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Manchester Mozzies claim AFLCNE 2014 title.

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The Manchester Mosquitoes strengthened any claims that they are the powerhouse of the AFLCNE competition when they dispatched a worthy foe in the Huddersfield Rams in the 2014 Grand Final.

Clubs often don’t want to blow their own trumpets too loudly for fear of setting themselves up as the hunted, but the statistics for Manchester are impressive. The last five years has now netted four grand final appearances for three premierships: a consistency that would be the envy of all other opponents.

After finishing the home and away season on top of the ladder, undefeated but sharing a controversial tie with the Wolverhampton Wolverines in Round Three, the Mozzies ran out comfortable winners in their semi-final against the Birmingham Bears. The Huddersfield Rams finishedthird after the home and away season and had to get past the highly improved Nottingham Scorpions to reach the grand-final, which they did.


Come the big day and Huddersfield won the first and second quarters, setting up a possible upset. But the Manchester team found their mojo in the second half to eventually run out comfortable 39 point winners.

The following is an account of the day from the Manchester Mosquitoes own website:

“Manchester Mosquitoes defeated Huddersfield Rams 15.17.107 vs 9.14.68, 26/07/2014 at Sheffield Tigers RUFC.

Quarter by quarter scores were (Mozzies vs Rams):

3.2.20 vs 3.4.22

6.8.44 vs 7.6.48

10.12.72 vs 8.9.57

15.17.107 vs 9.14.68

Sam Boyd (Manchester) was deservedly voted Best On Ground by umpires Peter Cleveland and Ian Fabio Kafka. Congratulations to Alex Salama on taking the league golden boot, and since it’s no longer a secret, the Mozzies’ Golden Boot too! 52 goals in the home and away season alone.

Ryan Bower of Sheffield took overall league Best and Fairest for the year, with Birmingham’s Sam Willatt taking the Best Brit award.

Thanks to Sheffield for hosting the Grand Final, and well done to Huddersfield who provided a great battle of a final which had a bit of everything from any spectator’s perspective. See you all next year or at our 4th Nathan Blakey Movember Cup later this year.”

...

IC14 Preview: Garudas soar into international footy

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Indonesia may debuting at the International Cup but the country has a footy history that has been passed along to squad given the honour of representing their massive nation.  This is a massive step for footy in Indonesia and also the future of footy development for Asian nationals.

The Country and Australian Football.

Indonesia is a sovereign state in South East Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising some 17,000 islands with a population of over 238 million people, making it the world's fourth most populous country.

Indonesia lies between latitudes 11°S and 6°N, and longitudes 95°E and 141°E. It consists of 17,508 islands, about 6,000 of which are inhabited. These are scattered over both sides of the equator. The largest are Java, Sumatra, Borneo (shared with Brunei and Malaysia), New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea), and Sulawesi. Indonesia shares land borders with Malaysia on Borneo, Papua New Guinea on the island of New Guinea, and East Timor on the island of Timor. Indonesia shares maritime borders across narrow straits with Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Palau to the north, and with Australia to the south. The capital, Jakarta, is on Java and is the nation's largest city.

The Indonesian archipelago has been an important trade region since at least the 7th century initially with China and India when Buddhist and Hindu Kingdoms flourished. Indonesian history has been influenced by foreign powers drawn to its natural resources. Muslim traders brought the now-dominant Islam, while European powers brought Christianity and fought one another to monopolize trade in the Spice Islands of Maluku. Following three and a half centuries of Dutch colonialism, Indonesia secured its independence after World War II.

Despite its large population and densely populated regions, Indonesia has vast areas of wilderness that support the world's second highest level of biodiversity.

Indonesia has at least 150 active volcanoes, including Krakatoa and Tambora, both famous for their devastating eruptions in the 19th century. The eruption of the Toba supervolcano, approximately 70,000 years ago, was one of the largest eruptions ever, and a global catastrophe. Recent disasters due to seismic activity include the 2004 tsunami that killed an estimated 167,736 in northern Sumatra and the Yogyakarta earthquake in 2006. However, volcanic ash is a major contributor to the high agricultural fertility that has historically sustained the high population densities of Java and Bali.
 
Footy in Indonesia had its genesis when in 1995 the Jakarta Bintangs were founded by ex-pat Australians. The Bali Geckoes followed around 1997, again with mainly ex-pat Australians, later establishing the Bali 9’s competition. In 2008 the Borneo Bears were established in Balikpapan, similarly by ex-pat Aussies. In 2009 the Bintangs, Geckoes and Bears established AFL Indonesia with plans to further develop footy amongst native Indonesians. On Anzac Day 2013 an all Indonesian Jakarta Garudas* played an all Indonesian Borneo Bears also in 2013 a full –time Development Officer was appointed.  Australia Day 2014 the Garudas and Bears played the Bintangs (mainly ex-pats) in a one day tournament where well over 130 people attended.
 
Indonesia’s  IC Debut: Thoughts on the draw from Adam Norton: Garudas Team Manager.
           
Indonesia's first AFL International Cup campaign will be challenging as the Garudas are new to competing in tournaments of this magnitude. However, Indonesia are sending a dedicated squad of lightning fast, agile, aggressive and highly competitive players. Expect the Garudas' game plan, fitness and intensity at the footy to turn heads within the International Footy community,
 
Game One: Being drawn against Nauru for the first match at the AFL International Cup will be the initial hurdle the Garudas will encounter on the field. Currently Nauru are 5th overall in the International rankings (WorldFootyNews.com, 2013) and are the highest ranked squad Indonesia play during the seeding rounds after finishing 6th overall in IC11. The Nauru squad are seasoned campaigners and footy is highly developed there so the Garudas are aware that they will again bring their A-game. The Indonesian-National team will be fired up and switched on to tackle the Nauru squad 100% from the first until the last bounce
 
Game Two: Fiji were the Division 2 victors in IC11, so again the Garudas' squad are anticipating a tough hitout. Generally the Fijian squad bring with them some large formidable bodies. Although some 50-60kg Garudas have been known to rag-doll tackle  bigger Australian expat opponents more than twice their size. So expect the Garudas to utilise their intensity, aggression and speed to provide the best chance at being successful in this contest.
 
Game Three: Indonesia will play France, who were runner up in Division 2 at IC11. Goes to prove that there are no easy matches in the AFL International Cup. This match will coincide with the AFL's Community Round, which will see the Indonesia Garudas playing at Digger's Rest. The Garudas will need to dig deep, show their pride in their country and push themselves to the limit for this match.
 
Garudas Squad
 

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No.NamePositionYears playingClub
1.Yossy Alberta Taehuttu (C)Mid4.5Jakarta Bintangs/Cileunsi Tigers
2.Timbul Kukuh Santisa (VC)Fwd/Mid2Borneo bears
3.Bugi PermnanDef6.5Jakarta Garudas/Bogor
4.Ilham BachtiarUtility/Ruck3Jakarta Garudas/Bogor
5.Bambang SuminartoUtility/Ruck1Jakarta Garudas/Bandung
6.David Hasudungan SihombingUtility4.5Cileungsi Tigers
7.Michael AnwarMid4.5Jakarta Bintangs / Cileunsi Tigers
8.Rotama Agus SimanungkalitFwd/Def2.5Cileungsi Tigers
9.Frenky WarumuFwd2.5Cileungsi Tigers
10.IbadurrohmanFWD/RUCK5.5Jakarta Bintangs / Jakarta Garudas
11.Putra ArjaniDef3Jakarta Garudas
12.Michael Alexander LatupeirissaDef2.5Cileungsi Tigers
13.Dimas Adi PrasojoMid4.5Jakarta Bintangs / Jakarta Garudas / Depol
14.HariyantoFwd11.5Jakarta Bintangs / Jakarta Garudas / Depok
15.Mahenra Gilang SaputroMid1.5Borneo Bears
16.Egy Dwi TantoFwd1.5Borneo Bears
17.SulaimanFWD/DEF3Borneo Bears
18.Busah BalaRUCK/DEF3Borneo Bears
19.Vincent HalimFWD/MID1Jakarta Bintangs / Jakarta Garudas
20.Rama Yuda YuliantoDef1.5Borneo Bears
21.Hasanema Ziso DaichiFWD/MID2.5Cileungsi Tigers
22.Handri SusantoFWD/MID3Bali Geckos
23.Dillah Syah Nufkul AbdillahFWD5.5Jakarta Bintangs / Jakarta Garudas
24.YaminDEF1Borneo Bears
25.Agus MansyahDEF1Borneo Bears
26.Cody HallidayFWD1.5Altona Vikings
27.Richard WoodMID/FWD5.5Guilford Grammar / Borneo Bears
28.Bayu PratamaMID/FWD1.5South Melbourne Districts
29.Boy Sabar Pasaribu (Coach)Def8.5Jakarta Bintangs / Jakarta Garudas
 
Support Staff
National Coach - Boy Sabar Pasaribu
Assistant Coaches - Adam Bray and Shane Kruger
Team Manager - Adam Norton
Assistant Team Manager - Dean Reardon
IC14 (Indonesia) Chairman & Treasurer - John Eddy
Transport & Accommodation Manager - David Edwards
Committee Members/ Additional Support Staff - Iain Shearer, Chia Sabbatucci, Cath Eddy, Peter Wallace, James Moore, Brenton Harris, Drew Styles, plus several support staff based in Australia and countless others who have been involved with the AFL development program in Indonesia for many years
 
*Garuda: a large mythical bird, or bird-like creature, or humanoid bird that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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IC14 Preview : New look Chinese team looking to surprise

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China returns for their third consecutive International Cup and will be keen to show off their new look squad to an unsuspecting audience. Following on from their fifth placing in Division 2 in 2011 (which was already an improvement on their 15th placing in the 2008 debut), this year’s squad has been working solidly across a range of areas and expect to ruffle more than a few feathers.

The Country and Australian Football

The People's Republic of China (PRC) is the most populous state in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. The PRC exercises jurisdiction over 22 provinces, five autonomous regions, four directly administered municipalities (Tianjin, Shanghai, Chongqing and the capital city- Beijing), as well as two special administrative regions (SARs) – Hong Kong and Macau


Since an AFL development officer was first based in China in 2006, it has been a big few years for Australian Football in the region. There has been further and rapid consolidation of clubs in the major cities and the AFL has expanded promotion of the game in local schools and universities. The success and impressive crowd turnout of the Melbourne vs. Brisbane exhibition match in Shanghai in 2010 during the World Expo further exposed the potential for expanding the game into China and the subsequent creation of a purpose built ground in Tianjin in 2011 further validated and developed the opportunities for the game in the country.

As a further show of the growth of the game and growing links back to Australia, Port Adelaide Football Club have this year stood up and underwritten the team’s tour as their major sponsor, showing their continued support for AFL in South China.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Team coach this year, Jiaming (Jamie) Pi sees a whole new philosophy about Australian Rules football in China, which will completely change the way the nation approaches this year’s International Cup. “We have had a big change with myself as a Chinese coach. For the game to be embraced in China it has to be discussed within the Chinese languages. We speak of the game in our language and have a wholly Chinese team this year. When relaying messages we speak Chinese so that nothing is lost in translation. This has been a coaching mandate. We have already been together as a team and are undertaking two weeks of two sessions per day which includes team bonding sessions, strategy skills, football skills and running.” Previous incarnations of the Chinese team have seen the bulk of players coming more from the stable of the Beijing Bombers and Shanghai Tigers with a lesser number of Chinese nationals in the squads. This squad boasts all players being Chinese nationals which will increase appeal both at the event and to audiences back home in China as they continue to grow the game.

Team

According to Darren Whitfield, the secretary of South China AFL and Vice-president of AFL Asia, the core of Team China is the 28 player squad flying down from Guangzhou, China, about 4 hours bus ride from Hong Kong. These players play in the South China Australian Football league (SCAFL) with teams from Guangzhou Scorpions, Guangdong Seagulls, Macau Lightning, and 3 Hong Kong teams, HK Typhoons, Kowloon Cobras, and Lantau Lizards.

Many of the players are or were students at a Guangzhou Sports University and are natural sportsmen in many sports.

Zhang Hao also adds that “in order to get better result than before, we had started the training from 15th July. We live together and train together. It is a very different experience for every player. We always organize the skill training in the morning and body training in the afternoon.”

Players to Watch

Darren adds “Look out for captain Shaoliang Chen controlling the forward lines and taking strong marks and utility Hao Zhang’s wisdom and power in the middle. Also watch small midfielder and ball magnet Kenny's (Jianxiang Qui) athletic weaving and leaps, as well as tall Leighton (Honghui Lin) striding down the wings.”

Bottom Line

The Chinese team certainly has a tough draw, coming up against Canada, New Zealand and Finland. Not one of those games will be a “gimme” and the Chinese players will have to be at their very best to threaten. But according to their coach, Jamie Pi, “we have turned a corner and are at the start of a journey. We don’t have the expectation of where we finish, but will be judging our performance simply by giving a good showing. But Jamie does believe that some of their perceived “weaknesses” might just be unexpected strengths come match day, so it would be unwise to rule China out of any game.

Again, the team wants to acknowledge the generosity and support of the Port Adelaide Football Club in underwriting the tour and making it possible for a Chinese team to be at the IC14 event. ...

An AFL umpire’s journey…via Cambodia

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The Cairns AFL scene has a boundary umpire with a slightly different journey to most others. For the record, Sampho (pronounced Samp-ho with a strong “P” sound) is most likely not the first ever Cambodian born umpire in Australian Rules football ranks. I would imagine there are more in the southern states where there are larger Cambodian communities that have been exposed to the game for longer.

Nevertheless, Sampho Hing has found his way onto the Cairns football fields, and for those few hours as he runs the boundary he stands as a gleaming international beacon for our game. He becomes a subtle invitation for others to follow his lead and slowly, gradually grow the game across the world.

The first question Sampho answered was the journey from Cambodia to Australia.

“I come from Cambodia. I was born at Kampong Thom Province, [in the] middle of Cambodia, and I had been sent to work at Mondulkiri Province, in the North East of Cambodia.”

“In 2003, while I was working at the Department of Agriculture, I heard the announcement on the radio about scholarship to study in Australia. Then I started to study English by myself. I had started to apply for the scholarship since 2004, if my memory is not wrong. There are many steps to apply this scholarship, but I was unsuccessful all the time. Fortunately, in 2010, I passed the scholarship and I was allowed to study English for one year at ACE in Phnom Penh in Cambodia. However, after studying, my English was still not good enough, and the scholarship was withdrawn. In 2012, I reapplied for the scholarship to study in Australia again and in New Zealand. I got these two scholarships, but I dropped New Zealand because I was concerned about my English although I like the course I selected at that country. Again, I was allowed to study English for one year and then I got successful in overall IELTS. Finally, I got the scholarship to study in Australia after my hard work for more than ten years.”


After looking at options in Adelaide and Canberra, Sampho chose to come to james Cook University in Cairns, mainly because the weather was warmer.

When asked whether he had seen Australian Rules football before, what attracted him to the game or had he even heard of the Cambodian Eagles national team based in Phnom Penh, Sampho was quite candid.

“I am afraid that I had no idea about Australian Rules football before. I just knew that Australia had their own sport, this sport, when I was studying English, but I had no idea what it was all about. Sometimes I thought that it was similar to rugby. But, actually, it is not.”

“I was so busy with studying English and being with my family. I had no idea about the Cambodian Eagles club in Phnom Penh. I just heard when you told me.”

“When I was studying in the International Academic Program at JCU, I was searching for part-time jobs and then I saw the announcement about the game manager of AFL. I decided to apply this position because I used to play sport in Cambodia, such as football or soccer, volleyball and running. I used to be a player and a leader of teams. I participated in many events in sports in Cambodia in university and public and I used to win two championships in running in my country when I was studying at the university. In addition, I used to be a leader of some teams in sports to compete with other teams from other provinces in different events and the teams got good achievement. This created the interest in the sport in Cairns. After I applied for the job through the Internet, I was asked to train as a boundary umpire. Frankly, I did not know what the term “umpire” meant at the first time. I have since gone to training on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

At the first time, I tried to find a part time job so that I can make some money. But there have been other reasons for being an umpire also:

• I can immerse myself in new culture
• I now know new people and new places in Cairns
• I can stay in healthy both physically and mentally.
• I have new experiences in this country related to Aussie Rules.
• I have a lot of fun when I have at both training and games.
• I can release stress that I have from studying and from family. I missed my wife and three children when they have not yet arrived Australia. They arrived Australia on 25 June2014.
• I can learn English from other umpires although some slang and dialogue I don’t know. They use an Aussie accent which is hard for me to hear. Now I am getting used to it.

“I am afraid that I have not watched the game much yet, but I watch more than before. I have not had a TV at home yet, but I watch the games when arrive early to umpire. I usually arrive around one hour or even longer than this before the game start and I usually do the senior game, so I can watch the reserve one. I hope when I have a TV I will watch more games and I will teach my family to watch them. I really fell in love with the Aussie Rules. However, I prefer not to play because I feel a bit dangerous for me. I am not a person to put myself at risk too much.”

‘I do really like to umpire. I have a lot of fun, get some money and keep healthy and fit. Other umpires usually play around with my name. They don’t pronounce my name properly or the same as my language, but they change it to another one. Actually it is hard for someone to remember my name and then I try to tell them another way round to remember it. They can think my name like “Shampoo”. After that a few people call my name correctly, but others not although they can say it. Now, when I meet them they usually call me Shampoo, not Sampho. I sometimes feel annoyed, but I think if they can be happy and there is a fun, it should be fine.”

“I usually laugh when I am umpiring because a lot of strange things occur during the game even though there are some sadness happens because the players show bad behaviour to each other. They have a serious challenge and then it can create conflicts.”

To end the interview I pointed out that Sampho was one of the very few Cambodians to come to Australia for a new life and find themselves running the boundary line at Aussie Rules footy matches. I asked him whether that made him proud.

“I am so proud to be an umpire. I know the [game of] Aussie rules [better now] and I can watch and teach other people about the game. Up to now, I have umpired 29 games: 13 senior games, 6 reserve games and junior the rest. Some Australian people they don’t know about this game and I feel that I am ahead of those people and I can get involved deeper than them. I can umpire the senior game which is the hardest.”

Sampho has led a courageous journey to seek the best life for himself and his family and it has taken him many miles from his home and culture. But we in Australian Rules football circles are all the better for it and should embrace what Sampho has done and hold his achievements up as a template for others to follow from all over the world.

...

Essendon launch The Purple Bombers

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As part of its commitment to promoting acceptance and diversity, the Essendon Football Club has endorsed its first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) support group – The Purple Bombers.  CEO Xavier Campbell said Essendon Football Club was a place for all footy fans to feel welcome and respected.

“The Purple Bombers is great initiative,” Campbell said.  “No matter what your race, religion, gender or sexuality - everyone deserves the right to head along and enjoy the football in a safe and positive environment.”

“Our club has always championed diversity and inclusion at the football - We launched our #EFCRespect campaign earlier this season and the formation of the Purple Bombers supporter group is the next step in this important initiative.”

To view the club’s #EFCRespect campaign click here.

Tuazon-McCheyne officially unveiled the LGBTI support group alongside Brendon Goddard at training this morning.

“I am beside myself with excitement about today’s launch. Purple Bombers is a statement from the club that says it’s proud to support Essendon's LGBTI supporters and is committed to providing a safe environment at games, the club and official Essendon events,” Tuazon-McCheyne

“Six months ago I approached the club and asked them if they would support Purple Bombers, a group which promotes diversity and inclusion, and I believe it is another step towards making the game of AFL a more welcoming environment for LGBTI persons to attend.”

Goddard has been sponsored by Tuazon-McCheyne since joining Essendon and said he fully supports the Purple Bombers.

“Jason has been a member of this footy club for thirty years, and since I joined the club he’s supported me and when he approached me about Purple Bombers I was more than happy to show my support in return,” Goddard said.

“As a society we have come a long way in terms of sexual equality, and while there’s still plenty of work to do, our footy club continues to promote diversity through the #EFCRespect campaign and Purple Bombers is an extension to that.”

Supporters can register their interest in joining the Purple Bombers by heading to the club website.

Click here if you would like to learn more about the Purple Bombers.

The club has also released a Members’ Code of Conduct which reinforces the commitment to creating a safe, welcoming and family-friendly environment at all official club games and events.

Members are bound by the Code of Conduct and the document outlines acceptable behaviour across a number of different settings including match-day venues, club events and on social media.

To view the Essendon Football Club Members’ Code of Conduct click here. ...

UQAFC players head to IC14

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While a number of players from University of Queensland may have come to Australia to study and live it up in the Sunshine state they will be heading to chilly Melbourne next week to represent their countries in Australian football. Thanks to UQAFC Red Lions and author Mike Swann for the following article.
 
The UQAFC will have a number of people involved in this year’s international showcase event IC14, to be played across Melbourne during August.
 
Canadian recruit Chantal Beaudin will be playing for her country in the women’s competition, a side which Red Lioness captain Kate Harvey was also selected for but recently had to withdraw from due to an ankle injury. A number of UQAFC ladies were also set to represent a combined European team, which was ultimately forced to withdraw from the competition.
 In the men’s competition all of UQ’s focus will be on the Great Britain side, coached by Red Lion QAFL/Colts assistant Mark Pitura. Mark (a former AFL and SANFL player) has now coached the side for 6 years and this year introduced a couple of Red Lions into the playing fold. Olly Smith and Neil “Biscuit” Cooke will don the Union Jack as part of the British Bulldogs side hoping to claim their first International Cup.
 
Both boys were only recently introduced to the sport. Olly played mostly rugby union growing up, but had watched some AFL on television and found that “it always appealed to me as it didn’t look like it had many rules!” Olly began playing three years ago upon moving to Australia from the UK where he was almost immediately introduced to the Red Lions by a friend. Biscuit, also having played rugby union until his late teens, joined the club at around the same time as Olly after finding us online and wanting to try out a new sport. The boys are both eager for the chance to represent their country in their new sport.
 
Neil believes that “to get the opportunity to play against the best players from around the world (excluding Australia) is going to be the biggest experience of my life. Representing my country was a childhood dream and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the squad and make it a dream come true.”
 
 Olly will miss the first two games of the competition due to a long-planned trip home to visit family, but will be a key player upon his return to the side for the business end of the cup: “For me being part of the Great Britain squad at IC14 is a dream come true. To be able to represent your country at a sport was always a childhood dream of mine.”
 
The GB team will tackle France, Nauru and Fiji in the first stage in what should be a very competitive pool. Reigning champions Ireland will be early favourites as they look to take out their third cup, but coach Pitura believes that his boys are quietly building a side which will be ready to surprise the Irish team who denied GB victory at the 2013 European Champions in a last-second two point thriller.
 
Round 1 kicks off on Sunday week, 10 August 2014 at Royal Park, Parkville, with round two following on our Ekka-holiday Wednesday. The third round will be a highlight for all teams with cup matches aligned to local community competitions the next Saturday. Semi Finals will then be played mid-week, before the Grand Finals on Saturday 23 August. The women’s pinnacle will be played at Punt Road Oval, with the men’s match next door as a curtain-raiser to the Hawthorn vs Geelong clash at the MCG.
 
The UQAFC would like to wish all involved in this fantastic spectacle all the best for what will be a brilliant event!
 
Olly Smith
A mid-sized defender who is strong over the ball at ground level but can also play tall on opposition key forwards. His rugby background translates into unrelenting attack at the Sherrin. Can break games open with run off the half-back line.
 
 “How I got into footy: Just over 3 years ago I moved from the UK to Brisbane and in an effort to make some good mates and keep healthy I thought I would try my hand at Aussie rules. Previously I had played Rugby Union most of my life, but as a kid I had watched the odd bit of Aussie rules on TV. It always appealed to me as it didn’t look like it had many rules!
 
 A Red Lions legend called Justin Long happened to be good friends with my partner and so he introduced me to UQAFL.
 
 I instantly fell in love with the game, as it was physical yet fast paced and it helped that I was no longer playing in ridiculously rubbish weather!
 
After almost 3 years of playing the sport I was recently playing for the QAFL reserves side when Mark Pitura (The GB Bulldogs Coach) approached me after the game and asked I I was interested in representing my country at IC14. At first I thought it was a practical joke, but after checking it all out I was firmly committed to doing anything I could to assist the squad in August this year.
 
For me being part of the Great Britain squad at IC14 is a dream come true. To be able to represent your country at a sport was always a childhood dream of mine.
 
I will be joining up with the squad for the second week of the tournament as I will be travelling back from visiting my family in the UK during the first week. However once I am there, I will be doing anything I can to ensure we as a squad maximize our potential and aim for the ultimate win in International AFL competitions.”
Neil Cooke
Pint-sized mid-fielder/half-forward with dazzling footwork. Very elusive around the contest and will find ways to escape from packs with the ball in hand. Set to jag a number of goals across half-forward for the Bulldogs during IC14.
“How I got in to Aussie Rules: I was chatting with a mate about getting back in to competitive sport after deciding to stay in Australia long-term but having played Rugby Union until I was 17 I wanted to try something new. He suggested giving Aussie Rules a go and I came across the University of Queensland Red Lions on the internet. I went to an early pre-season training session having never touched an AFL ball before, let alone tried to understand the game, but it didn’t take long before I had fallen in love with the game. I am in my third season of Aussie Rules now and wish that I had discovered the sport earlier in my life.
It was Friday June the 6th and I had just come out of a meeting after accepting a new job offer when I saw a message on my phone from Mark Pitura (GB Bulldogs Senior Coach). In short, someone had pulled out of the squad and the position had been offered to me. My first thought was that someone was having a laugh but after checking the information I was straight on the phone to Mark to accept being part of the squad. I can’t say I’ve had many days like this in my life; it is one that I won’t forget.
To get the opportunity to play against the best players from around the world (excluding Australia) is going to be the biggest experience of my life. Representing my country was a childhood dream and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the squad and make it a dream come true.
Everyone in the Bulldogs squad is putting in the hard yards and looking forward to the tournament launch and first game against France. Back the Bulldogs!”
The original article appeared here.
The University of Queensland Australian Football Club (est 1956) is one of the largest sporting clubs based on the UQ campus. Recognised by AFL athletes as the preferred club at which to develop their professional and sporting careers, the UQAFC is a professional organisation based on amateur values where the UQ AFL community can enjoy competitive success, personal and professional development and life enriching social experiences in a safe, engaging and respectful environment. The club offers UQ Sports Achievement Scholarships specifically for AFL athletes studying and playing at the University of Queensland. With teams in the QAFL, QAFA and QWAFL, the UQAFC plays matches throughout south east Queensland each season. If you would like to contact the UQAFC about our media releases please contact our Media Manager, to enquire about sponsorship opportunities please contact our Sponsorship manager, or to find out more about playing with the club please click here.
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Live Video streaming of IC matches great result for fans

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In a first for the AFL International Cup the AFL will be video streaming matches live. In what started a few weeks ago as the likelihood that one of the grounds at Royal Park would have each match covered, and then last week was looking like two out of three grounds - now all games in Round 1 will be streamed live and be available on demand to watch at later date. We will post those details when they become available. Additionally all matches on McAlister, Ransford and Western ovals on Friday August 22 (Finals Round) will have the same coverage.

Both the Men's and Women's Grand Finals will also be streamed live for the first time.





Additionally the USA Liberty v Canada Midnight Suns on Wednesday 20th August will also be streamed live as the Liberty have a BYE in round 1, this will ensure that every team in the tournament will get at least one match filmed and streamed live.

So what does World Footy News need to go to the International Cup for? We can now all stay home and stream it on our laptops. Don't worry we will still be writing up all the games, and there are still games that will not be streamed. But this is a huge step for the International Cup and we applaud it loudly. Let's just hope it all goes well - some international streaming efforts (even of AFL matches) don't always go smoothl ...

Buffalo soldiers: Kenyans beat Tanzanians in historic match

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YOUNG boys leapt for joy while others leant on their knees in the worn paddock in the middle of the Nairobi township of Embulbul.

The final whistle had blown and the first international game of Australian football between African nations was over. Were there really any losersω

The historic match between players representing Kenya and Tanzania took place in late June in Nairobi, thanks to outreach organisation Zimele and its founder Tom Purcell, a senior teacher at Melbourne's St Kevin's College.

Since Purcell first visited Africa seven years ago, he has dreamt of establishing a sporting exchange between the neighbouring countries, but a lack of financial support and tricky logistics forced him to be extremely patient. However patience comes naturally to a busy, full-time working father of 10, as does persistence, and this year it all paid off.

In the end, the Kenya Buffaloes 4.7 (31) beat the Tanzania Simbas 3.12 (30)

Zimele is an outreach program that has been operating for six years, working in partnership with the Edmund Rice Foundation to build relationships and support the underprivileged in Africa.

For more information, visit zimele.org.

Original article by Conor Walsh, 19, who is a Melbourne student and supporter of Zimele.  To read his full story, click this link.

Purcell has also been contacted by three-time Geelong premiership player David Wojcinski, who works as an indigenous projects coordinator with the Cotton On Foundation and recently travelled to the southern Ugandan town of Mannya to teach boys Australian football.  There are hopes of Uganda joining to make a 3-way series next year.

...


IC14 Preview: US Women Freedom and Liberty

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The USA Freedom was formed in 2007 and has played in international matches against Canada’s Northern Lights, most recently in the 2013 49th Parallel Cup. The team also toured Australia in 2009 and played against women’s teams in Sydney, Melbourne, Country Victoria and Cairns.

In the first ever International Cup Women’s Division at IC11 the USA Freedom finished third defeating the PNG Flames twice and Australian IM team.

This time around the USAFL chose to send a second "development" team to Australia to play against some Australian women's teams.  They are known as the Liberty.  As the International Cup approached and some of the original teams (NZ, Europe and PNG) pulled out a decision was made that the Liberty would also play in the International Cup.

The Country

The United States of America is comprised of 48 states in central North America, Alaska to the north west of Canada, and the islands of Hawaii in the mid Pacific. Though the majority population are European descent and English is the official language, the USA is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations.

The area of the USA is 9.83 million square kilometres and with a population of  over 300 million it is the world’s third largest country by size and population. The population density of the USA is 33.7 per square kilometre, which when compared to Canada’s 3.41 per square kilometre, explains why minority sports such as Australian football are much more popular and widespread in the USA.

However, popularity does not always transfer talent, as the USA Freedom was defeated at IC11 by Canadian rivals the Northern Lights and tournament winners the Irish Banshees.  With women’s football increasing in popularity those three countries in particular, we expect fierce competition when those teams clash.

Prominent symbols of the USA include the Bald Eagle, the Liberty Bell, and the Statue of Liberty- the design used on the USA Freedom’s geurnsey. The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the Americans by the French to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. The statue is of the Roman goddess of freedom, Libertas. The USA declared independence from the British on the 4th of July, 1776, and that date is celebrated every year as “Independence Day”, a major national holiday.

The USA’s national sport is baseball, though the most popular sport is American Football. Basketball and ice hockey are also leading professional sports. Soccer is also played widely at youth and amateur level. Eight summer and winter Olympic Games have taken place in the USA and the country has won the most summer Olympic medals and the second most winter Olympic medals.

The Story of Women’s Football in the USA

Women’s football in the USA dates back to 2003 when a group of female players got together for an exhibition match at the USAFL National Championships in Kansas City. Following the exhibition match, the Orange County Bombers formed a women’s team nicknamed the Bombshells and they played their first match in 2004 against an “All-Comers” team put together by US Footy kids director, Denis Ryan.

Later on that year, after the Arizona Hawks formed their own women’s team, the Lady Hawks, another exhibition match was played at the 2004 USAFL National Championships in Atlanta. The publicity attracted enough players for the Atlanta Kookaburras to form the Lady Kookaburras team, and with the beginnings of women’s football spreading nationwide, in 2005 the first ever USAFL Women’s National Championships was held, between the Arizona Lady Hawks, the Atlanta Lady Kookaburras, and a “Fusion” team of players from Milwaukee, Florida, Washington DC, Seattle, Nashville and Toronto, Canada. After a hard fought final between the Kookaburras and the Fusion team, the Kookaburras managed to win the first ever Women’s National Championships.

Over 2006 with the number of female players increasing, a new team was formed in Milwaukee, the Lady Bombers. The women’s game adopted a new slogan - “Chicks play footy too” and the rules of the women’s game were also changed from the “wrap up” rule to full tackling, the same as in the men’s game. The Atlanta Kookaburras once again won the Women’s National Championships, and remained champions of the USAFL Women’s Division until their defeat in the 2011 Denver National Championships at the hands of Canadian invitees, Calgary Kookaburras. 

The first women’s national team was formed in 2007 for an exhibition match at the 49th Parallel Cup between the men’s teams USA Revolution and Canadian Northwind. The women’s national team was called the Freedom, and they defeated their opponents, the Canadian Northern Lights in the first ever international women’s football match.

The number of women’s teams has grown steadily since then, with teams from New York, Denver, Sacramento, Minnesota, Baltimore, Columbus, Boston, San Francisco and Florida joining the Women’s Division to form today’s USAFL Women’s Division. The teams travel long distances across America to play in matches alongside their counterparts in the men’s teams. Though the number of female players is increasing, some of the teams are unable to field full squads so often a couple of teams will get together to form two sides.

The USA teams typically play a modified game of Aussie Rules called “Metro Footy”. This is played on rugby or soccer fields as there were few grounds suitable for traditional Australian Football, and the smaller ground allows the smaller sized teams (typically 9-a-side) to enjoy competitive and exciting games. Full 18-a-side games are played at the USAFL National Championships.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The USA Freedom will be led by an experienced coaching team. Head Coach Leigh Barnes has played and coached football in Brisbane for 15 years, and his assistant, Milli Bruce, played in the VWFL from 2005 until her move to San Francisco in 2010.

We are taking 17 new players in the IC14 from 2011 and 36 new players in the overall squad, what a fantastic effort by all the players concerned. We have 14 returning players which is a great feat as well,” stated Leigh Barnes, head coach of the Freedom and Liberty squads.

Though the popularity of women’s football is increasing across the USA, the huge travelling distances involved make it difficult for teams to play each other on a regular basis. The American girls have good skills and are used to playing alongside women from different teams in the Metro Footy games, but this may not translate so well to the 18-a-side format. 

They know the potential of Ireland and Canada from IC11 and will be planning on how to overthrow those two.  If  the two US teams take each other on later in the tournament it could be a real highlight and show the real strength of the women's game in the USA.

Players to watch

Judith Stein (Baltimore-Washington Lady Eagles) is an experienced player and her leadership skills are exceptional. In IC11 she led the team with distinction. She has been with the Freedom since their first game against the Canadian Northern Lights in 2007 and her knowledge and talent will be a great example once again for the less experienced players.

Becky Kraft (Minnesota Freeze) Becky is in her fifth year of footy and is known to dominate games.  She was named at centre half back in the IC11 World Team and is Vice Captain of the Freedom.

Drea Casillas (New York Lady Magpies) is another experienced player who took up football with the Arizona Lady Hawks in 2005 before becoming the co-founder and captain of the Lady Magpies in 2008. She toured with the Freedom in 2009 and also took part in the 49th Parallel Cup on a number of occaisions. 

The Bottom Line

The game that would could decide how far the Freedom to make the Grand Final is the very first game against the Canada Northern Lights teamDon't underestimate the Freedom this International Cup. As for the Liberty, they can also be a force in the International Cup as well as there is not a big drop off from one team to the other. Don't be surprised if both the Freedom and Liberty teams make the top 4.

The Squads

USA Freedom

Melissa Armstrong - Arizona Hawks
Alexa Blatnick - Sacramento Suns
Brette Brower - San Francisco Iron Maidens
Andrea Casillas - New York Magpies
Taylor Davidson - San Francisco Iron Maidens
Sarah Edwards Rohner - Denver Bulldogs
Jessica Estrada - San Francisco Iron Maidens
Jessica Gray - Denver Bulldogs
Jessie Hazen - Denver Bulldogs
Kim Hemenway - New York Magpies
Lindsey Hestand - Arizona Hawks
Cathrine Hoha - Minnesota Freeze
Kari Johnson - San Francisco Iron Maidens
Lindsey Kastenek - Denver Bulldogs
Becky Kraft - Minnesota Freeze
Marie LaVictoire - Minnesota Freeze
Hallie Lee - Denver Bulldogs
Julie Marks - San Francisco Iron Maidens
Siobhan McHale - New York Magpies
Alexandra Mims - Baltimore Washington Eagles
Diana Paasch - San Francisco Iron Maidens
Lissa Regets - New York Magpies
Emily Riehl - Boston Demons
Lauren Shelton - Minnesota Freeze
Courtney Sherman - San Francisco Iron Maidens
Karen Stablein - Baltimore Washington Eagles
Judith Stein - Baltimore Washington Eagles
Holly Teufel - Boston Demons

USA Liberty

 

Lisa Arredondo - Boston Demons
Haley Carter - Austin Crows
Yani Castillo - San Francisco Iron Maidens
Tiffany Chen - Sacramento Suns
Courtney Church - Arizona Hawks
Lizzy Even - Minnesota Freeze
Catherine Georgiadis - Minnesota Freeze
Lauré Kwoka - Sacramento Suns
Jessica Lund - San Francisco Iron Maidens
Colleen MacNab - Denver Bulldogs
Kaitlyn Mascher - Denver Bulldogs
Helen Meier - Free Agent
Helen Mondia - Sacramento Suns
Nafla Poff - Minnesota Freeze
Victoria Schoennagel - Sacramento Suns
Heather Serpico - New York Magpies
Emily Smuder - Minnesota Freeze
Brianne Theisen - Minnesota Freeze
Terri Tupper - Minnesota Freeze
Alison Vorsatz - New York Magpies
Vanessa Welker - Arizona Hawks
Tishe Williams - San Francisco Iron Maidens

Emergencies

Autumn Ervin - New York Magpies
Nicole Fasula - Arizona Hawks
Tara Salmon - San Francisco Iron Maidens
Jess Whisney - Minnesota Freeze ...

Shem Shelved for 2014

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NZ’s Shem Tatupu, one of Hawthorn’s International Rookies, will miss the remainder of the season with stress fractures in his foot.

General Manager – Football Operations Chris Fagan confirmed the the key forward/ruckman prospect felt soreness in his foot at a training session a few weeks ago.

Tatupu was sent for scans, which revealed stress fractures that will force him onto the sidelines for the rest of the season.

“We had some X-rays and scans on that that turned out to be stress fractures, which have required surgery,” Fagan said.


“That means, unfortunately that he’ll be out for the rest of the season.”

It is the same injury in which the Kiwi suffered last year that saw him spend most of the pre-season in rehab.

Fagan said it was disappointing for the 18 year old to have to spend more time out of the game he’s still learning.

For now, Tatupu will be spending time with the coaches to continue to learn and develop his AFL skills.

“Hopefully he’ll make the most of this time and when he returns next year, he can have a real impact.”

For more see:- http://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/201...the-season ...

AFL London 2014 Grand Final Previews

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Tomorrow sees the AFL London Grand Final matches take place as footy in London reaches the season crescendo. Thanks to Chris Rea for the previews.

PREMIERSHIP DIVISION WANDSWORTH - DEMONS VS WEST LONDON WILDCATS

Once again the old rivals will meet in an AFL London decider.   If games to date this year are any indication, this one will be a ferocious contest. It has three years since these two proud Clubs last faced off in a Grand Final.  Don’t expect that to reduce the tension however, as over the course of 25 years of Aussie Rules footy in London there is no bigger rivalry.

The Demons rebuilt over the off Season, following a disappointing 2013 (by their standards). With plenty of new recruits joining and new leadership from within, they tackled 2014 with renewed confidence.   Their first (and only) misstep was a 1 point loss to the Wildcats in Round One and since then the Demons have taken all before them.  A narrow win over the Wildcats earlier in the finals series gave them a direct path to the Grand Final, and they’ll be hoping the extra rest gives them an edge.

The Wildcats are the reigning Premiers, however haven’t had it all their way in 2014.  A strong first half to the Season was followed by some very tough games in the latter parts of the Season.  They have had to take the longer road to the Grand Final, and only last weekend required 2 goals in the last 90 seconds of the game to sneak over the line against North London.  While there is no doubting the ability of the team, the challenge for the Wildcats will be to find another level following two tough games in a row. 

For the Demons: Watch out for AFL London Best & Fairest (and leading goal kicker) Trent ‘Tractor’ Georgiou to prove a handful, while veteran Mark Brescacin will be hoping for one more Premiership medal.
 
For the Wildcats:  Up front Brad Collins will make a mark on the scoreboard, while Todd Pfeiffer and Brad Wedgewood will keep things moving along in the middle.
 
Our prediction: A thriller, however the Demons should prove just too strong this time and take the win by 11 points.
 
CONFERENCE DIVISION - SHEPHERDS BUSH RAIDERS VS CLAPHAM DEMONS
It’s a West London versus Wandsworth derby in the Conference as well, with the fast finishing Demons taking on the all-conquering Raiders.
 
Since the Conference Division began, the Raiders have incredibly managed to win all but one Premiership!  Their depth and quality has once again proven to be a step ahead in 2014, but will it translate into a Grand Final victoryω   If their last game two weeks ago is any indication, they won’t be overawed.  The Raiders demolished a strong Lions outfit to the tune of 20 goals, and will also take confidence into this game following two big wins over the Demons during the year.
 
In contrast, the Demons have found form at the end of the Season.  They beat a very competitive Swans team early in the finals, and last week were hugely impressive in beating a fading Lions side.   With quality players all over the pitch, there is no side better placed to knock off the reigning champions.
 
For the Raiders:   They have depth all over the field.  Watch out for Kevin Upton and Evan Scicluna up front, and also Jimmy Gottschalk off the wing (if fit and back from injury)
 
For the Demons:  Captain Coach John Diano provides a focal point for their attacks at full forward, and is the key to their chances.   
 
Our prediction: No team knows how to win Grand Finals like the Raiders.  It’s hard to see that run ending this year, and the Raiders will take home another Premiership Cup with a 19 point win.
 
SOCIAL DIVISION - SOUTH EAST LONDON GIANTS VS EALING EMUS
 
It’s a showdown between the newest Club in the League, and a side that is never far from the top of the table in the Social Division. 
 
This year we may be seeing a changing of the guard in the Social Division.  The Giants have taken all before them, beating most sides comfortably during the regular Season.   This weekend will mark their first ever visit to a Grand Final, and they will be desperate to finish the year on a high.  
 
The Emu’s, as always, have led the way for much of the year.  Their incredible depth across the West London Club continues to serve them well, and they benefit from the experience and skill of several veterans in the ranks of the Emu’s team.   Only the Giants have proven to have the ability and willingness to match them.
 
Two weeks ago the showdown between these two teams went right down to the wire.   That time it was the Giants who came from behind to book a spot in the Grand Final.  
 
For the Giants: Watch out for Captain Lee Jarvis in the middle, while club stalwarts Guy McGrath and Dave Field will be very keen to finish the year on a high.
 
For the Emu’s:  ‘Froggy’ Triplet up forward teams will with Jeremy Landberg, to kick winning scores on a regular basis.
 
Our prediction: A tight game from start to finish, however this one will see a Giant boilover as the new Club from South East London take home their first silverware. 
 
COME ALONG ON SATURDAY 2ND AUGUST TO ENJOY SOME GREAT AUSSIE RULES FOOTY ACTION
 
All games are held at Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Recreation Ground, off Marina Av, Motspur Park, KT3.  Car parking is available at the ground, and it’s a direct 15 minute train ride to Motspur Park Station from Waterloo or Clapham Junction.
 
Games begin at 11am for the Social Division Grand Final, followed by the Conference Division at 12:45pm and the Premiership at 3.30pm.  A ladies exhibition game will also feature, kicking off at 2:30pm.
 

  ...

IC14 Preview: AFL PNG Mossies poised to sting

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AFL PNG Mosquitos (men's team) returns to contest their fifth AFL International Cup - one of a select group of nations to contest each tournament thus far. A team that whilst raw in 2002; managed to win through to the inaugural grand final only to fall short to Ireland. Since then the Mossies have contested each decider losing in 2005 to New Zealand; breaking the drought for a mighty win in 2008 in a rematch against the then NZ Falcons. And then in 2011 again came up short against the Irish. It's a proud heritage of participation and no doubt there would be an expectation of at least a top 4 finish and a reasonable hope of again competing in the final.

The AFL PNG Mosquitoes are one of the powerhouse international countries competing at the 2014 International Cup. Always ranked in the top two and playing in every grand final since the inception of the Cup in 2002 (winning in 2008), PNG is a team to watch out for. With a continued strong development and talent program, including Australian Scholarships, and a blossoming Port Moresby Competition (fuelled by junior development including the Port Moresby Academy), the equal of any in Country Australia, the PNG Mosquitoes will perceive not making the decider a step backwards.

Barring injuries and the ever present issue of immigration, the Mosquitoes should make it through to the semi-finals and find out against the other heavy weights Ireland and New Zealand; and the improving and dangerous Nauru and USA if there has been improvement over the last three years. Consistent exposure for many to strong Australian competitions, ongoing improvement and success at Junior National and International level and the quality of the Port Moresby competition has the Mosquitoes primed for another tilt at the title.

The squad of 30 is the youngest ever assembled with an average age of just over 21 years old. With many of the older greats of PNG football retired, and many of recent stars including AFL listed David Meli, Peter Labi and Stanis Susuve unavailable, a new batch of PNG players are ready to take to the stage. Experienced Mentor, David Lake, comes into his second International Cup campaign as Coach with a far more settled squad and in a far better position after the tumultuous and sad 2011 campaign. Surrounded by a strong staff, the Morningside (Queensland State league) Coach has emphasised that PNG play to their strengths and enjoy the moment.

The Country and Australian Football

AFL in PNG has been the number one code during the 50s, 60s and 70s with the VFL (AFL) holding a exhibition match in Port Moresby and PNG competing in the 1979 Teal Cup Competition in Australia. The developing country has close ties with Australia until it gained Independence in 1975. AFL has always been played and the resurgence since 2000 under the stewardship of AFL PNG has seen an amazing regrowth in the game. With over 40,000 players in organised competitions and over 40, 000 more in school programs, AFL in PNG is growing strongly.
With PNG in the middle of a financial boom and interest at an all time high Australia’s close neighbours - all 7,000,000+ of them - continue to provide strong sporting squads, especially in AFL.


Strengths and Weaknesses

As always, the PNG Mosquitoes greatest strength will be their depth of squad with all players having the opportunity to play quality football, either at home or in Australia. With every player in the squad coming through AFL PNG’s Talent Pathway and two thirds of the squad having played full time in Australia over the last few years. Quality players like Donald Barry (Lions Rookie), John James (Aspley NEAFL), Emmanuel Tupia (Redlands), Amua Pirika (Suns Scholarship), Gideon Simon (Richmond Scholarship) and Brendan Beno (Lions Scholarship), will have the class whilst senior players Emmaus Wartovo, Willy Aisi, John Ikupu, Greg Aki and Paul Phillip all played in the last losing Grand Final. Complimented by young guns Luke Savere, Kataha Siwee, Greg Ekari and Theo Gavuri, the squad has a quality list. The unknown will be the age and experience of the squad with many youngsters playing their first International Cup. The lack of preparation as a squad could also be an issue but will probably be covered with the new format of the draw.
Coach David Lake said;
“Regular contact with our Australian based players and the quality of the PNG based squad has seen all the squad prepare professionally for the Tour. The challenge was to cut the squad to 30 with so many new players putting their hand up to be part of the team. We are looking forward to being involved in this great tournament and we will continue to play exciting, skilful and hopefully successful brand of football."

Players to Watch

Gideon Simon: Former Richmond Scholarship player who is now playing at Swan Hill. 19 year old mid fielder with silky skills and big motor.
Brendan Beno: Former Lions Scholarship player and Redlands State league. Ball magnet who kicks goals off both feet.
Emmanuel Tupia: Strong running CHB who spent three years at Redlands and has a racking kick and strong mark.
Donald Barry: At 25, one of the older statesman of the squad. Three years on the Lions list as a hard working half back who controls the game and kicks with precision.
John James: Exciting and Tough. Current Aspley (NEAFL) player who will captain the Mosquitoes and lead from the front.
John Ikupu: West Coburg ruck-man who has an amazing leap and work rate. Underrated and happy out of the limelight.
Amua Pirika: A very strong full forward coming off the Suns Scholarship who can kick long goals from any angle. Leading goal kicker in the Port Moresby competition.

Form Guide and Bottom Line

The AFL PNG Mosquitoes have been seeded second after their grand Final defeat in 2011 and will be looking to go one better. Although as a squad PNG does not play many Internationals, individually their players are all exposed and have strong AFL experience.
With a young and exciting squad that on paper is a lot more balanced and has greater depth than 2011 and even 2008 the Mosquitoes will be disappointed with less than a Grand Final spot.

Full Squad


NumberNameDOBHgtWgt Local Club
1Scott Johnson26.07.9516770 Carnington/Linton
2Jeconiah Peni15.08.9517276 Campbelltown
3John James Lavai06.06.8917882 Aspley
4Luke Savere14.05.9716769 Bomana Cats
5Brendan Gotuno23.10.9516970 University Tigers
6Theo Gavuri22.02.9416974Sydney Hills Eagles
7Max Lavai16.09.9517866 Koboni FC
8Paul Philip13.12.8917676 Koboni FC
9Brendan Beno10.08.9416973 Koboni FC
10Amua Pirika03.03.9118692 Koboni FC
11Gideon Simon30.10.9417076 Swan Hill
12Emmaus Wartovo10.03.8817290 Port Moresby Dockers
13David Topeni12.05.9417678 University Tigers
14Stanis Agita24.10.9417979 Hermit Park Tigers
15Jason So-ong10.08.9417376 Carnington/Linton
16James Yogomin25.05.9017897 Gordons Kokofas
17Laurie Logo04.09.9118182 University Tigers
18Jeffery Namete28.06.9018685 Taurama Suns
19Ezra Gotuno21.10.9417380 Gerehu Magpies
20Willie Asi05.11.8917576 North Cairns
21Alphonse Jambarufo27.05.9418479 Campbelltown
22Emmanuel Tupia22.11.9118493 Port Moresby Dockers
23Donald Barry05.03.8917682 Gordons Kokofas
24Wingti Pena14.08.9217380 University Tigers
25Greg Aki27.09.9117882 Coolamon
26John Ikupu20.09.9218685 West Coburg
27Kataha Siwee09.11.9718074 Bomana Cats
28Ferdinand Musi26.01.9118085 Taurama Suns
29Archie Mai15.10.9117367 Gordons Kokofas
30Gregory Ekari24.05.9617070 Bomana Cats
31Michael Macca05.12.9517882 Carnington/Linton
32Clyde Pulah06.04.9218074 University Tigers
33James Imbi10.06.8418079 Haywood

...

IC14 Preview: India looking to build

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India returns to Melbourne for their third successive International Cup. Their first visit Down Under resulted in a series of heavy losses, however at the last tournament the team displayed improvement and secured their first-ever victory, against East Timor.

Once again only half the squad will travel from India, however this time the travelling party are official participants in the Australian Rules Football Association of India, representing three of its clubs; Bengal Tigers, Maharashtra Giants and Jharkand Crows. In addition to this, a number of the Melbourne-based players have had regular match time at Masala Football Club, in the Victorian Amateur Football Association; the club having been born out of India’s last International Cup campaign.

The Country and Australian Football

India is the world’s second most populous nation (1.2 billion people) and arguably one of the most diverse.

Football arrived in India with former VFL player Brian Dixon in the months prior to the 2008 International Cup. Dixon hoped the tournament would serve as a catalyst for growth of the sport in India. Whilst not in the manner Dixon had intended, such growth did occur, albeit more than three years later.

That growth has been driven by Sudip Chakraborty, a member of the 2008 and 2011 squads and an occasional World Footy News writer. Chakraborty was sufficiently taken by the game to pursue a postgraduate qualification in Sports Management and ultimately establish the Australian Rules Football Association of India (ARFAI).

Since its establishment, ARFAI has launched programs in six Indian states, has seven paid full time roles and has hosted two successful National Championships.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The country now has a formal governing body, although given it is recently established, at-most minor improvement can be expected of the India-based players. Of the Melbourne-based players, most have at least some football experience and a good understanding of the sport’s tactical intricacies.

India is fixtured in Pool B, with matches against Tonga, PNG and Pakistan. Based on previous matches, a win against Pakistan is the only likelihood and even this might prove challenging, given the Shaheens extensive preparation.

Team (#, name, DOB, height, weight, club)

13 Saudi CHAKRABORTY 06/11/1989 186 88 Bengal Tigers
15 Sudhasil MITRA 06/11/1989 184 72 Bengal Tigers
22 Sk. Arif ALI 30/06/1988 178 70 Bengal Tigers
23 Jonathan D’MOORE 13/07/1986 183 81 Bengal Tigers
11 Rakesh GHOSH 11/05/1985 180 70 Bengal Tigers
21 Jasim AKHTAR 15/10/1988 175 75 Bengal Tigers
14 Biswajit DAS 04/11/1985 168 70 Bengal Tigers
25 Md. FARIDUDDIN 17/07/1990 183 85 Bengal Tigers
9 Saurabh BHANDEKAR 22/03/1991 173 72 Maharashtra Giants
10 Zuber BAIG 20/09/1990 168 70 Maharashtra Giants
4 Mayur PARMAR 03/10/1994 178 72 Maharashtra Giants
12 Mahesh TIRKEY 23/02/1993 181 71 Jharkhand Crows
3 Sukanta GOLDER 06/02/1992 173 72 Bengal Tigers
26 Shezmon MADEIRA 07/09/1989 180 73
18 Fevin MASCARENHAS 01/08/1986 175 80 Masala (VAFA)
5 Tarak SHAH 12/12/1990 168 70 Masala (VAFA)
27 Dilpreet SINGH 19/09/1988 178 83 Emmaus-St Leos (VAFA)
19 Prakash KAILASHNATHAN 12/10/1985 174 70 Masala (VAFA)
7 Shyamkumar SHARMA 11/08/1986 176 70
8 Raul ANNEDI 20/09/1995 173 69
1 Darius FERNANDES 07/07/1992 164 56 Bulleen-Templestowe (VAFA)
20 Sumit KUNDU 20/11/1988 178 73
16 Anton Mories JEGAN MORIES 20/12/1996 173 80 Masala (VAFA)
6 Dishan YOGATATHINAM 21/02/1997 170 76 Masala (VAFA)
24 Trevor BANERJEE 30/04/1979 175 71 Masala (VAFA)
28 Gursharan GILL 13/09/1986 175 83
29 Lakshay TOTLANI 20/10/1984 174 95

Players to Watch

India-based Chakraborty, Mitra, D’Moore and Ghosh all return from 2011 as do Melbourne-based Banerjee, Madeira, Mascarenhas and Kailasanathan. Melbourne-based players currently aligned to clubs will also be amongst the stronger players.

Bottom Line

Very hard to speculate given the country’s last hit out was three years ago fielding a largely different team. In a best-case scenario India will be a low-finish in Division 1. A worse-case scenario and they struggle to match their one win of 2011. 



...

IC14 Preview: Northern Lights and Midnight Suns

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Women’s football in Canada has come a long way since the first women’s team was formed back in 2007 in preparation for the Northern Light’s first ever international against the USA Freedom. They lost that match, but didn’t lose the desire to continue the push to expand female football across Canada.

With the confidence of their 2011 International Cup performance where they were runners up to Ireland, the Northern Lights are coming over to Australia with the intention of going one better at IC14.  And this time they have some extra friends with them.  As PNG, NZ and Europe all withdrew teams from the women's division a decision was taken by AFL Canada to send a second women's team as they had a large number of talented players that were keen to make the trip who had missed out on Northern Lights selection.  The Midnight suns will not only represent Canada proudly but will be looking to show that they can match it with both the other countries and those selected before them for Canada. 

 The Country

Canada is comprised of ten provinces and three territories. The official languages are English and French, which is spoken in the eastern state Quebec. Ottawa, in Ontario, is the capital city, though the largest city is Toronto, further south in Ontario near the USA border. Canada has an area of 9,985,000 square kilometers, but large areas of the north are covered in glaciers and permafrost and one could say are mostly uninhabitable. Canada’s population is 34,523,000, and a population density of 3.41 people per square kilometer means recruiting players from outside the larger cities is difficult. Canada’s national symbols are influenced by natural, historical and Aboriginal sources. An example is the maple leaf used on the national flag, and the Team Canada emblem, a totem pole style eagle. Before the women’s team adopted the uniquely Canadian “Northern Lights” moniker, they were called the Eagles.

Canada’s official national sports are ice hockey and lacrosse, and other popular sports include curling and Canadian Football. Canada has hosted several high profile international sporting events, including the 1976 Olympics, the 1988 and 2010 Winter Olympics, and the 2007 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Canada borders with the USA on two sides (mainland USA and Alaska) and the two countries have a long history of collaboration. AFL is no exception. Every year, a national team from the USA plays against Canada in the “49th Parallel” Cup. The Northern Lights have also competed against the USA’s national women’s team, the Freedom, in 2007 and 2010.


The Story of Women’s Football

Women’s football in Canada dates back to 2004 when a Toronto team, Etobicoke Kangaroos, held a development clinic at two local girls’ schools. At the end of the clinic, the two schools played each other- the first ever all female Australian football match played in Canada.

Three years later in 2007, women’s football took another step when the USA Freedom challenged Canada to a women’s international match before the 49th Parallel Cup in Vancouver. In preparation for the match, the first Canadian women’s team, the Calgary Kookaburras, was formed in Alberta. The national team comprised of 14 Calgary Kookaburras players, and 6 players from Vancouver, and lost two matches against the USA Freedom, but the Kookaburras were later invited to participate in the 2007 USAFL Women’s National Championships in Louisville, Kentucky.

Following the success of the Kookaburras, Alberta again led the way in the development of women’s football in Canada with the establishment of the first women’s football league in 2008. The Hillhurst Nighthawks won the inaugural Alberta Premierships, and the Calgary Kookaburras were again invited to the USAFL Women’s National Championships, in Colorado Springs, where they defeated the Atlanta Lady Kookaburras in the final.

The Edmonton Emus joined the Alberta league in 2009, and competed against the Calgary Kookaburras and Vancouver’s West Coast Wildcats at the Canadian Women’s National Championships. Following this success, two more provinces, Ontario and Quebec, formed their own women’s football teams, the Toronto based Central Blues and the Montreal Angels.

Today, women’s football is played in 4 of Canada’s provinces and territories- Alberta, British Colombia, Ontario and Quebec. Current teams are the Calgary Kookaburras and Edmonton Emus (Alberta), West Coast Wildcats (British Columbia), Toronto Central Blues and Toronto Eagles (Ontario), and Montreal Angels (Quebec).

Northern Lights


Canadian women’s team ‘The Northern Lights’ return to Melbourne for IC14 aiming to improve on their great debut performance in 2011 where they were runner-up to the Irish Banshees. Led by new Head Coach Jason Arnold and Assistant Coaches Greg Everett and Dave Kalinowski the Northern Lights have hit the training track hard for the past two years with IC 2014 in mind and hoping to go one step better.
 

The road to IC14 really kicked into gear back in August last year, where the Lights dominated the USA 13-9 to 0-1 in Edmonton to regain the Parallel Cup. What made that performance more impressive was that the team was missing a number of its key players including Captain Aimee Legault, IC11 World team selection Sarah Ennor, key defender Lara Hilmi and speed machine Heather Walshe.
 

The Lights play the USA Freedom first up on August 10th in what is expected to be a much tougher game than that experienced last August. The Lights then play USA Liberty, Fiji and Tonga to complete the first round with their ultimate aim a Grand Final birth and a tilt at the title.
 

Players to watch
 

Lara Hilmi– Best and fairest last year for her home club Sydney Shamrocks. Selected on the halfback flank in the Sydney AFL ‘Team of the Year’. Recently represented the Sydney league and was one of their best players in the win over Canberra.
 

Rachelle Chabot– Calgary Kookaburras Captain is in career best form after a huge pre-season. Her rock like defence and run out of the backline is something to look out for.
 

Jen Nichols – The Central Blues mid fielder has had a great season off the back of winning her club best and fairest in 2013 and is looking forward to having a big impact at IC14.
 

Midnight Suns


There was no better indicator of the depth of women’s footy in Canada than when the news reached AFL Canada that there may a possibility of an additional team being accepted for IC14. There was an overwhelming response by players from across the country, and within hours, there was enough interest to field a second Canadian team and the Midnight Suns were ultimately accepted into the tournament.
 

The Suns will be coached by IC11 Lights Assistant Coach Mark Peterson and will be supported by Assistant Coaches Peter Maloney and Murray Fielding.
 

The Midnight Suns started as a development squad, which first played at the Parallel Cup in Ohio in 2012 and again last year in Edmonton. While many of the players have yet to play side by side, they are united by their determination, passion, and excitement for the game and the opportunity to represent their country.
 

Players to watch
 

Chantal Beaudin – Playing for Queensland University, Chantal has had a great rookie season and really impressed with her fitness, speed and overall skill.
 

Haley Fanning – A recent rugby convert from Edmonton, Haley has had a fantastic season for her local club and is looking forward to testing herself against the best from around the world.
 

Emily Legault – Emily is in her second season with the Montreal Angels and is a player on the rise. A strong key position player, Emily will play a key role for the Suns.

 

Form Guide and Bottom Line

The Northern Lights have a fair idea of what it will take to win IC14 after taking it up to the Irish Banshees at IC11.  Tough tackling Fiji and Tonga may make put the Canadians off their game but their experience and skill should show out.  Then there is the grudge match against their American neighbours where all history is just that.  We think the Northern Lights will outshine the Suns as would be expected and a top two finish is definitely a possibility again. .

The Teams
 

Northern LightsMidnight Suns
Aimee Legault
Alanna RobertsonAmy PYKE
Brandie CorriganAlanna FENTON
Caity KiddAmanda HENDERSON
Candace KwanAshley GAZELY
Charnelle WillisAshley GRANT
Danah ArnoldBrittanie SHANNON
Danielle ComolliCarmen FLORES
Emma DickinsonChantal BEAUDIN
Heather WalsheDanica KINCH
Hilary PerryEmily LEGAULT
Holly CostanzaGillian ENGLISH
Jen NichollsHaley FANNING
Jodie FluitHolly CARLSON
Kassandra CharlesJenna MCCABE
Kelsey MartinJustine STEVENS
Kendra HeilKate HARVEY
Kirsten BodashefskyKourtney TATESON
Lara HilmiKristine DE SILVA
Laura WhiteLaura GIBBS
Leslie GurbaLaura LOUCKS
Lisa AnnicchiaricoLisa DELLA ROSA
Lyndsay SmithMeagan LOWDEN
Margo LegaultMeaghan GOODFELLOW
Marlena GionocchioRenee TONG
Rachelle ChabotRoberta KRAMCHYNSKY
Sarah EnnorSusan CZYZO
Sylvie De BrabandereVeronica FERNANDEZ
Trish Hickey 

 Thanks to Jason Arlnold and Harley Vague for their submissions for this preview. ...

IC14 Preview: Revos aim for "The 'G"

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The US national team, the American Revolution or "Revos" as they are affectionately known, are heading to Australia to take on the best teams in the world in the Australian Football International Cup. At IC11 they lost to PNG after looking much improved from 2008 where they finished seventh; back in 2005 the Revos finished a very respectable third after beating 2002 winners, Ireland twice.
 
With the top nations powering ahead in their footy programs, can the Revos push on to the Grand Final at the MCG. In 2011 they selected for speed whilst still fielding an experienced side. The 2014 version is perhaps even more experienced, but now their biggest challenge is probably their ball use under pressure against the top sides such as NZ and PNG.

 

The Coach
The Revos are coached by former Baltimore Washington Eagles coach Matt Bishop who is originally from Maryborough, Victoria; his playing career has included matches with clubs in country Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Brisbane and Sydney. In 2004 was appointed coach to the Manly Warringah Wolves Reserve Grade team while continuing to play with the First Grade side. During his time with clubs in Brisbane, Sydney and Washington, D.C., Matt has been deeply involved with club administration as well as playing and coaching. Matt held many administrative positions and has been recognized by the clubs for his off-field contributions.
 
Matt joined the Eagles in 2005 and was appointed head coach in 2006. During 2006, the Eagles won the Division 2 National Championship. In 2007 the Eagles continued their ascension to one of the elite teams in the country by going undefeated in and winning the Eastern Australian Football League ("EAFL"). In 2008 Matt took on an assistant coaching role with the Eagles. The Eagles continued their successful run by again going undefeated in and winning the EAFL title. During the 2008 USAFL National Championships, the Eagles again played in Division 1, making the final.
 
At IC11 Matt turned around the Revolution’s fortunes taking them to the semi-finals. Matt now resides in Sacramento, CA with his wife Amy. They have established men's and women's footy in Sacramento. And he has an unbeaten run as coach against Canada in matches since IC11.
 
I asked Matt about the fact that the US team always look so super serious during past International Cups (and in the past there have also been media bans)  “Given each individual squad member invests about $10,000 in a typical 3-year International Cup cycle there is a good reason they are very serious. Having said that the boys do like a laugh to the point they give out awards for the silliest thing done by a player each day of the tournament. While we haven't had a media ban in the time that I have been coach (since 2009) we do ask players to inform us of all media opportunities to ensure we deliver a consistent and cohesive message. We certainly support all players if an opportunity arises for them to discuss their passion for footy and how it pertains to their country.”
 
The Country and Australian Football

The United States has a population of over 300 million people. The USAFL, the national body for Australian Football, began in 1997. There are 32 active clubs across the country (and subsets of those teams under the guise of “metro” footy and women’s teams as well as some clubs in formation or recess) the annual National Championship Tournament may still be the biggest amateur Australian football carnival in the world.
 
New USAFL president Denis Ryan told us "Player registrations are tallied at the end of the season at the Nationals. Last year registrations were 1080 which effectively reflected stagnant growth over the last six years. This was the major reason I ran for the Presidency. We have started some initiatives this year that will rekindle growth, but as these need time to have an impact, expect registration to remain the same for 2014. We are currently on track."
 
Probably the hardest thing about bringing the Revolution team to the International Cup is dealing with the huge size of the United States. Players are almost evenly distributed across the USAFL's three regions, the East, Central and the West. And bringing them all together is a difficult and expensive task.
 
Coach Matt Bishop told us “Preparations have been very good including a solid training camp in Austin, Texas, in April. A feature was a game against an all-star Aussie team from Texas, including former Saint Michael Rix. Since then the players have been challenged to get fitter than ever before, to hone their skills, and to play and watch as much footy as possible. Technology has been utlized more than ever to interact with the players to discuss game strategy, etc.” 
 
“The coaching staff has pushed the players hard to improve in fitness (endurance, speed, agility, strength) skills, and understanding of the rules and strategy of the game. You can expect to see an improvement in all these areas.”
 
US players pay for their trip down under by team fundraising, mainly through donations, as well as through local club or individual donations. In 2011 the team was sponsored by ESPN who had AFL broadcast rights at that time. This time there is no team sponsor.
 
The level of awareness of the IC in the U.S. footy community is much greater this time due to the fact that so many players from clubs all over the U.S. will be attending and the resultant social media presence.
 
The US team will attend training at Montrose Football Club (EFL) ahead of their community round clash at Montrose.
 
Strengths and Weaknesses

The Revolution will probably bring one of the biggest and most athletic teams. They will have a good balance of large physical and hard running pace.  As always expect them to be big on voice and teamwork, to be hard at the ball and tackle ferociously
.
Their biggest weaknesses are likely to be their skill execution under pressure, compared to top sides like PNG and NZ who have had more opportunities to play together.   Added to this is the team being much older than their opponents. Matt Bishop explained why this is so. “Finding players with enough experience to represent the U.S. at an age lower than 20 is impossible as most players don't find the game until their 20's. Even if they do find the game the chances are that they still hold a dream of playing NFL, NBA or MLB.”
 
“Compounding this is the drive for talented athletes to secure a scholarship to university so they can enjoy a "free ride". So their priorities won't allow them to continue playing. Having said that we are starting to buck this trend with players like Daniel Lehane and Daniel Dahlquist. Both these lads have been playing for several years despite only being 21 and 19 respectively.”
 
“Dahlquist started playing Ausball (tag, co-ed) in the San Francisco Bay Area and quickly moved on to play the tackle version via the Golden Gate Australian Football League. He is of a wiry frame and possesses very good athleticism and endurance. He has developed his understanding of the game quickly and can play forward or back.”
 
“We need to find players like Lehane and Dahlquist at age 14-15 and develop them over 3-4 years before the AFL is likely to look at them for the World Team.”
 
While they have a number of players who have previously spent time playing in Australian leagues they have had no players playing in Australia this year in advance of IC14.
 
Having the Freedom (women’s team) join them at IC11 provided a boost with both teams supporting and interacting with each other. The addition of the Liberty has grown the US contingent and consequently grown the support base for all U.S. teams.
 
Players to Watch
 
Bryan Dragus -Selected in the World Team at CHF at IC11.  Bryan now with the LA Dragons, previously played a season with the Western Magpies in the QAFL. Bryan is very agile for his height will be hoping to dominate up forward providing a real focal point for the Revolution as he did at IC11.
Andrew Werner– Revolution captain, will lead from the front and chip in with some handy goals. Selected in the World Team at IC11 and previously played footy in country Western Australia.
Steve Fashant– Named on the ball in the World Team selection at IC11. Hard at it and will give the Revos their drive with great foot skills putting the forwards at an advantage on regular occasions.
 
Form Guide

At IC11 the US showed good form but went down to the highly fancied PNG in the semi-final and were then beaten by 35 against NZ. This time around they will again face NZ so on that form and the growth of NZ footy it is hard to see them getting over them. But with three years between cups, the form guide as a predictor of what will happen this time around maybe is a little weak.
 
In 2008 the US easily defeated Denmark, China and Japan in Melbourne but went down to Nauru and South Africa in Warrnambool. In 2005, the Revos finished third with two wins over the 2002 Champions Ireland. They lost to Runner's Up PNG by a solitary point, but went down to the eventual winners, New Zealand by 32 points in the First Semi Final.
 
With Canada their only International opponent since the last International Cup it is hard to gauge any change in strength of the US team. Unfortunately due to the way the seeding from the previous tournament panned out the US will again play Canada in the opening day of the tournament.
 
Bottom Line

This year the Revolution have stated they are looking for a top two finish. To get to the grand final this time they already know they will need to get past NZ.  Matt Bishop’s thoughts on how the US will match up with the Kiwis “New Zealand will be a challenging game and the squad is very respectful of how the game is developing in that country. The squad has been preparing for three years for another crack at the top 3 sides and they understand that a much more structured game plan is required to defeat them and that all players have to "Play Their P.A.R.T." This is the team motto developed in 2011 - Pride, Accountability, Respect and Team - and has continued to evolve over the last 3 years.”
 
The US should easily account for Finland in Round 1 and while it will be no walk in the park they should beat their Canadian neighbours that they know so well in Round 2. If everything goes their way and they can indeed play their P.A.R.T and defeat the Kiwis in Round 3 then the MCG and a shot a the title will await if they can keep it all together.
 
The Team

NAMEUSAFL CLUB

Ben Carpenter-Nwanyanwu         

Daniel Dalquist

Austin Crows

Golden Gate Roos

Bryan DragusGolden Gate Roos
Steve FashantMinnesota Freeze
Brent FischerMinnesota Freeze
Eric FloydLouisville Kings
Kyle JohnsonGolden Gate Roos
Ryan KastlSeattle Grizzlies
Dan LehaneNew York Magpies
Jay LevesqueBaltimore-Washington Eagles
Mark McClureColumbus Jackaroos
Ryan McGettiganPhiladelphia Hawks
Brent MergenMinnesota Freeze
Christian MerrittAustin Crows
Jake MoyerBaltimore-Washington Eagles
Luke NemethNashville Kangaroos
Chet RidenourColumbus Jackaroos
Bobby SearsGolden Gate Roos
Kevin StanleySeattle Grizzlies
Saleh TyebjeeSacramento Suns
Andy VanicaDenver Bulldogs
Alex WallachChicago Swans
Zach WeaverMinnesota Freeze
Andrew Werner (Captain)Minnesota Freeze
Jason WilhelmChicago Swans

  Emergencies

NAMEUSAFL CLUB
Dan SarbackerChicago Swans
Rob StrangeBaltimore-Washington Eagles
Mel ChenSacramento Suns
Jeff TalmadgeAustin Crows
...

VAFA Club Ormond are first test for NZ Hawks

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The New Zealand Hawks’ preparations for the International Cup are stepping up a gear, with a practice match against Ormond AFC. The game will take place at Elsternwick Park on the 6th of August at 6.00pm.

Ormond AFC is a leading club within the Victorian Amateur Football Association, and the match will serve as an excellent warm up for New Zealand. Ormond AFC is a club with a long and proud history. Formed in 1931, the club has been well supported throughout the decades, and have won 13 Senior Premierships. Their reputation is one of playing a tough but fair style of football.

Ormond AFC President Richard Simon said “Ormond is thrilled to be provided with the opportunity to play this practice match. We will keep a close eye on the New Zealand Hawks during the tournament, and will be hoping that they can repeat their Premiership form of 2005.”

Justin Davies, Head Coach of the New Zealand Hawks, will be looking to test combinations ahead of the opening round of the International Cup, to be held on Sunday the 10th of August. It should be a reasonably free-flowing game of footy and an excellent game to watch.

The term ‘bruise free’ comes to mind. As much as the Kiwis will all be fighting for a place in the starting line up and attempting to influence the coaching staff neither they, nor their opposition coming towards the end of a long winter, would be wishing for injuries.

New Zealand’s first opponents will be Sweden, in a match that will be streamed by the AFL. Following the fixture against Ormond AFC, the New Zealand Hawks have been generously invited to use the facilities of the St Kilda Saints for recovery and training. This provides an on-going opportunity for the St Kilda Club to support NZ football in a meaningful way. One member of the New Zealand team, Joe Baker-Thomas, is already familiar with these facilities, as an AFL International Scholarship player with the club. ...

Mike Pyke's message of support for Canadian IC14 teams

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Mike Pyke sends his message of support and offers advice to Canadians travelling to Melbourne to compete in the 2014 AFL International Cup.

...

IC14 Preview: Shaheens set to soar

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Although teams at the International Cup traditionally are representing the football competition in their country the Shaheens are a team of players that have formed in Australia, competing in local footy in Melbourne.  Shaheens players are eligible to play at the International Cup as they are "amateurs who are nationals of the country they represent (Pakistan) and all players must have lived the majority of the years aged between 10 and 16 as a citizen of their nation." 

While we have seen teams with locally based player before this is the first time a whole team has been locally based and all learned the game in Australia. Hopefully their participation will ultimately lead to footy's growth in Pakistan.

Pakistan: The Country
Pakistan is situated in the western part of the Indian subcontinent, with Afghanistan and Iran on the west, India on the east, and the Arabian Sea on the south. The name Pakistan is derived from the Urdu words Pak (meaning pure) and stan (meaning country). It is nearly twice the size of California.

The Capital (2009 est.) is Islamabad, 832,000 pop., although not the largest city in Pakistan. The Population of Pakistan is estimated to be 193,238,868 (2013).

The northern and western highlands of Pakistan contain the towering Karakoram and Pamir mountain ranges, which include some of the world's highest peaks: K2 (28,250 ft; 8,611 m) and Nanga Parbat (26,660 ft; 8,126 m). The Baluchistan Plateau lies to the west, and the Thar Desert and an expanse of alluvial plains, the Punjab and Sind, lie to the east. The 1,000-mile-long (1,609 km) Indus River and its tributaries flow through the country from the Kashmir region to the Arabian Sea.

Pakistan was one of the two original successor states to British India, which was partitioned along religious lines in 1947. For almost 25 years following independence, it consisted of two separate regions, East and West Pakistan, but now it is made up only of the western sector, the eastern sector now Bangladesh.

What is now Pakistan was in prehistoric times the Indus Valley civilization (c. 2500–1700 BC ). A series of invaders—Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Turks, and others—controlled the region for the next several thousand years. Islam, the principal religion, was introduced in 711. In 1526, the land became part of the Mogul Empire, which ruled most of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the mid-18th century. By 1857, the British became the dominant power in the region.

Britain agreed to the formation of Pakistan as a separate dominion within the Commonwealth in Aug. 1947. The partition of Pakistan and India along religious lines resulted in the largest migration in human history, with 17 million people fleeing across the borders in both directions to escape the accompanying sectarian violence.

Pakistan and Australian Football
Australian Rules football was first played in Pakistan in 2006, starting with the creation of the Australian Rules Football Federation of Pakistan, based in the Swat Valley city of Mingora. In 2007, the ARFFP renamed themselves AFL Pakistan, aligning themselves with other football bodies worldwide. Because of the current instability and unrest in that part of Pakistan, it is not known if this organisation still exists.

In 2013 a group in Islamabad (Islamabad Dashers) form team and join AFL Asia. Simultaneously a group in Australia attempt to form club with intention of joining with League in Pakistan to contest IC14.  Melbourne Shaheens* play in Cadbury 9’s (touch only comp) and win first match. Have recruited about 18 players by end of 2013.

The Pakistan Markhors (previously Islamabad Dashers) debuted at the 2014 ANZAC Commemorative Match in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, which is hosted by the Thailand Tigers.

The Pakistan Shaheens is the first-ever footy team that will represent Pakistan in the AFL International Cup 2014. The Shaheens are the brainchild of the  Shaheens Sporting and Social Organisation,

Head Coach Richard Kerbatieh
Assistant Coaches Wassim Rafihi  - Andrew Clarke – James Sutherland
 

 Shaheens Squad

  1 Kashif Bouns – Half Back Flank
  2 Ahmed Jahangir
  4 Atta Khan – Back Pocket
  8 Bilal Khan - Wing
  10 Zaheer Hussain – Ruck Rover
  12 Usama Khan – Ruck Rover
  13 Hamid Mashwani – Forward Pocket
  15 Faraz Khan – Full Forward/Centre Half Forward
  16 Iran Akhteyari – Center/Wing
  23 Arshad Syed
  23 Humza Ali – Centre/Wing
  24 Jaffar Medhi – Full Back
  32 Rana Saqib – Forward Pocket
  34 Kashif Khan – Full Back
  36 Farrukh Salah Uddin – Wing
  37 Usman Malik – Forward Pocket
  44 Saad Hashmi – Forward Pocket
  45 Yawar Rajani – Half Forward Flank
  46 Zaid Shah – Wing
  47 Ali Raza Abbas
  47 Haseeb Qureshi

Shaheens at the IC

Pakistan play South Africa, Japan and India in the first rounds of IC14, the experience of the Lions and Samurai will probably prevail over the debuting Shaheens, but they could possibly spring a surprise when meeting the Tigers, as most of the squad has been playing and training in Australia for over 12 months.

*Shaheen - Persian word for Falcon


  ...

IC14 Preview: Irish Warriors aim for back to back titles

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The Irish Warriors enter the 2014 International Cup attempting to win back to back titles, something that has never been achieved before in the short history of the tournament. Ireland has appeared at every International Cup, winning inaugural event in 2002 before slipping to fourth in ’05 and ’08 followed by victory at the MCG in 2011.

David Stynes, brother of the late great Jim, returns this time as player coach having been part of the winning Irish sides in both 2002 and 2011. Stynes replaces Shaun McElhone who has led the Irish side to great success since 2011, winning two 9-a-side Euro cups along with the full side European Championship in 2013. Unfortunately Shaun is unable to attend the 2014 International Cup due to family reasons. Stynes, who played Gaelic Football for Dublin prior to moving to Australia is the head coach of the Moorabbin Kangaroo’s in the Southern Football League.

Stynes is the only two time winner of the International Cup having played in 2002 before returning in 2011. His experience in 2011 showed in the final as, from half back, he organised the Irish defensive unit which helped set up their come from behind victory.

The Country and Australian Football

Ireland is a country of 5 million people on the Western edge of Europe. The Australian Rules Football league of Ireland (ARFLI) was founded in 1999.

Ireland has the most illustrious history of any foreign nation in the AFL with dozens of Irishmen having plied their trade in Australia. These include 1991 Brownlow medal winner Jim Stynes, 2005 Premiership player Tadgh Kennelly, SetantaO’hAlpin, Sean Wright and current AFL regulars Pearce Hanley and Zach Tuohy.

The success of these players has seen current AFL sides continue to take the educated risk on the so-called Irish experiment.Several Irishmen have had a crack in recent times only to return to Ireland without having made their AFL debut. But as Irish players can be taken with a rookie draft pick, which is essentially a free pick, and the lour of a professional contract recent Irish recruits that have shown promise includeCarlton duoCiaran Sheehan and Ciaran Byrne along with Port Adelaide’s Daniel Flynn.

That Aussie rules players rely on similar skills sets to Gaelic Football is both a blessing and curse to the game in Ireland. Most players in the ARFLI come to the sport from a Gaelic background and as such have the ability to mark overhead as well as kick and handball. But for a variety of reason the league hasn’t spread as wide as would have been hoped for. There are currently 6 teams in the ARFLI and although many are strong, recent years have seen the West Dublin Saints and the Mullingar Tigers merge into the North Leinster Giants. Also the Clare Crows and Kerry Kangaroo’s folded in the late 2000’s.

Things however look to be on the up with the recent re-emergence of the Belfast Redbacks seeing them win the 2012 premiership following a few years in hiatus. Also the Galway Magpies have, from scratch, grown to be a consistent performer. Recently the first University based side in the country has seen the birth of the University College Cork Bombers.

Strengths and weaknesses

Although the Warriors squad have only 4 returning players from three years ago crucially they welcome back Mick Finn who was awarded ‘Best on ground’ in the 2011 grand final victory over PNG. Finn’s 4 goals turned the tide as the Warriors came from behind to beat a strong PNG outfit. The 2013 European championship saw the Irish win a dramatic final against old rivals Great Britain by a single point, 7.3 (45) to 6.8 (44). After winnings the 9-a-side Euro Cup in both 2011 and 2012 the Warriors finished a disappointing 5th in Bordeaux last year.

As there are no full size Aussie rules Ovals in Ireland the domestic league is played exclusively on smaller Gaelic football pitch which limit most games to 14-a-side. A large reason for the success of the 2011 campaign was because half of that squad were picked from clubs based in Australia. This is also the case for the 2014 squad and with plenty of experience from the last year’s European championship triumph as well as players contending in strong quality leagues this team has the talent to contend for major honours again.

The squad has a good spread of talent as well as strong spine and with five games in 15 days the quality of the squad’s depth will be vital. As the 2011 tournament showed the Irish to have a very high level of fitness, winning every second half they played, Stynes will be determined to focus on that aspect of the squad.

Players to watch

PadraigLucey has been seen on Australian TV screens recently as part of the FOX 8 show The Recruit. The reality show features 12 AFL players living and playing together, under the watchful gaze of Brisbane Lions legend Michael Voss, as they compete for an allusive contract with an AFL club. Having previously played for the European Legion AFL team and the Irish basketball team at underage levels stepping on the field for the Warriors will give Lucey a truly unique CV.

The tall, imposing figure of Irish Captain Mick Finn will partake in his fourth straight International Cup having been named in the team of the tournament on three previous occasions. He was named ‘Best and fairest’ in the 2008 tournament and backed that up with a Best on Ground performance in a 4 goal display in the 2011 Grand Final. An outstanding contested mark and noted for kicking goals from distance Finn will be a crucial man to stop for any team hoping to stop the Irish.

The giant Paul O’Halloran is a main stay of the South Dublin Swans side that has won three of the last four ARFLI premierships. At 6’9 Paul looks to dominate the ruck contest and was part of the Warriors side that were victorious in the 2013 European Championship. He also gained valuable experience during a season playing suburban footy for the Canterbury Cobra’s in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Bottom Line

The Irish Warriors will go into the tournament seeking nothing less that another victory in the grand final at the MCG. They will respectful and wary of group opponents Fiji, France and Nauru but failure to top the group will be seen as a disaster. Traditionally in the International Cup Ireland don’t put on the occasional cricket scores that we have seen New Zealand and PNG produce in the past but the Warriors are always difficult to score against.

Expect Ireland to be right there at the sharp end of the tournament and it may well be that if another country wishes to steal their crown they will have to beat the Warriors along the way.

Coaching staff

David StynesHead Coach,

LachlanBuszardCoach

Paul BroganTour Manager

Paul RyanTeam Co-ordinator

Dr Tammy Verlaan Ross Team Chiropractor.

Squad

1 Ryan McCluskey BelfastRedbacks (Ireland)

2 Brendan Kelly BelfastRedbacks (Ireland)

3 Kevin Mc Sorley BelfastRedbacks (Ireland)

4 MuirisBartley Leeside Lions (Ireland)

5 Ronan Geraghty Sydney University (NSW)

6 Wayne Reilly Moonee Valley (VIC)

7 Paul O’Halloran South Dublin Swans (Ireland)

8 Mark Leavy North Leinster Giants (Ireland)

9 David McElhone Melville Rams (WA)

10 John O’Regan Galway Magpies Melville Rams

11 Johnny O’Doherty Powerhouse (VIC)

12 Tom Browne Paris Cockerels (France)

13 Dominic Joyce Collingullie Demons (NSW)

14 ConorO’Halloran Leeside Lions (Ireland)

15 David Stynes Moorabin Kangaroos (VIC)

16 Gerard Tubridy Powerhouse (VIC)

17 PadraigFanning Northcote Cougars (VIC)

18 Brendan Mc Devitt BelfastRedbacks (Ireland)

19 Gerard Johnston

20 Sean-Paul Henry BelfastRedbacks (Ireland)

21 Brendan Browne UTS Bats (NSW)

22 Peter Ross South Dublin Swans (Ireland)

23 Alan Farrell Moorabin Kangaroos (VIC)

24 PauricSmith Moorabin Kangaroos (VIC)

25 Philip Bredin UTS Bats (Ireland)

26 Terry Skelly Moonee Valley (VIC)

27 Mick Finn Heidelberg (VIC)

28 PadraigLucey UCC Bombers (Ireland)

Dean Ryan Learmonth (EMERG) (WA)

Declan Healy Elsternwick (EMERG) (VIC)

 

  ...

PNG youngster ready to roll at IC14

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In April last year, Luke Savere Junior was in Cairns. He was playing in the Papua New Guinea Under 16 Binatangs team in a friendly challenge match against Pyramid Power in Gordonvale on his way to Townsville to contest the Oceania Cup with his team mates. (Pictured left in team shot of Binatangs and Pyramid Power players).

Fast forward to August 2014, and Luke is just days away from representing his country again, this time at a senior level at the upcoming International Cup in Melbourne. He is one of a host of young guns upon which the future of Papua New Guinean football will be built.

In the lead up to the IC14 event, Luke was happy to chat about his own football journey and his anticipation of this upcoming showcase if international Australian Rules football.

According to Luke, who comes into the team as a product of the Bomana Cats, “my dad played AFL [locally in PNG] and I watched him every weekend when I was a kid. I started playing AFL when I was seven years old back in 2004, so this is my tenth year of playing AFL.”

Luke is almost palpably tingling with excitement at what the next couple of weeks will bring in terms of personal goals and just the excitement of competition against the best Australian Rules footballers from around the world. “I am really excited to be selected into the national team to represent the country. The PNG Mosquitoes team has been always playing in the finals and with the mixture of young and old players, the skills and speed in the team should see that PNG will win this IC14.”

Luke certainly has achieved much in the past couple of seasons, almost as if it were a blur. But he is certainly looking at the IC14 event as another step in his own personal football journey: possibly following the lead of fellow PNG protégé, Gideon Simon who made it to Richmond’s list. “My goal is to showcase my talent in this AFL carnival and be scouted by Australian clubs.”

“I would also like to impart my knowledge to young boys and girls in PNG. My dream is to have a career in AFL. That is my dream if given the opportunity.

Luke has a simple message for his own PNG team for the event. “Stay focused because I know we will win the IC14. Keep in touch [with the opposition at all times] otherwise you will be caught off guard. Otherwise let’s play footy and showcase the greatest game of all. I would like to wish all the other international teams all the best in all their games.”

The next couple of weeks will see intense pressure as all nations and players strive at their hardest to be crowned as the best Australian Rules football nation outside of Australia. It won’t take long for the rest of us to feel their excitement. But Luke is already champing at the bit to get on those playing fields. Having watched his and his team mates decimate my own team back in 2013, I know Luke has the talents to go a long way.

We wish Luke, and his fellow Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes team mates, all the best for this year’s International Cu ...
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