we were put in groups of three and you had to carry this big log for a run around a course for about 10km. It was madness looking back on it now.
You’re up and down hills, through rivers, through streams and you were working with a team. Then the other task they gave you was a sandbag and you were paired off. You had about a 6km run that time.
“It was madness at the time but basically what they were doing was trying to break you to see if you would break. Pre-seasons were serious. You had those 10km runs and then 4km time trials. Although I think they’ve moved away from that now it’s more scientific training they do now. It’s more sprinting and conditioning and that type of work.”
A year later, Tohill joined McNicholl in Melbourne. He left Ireland as an All-Ireland minor champion and Hogan Cup winner. Just like that, two of the finest Gaelic football talents to emerge in Derry in a decade had left the sport entirely to pursue a professional career.
McNicholl spent the 1989 campaign lining out St Kilda’s Victoria Football Association (VFA) affiliate Prahan. By the pre-season of 1990, he was part of the St Kilda’s starting line-up and looking ready to make the step-up.
“I was in St Kilda’s team in the pre-season. We travelled to Tasmania, we travelled up to Darwin. I was playing in those games and flying with the first team. The week before we started the very first game against Footscray (now Western Bulldogs) I tore my groin and I was out for ten weeks.
Ten bloody weeks! I didn’t get playing until Week 10 or 11, I played a reserve game and I did very well. I was put onto the seniors again but once you lose the ten weeks you’re out and you’re only able to do bicycle work and swimming, you use that aerobic endurance you’d worked on over the pre-season.”
McNicholl played in three senior games for the club that season. His debut against Essendon was particularly impressive. He made 11 disposals, collected five marks and scored a goal – the only one of his AFL career. His future looked bright.
To read the rest of this article, go to the original article at the following link: https://www.the42.ie/dermot-mcnicholl-derry-st-kildare-afl-4404917-Dec2018/ωutm_source=shortlink ...
The AFL's All Australian team was announced back in September this year. State of Origin football is in a long hiatus - but theoretical State teams are announced each year - a number of media outlets still name theoretical state teams. They generally take in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia as well as an Allies team (NT, Tasmania, ACT, Queensland and NSW).
But what about the rest of the worldω If the Rest of the World were to play against any of the teams above, what is the best team they could musterω We have determined eligibility for our theoretical world selection along the line of the International Cup eligibility rules and we have named the 2018 World Team (so this does not include foreign born but Australian raised players).
This year we have again named Irishman Zach Tuohy as captain of the team after another sucessful year at Geelong where he was a key part of the Cat's defence and featuring in finals footy.
As with the International Cup the coach can be Australian but should have a strong link with international football. This year we have again selected David Lake the coach of the PNG Mosquitoes and assistant coach of the Brisbane Lions AFLW team. Lake led the Mozzies to their second consecutive International Cup title in 2017.
As well as players now on full AFL lists, International Rookies (Cat B) and International Scholarship players this team includes;
This team is intended to be an annual announcement, you can see last year's team here.
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Half way through the AFL off-season and fans are now counting down to the 2019 season. Media is reporting on how teams have recovered from their breaks. Injury lists are being finalised to get players back for Round One. New recruits are being paraded on the training tracks in their new colours and teams are bringing them into their revised game plans – or building game plans around them.
It is an exciting time, but the best part is that supporters of 18 teams know that there is a new dawn arriving with – potentially – greatness around the corner. A premiership this year might be the start of something greater – a dynasty, perhaps.
The following is a purely personal point of view about which clubs might be on the cusp of something great. By great I am referring to sustained success. Hawthorn claimed three flags from four grand finals between 2012 and 2015. Before that, Geelong took three flags from 2007 to 2011 from four grand finals. Sydney and West Coast dominated 2005/6 and the Brisbane Lions also had four grand finals for three flags between 2001 and 2004.
You can then go back to other era…North Melbourne 96 to 99. Hawthorn across the 1980’s. Essendon 83-85. The list goes on. But we have now had three flags in three years since the last Hawk dynasty. Maybe it is time for the next.
So, in order of their most recent flags, here are my predictions.
West Coast– Premiers in 2018 and the logical starting point for this argument. They have one flag in the bank and would be drooling for more. If 2018 taught us anything it was that the Eagles now have the best line-up from the west since the days of Judd, Cousins, Kerr and company. With a smart coach (Simpson), a powerhouse forward line (Kennedy, Darling), arguably the best athletic ruckman in the league (when fit) in Naitanui and excellent midfielders in Yeo, Shuey, Gaff, the Eagles are capable of challenging again this year. Another flag and we have a dynasty happening.
Richmond– Blew a chance at greatness when falling to Collingwood in last year’s preliminary final. They will be furious and want another chance this year. They have not really lost any best 22 players. They have, however, added Tom Lynch who could revolutionise their forward structure and give greater flexibility. Another flag in 2019 gives them a true dynastical opportunity. However, another miss and some will wonder if they missed their window of greatness.
Western Bulldogs– Their flag broke a drought that had lasted 62 years, but it could be argued that it cost them a backbone of a team. They got there, but the Dogs of 2018 are a far cry from the 2016 Dogs. Names like Hamling, Boyd, Stringer, Dalhaus, Smith, Biggs and Roughead are no longer there and Liam Picken’s future after concussion issues is a grey area. An aging list that saw glory has been rebuilt with youth and it may be a while before they can challenge again for a flag – though finals are on the cards sooner rather than later.
Hawthorn– It is unwise to ever suggest the Hawks are done, though stats are not on their side. Having the oldest list links to being the most experienced team. However, the additions of Tom Mitchell, O’Meara, Wingard, Impey and Scully just isn’t the same as Hodge, Mitchell, Rioli, Lewis, Gibson and Lake. Additionally, Roughead, Burgoyne, Stratton, Smith, Puopolo, Frawley and Birchall start the year well into their 30’s. That isn’t the stuff of a new dynasty, though Hawthorn being Hawthorn, they will still be a nuisance to all teams.
Sydney Swans– Like Hawthorn, the Swans never seem dead and buried. But last season saw a team that had Franklin and didn’t quite know how to use him. Age is catching up with Kennedy, Franklin, McVeigh, Jack, Grundy and Smith. They have talented youth coming through, but like the Hawks they seem a few years away from their next big challenge.
Geelong– The three flags in 2007, 2009 and 2011 were built on some of the best drafting seen by an AFL team. The era of Ablett, Bartel, Chapman, Enright, Corey, Rooke, Scarlett came from some smart youth development. However, the 2019 cats are built on the recruiting of bona fide stars in Dangerfield, Ablett, Tuohy, Dalhaus as well as Menegola, Selwood (Scott), Henderson and Rohan. I do believe the next big Cat era relies on the next venture into youth and they will tread water for a few years yet.
Collingwood– Watch this space. Collingwood were unlucky to lose the flag last year. A great development year for a club with the second oldest (and second most experienced) list. But their young players are the key – De Goey, Stephenson, Langdon, Moore, Phillips – combined with an impressive mid-twenties list that includes Grundy, Treloar, Elliott (when fit), Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Mihocek and more. The Magpie premiership window is wide open with the ability to last a couple of years given that Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Howe, Cox and Beams have more years in them. Big dynasty potential.
Port Adelaide– The past couple of years have seen a changing of the guard in terms of list management at Alberton. The result is a competitive team that isn’t quite ready for a flag yet. Losing Wingard will hurt further along with Polec, but Mayes, Lycett and even draftee Rozee will keep them on an even keel. A little while to go for another flag yet, but once on a roll the Power have a massive history and supporter base that will demand sustained success.
Brisbane Lions– The rebuild under Chris Fagan is impressive and the club is attracting the kind of player list that will become the envy of others in time. But a new dynasty is a long way off – they have to win another flag first and despite positive signs it won’t be while Luke Hodge is playing, nor Zorko, Martin or Robinson. But a list that will one day boast McLuggage, Berry, Rayner, Neale, Witherdon, Andrews, Cameron, Hipwood and now Ely Smith (watch this space also) could form a dynasty somewhere over the next decade.
Essendon– The unknown. The recent off-field issues at the club placed them in completely unchartered waters in terms of rebuilding. Yet, whilst their list demographic shows a higher average age with a very low experience level (the result of remedial work over the past few years), beneath that is a treasure trove of talent which is definitely capable is a flag and sustained success. Led by Heppell, Hurley, Daniher (when fit), Stringer, Shiel, Smith, Saad and supported by young stars like McGrath, Merrett, Langford, Parish, Francis, McKenna, Fantasia and McDonald-Tipungwuti, a flag soon is a definite possibility and with that list they won’t want to stop at one like their 2000 season aftermath. A big chance at a dynasty.
North Melbourne– One of the hardest clubs to track. They are revamping their list, through youth and experience in equal measure. They boast some serios “A” list talent in Brown, Cunnington, Higgins, Ziebell and Thompson as well as reliable troops in Goldstein, Tarrant, Polec and Jacobs. But the question is with their depth beneath that top dozen or so. They need a flag before a dynasty can happen and that appears to be a couple more list purges away.
Adelaide – Their defeat at the hands of Richmond in 2017 grand final was, in retrospect a warning. NOT READY YET. They have been a strong, competitive team since their inception, but this list isn’t yet in the class of 97/98. There is great talent in Sloane, Laird, Crouch, Walker, Betts and Gibbs. But this isn’t a list that boasts McLeod, Riccuito, Bickley, Goodwin, Rehn, Smart, Hart or Jarman. They will build still, but cannot see a dynasty yet.
Carlton – Not yet. They have taken a “Ground Zero” approach to a rebuild under Bolton and will be some way away from challenging for flags. With a list that is gradually gathering class in Cripps, Curnow, Docherty (when fit), Dow, McGovern, Setterfield, Weitering, the Blues are heading in the right direction. However, Murphy, Simpson, Kreuzer, Thomas and Casboult will all be long gone and the new breed of Sam Walsh, Petrevski-Seton, McKay and Silvagni will have had to step up.
St Kilda– In the post-Reiwoldt era, the Saints are undergoing a massive rebuild whether they like to admit is of not. Gone are their inspirational skipper, along with Hayes, Goddard, Dal Santo, Montagna, Milne, Baker and Jones. In their place, Gresham, Ross, Steven, Armitage, Geary and now Hanneberry lead an honest list of hard workers, but they are a long way from a flag, much less a dynasty.
Melbourne– Way back in 1964, Melbourne won flag number twelve and were boating a dynasty that view with Collingwood as the greatest ever – and still does. But then Norm Smith left and the glory years stopped. In 1988 and 2000 they reached grand finals only to be defeated heavily in each. But, last year’s Demons were good. Ask the teams they defeated. Melbourne has arrived again and with good coaching, player lists, luck and determination a flag may be on the horizon – and then, maybe another dynasty next decade.
Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast Suns are all some way away from a first flag. Talk of dynasties might be decades down the track – they have to reach base camp first (a flag) before going on to the summit. The Giants and the Dockers have tasted finals within the past six seasons – Fremantle to a grand final – but that is part of the learning curve they are still experiencing.
So, in short, West Coast have a great opportunity to carry on from where they left off in 2018. A dynasty beckons as it does for all premiership winners. Behind them, Richmond, Collingwood and Essendon appear best placed to reach dynastic levels of success. Brisbane and Melbourne may do so a little later.
Finally, this argument should also inspire players, fans, teams and leagues across the world to consider their own potential success in years to come. In the Middle East, the Dragons are seeking their fifth consecutive flag this year. In England, the Manchester Mozzies are after a sixth in a row. Dynasties are everywhere, you just hope that it is your team.
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