The Scottish city of Glasgow will again come alive on April to the sounds of umpires whistles, screaming crowds and calls of “Baaalll…!!” as the 2014 Haggis Cup celebrates its 10th year. The Glasgow Sharks will be hosting and organising the event, to be played at the GHA Rugby Football Club fields at Giffnock on the 12th of April.

This year’s event also boasts a distinctly international flavour in the men’s competition with English clubs the Huddersfield Rams and Tyne Tees Tigers being joined by French club, the Paris Cockerels to take on the three Scottish teams: the Glasgow Sharks, Kingdom Kangaroos and Edinburgh Bloods. The women’s teams will be confirmed and released shortly.

Glasgow Sharks president Stephen Connor sees the event as a great opportunity. “From my point of view it'll be great for the games development locally with the Commonwealth games also on the horizon we are on the crest of a sporting wave in Glasgow and we are hoping to harness that and get more people into the sport. It will be the first time we have a full women’s tournament at the Haggis Cup with 3 teams competing which has to be great for the development of the sport.”

Event co-ordinator, and Glasgow Sharks secretary John McIntyre agrees with Stephen’s thoughts on the event. “I would echo much of what Stevie has said. It is difficult to arrange and organise a tournament that keeps growing interest from teams every year. [And it is] especially trying to fit in a women’s tournament on the same day at the same venue. It has been challenging [but] luckily for myself there are many great people at our club who have all been keen to help out in any way possible.”

“My goal while organising this tournament was not to make it bigger than it has been but simply to have it run smoothly and efficiently and I believe the small army of volunteers we have will be key in the execution on the day.”

For more information about the event, contact the Glasgow Sharks through their website at http://glasgowsharks.co.uk or through the Scottish Australian Rules Football League (SARFL) on their website at http://www.sarfl.org.uk

The following clip has been produced to promote the event via YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azK6D-KcQy0

  ...

This week's international broadcast networks and airing times below.

Some good news for viewers in NZ with the Sommet Sports station that currently airs on free to air digital TV in New Zealand starting to also broadcast on Sky on the 14th April on channel 69 which should mean that 90% of New Zealanders should have access to 6 live AFL matches and three on delay each round.

All details are correct at the time of publishing and  are subject to change.  WFN publishes these in good faith and accepts no responsibility for any changes or errors. ...

The Greater Western Sydney Giants have become the first AFL club to launch on Chinese social media.

 The Giants have created a club account on Weibo, one of the largest social networking sites in the world used by more than 500 million people.

The Giants have teamed up with the Shanghai-based Mailman Group which has created Weibo accounts for some of the biggest sporting clubs in the world including Liverpool and Manchester United.

 To see the Giants players welcome their new Chinese fans, click here. 

"One of the greatest things about our game is it is inclusive and we want to be a club that is open to everyone and reaches out to new audiences and makes them feel welcome."

 The CEO of Mailman Andrew Collins: "The fabric of the Australian fan has changed and like many people who come to Australia, the Chinese are eager to experience AFL football. Launching on Chinese social media will give the Giants a great platform to begin engaging with this community.”

Chinese-born Australian Jamie Pi, who commentated the first ever game in China between Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions in 2010, welcomed the initiative.

Pi helped found the Southern Dragons, a predominantly Asian AFL team playing in the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

"This is a big opportunity for Australian football to take the game to a new and powerful audience. As a migrant, Australian football helped connect me to this country but also make many friends with people from a wide range of backgrounds," he said.

To help launch the Giants’ Weibo page the club is giving away 10 double passes to its game against Melbourne at Spotless Stadium on Sunday, April 6.

To enter the competition, simply find the Giants on Weibo and follow the prompts.

Link to the Giants Weibo page - http://weibo.com/gwsGiants 

  ...

The following press release from the AFLNT looks at the development of an exciting new footballing initiative for school aged players who wish to consider Australian Rules football as a personal development pathway. The Batchelor Area School is in the town of Batchelor located almost 100 kilometres south of Darwin.

NAB AFL Auskick Ambassador Shane Crawford, NT Thunder Head Coach Xavier Clarke along with Department of Education CEO Ken Davies, will today unveil the newest AFL Northern Territory's initiative at Batchelor Area School, announcing them as the first of many AFLNT Future Leaders Football Schools within the Northern Territory.

"We hope it will be the first of many in the NT," said AFLNT Game Development Manager Adam Moedt.

"It an incredibly exciting concept developed to promote positive behaviours and the future leaders program will extend into the formidable new Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre development at TIO Stadium."

The AFLNT FLFS Program focuses on all areas of academic achievement in order for participants to take part in key AFLNT Programs as a reward. The primary objectives are attendance, behaviour, academic and retention at school over the entire school year and subsequent years through to year twelve.

"Without consistent attendance week by week year by year academic achievement and positive behavioural change will be extremely difficult to achieve and we see this program as an opportunity to change the trajectory of the students at Batchelor Area School," said Batchelor Area School Principal Ryan Martin,who becomes the first school to sign his school up for the AFLNT FLFS Program.

"The outcomes stretch well beyond the classroom, developing vital character traits such as respect, responsibility and resilience.  Already students are indicating to us that this program has huge potential with many students attending each training session.  The beauty of the AFLNT's approach is that it is inclusive of all students across our school and that is why I am so excited about the potential of the Future Leaders Football School in Batchelor."

AFLNT will engage regularly with schools over a number of performance based initiatives so that the school continues to receive the ongoing support to ensure outcomes are reached.

"This will be achieved by weekly training sessions, engagement activities and events along with the provision of AFL School education resources and the AFLNT School Participation program," said Moedt.

"We are hoping that Batchelor Area School will be first of many in the Northern Territory to take up this new program of which we have had interest from many schools throughout the NT”

Media are invited to attend the event from 12pm-2pm, Tuesday 1 April, 2014, at Batchelor Area School, Batchelor.

CEO of the NT Education Department Ken Davies along with, Xavier Clarke and Shane Crawford will all be in attendance at the launch.

  ...

NZ  hosted their U16 National Championships. These Championships involve 3 teams of invited footballers held after the regional Hawks Cup competitions take place within the schools. By inviting a select number of students to attend it ensures that the best available talent can attend and that issues such as various regions lacking enough to field a team does not impact on whether an interested , and talented, footballer gets the opportunity to attend. The tournament involved the best Under 16 AFL athletes in New Zealand, and featured many players who have, or will go on to play for New Zealand.

The three teams, the Giants, the Suns and the Eagles, contested the Under 16 National Championships and itwas the Eagles who triumphed, led by strong performances from Te Kopa Tipene-Thomas, Carlos Donnell-Brown, Nathan Lenihan and Utusa’itoa Ah Kuoi.

In the first match, the Eagles defeated the Giants thanks to accurate goalkicking from Cori Albert-Hape-Kino, Nathan Lenihan and Willie Schutz. They backed it up with a 2nd win, this time over the Suns. Nathan Lenihan was again precise in front of goal.

To round out day 1, the Giants took on the Suns. The match proved to be a tense battle, with only a point separating the teams at half time. The Suns stepped up to battle through and win the match.

The Eagles were in a comfortable position at the beginning of day 2, but were in no mood to become complacent. In their first match of the day, the Eagles routed the Giants, with James Watkins and Connor McGeough starring with two goals each.

The trophy was now almost secured for the Eagles, who only had to beat the Suns to win. They did so, thanks to a dominant first half performance that included 7 goals. The Suns fought back hard in the second half, in particular through the boot of Te Rei Clark, but were unable to level the deficit.

With one match to go in the tournament, the Giants were still looking for their first win. Good initial pressure saw them take a big lead at half time, which they then extended to put the game beyond doubt. Siope Ngata was unstoppable in this match, kicking 5 goals.
The impact of players who have been part of the High Performance programme was noticeable, with tournament awards mostly going to players who have represented their country previously.

Brayden Herewini from Wellington was awarded the Best and Fairest for the Giants. From the Suns, James Little of North Harbour was Best and Fairest. The award for the Eagles went to Auckland’s Carlos Donnell-Brown.

The overall tournament Best and Fairest Award went to Te Kopa Tipene Thomas of Bay of Islands College. Tipene-Thomas was a deserving winner, after maintaining his intensity admirably across all four matches.
The Under 16 New Zealand Hawks will now have a busy 2014, with tournaments and tours throughout the year.

Now that the Championships have been held and the squad has been finalized it can be seen the widespread localities in which AFL NZ have been making in-roads. Northland and Otago are provinces that are increasingly producing junior AFL footballers and hopefully it will only be a matter of time before a senior competition develops in each area. Otago presently has a Club but to my knowledge does not have a regular senior competition.
 
The team’s first assignment will be the South Pacific Cup, to be held in Coffs Harbour in April.

Following the South Pacific Cup, a small selection of players will compete at the NAB Australian Under 16 National Championships, as part of a combined South Pacific Academy team.

Players will be considered for selection into the Under 18 National Championships, and subsequently the Under 18 New Zealand Hawks. The Under 18 National Championships will be held in conjunction with various ANZAC Week events in Wellington, including the match between the St Kilda Saints and Brisbane Lions on ANZAC Day. The Anzac week of activities is simply just huge for football in Wellington and it was obvious last year that the U16’s were very keen to promote AFL meeting people on the concourse into the Stadium pre-game and assisting at the “Have a Go” clinic at The Basin on the day after the game.
Finally, the Under 16 New Zealand Hawks will take on the AFL Flying Boomerangs in a two match series in December.

The squad for the 2014 South Pacific Cup boasts an exciting mix of new international representatives and experienced footballers.

Willem vander Wilt Wellington
Francis Pedersen Wellington
Nathan Lenihan Wellington
Te Rei Clark Northland
Te Kopa Tipene-Thomas Northland
Kalib Lewis Auckland
Christian Blackie Otago
Utusa’itoa Ah Kuoi Wellington
Liam Caldwell Northland
Ben Armstrong Northland
Jirah Momoisea Auckland
Carlos Donnell-Brown Auckland
Danny O’Callaghan Auckland
Brayden Herewini Wellington
James Watkins Wellington
Israel Irving Northland
Southen Smith Northland
Viance Vano Auckland
Kaleb Forde – Fraser Otago
Naitoa Ah Kuoi Wellington
Sam Green Wellington
Connor McGeough Wellington
Nathan Curran Auckland
Christian-Jordan Tupou Auckland
Jack Matheson Wellington

Coach: Shannon Wall
Assistant Coach: Mike Gregson
Assistant Coach: Mick Coultard
Team Manager: Ken Ah Kuoi
Physio: Zak Nichols

New Zealand has participated in the Oceania Cup and more recently South Pacific Cup since 2009. These tournaments provide a fantastic opportunity for athletes to represent their country, develop their skills and showcase themselves in the hopes of securing an AFL International Scholarship.

Currently four New Zealanders hold AFL International Scholarships, with former Oceania Cup participant Shem Tatupu being elevated to the Hawthorn rookie list. Another former New Zealand International Scholarship player, Kurt Heatherley, made his pre season debut for the Hawthorn Hawks.

The 2014 AFL NZ National Combine in Wellington saw the St Kilda Football Club sign Giovanni Mountain Silbery to an AFL International Scholarship.

For more see:-
http://aflnz.co.nz/u16-nz-hawks-tour-squad-named/
http://aflnz.co.nz/high-standard-of-afl-at-u16-national-champs/
  ...

This week's international broadcast networks and airing times below.

Some good news for viewers in NZ with the Sommet Sports station that currently airs on free to air digital TV in New Zealand starting to also broadcast on Sky on the 14th April on channel 69 which should mean that 90% of New Zealanders should have access to 6 live AFL matches and three on delay each round.

All details are correct at the time of publishing and  are subject to change.  WFN publishes these in good faith and accepts no responsibility for any changes or errors. ...

Ed: As the Doha Kangaroos bask in the glory of the recent maiden premiership, the following Grand Final match review has been made available with the assistance of Matt Burn, president of the Dubai Dragons.

It was a hot day out at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai with no relieving wind at the ground. The match was played on the same pitch used for the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens and was in magnificent condition. A good crowd was in attendance with vocal supporters from both teams who stirred into the grandness of the occasion with the national anthem setting the scene for the day.

The opening quarter saw Doha start the strongest and looked switched on kicking the first 2 goals of the game. Just five minutes into the game Dragons lost their leading goal kicker Ryan Perkins with a fractured cheekbone from a big hit. However, the Dragons bounced back to take the lead, with utility Mark Browne making an impact. Just before quarter time another injury blow for the Dragons losing their captain Huwy Jones with a calf injury. At the first break the Dragons held the lead 25-21.

The second quarter was a classic arm wrestle but Doha made the most of their chances kicking 3.1 compared to the wasteful 1.6 to the Dragons. Irish quick small forward Tom Donoghue, who also has had an Asian Gaelic Football Championship win with the Doha team, was playing some good football off half forward. The game was getting fiery when a large melee started after another big hit on a Dragon player. However, Doha went into the break three points up 40-37.

The third quarter, or premiership quarter, arrived and Doha come out firing with the first 3 goals. Ben Simpson (BOG medal) was everywhere and showing his skills and fitness were no match for the Dragons. The Dragons answered with a late, sneaky goal by Matt Burn handballing to himself over an opponent then finishing the job, but at the final break it was Doha leading by 13 points 64-51.

The final quarter arrived with both teams hoping to write their newest page in their club’s history. But the Dragons could not break the Doha defence which was led by their big full-back Simon Davies (played with the Southern Power in Sydney) who was a brick wall all day. As the quarter progressed Doha started to run all over the tired Dragons. Ryan Christian, who runs triathlons before games (true story), was showing superior fitness which lifted the rest of the side to the finish line and premiership glory. The Doha Kangaroos won their first ever AFL Middle East premiership 83-57.

Other key players on the day included Joe Barnes from NZ (Doha) and Coby Reynolds (Dragons) who fought a great battle in the ruck. They didn't stop jumping all day. Jeremy Onions (Dragons), was an effective small forward and kicked 2 goals. Lach de Morton filled in for the injured Perko with 3 majors while Chris Yue and Dylan Alexander (Doha) made a terrific father son combination, both getting goals.

The challenge has now been set for the 2014/15 season. Reigning premiers, the Doha Kangaroos, have been the first club to remove the premiership cup from its original home, the United Arab Emirates. They are determined to hold the silverware for a long time to come, so the Dragons, Dubai Dingoes and Abu Dhabi Falcons will need to fight hard to claim the honour back. Or will this be the motivation to see the Muscat Magpies rise to glory, or even the Bahrain Blues to return and seek their own new chapter?

Whatever happens, the 2013/14 season has been a fascinating journey, complete with a fairy-tale ending for the Doha Kangaroos and the game’s supporters in Qat ...

The 2014 U/15 South Pacific Cup has been running across the weekend in sunny Coffs Harbour. With the Coca Cola PNG Binatangs entering as the reigning champs taking on the New Zealand Hawks and the combined Oceania squad (drawn from Nauru, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomons).

Game 1

Game 2

Game 3

Game 4

The tournament continues today with the Oceania side to take on the so far rampant undefeated Coca Cola PNG Binatangs at 4pm.

Below some action shots from Saturdays PNG v NZ match.

Updates from Game 5 of the South Pacific Cup in Coffs Harbour courtesy of AFL South Pacific. What another brilliant afternoon of Pacific football in Coffs Harbour! The rain was heavy and the toughness was even heavier. Oceania took on PNG in a fierce battle in the wet! PNG came away with the win but had to work very hard for it! The final score doesn’t pay justice to how competitive the game was. Katah Siwee again provided some highlights with another 3 hangers to his collection for the week!

Game 5:

Tuesdays contest sees PNG and NZ clash at 4pm. This is the last game of the South Pacific Cup before a combined South Pacific Side takes on a combined Indigenous Boomerangs on Wednesday at 8am as well as a South Pacific Development team take on the All Nations team at the same time.

The following report is from worldfootynews.com's latest recruit, former Fijian footy star Dylan Wolfgramm.  Welcome aboard Dylan.

PALM SUNDAY FOOTY AFL FIJI CHAMPIONSHIP - ROUND 2 REPORT (13 April 20):

A perfect day for football - clear sky, warm sun, cool breeze, lots of supporters, and four teams ready to go. Matches were played as two 12-minute halves. Here are the results for Round 2 -

MATCH 1: Nausori Cats 2.9.21 defeated Suva Lions 3.2.20

MATCH 2: City Swans 6.2.38 defeated Raiwaqa Bulldogs 2.2.14

MATCH 3: City Swans 3.3.21 defeated Suva Lions 1.3.9

MATCH 4: Nausori Cats 6.4.40 defeated Raiwaqa Bulldogs 2.3.15

LADDER AFTER ROUND TWO:

1. City Swans - 3 wins - 17.11.113
2. Nausori Cats - 3 wins - 14.17.101
3. Suva Lions - 2 wins - 19.16.130
4. Raiwaqa Bulldogs - no wins - 11.7.73

PLAYER OF ROUND 2 - John Valetiri was best on ground and played a crucial ball-winning role for the Cats in all positions.

MARK OF THE DAY - Bulldog Maicu Raida was tireless all day in defense, but against the dominant City Swans in their opening match, he took an outstanding goal saver right on the line.

GOAL OF THE DAY - Nathan Wesley kicked several goals for the winning Cats, but none so eye-catching as being on the receiving end of an unbroken link out of the middle in the last match against the Bulldogs when he managed to toe through from a bouncing Filipe Valesu ball.

Last week the Lions set the pace, but were outplayed this week despite kicking the highest goal tally so far. Good to see the Swans rising to the top with the Cats on their heels. Input from our expats is providing superb assistance to all teams they are contributing to - Jack French for the Lions; Mark Beevers for the Cats, and young newcomer, Finn Murphy, for the Bulldogs. Thank you to all players for maintaining excellent team discipline. Thank you to Yabaki Gade and Jack Toebelman for umpiring duties. Thank you to goal umpires Lani and Siteri, and Richard and Apenisa. ...

The 2014 instalment of the AFL Under 16s South Pacific Cup wrapped up this week in Coffs Harbour - north of Newcastle in NSW. The South Pacific Cup pitted the New Zealand Hawks, Papua New Guinea Binatangs and the Oceania squad drawn from the nations of Nauru, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

Game 6 of the tournament was played on Tuesday between the Coca Cola PNG Binatangs and the NZ Hawks. After which the undefeated Binatangs were crowned 2014 champions. On Wednesday there were two matches involving the South Pacific main squad against the Australian indigenous Boomerangs side as well as a match between a South Pacific development side against an 'All Nations' side.

Again - stories/details provided by AFL Pacific

Game 6 Summary In front of a sold out crowd at the Coffs Harbour International Stadium, the New Zealand Hawks took on the undefeated Coca Cola AFL PNG Binatangs yesterday (Tuesday). The Hawks outplayed the PNG side in most areas on the ground but didn’t take their opportunities in front of the goal. It was a very positive game for New Zealand but the finishing class of PNG ensured they took the points. The Coca Cola AFL PNG Binatangs ran out 10 goal winners yesterday, but according to AFL Development Officer-Pacific, Ben Drew, the NZ Hawks outplayed the PNG side. "The Hawks just lacked the finishing touches in front of goal from their hard work around the ground. PNG’s pin-point passing and speed around the ground were the deciding factor in the final match of the South Pacific Cup. All 3 sides (PNG, Oceania & NZ) should be very proud of themselves for the footy they have played, the improvement they have shown and the way they have carried themselves as young men off the ground as well. It has been a pleasure to be involved with all the players and staff over the last week. Everyone back in their home countries reading this should know they are all very good young men and good football players!"

Goal Kickers:PNG: Jemosol Paiara 2, Kenneth Jan 2, Peter Lavong 2, Kepas Matress, Alphonse Walten, John Susuve, Jeremiah Saupaii NZ: nilBest Players: PNG: John Susuve, Trendol Soten, Lawrence Kavanumer, Jemosol Paiara, Ephram Ken, Gideon Peter, Richard Walu, Thomas Wakon NZ: Nathan Curran, Utusa’itoa Ah Kuoi, Te Rei Clark, Isreal Irving, Kalib Lewis, Sam Green, Ben Armstrong, Jirah Momoisea.

The final Day saw a combined South Pacific Side take on the emerging Boomerangs on Oval 1. This was a very close match with both sides showing lots of talent and skill to produce a fast, tough encounter that the South Pacific came away with a victory. All the players combined very well and showed they will be a force come July.

Goal Kickers:South Pacific: Te Kope Tipene Thomas, Utusa’itoa Ah Kuoi, John Susuve, Jemosol Paiara, Saimone MoaetauBest Players:South Pacific: Ryan Bonga, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Christian Blackie, Samuel Kenjau, John Susuve, Jarrod Illig, Peter lavong, Kalib Lewis

On Oval 2 a South Pacific Development Side took on the All Nations Combined side in a great game of football! The ball continuously went from end to end and the players were superb on the ground. The All Nations side won the match but the Pacific boys showed they have the talent to match!

Goal Kickers: South Pacific (dev): Te Rei Clark, Viance Vano, Jeremiah Saupaii, Peter Patty, Siosuei HaveaBest Players:South Pacific (dev): Siosuei Havea, Kepas matress, Connor McGeough, Nathan Lenihan, Enovy Tungi

The PNG war cry and NZ haka performed pre game on Tuesday

On the back of the Coca Cola PNG Binatangs winning the 2014 AFL U/16s South Pacific Cup held this week in Coffs Harbour – the footy attention of PNG swing back to matters domestic. This weekend sees the Grand Final of the pre-season tournament for the Port Moresby senior competition.

Set for tomorrow (Saturday 18/04/14) at Colts, the day will also feature AFL PNG officially making an announcement of its' major sponsor for the Port Moresby senior competition at lunch during the pre-season grand final. Governor of the Bank of PNG, Loi Bakani, will be making the official announcement tomorrow.

AFL PNG has extended an invitation to all AFL PNG football clubs, players, club sponsors (or reps), club management and footy supporters to attend our pre-season grand final and MOST IMPORTANTLY, witness the sponsorship announcement.

Competing teams including : Gulf Giants, Defense Hawks, MoniPlus Taurama Suns, CPL Gerehu Magpies, Gordons Kokofas, University Tigers, Bomana Cats, Central Bombers, Lamana Dockers and Koboni. 2014 sees the welcome return of the Central Bombers.

The Central Bombers back in action in 2014; and the returning South Pacific U/16s champs the PNG Binatangs.

The Solomon Islands were recently and tragically battered by the tropical depression storm that formed into cyclone Ita – with widespread damage and numerous fatalities in the capital Honiara. The week before the SIAFL season had kicked off but not surprisingly round 2 was unable to proceed. The resilience of the locals highlighted though by the resumption last weekend with the playing of the previous weeks postponed matches.

Perhaps more importantly - the community of the SIAFL has been recognised in the Solomon Star newspaper for their efforts - here at White River in helping get the White River health clinic cleaned up and back into operation - crucial to help combat the spread of disease in the coming weeks.

As reported - many of the players live in the immediate area and many still being in the evacuation centre at White River High. The White River Demons and their Aussie friends including the Australian High Commissioner cleared almost 200 bags of mud.

Round 1 kicked off the 2014 SIAFL season on Thursday, March 27, with old rivals the White River Demons taking on the KG Sharks.

Move forward to Saturday and Game 2 involved the new team the Real Lions taking on the Central Eagles. Many of the Lions being former Eagles so no excuses for not knowing the game style of the opposition. Watson Ho and Anthony Joel showing leadership helping to ensure the Lions turned up in good numbers as a highly organised outfit.

The scheduled 3rd match was unable to proceed with China Town Magpies unable to field a team against the KG Sharks who took the walk-over. As it was though a scratch match of two 20 minute halves was organised and allowed some new comers to have a game and afterwards enjoy the launch of the new season with a drink and a hotdog.

Round 2 saw the Thursday night opener between the Sharks and the Real Lions chasing their first win. Unfortunately in the 12 aside contest the Sharks began the match with only 9 and not until the last break were able to add the 3 for a full 12 on the field. For the victors Junior Joel was a one man show up forward and finished with 19 goals. Real Lions running out easy 155 to 27 victors over the undermanned KG Sharks.

Game 2 on Saturday saw the Central Eagles up against the China Town side. Having forfeited in round 1 the Magpies proved to be a tad rusty by comparison to the Eagles who had had a decent hit out in Round 1. An early ascendancy was maintained – other than the second quarter - with the Eagles running out 16 pt winners. Central Eagles 48 def China Town 32 China Town players and umpire David Holo.

Who’s the toughest footballer you ever saw? Leigh Matthews? Ted Whitten? Luke Hodge? Maybe  it  is Jonathan Brown.  Well here’s something which may sort the wheat from the chaff. How often did you see them play in temperatures of 7 degrees, with a chill factor that made it more like minus 7? 

Well that’s exactly what faced the tough, fearless and enthusiastic Russian players who competed in last weekend’s Gagarin Cup in Moscow. 

The event, named in honour of the Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the first man into space, was played in the Russian capital in front of a motivated, albeit teeth-chattering crowd. The event is also played on Cosmonaut Day, a national holiday observed in Russia. It is the largest Australian Rules showcase in the country, just tipping out the Concrete and Steel Cup played each September (2nd) to observe the anniversary of the end of World War Two (won last year by the Space Pirates).

It is interesting, and just a little humbling, that the two biggest Australian Rules football events in Russia should be linked to two such momentous occasions. 

As a sign of the continued growth of the game in Russia, six teams were formed for the event. As the game is yet to flourish beyond the Moscow area to any great degree, those players interested were spread across the six teams, being the Shooters, Moskali and SKA (Sports Club of the Army) in Group A. Group B was made up of the Space Pirates, Slavs and Thrashers. Thrashers never really got to the field, but their presence in name only just adds further to the idea that the game is still growing. 

President of AFL Russia, Roger Scott, also managed to get the games some air time as “we had a TV station there filming as part of a documentary about Australia.” 

According to Roger, “the traditional winners, the Shooters, were going in as slight underdogs, as the younger teams - the Slavs, SKA and Moskali - had really matured over the winter.” 

The results of the carnival were as follows:

GROUP A

Shooters vs Moskali 20 - 28
Shooters vs SKA 4 - 1
SKA vs Moskali 9 - 19 

GROUP B

Slavs vs Space Pirates 13 - 10
Space Pirates vs Thrashers 30 - 00 (forfeit)
Slavs vs Thrashers 30-00 (forfeit)
 

1st place match: Slavs vs Moskali 14-05

3rd place match: Space Pirates vs Shooters 11 - 14


Final Standings:

1 Slavs
2 Moskali
3 Shooters
4 Space Pirates
5 SKA
6 Thrashers

 As a further point of interest, the umpire for the day was Ian Humphrey-Smith, whose brother Derek umpired at the highest level in AFL ranks from 1992 until 2003.

 As the temperatures warm up in Russia, we can look forward to the next Concrete and Steel Cup in September. But for now a hearty “Well done!” to Roger and the crew is Moscow who made another great international Australian Rules football event a reality.

 One question remains unanswered. I wonder how Lethal, Mr Football, Hodgy and Johnno would go in near or below freezing conditions. Thoughts welcome!
  ...

The 2014 Under 15 National Kickstart Championships wound up yesterday in Coffs Harbour, NSW with the powerhouse Western Australia team, having dispatched all opponents throughout the carnival, blitzing the Northern Territory team in the Grand Final.

The carnival, played at the Coffs Harbour International Sports Park from April 11th to 16th, also featured the round robin matches and final of the South Pacific Cup (see stories below)as well as the Australia Post All Nations Cup.

The results of the Kickstart Grand Final were:

WA: 14. 14. 98

NT: 4. 6. 30

Goalkickers

WA: Pickett 3, Garlett 2, Jones 2, McGuire 2, Hayden, Polard, Rhods, Dann, Johns

NT: McLennan, Greenoff, Shadforth

Best Players

WA: Rhods, Hayden, Dann, Yarran, Pickett

NT: Grant, Maroney, Baird, McLennan, Shadforth

Former Richmond and West Coast Eagles player,  Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls coached the Western Australia team to victory. Shannon Rusca, former Brisbane Lion and Western Bulldog, coached the Northern Territory team.

Details will soon be released about the selection of the national team from this carnival. The AFL website states that “ [the carnival is] supported by the Coles AFL Indigenous Program, the KickStart Championships provides players with an opportunity to test themselves against the best emerging Indigenous players from around the country at Under 15 level. The best performing players will be selected for the national Indigenous Flying Boomerangs squad by head coach Eugene Warrior.

In the other major result of the carnival Victoria/Tasmania, coached by former Richmond, Port Adelaide and Melbourne player  David Rodan, defeated Western Australia to win the Australia Post All Nations Cup.

Australia Post All Nations Cup grand final results:

VIC/TAS  6. 9. 45

WA 4. 9 33

Goalkickers

VIC/TAS: Atem 4, Jaith, Szydlik

WA: Bayok, Gare, Nani

Best Players

VIC/TAS: Atem, Jiath, Brown, Szydlik, McLaren

WA: Bayok, Maguang, Sabir, Nani, Bility

As detailed on the AFL website, “The inaugural Australia Post All Nations Cup is a feature event of the year for the Australia Post AFL Multicultural program and all six teams competing feature players from multicultural backgrounds, with each state represented. To be eligible for the All Nations Cup Squad, players must have been born overseas and come from a non-english speaking background. The junior multicultural stars form the basis of selection for the Australian players in the World Team which will compete in the NAB AFL Under 16 Championships, to be coached by Anthony Koutoufides.”

 World Footy News will publish the Flying Boomerangs squad as soon as it if officially announced.
  ...

World Footy News reported during last year a decision by the AFLNT (Australian Football league Northern Territory) to include the Alice Springs based club into the premier division of the NTFL. The club played half of the 2013/14 season as an extended trial after an initial four game exposure in the 2012/13 season.

On the field the Redtails certainly enjoyed some level of success. Their 2012/13 performance was heartening with three wins from their four games, including a shock win over eventual premiers, St Mary’s. Last season was not as successful on paper with just one win from their eight games, but closer inspection shows two losses by less than 10 points and only two losses by more than 50 points. The team certainly proved to be competitive over those two trials.

However, the following media release from the AFLNT states that the idea will take on a longer term planning direction for a number of reasons, delaying the club’s admittance to a permanent place in the NTFL Premier League.

Redtails entry into the TIO  NTFL Premier  League now a long term plan.

The AFL Northern Territory Board of Directors met on Tuesday evening and discussed the future of the Central Australian Football Club.

As number of key entry criteria have not been met  by the Redtails,  the AFLNT Board has not granted a license for  the club to compete in the TIO  NTFL Premier League season 2014/15.

AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley did however indicate that this is not the end for the club as AFLNT will work with the club to map out a plan to assist the club to meet the criteria and potentially gain entry in to the league in the future.

“Unfortunately the Redtails despite their best efforts have not been able to source a home ground for games in Alice Springs, which is the main obstacle for entry into the league as home town support is critical for the concept. The club has also done exceptionally well with its fundraising efforts but have been unable to secure three year funding commitments which presents a sustainability issue, so the AFLNT Board have not granted the club a license to compete in the TIO  NTFL Premier league next Season.”

“We will now be meeting with the club shortly to discuss the clubs future and how a collaborative approach between the club, AFLNT and all stakeholders with an interest in the club is the best model moving forward. We have asked the AFL Facilities Manager to prepare a paper on the possibility of developing a dedicated AFL oval in Alice Springs which if it materializes could solve the home ground issue that has not yet been resolved,” said Frawley. ...

Sure, we know that the St Kilda Saints will be playing their annual ANZAC Day game in Wellington, this time against the Brisbane Lions, but it is the opportunity that it affords NZ football to showcase their talent which is truly exciting for those with an interest in football on the east side of the Tasman.

Firstly there will be a two match series for the 2nd time between the NZ Hawks and the South Pacific Nations. Last year the series was won 2-0 by the New Zealand Hawks.

The South Pacific Nations will be looking to take revenge, and have a strong side capable of sparking an upset win. Their team is heavily weighted with NZ’ers such as St Kilda International Scholarship holder Joe Baker-Thomas, alongside some of the key players in New Zealand AFL, including Andrew Howison and Shane Leat. They will be coached by long time NZ representative Andrew Congalton. An exciting crop of young Kiwis in Levi Inglis, Kyle Smith, Te Kopa Tipene-Thomas, James Little, Ben Miller will be part of the team who have represented New Zealand at age group level with distinction. A strong contingent of players from the Pacific Islands will be joining them. Ha’ele Finau and Fohe Latu from Tonga, Sam Bua from the Solomon Islands and Chris Cakabou from Fiji are all leading players from their respective islands.

It appears that this year representatives from PNG will not be part of the team.
 

The first match of the series will take place on the 25th of April, and will serve as the curtain-raiser to the St Kilda Saints vs Brisbane Lions match at Westpac Stadium. Gates will open at 4.45.

The 2nd match will take place at Hutt Park, on the 27th of April at 10.30am, and will run in conjunction with an AFL New Zealand Have a Go Day. Spectators and supporters are welcome to attend.

For the New Zealand Hawks, their hopes will rest on a core of experienced stalwarts. Chris Mundell, Michael Gregson, Andrew Christensen, Jared Court, James Terry and Stanley Chung have earned many New Zealand caps previously, and will be looking to use that experience to shut out the younger South Pacific Nations team.

New Zealand Hawks coach Justin Davies and Congalton will be watching all New Zealand players with great interest. Performances in the series will be crucial for players wishing to represent New Zealand at the International Cup in August. Competition for places in the 2014 team will be fierce, as the tournament is the highlight of the International AFL calendar.

Match Details:

Game 1) New Zealand Hawks vs South Pacific Nations. April 25th, 5.00pm, Westpac Stadium. Curtain-raiser to St Kilda Saints vs Brisbane Lions.

Game2) New Zealand Hawks vs South Pacific Nations. April 27th, 10.30am, Hutt Park.

Meanwhile adding to the carnival type atmosphere of the week the AFL New Zealand Under 18 National Championships will also be held.

Some of the most talented young athletes from Northland to Otago have been identified through the Hawks Cup Secondary School competitions, as well as testing combines conducted throughout the country, will participate in two days of fixtures at the picturesque Hutt Park.

From this tournament an initial Under 18 New Zealand Hawks squad will be selected in preparation for fixtures against Victoria to be played in Auckland in October 2014.

Representatives from several AFL Clubs will be on hand in the hope of signing talented individuals on an International Scholarship that could lead to a professional AFL career.

Itinerary

24th April Hutt Park
11.00am Games Day 1 Commence

25th April Hutt Park
9.15am Games Day 2 Commence.

Off field the annual AFL New Zealand High Performance Awards Evening will be held at the Macs Function Centre, Wellington City on April 24th.

As a former Wellingtonian it is well known that you can’t beat Wellington on a good day - but a whole week such as this- truly memorable!

For more see:-
http://aflnz.co.nz/nz-hawks-to-defend-south-pacific-series-record/
http://aflnz.co.nz/under-18-national-championships/ ...

Courtesy of ABC Radio Australia website.

Australian Rules Football Team cleans up Hospital in floods in Solomon Islands.

Organised by the Solomon Islands Australian Football League, more than 30 players and their Australian friends engaged in a community effort to start rebuilding the White River Health Clinic.
 
The clinic was hit by flash flooding two weeks ago, which destroyed more than half its medical supplies.
 
Michael Nunan, coach of the White River Demons footy team and a pharmaceutical distributor says there was "a foot of mud" to be cleared.
 
He also says it's a priority to get the clinic re-opened as the Solomon Islands deals with outbreaks in dengue, diarrhoea and pink eye disease.
 

23 people were killed in the floods that swept through the Solomon's capital, Honiara, and other parts of the country. More than 30 others are still missing. Major roads throughout the main island of Guadalcanal are ruined and bridges have collapsed, making it hard for emergency teams to assess the damage.

This disaster could well impact on the ability of the Solomon Islands getting to IC14 later this year. ...

To coincide with the success and popularity of the Haggis Cup in Scotland played a few weeks ago comes the news of another Australian Football club in the country. The Falkirk Silverbacks have arrived on the Scottish scene to continue the growth of the game.

Falkirk, with a population of around 35,000, sits in the Lowlands between Scotland's two largest cities. Glasgow is approximately 33 kilometres away to the south-west and the capital city of Edinburgh just 37 kilometres away to the south-east. It is this proximity to these cities which already boast healthy Australian Rules football clubs which has led to the expansion of the game to Falkirk.

Martin Bell is a former Glasgow Sharks player and Scottish international, but has spent the last while in NSW playing and working for Sydney University Australian Football Club, one of the teams in the AFL Sydney Premier League. “I came back to Scotland and wanted to use my new experience to expand and develop the game in Scotland. So given my old club Glasgow were thriving with record numbers, I thought a new club in my home town of Falkirk, where there has never been any Aussie Rules footy before, would be the best course of action.”

Martin and his team are already under way and hoping to build bigger and better things over the coming seasons. “We are currently training once a week but looking to build on that and hoping to enter a team in SARFL for season 2015, but we'll get some trial matches in this year too.”

In a season where the Aberdeen Eagles have taken a break to recruit and rebuild numbers, it would be an enormous boost for the game in Scotland if they could be back on line for 2015, along with the new Falkirk Silverbacks team. The potential is certainly there for a union with the existing Glasgow Sharks, Edinburgh Bloods and Kingdom Kangaroos to make a stronger, expanded competition from 2015 onwards.

But for now, good luck and welcome to the Falkirk Silverbacks and we will watch their continued development with great intere ...