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IC14 tipping competition winner

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worldfootynews.com is pleased to announce the winner of our IC14 tipping competition: Seth McElvaney (USAFL Umpire's Director, Founder of the North Carolina Tigers).

Remarkably Seth was runner-up in 2011, proving his good form was no fluke.

In 2011 we asked tipsters to predict the result of each round, whereas this time we were pushed for time and launched our competition very late and simply asked for final ladders for the men's and women's competition.  Final ladders were compared with the true finishing positions and points calculated for each position away the tipster was.  All these "errors" were then summed and divided by the number of teams to give an average miss error.

E.g. if there had been 4 teams only: PNG (1), Ireland (2), NZ (3), SA (4) and they finished in that order, but a tipster had placed them as Ireland (1), NZ (2), PNG (3), SA (4) then they would have had an error in each position of 1, 1, 2, 0 respectively, for a total of 4 and average of 1.0.  The lower the error the better.

Our winner Seth had an average error across the 18 men's and 7 women's teams of just 1.44.  That was better even than the primary author of our world rankings, Cam Homes (ineligible) on 1.60.  The worst entry (we won't name and shame) was 2.56.  Seth even listed the top 3 in both the men's and women's exactly right.

Congratulations to Seth, we'll be contacting you shortly to arrange a football related prize up to the value of $100. ...


AFL Cairns makes tough call – but was it the right call?

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The lead up to this season’s AFL Cairns finals series has been dogged by a furore behind the scenes which has sadly shifted the attention away somewhat from this weekend’s AFL Cairns Grand Final between Cairns Saints and Port Douglas.

During the season local club, Manunda Hawks, recruited a former Port Douglas player Sam Boxsell. The player was being investigated and had been charged with a crime which has since been thrown out of court. However, his time at Port Douglas was dogged by this and other issues including a club ban for altercations with team mates.

In short, when Manunda Hawks were due to play Port Douglas in Round 17, people using social media threatened violence should the player in question return to Port Douglas, leading to Manunda Hawks taking the drastic step of forfeiting the match rather than risk the possibility of the threats being carried out. The Manunda Hawks club president, Richard Martin, says the club was enacting “due diligence” in giving the player another chance to play football as well as duty of care to take steps to avoid further issues.

The result saw a month long investigation by AFL Cairns which culminated in them taking the dramatic action of suspension from both the senior and reserve grade competitions for the 2015 season. There is far more detail in the story, but this article will not explore that further. This story will look at the decision handed down by AFL Cairns and its possible ramifications going forward.

For anyone interested in more details about the incident, a visit to the Cairns Post or AFL Cairns websites will uncover a number of stories detailing the events leading up to the club suspension.

AFL Cairns was placed in an incredibly difficult situation in 2004 after the infamous grand-final brawl between North Cairns Tigers and Port Douglas Crocs. The teams and the league made headlines for all the wrong reasons after the footage of the brawl went viral though media outlets. A “no-result” was recorded in the history books for the 2004 premiership, and AFL Cairns has worked diligently in the 10 years since to restore the game in Cairns to a high and respected standard, which for the most part they have succeeded in doing.

Violence, threats of violence and the intimidatory use of social media have no place in society as a whole, let alone in sport, in this case Australian Rules football. AFL Cairns was and is absolutely right to pursue in no uncertain terms a message that these acts will never be tolerated. Being a part of the local scene here I can say first hand that the message has been sent loud and clear to all clubs, senior and junior, and I certainly would like to think that all club supporters have received that message.

But there are two underlying issues here that don’t track well in this complex situation. Firstly, is banning the club actually going to the heart of the problem? Additionally, and in my case more importantly, is the suspension handed down going to have an adverse impact on junior pathways?

Supporters of Manunda Hawks have already hit local media with their fears that the suspension could be the death knell for the club. Already struggling to compete for players in the local market against other clubs (remembering Cairns has only 150 000 people, and only a low percentage of those follow AFL football), Manunda Hawks have also been given a shaky pointer to their future with regards to their future home base – possibly being relocated away from their traditional home at Cazalys Stadium as it is developed further to be an elite venue and sent to the outer suburbs to start life anew. Whether that scenario occurs remains to be seen, but the uncertainty adds to a level of concern amongst supporters. It is possible that the club may never completely recover from these hits.

But that will become an issue to be rectified by the club, AFL Cairns and the corporate world to keep the Hawks going.

Of greater concern is the hole created for junior pathways. AFL Cairns may argue differently, but when a club’s senior and reserve grade teams are taken away, the junior ranks coming through lose their most viable pathway to senior football. It is entirely possible that the game will lose players due to this decision, and that is not a good outcome in Cairns.

As a local coach who this year coached at the U17 Colts grade, I have a unique perspective. Most of my players leave junior ranks this year. As of 2015 they are cast into the world of senior football opportunities. Three players that I coached played for Manunda Hawks this year. Next year they face the hope of being picked up by another team or walking away from the game, or Cairns. The U17 age group which next year hopes to play reserves or seniors has just had a big change to their options.

I have coached with or against a large number of players who fall into this category. Players I first coached as kids back in 2008 and 2009 are now young men and I have been privileged to have watched them on their journey. Most of them still aspire to senior football. But AFL Cairns has a unique problem. The incredible work done to grow the game at junior level (numbers just short of 1500 registrations) means more players that ever each year exiting junior ranks for senior careers. But for 2015 there are two less teams (Manunda Hawks’ seniors and reserves) which takes away up to 50 senior places. Other clubs will accommodate some of the players left in the cold, but not all. Some players will be forced to consider leaving the game or the district. Some of the Manunda Hawks players I have coached against will not get to go further.

This raises the question of suitability of consequences. Was a club suspension across both grades the right decision? Or are there other options to be explored. Fines, consequences for guilty individuals, restrictions on assistance are all options that could be explored. None of these options risk innocent players’ careers and would keep the AFL Cairns competition in a position of continued growth, rather than having a season which would inevitably see a downward impact on numbers.

There are still meetings to be had as well as appeals and additional opportunities for voices to be heard. It is hoped that all parties can find a better solution. It needs to be a solution which still sends a strong message that acts of violence, threats and abuse of social media will not be tolerated. But it should also be a solution that does not inadvertently have a negative impact on the game in years to come.

This story should also act as a cautionary tale about the processes that leagues anywhere need to consider when handing down serious consequences. Keeping the game free of negative and damaging influences is vitally important, but does it need to be at the expense of opportunities for the next generations of players?

Hopefully AFL Cairns and Manunda Hawks can reach a solution which will assist everyone in going forward.

In the meantime, good luck to Cairns Saints and Port Douglas Crocs this Saturday as they contest the 2015 AFL Cairns Grand Final.

...

AFL's All Australian Team Named

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Gold Coast Suns’ captain Gary Ablett tonight became the first man in the game’s history to be selected as an All Australian in eight consecutive seasons when the Virgin Australia 2014 AFL All Australian Team was named in Melbourne tonight.

 

Ablett, who electrified the competition averaging 32 possessions a game before a season-ending shoulder injury in round 16, was named as first rover and has now equalled his father’s record of eight All Australian selections.

 

Ablett’s former Geelong Cats’ teammate Joel Selwood was named as All Australian captain for the second consecutive year – his fourth selection overall – while St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt was named at centre half-forward and as vice-captain for the team of the year.

 

Ablett and Selwood were joined by Collingwood and Port Adelaide captains Scott Pendlebury and Travis Boak respectively in retaining their place from the 2013 side, along with Hawthorn’s Jarryd Roughead.

 

The team was:

Backs:

Cale Hooker (Essendon); Daniel Talia (Adelaide Crows), Nick Smith (Sydney Swans).

Half Backs:

Nick Malceski (Sydney Swans); Alex Rance (Richmond); Brodie Smith (Adelaide Crows).

Centres:

Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle); Josh Kennedy (Sydney Swans); Dyson Heppell (Essendon).

Half Forwards:

Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide); Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda, vice-captain); Luke Breust (Hawthorn).

Forwards:

Hayden Ballantyne (Fremantle); Lance Franklin (Sydney Swans); Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn).

Rucks:

Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle); Joel Selwood (Geelong Cats, captain); Gary Ablett (Gold Coast Suns).

Interchange:

Travis Boak (Port Adelaide); Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn); Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood), Tom Rockliff (Brisbane Lions).

 

The team featured 13 players selected in an All Australian side for the first time, the third-most debutantes in a single year since annual teams began being named separate to carnivals, behind only the 15 debutantes in 2012 and 14 in 1982.

 

Ablett’s eight separate selections in an All Australian side picked annually and NOT from a carnival now equal the record of Hall of Fame trio his father, Gary Ablett senior, Robert Harvey and Mark Ricciuto.

 

Hall of Fame quintet Craig Bradley, Stephen Kernahan, Simon Madden, John Platten and Paul Roos all had nine All Australian selections with a combination of carnival and team of the year selections, with Bradley, Kernahan and Roos each also having had selection in eight different years.

 

The AFL is pleased to announce also that Virgin Australia is the new naming rights partner of the 2014 AFL All-Australian Team.

 

Virgin Australia is the official airline of the AFL and in addition to All-Australian naming rights, Virgin Australia is also the naming rights partner for the Toyota AFL Grand Final Pre-Game Entertainment Show and the post-Grand Final Premiership Party.

 

The All Australian selection panel is Gillon McLachlan (chairman), Kevin Bartlett, Luke Darcy, Mark Evans, Danny Frawley, Glen Jakovich, Cameron Ling, Matthew Richardson and Warren Tredrea, while the All Australian selectors, along with Kevin Sheehan, also choose the winner of the NAB AFL Rising Star Award.

 

The key stats for the Virgin Australia 2014 AFL All Australian team from this season were as followers:

Backs:

Cale Hooker, Essendon. Never Previously All Australian. 22 games in 2014. 234 kicks, 170 marks (second in the AFL), 175 handballs, averaging 10.6 kicks, 7.7 marks, 8.0 handballs. Zero Goals, Zero Behinds. Four Clearances, 18 Inside 50m, 67 Rebound 50m. 33 Tackles.

 

Daniel Talia, Adelaide Crows. Never Previously All Australian. 22 games in 2014. 167 kicks, 105 marks, 93 handballs, averaging 7.6 kicks, 4.8 marks, 4.2 handballs. Zero Goals, One Behinds. Zero Clearances, 25 Inside 50, 52 Rebound 50m. 24 Tackles.

 

Nick Smith, Sydney Swans. Never Previously All Australian. 20 games in 2014. 165 kicks, 75 marks, 145 handballs, averaging 8.2 kicks, 3.8 marks, 7.2 handballs. Zero Goals, One Behind. 12 Clearances, Six Inside 50m, 53 Rebound 50m. 53 Tackles.

 

Half Backs:

Nick Malceski, Sydney Swans. Never Previously All Australian. 21 games in 2014. 390 kicks (first in the AFL), 84 marks, 130 handballs, averaging 17.6 kicks, 4.0 marks, 6.2 handballs. Eight Goals, Six Behinds. 24 Clearances, 80 Inside 50, 107 Rebound 50m. 64 Tackles.

 

Alex Rance, Richmond. Never Previously All Australian. 17 games in 2014. 146 kicks, 97 marks, 149 handballs, averaging 8.6 kicks, 5.7 marks, 8.8 handballs. Zero Goals, Zero Behinds. Seven Clearances, 14 Inside 50m, 54 Rebound 50m. 48 Tackles.

 

Brodie Smith, Adelaide Crows. Never Previously All Australian. 22 games in 2014. 287 kicks, 108 marks, 209 handballs, averaging 13.0 kicks, 4.9 marks, 9.5 handballs. 11 Goals, Eight Behinds. 18 Clearances, 76 Inside 50, 109 Rebound 50m (second in the AFL). 35 Tackles.

 

Centres:

Nathan Fyfe, Fremantle. Never Previously All Australian. 18 games in 2014. 239 kicks, 72 marks, 243 handballs, averaging 13.3 kicks, 4.0 marks, 13.5 handballs. 21 Goals, Nine Behinds. 121 Clearances, 64 Inside 50, 24 Rebound 50m. 80 Tackles.

 

Josh Kennedy, Sydney Swans. All Australian 2012. 20 games in 2014. 243 kicks, 63 marks, 336 handballs (second in the AFL in handballs and tenth in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 12.1 kicks, 3.1 marks, 16.8 handballs. 12 Goals, 18 Behinds. 126 Clearances (eighth in the AFL), 91 Inside 50 (tenth in the AFL), 16 Rebound 50m. 114 Tackles.

 

Dyson Heppell, Essendon. Never Previously All Australian. 21 games in 2014. 312 kicks, 111 marks, 280 handballs (fifth in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 14.9 kicks, 5.3 marks, 13.3 handballs. Six Goals, Five Behinds. 107 Clearances, 64 Inside 50, 34 Rebound 50m. 97 Tackles.

 

Half Forwards:

Robbie Gray, Port Adelaide. Never Previously All Australian. 22 games in 2014. 275 kicks, 91 marks, 276 handballs, averaging 12.5 kicks, 4.1 marks, 12.5 handballs. 34 Goals, 30 Behinds. 128 Clearances (seventh in the AFL), 76 Inside 50, 24 Rebound 50m. 64 Tackles.

 

Nick Riewoldt, St Kilda (vice-captain). All Australian 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009 (captain). 22 games in 2014. 262 kicks, 191 marks (first in the AFL), 105 handballs, averaging 11.9 kicks, 8.7 marks, 4.8 handballs. 49 Goals (tenth in the AFL), 21 Behinds. Three Clearances, 72 Inside 50, 11 Rebound 50m. 31 Tackles.

 

Luke Breust, Hawthorn. Never Previously All Australian. 22 games in 2014. 176 kicks, 72 marks, 162 handballs, averaging 8.0 kicks, 3.3 marks, 7.4 handballs. 53 Goals (seventh in the AFL), 10 Behinds. 40 Clearances, 65 Inside 50m, Nine Rebound 50m. 69 Tackles.

 

Forwards:

Hayden Ballanytne, Fremantle. Never Previously All Australian. 19 games in 2014. 187 kicks, 83 marks, 49 handballs, averaging 9.8 kicks, 4.4 marks, 2.6 handballs. 49 Goals (Tenth in the AFL), 25 Behinds. 13 Clearances, 57 Inside 50, Seven Rebound 50m. 48 Tackles.

 

Lance Franklin, Sydney Swans. All Australian 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012. 19 games in 2014. 226 kicks, 116 marks, 86 handballs, averaging 11.9 kicks, 6.1 marks, 4.5 handballs. 67 Goals (first in the AFL), 44 Behinds. 10 Clearances, 76 Inside 50m, Two Rebound 50m. 60 Tackles.

 

Jarryd Roughead, Hawthorn. All Australian 2013. 20 games in 2014. 215 kicks, 93 marks, 108 handballs, averaging 10.8 kicks, 4.7 marks, 5.4 handballs. 62 Goals (second in the AFL), 37 Behinds. 27 Clearances, 47 Inside 50, Seven Rebound 50m. 60 Tackles.

 

Ruck:

Aaron Sandilands, Fremantle. All Australian 2008, 2009, 2010. 21 games in 2014. 68 kicks, 76 marks, 203 handballs, averaging 3.2 kicks, 3.6 marks, 9.7 handballs. 798 hit outs (first in the AFL), averaging 38.0 hit outs. Seven Goals, Five Behinds. 56 Clearances, 23 Inside 50m, 14 Rebound 50m. 41 Tackles.

 

Joel Selwood, Geelong Cats (captain). All Australian 2009, 2010, 2013 (captain). 22 games in 2014. 280 kicks, 100 marks, 279 handballs, averaging 12.7 kicks, 4.5 marks, 12.7 handballs. 21 Goals, 16 Behinds. 133 Clearances (fifth in the AFL), 89 Inside 50, 34 Rebound 50m. 130 Tackles (tenth in the AFL).

 

Gary Ablett, Gold Coast Suns. All Australian 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 (captain), 2012, 2013. 15 games in 2014. 254 kicks, 30 marks, 227 handballs, averaging 16.9 kicks, 2.0 marks, 15.1 handballs. 24 Goals, Seven Behinds. 119 Clearances, 77 Inside 50, 38 Rebound 50m. 91 Tackles.

 

Interchange:

Travis Boak, Port Adelaide. All Australian 2013. 21 games in 2014. 230 kicks, 79 marks, 331 handballs (third in the AFL), averaging 11.0 kicks, 3.8 marks, 15.8 handballs. 17 Goals, Five Behinds. 111 Clearances, 103 Inside 50 (fifth in the AFL), 19 Rebound 50m. 82 Tackles.

 

Jordan Lewis, Hawthorn. Never Previously All Australian. 21 games in 2013. 294 kicks, 121 marks, 295 handballs (ninth in the AFL in handballs and sixth in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 14.0 kicks, 5.8 marks, 14.0 handballs. 14 Goals, Nine Behinds. 120 Clearances, 76 Inside 50, 27 Rebound 50m. 82 Tackles.

 

Scott Pendlebury, Collingwood. All Australian 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. 21 games in 2014. 292 kicks, 75 marks, 304 handballs (sixth in the AFL in handballs and third in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 13.9 kicks, 3.6 marks, 14.5 handballs. 13 Goals, 10 Behinds. 113 Clearances, 72 Inside 50, 51 Rebound 50m. 116 Tackles.

 

Tom Rockliff, Brisbane Lions. Never Previously All Australian. 18 games in 2014. 309 kicks, 96 marks, 280 handballs (seventh in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 17.2 kicks, 5.3 marks, 15.6 handballs. 10 Goals, Three Behinds. 112 Clearances, 53 Inside 50, 64 Rebound 50m. 163 Tackles (second in the AFL). ...

Geelong Cats sign Irish prospect Padraig Lucey

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Irish Australian Rules footballer Padraig Lucey has been snapped up by Geelong for two years as an international rookie. As part of the Ireland Warriors men’s team at this year’s International Cup in Melbourne last month, Padraig has managed to catch the attention of recruiters in a couple of ways.

Not only has he been a contestant on the FOX 8 television show The Recruit, he has also come from a successful International Cup performance for Ireland. In his five games, Padraig booted 14 goals, including impressive bags of five against highly fancied Nauru and a huge six goals against France. He also featured amongst the best players for Ireland in many matches.

According to the Herald Sun article by Adam Baldwin, “Geelong’s ruck crisis is set to see it turn to an Irishman who was last week delisted from a reality television series.

The Herald Sun can reveal Padraig Lucey — a part-time pool lifeguard from County Kerry — will join the Cats on a two-year deal.

The 21-year-old was last week cut from FOX 8 series The Recruit and has been training at local football club Heidelberg.

Lucey, a 204cm ruck prospect, qualifies as a category B rookie under the international player rules and his salary will sit outside the cap — unless he is upgraded to the senior list and plays AFL games.

The Cats have experience acquiring talent outside the usual channels, securing steeplechaser Mark Blicavs — who played 23 games this year — and basketballer Michael Luxford was signed in 2013.

Lucey has a Gaelic football background and first kicked an AFL football 18 months ago via an AFL combine in Ireland run by fellow Kerry man and Sydney premiership play Tadhg Kennelly.

He represented the European Legion against the AIS earlier this year, before accepting an invitation to be on The Recruit.”


Padraig is a product of one of Ireland’s newest Australian Rules clubs, the UCC Bombers, which is a huge pat on the back for the team from Cork to be unearthing such talent.

This is a fantastic opportunity for Padraig to continue the production line of Irish players who have succeeded in coming into AFL ranks. And at 204cm, Padraig will certainly be looking at plenty of time in the ruck, or even as a key position player, having played for Ireland in both roles and being selected in the World team, made from the best performed players at the International Cup, as the centre half forward.

For full Herald Sun story on Padraig, go to - http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl...7061191164

(Photo of Padraig contesting a mark at the AFL International Combine Trials - courtesy of http://www.hoganstand.com) ...

International Broadcast Schedule 2014 AFL Preliminary Finals

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Sydney host North Melbourne and Hawthorn play Port Adelaide at the MCG in this week's Preliminary finals with the winners headed for the Grand Final and the losers heading to the offseason.

The international broadcast details for both matches and highlights packages can be seen below.

 

 

 

RegionNetworkSydney v North Melb.Hawth vs Pt AdelHighlights
AsiaAustralia Network19/9 @ 1730 HKT (LIVE)20/9 @ 1430 HKT (LIVE)23/9 @ 2330 HKT
Pacific IndiaAustralia Network19/9 @ 2130 FJT (LIVE)20/9 @ 1830 FJT (LIVE)24/9 @ 0330 FJT
IndiaAustralia Network19/9 @ 1500 IST (LIVE)20/9 @ 1200 IST (LIVE)23/9 @ 2100 IST
UK & IrelandESPN BT Sport19/9 @ 1030 BST (LIVE)20/9 @ 0730 BST (LIVE)23/9 @ 2230 BST
CaribbeanESPN19/9 @ 0530 EST (LIVE)20/9 @ 0230 EST (LIVE)27/9 @ 1400 EST
EuropeEurosport 219/9 @ 1145 CET (LIVE)---23/9 @ 2300 CET -
UK & IrelandEurosport 223/9 @ 2230 BST (Delay)-23/9 @ 2330 BST
AsiaEurosport 219/9 @ 2100 HKT (Delay)--
USAFox Soccer Plus--22/9 @ 1700 ET
USAFox Sports 219/9 @ 0530 ET (LIVE)20/9 @ 0230 ET (LIVE)-
Worldwide (excl. Aust)Orbit Showtime Network19/9 @ 1230 KSA (LIVE)20/9 @ 0930 KSA (LIVE)22/9 @ 2000 KSA
Middle EastOTLSM - Boats and Cruises19/9 @ 0950 GMT (LIVE)20/9 @ 0630 GMT (LIVE)-
New ZealandSky Sports-22/9 @ 0000 NZT-
New ZealandSommet Sports19/9 @ 2130 NZT (LIVE)20/9 @ 1830 NZT (LIVE)24/9 @ 1930 NZT
AfricaSupersport19/9 @ 1130 CAT (LIVE)20/9 @ 0830 CAT (LIVE)22/9 @ 1700 CAT
CanadaTSN219/9 @ 05:30 ET (LIVE)20/9 @ 02:30 ET (LIVE)TSN.ca
Latin AmericaViva Sports24/9 @ 1830 MST (Delay)--
WorldwideWatchAFL.com.au19/9 @ 1950 GMT19/9 @ 0645 GMT-

  ...

Port signs reality TV Recruit

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Port Adelaide tonight selected South Australia's Johann Wagner as the inaugural winner of Fox8’s ‘The Recruit’, guaranteeing him a place on the club’s rookie list for the 2015 Toyota AFL Premiership Season as a Category B player.

The Australian Pay TV channel Fox8 show had two potential international recruits Padraig Lucey (who featured for Ireland at IC14) and Mark Cisco (an Ameican who had previously tested at AFL combines) who performed well but did not make the final three.  

Wagner was selected at a special NAB AFL Draft meeting held in Melbourne tonight.

The winner was determined following a voting process involving all clubs ranking the final three Recruits - Queensland’s Bradie Foster, Victoria’s Chris Moreland and Wagner.

Left: Padraig Lucey.

Under the rules of the Recruit, players had to be 20 years of age on or before 31 December 2013 and may not have been on an AFL Primary or Rookie List at any time previously in their career or on a VFL, SANFL or WAFL club list in 2012 and 2013.

 

During the program’s 10-week run on Fox8, potential draftees were under the direction of three-time Brisbane Lions premiership player Michael Voss, former Hawthorn player Ben Dixon, Port Adelaide High Performance Coach Darren Burgess and Brisbane Lions’ Psychology Coach Leigh Russell.

 

The profile details for winning recruit are as follows:.

 

JOHANN WAGNER

Home Town: Port Lincoln, South Australia

Position: Forward

Height: 189.5 centimetres

Weight: 86.5 kilograms

Current Club: Central Districts FC (SANFL) ...

PNG connections continue to grow in Cairns

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Elliott Takolu (left) had held a dream for a very long time. Having fallen in love with the game of Australian Rules football back in his home city of Lae in Papua New Guinea, Elliott always wanted to get to Australia and try his luck.

After many failed attempts to get to Australia, usually through visa issues, Elliott finally made it this year. Even though he arrived well into the new season, he joined AFL Cairns club, the South Cairns Cutters. Living with a host family, Lance and Sue Dixon, Elliott finally played out his dream.

Cutters’ president Steven Begg was high in praise for Elliott’s commitment to the game and the club, as well acknowledging him as a fine young man. Steven was impressed in equal parts by Elliott’s attitude and application to his footy as well as his work off the field helping club and family in any way he could. It is this combination of ground-breaker and role model which Elliott will take back to Lae and use to inspire others to make the jump.


Two years ago when I interviewed Elliott he said “I came to learn about footy when I was in school through the PE programs. I play footy because it can change things in life physically and mentally and my aim in life is to make it to the highest level in AFL and i will sure make it one day.”

So Elliott has taken that first step and reached the playing fields in Cairns. With Willie Aisi, fellow Papua New Guinea player and member of the PNG team which just won the International Cup in Melbourne, currently playing in Cairns for the North Cairns Tigers, as well as others in recent times scattered across the nation, the trickle of PNG talent is starting to grow.

A pipeline of talent from Papua New Guinea and other Oceania nations has been quietly discussed and worked on in the halls of AFL Cairns for some time, not to mention the discussions at AFLQ in Brisbane or the hallowed halls in Melbourne. It certainly makes sense. Cairns’ profile has been raised in recent years as an AFL destination through the playing of matches featuring the Gold Coast Suns, Richmond Tigers and the Western Bulldogs. Cazalys Stadium has been extensively developed to be a hub for football in Cairns, and the AFL Cairns competition is well placed to accommodate any influx of talent from nearby nations. As a product, Cairns would hold appeal and its location places it closer to most Oceania centres, but just a hop, skip and jump from Port Moresby and Lae.

Local clubs in Cairns are already openly discussing their options for a player market into the future. Established clubs are always on the lookout for talent to be infused into their lists, and access to top quality players from PNG would achieve that goal. Newer clubs on the block can see the value also. Pyramid Power, currently without a senior men’s team, would be a a great position to attract talent. The new Cape York Eagles team, whilst only a junior club at the moment, is keen to be seen as more than an indigenous team and move towards a wider multicultural representation according to their Program manager Rick Hanlon. Younger players in the 14-16 age groups might find opportunities through the Eagles en route to bigger things.

Another terrific part of Elliott’s time in Cairns was the donation of a set of jumpers by South Cairns Cutters for the players at Port Powers in Lae. Last year we reported the donation of a set of jumpers to this club by the Baulkham Hills Hawks, assisted by the strength of Pyramid Power’s Brother Clubs Project. Now the South Cairns Cutters, through the generosity of Lance Dixon and support of their president Steven Begg have added further to the trend of lending assistance to clubs in need across the world. The gesture also lends itself to the ongoing symbolic union between Cairns based clubs and clubs in Papua New Guinea.


(Left: Port Powers players from Lae wearing their Cutters' jumpers and celebrating their premiership win).

Last year the Lae based club went into their finals wearing the Hawthorn colours of Baulkham Hills. This year they won the premiership in South Cairns colours. Currently they use both sets of colours within their club. A year ago the club had no jumpers at all in any age group. The generosity of South Cairns and Baulkham Hills has forever changed the visual landscape of the game in that part of Papua New Guinea, as well as attracting more players to the game as a more “professional” look is cultivated locally.

Elliott is not the first Papua New Guinea player to come to Australia to fulfil a dream. Nor will he be the last. But just now he stands as an example of players willing to pursue whatever avenues they can to expand their potential pathways to Australian Rules football success. He is currently walking along that pipeline, leading the way as others begin to follow.

And that can only be good for the game. ...

Football Australien – New Championnat de France almost here

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The new 2014/15 season of the CNFA competition in France is almost here with the season to kick off in fine style. The Perpignan Tigers have re-joined the Championship League and they open the season with their clash against the Cergy Pontoise Coyotes at their home ground on October 11th.

The inclusion of Perpignan for the new season will see eight teams competing each round, cutting out the need for a bye, and showing the growth of the game in France as Perpignan have generated enough local interest to be a viable team again.

The other clubs going around again this season ate the already mentioned Coyotes as well as reigning premiers the Toulouse Hawks, their grand final opponents Paris Cockerels, the Bordeaux Bombers, Strasbourg Kangaroos, Montpellier Fire Sharks and the Lyon based ALFA Lions.

Other interested spectators this year will be the newly formed Nancy Bobcats, the currently dormant Aix-Marseilles Dockers and newer, though yet to be fully fledged entities in the Pau Bears and Toulon Footy. No doubt all of these clubs will be caught up in the excitement of a new season and as a result may be propelled closer to fully fledged status by season’s end. Time will tell.

Past winners of the French championships have been part of a unique pattern. Just three teams have won the nation’s biggest prize, but each has won twice and each back to back. The Paris Cockerels won the title in 2009 and 2010. The Bordeaux Bombers then took over to win in 2011 and 2012, followed by the Toulouse Hawks (not straying from that tradition) won in 2013 and 2014. The new season sees an opportunity for one of those three teams to create their own history and win a third title in 2015. Likewise, the new season presents a challenge for the other clubs to grab history by the scruff of the neck and win a maiden premiership.

So, in a little over three weeks all of the pre-season training will be put to the test as teams line up for the real thing. History will be forgotten as all sides start from square one and look to make the 2014/15 season theirs

For more information on the CNFA season, visit their website at: http://cms.football-australien.fr/ or follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CNFAFrance ...

2014 Axios Euro Cup boasts record team numbers

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Afl Europe has proudly announced that a record 21 teams are confirmed for the 2014 Axios Euro Cup to be held in London on October 4th at the London Irish Rugby Club. With confirmations now in from competing clubs, the day will feature 16 men’s teams and 5 women’s teams.

This is a huge increase on the 14 teams which attended last year’s event in Bordeaux, France.

For the 2014 event the men’s teams from England, Austria, Croatia, Spain, Norway, Italy, Ireland, France, Catalunya and the European Crusaders are returning to re-engage in battle from last year. Their numbers are boosted with the inclusion of the Scottish Clansmen, Flying Dutchmen from the Netherlands, The German Black Eagles, Welsh Dragons, Swedish Elks and Denmark Vikings.


The teams from Finland and Iceland will not be returning for the 2014 event.

The women’s draw is where the greatest growth has been. Not only will the France Les Inattendues return from last year, they will be joined by the Irish Banshees as well as new teams, the England Vixens, Danish Valkyries and the Scotland women’s team.

The 2013 Axios Euro Cup, played in Saint Médard en Jalles in Bordeaux saw England convincingly defeat France for the Cup. Croatia and Italy also performed well to finish in third and fourth places. Ireland will be out for redemption this year. In 2013 they went down in their round match to France by one point, meaning they missed out on contesting the cup but did take out the Euro Bowl. Austria took out the Euro Plate.

This year’s event in London is already huge just in terms of the number of nations and teams attending. Come the day this event is sure to be enormous as teams attempt to assert their authority, redeem last year’s efforts, improve their standing or just simply play for the first time and make their own statement for the future.

For more information on the 2014 Axios Euro Cup in London, visit the AFL Europe website at: http://www.afleurope.org/2014-axios-e...-info-hub/ ...

Kiwi Kurt defending VFL title with Hawks

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Officially joining Hawthorn's list this season Kiwi Kurt Heatherley has at times looked close to selection for an AFL debut.  Particularly during periods where Hawthorn's defensive stocks were worn thin by injury and suspension.  But this has looked further away as the season wore on and Hawthorn gradually got their best defenders back on the park.

Heatherley has persisted in defence playing 13 matches this season with the Hawk's VFL affilliate side the Box Hill Hawks.  Box Hill won the 2013 VFL Premiership and now find themselves in Sunday's Grand Final against Footscray at Etihad Stadium.  Most of the attention in Box Hill's team selection has been on Cyril Rioli who will test his suspect hamstring in the VFL Grand Final (if Hawthorn defeat Port Adelaide on Saturday afternoon) with hopes of making it through and then playing in the AFL Grand Final the following week.  But our attention is well and truly on the selection of Heatherley who has been named on the half back flank.  

This selection alone is a huge reward for the young Kiwi who relocated as a schoolboy to Australia to pursue his AFL career.  It is also a huge credit to the talent identification and development pathways of AFLNZ. But to win a VFL premiership in his first season of senior football would be an even bigger acheivement and hopefully a tasty entree to an AFL debut in 2015.

 

For our friends at AFL South Africa there is some interest here too with South African born Jason Johannisen who has played some good football for the Western Bulldogs in the AFL playing for Footscray.

VFL Grand Final - Sunday September 21, 2:15pmat Etihad Stadium The curtain raiser is the TAC Grand Final at 10:30am between Calder Cannons and Oakleigh Chargers.  For entry prices and more game information CLICK HERE

 Footscray Bulldogs

 

B

Austin

Redpath

Talia

HB

Young

Markovic

Darley

C

Howard

Goodes

Johannisen

HF

Grant

Jones

Tutt

F

Dickson

Campbell

Greenwood

R

Cordy

Jong

Lower

Int

Prismall

Perkins

Pearce

 

Russell

W. Hayes*

Jensen

 

Fogarty

Honeychurch

Barry

Box Hill Hawks

B

Brand

Schoenmakers

Cheney

HB

Heatherley

Litherland

Ross

C

Hartung

Sewell

Willsmore

HF

O'Brien

Woodward

Rioli

F

Grimley

Sicily

B. McEvoy

R

Lowden

Kelly

Hallahan

Int

Murphy

Lock

Mirra

 

Collins

Tobin

P. McEvoy

 

Iles

Andrews

Papadopoulos*

...

Norway’s Kenguru Cup comes to a dramatic close for 2014

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The Norwegian Australian Rules football season came to a close earlier this month with the grand- final of the nation’s Kenguru Cup. This year, Oslo East proudly claimed the title back after the Ås Battlers won in 2013. But this season went down to the wire, not only on the big stage of the grand-final, but also in the final round of matches.

The final round of matches certainly provided the perfect excitement level. Going into the day, Oslo East were clear minor premiers, finishing three games ahead of the field. But the excitement would come in the battle between the Ås Battlers and Oslo West to see who would meet East in the grand- final. Mathematically, Oslo West could get there if they won both games on the day.

The Oslo derby remained hard fought as West tried valiantly to stay in the grand-final race, but they went down in the end by 19 points. Final score saw Oslo East 7 5 47 d Oslo West 3 10 28.

By now it was clear that the Ås Battlers had almost done enough to reach the grand-final, so the next match was about flexing muscle for both sides. Whoever won this match would probably take a strong psychological advantage into the grand-final. In a see-sawing and exciting game it was the Olso East team which outlasted the Battlers in a thriller, winning the match 4 6 30 to 4 4 28.

The last match of the round then saw the Battlers take on Oslo West, who could still reach the final with a big enough win. A 21 point or more win would see them get there on percentage. But the Battlers knew this and what transpired was the most exciting match of the season as the combatants played out a spine-tingling draw – the first ever in Kenguru Cup history. Final score locked at 5 4 34 apiece.

The stage was now set for the grand-final in Ekeberg, Oslo. The Oslo East team would take on the Ås (Hill) Battlers. The big day did not disappoint either. After an incredibly hard fought first half where the ball continued to travel from end to end through solid defence, the result was a goalless half of football. The game opened up in the second half with both sides finding the big sticks. But it took two goals late in the game from Robin Hunter, the last just three minutes from full time, for Oslo East to put away the Ås team. The final score saw Oslo East win the Kenguru Cup for 2014 – Oslo East 4 12 36 d Ås (Hill) Battlers 3 3 21.

After a fantastic finish to the AFL Norway season, and Oslo East now able to keep the bragging rights until the new 2015 season begins, attention turns to the Euro Cup for the Norwegian national team.

Not able to make it to Bordeaux for last year’s Euro Cup, the Norway team will be looking to replicate or better their efforts in Edinburgh from 2012 when they took out the Euro Plate in their Euro Cup debut. After that there is the possibility of the team returning to Vilamoura in Portugal for the Algarve AFL 9’s tournament where they went down in the final to the Flying Dutchmen, and would be keen to make amends for that.

Certainly, the 2014 season in Norway will be remembered for one of the tightest finishes to a Kenguru Cup competition for some time.




Left: The victorious Oslo East ...

BM Bulls to change AFL Middle East landscape

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The new AFL Middle East season will return to a six team competition with the addition of a new club, the BM Bulls. For the past few seasons the Middle East competition has run with just the five clubs since the Bahrain Blues pulled out prior to the start off the 2012/13 season.

This will mean the Bulls will join existing clubs the Abu Dhabi Falcons, Doha Kangaroos, Dubai Dingoes, Dubai Dragons and Muscat Magpies.

According the Matt Burn, General Manager – Football Operations at AFL Middle East, “[BM Bulls are the] new team introduced to the competition for season 2014/15. The league was approached by Andy Campbell who said they had a full squad who were looking to start their own side in the competition. The league and all five clubs agreed that it would be good to introduce a sixth team to the competition. The Bulls are backed by Brookfield Multiplex [hence the BM] and 95% of the players are all employed by the business. They are the unknown side for 2014/15, so watch this space!”

Brookfield Multiplex is a construction, engineering and infrastructure company with started as Multiplex in Perth, founded by John Roberts in 1962. Today they are involved in massive construction projects world-wide including Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates. Some of their best known developments include Wembley Stadium in London, Federation Square in Melbourne and the Emirates Towers in Dubai.

The BM Bulls will also be based in Dubai, making it three teams in the one city. One thing is for certain – there will be an even bigger focus on the Dubai local derby matches from this season.

A welcome addition to the AFL scene in the Middle East, time will tell how quickly the BM Bulls can get into stride and match it with the already established clubs.



Left: BM Bulls playing kit for 2014/15 se ...

AFL Middle East – New teams, new dreams

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The new season for AFL Middle East is fast approaching with all clubs currently in pre-season training and making their plans for their assaults on the 2014/15 premiership. Last year the Doha kangaroos bought change and hope to all clubs when they defeated the Dubai Dragons for their maiden flag, and as a result all teams now know that anyone can win.

 

The new season starts with the Pre-Season Cup to be held in Dubai on Friday October 17th, before Round One kicks off in the first week of November. The season will see five rounds played either side of the Christmas/New Year break, with the Grand Final scheduled for March 20th in Dubai.

 

 

Matt Burn, General Manager at AFL Middle East, has provided an overview of all teams in their preparation for the new season.

 

Abu Dhabi Falcons

“After a strong finish to the 2013/14 season the Falcons have hit the ground running early in 2014. They have been training for around two months now with a local Rugby side and are looking to really use their fitness as an attacking weapon this season. They have kept majority of their list and are looking to introduce their second Emirati into the league. They will be playing in new kit (same colours) for the season.”

Keen to improve on their third placing last year.

 

BM Bulls

“New team introduced to the competition for season 2014/15. The league was approached by Andy Campbell who said they had a full squad who were looking to start their own side in the competition. The league and all five clubs all agreed that it would be good to introduce a sixth team to the competition. The Bulls are backed by Brookfield Multiplex (BM) and 95% of the players are all employed by the business. The unknown side for 2014/15, watch this space!”

New and full of surprises. Could provide upsets.

 

Doha Kangaroos

“What a fantastic story it was with the Kangaroos winning their first premiership in the league last season. The club is in good shape to go back to back by holding the majority of the current squad and will only be travelling once this season compared to three last season. Training has started and look out for the Kangaroos to be the hard running and tactical force again.”

There is no greater incentive that the thought of “back to back”, so a huge chance again.

 

Dubai Dingoes

“The Dingoes are looking to bounce back after a disappointing season last year to their usual standard. They did beat the Dragons and pushed the premiers right to the last quarter last season so will have some confidence when playing both sides again. Numbers were an issue last year but the club have picked up a few more recruits and are looking to push for the premiership. They will be playing in a new kit (same colours) for the season.”

Driven to improve on last year, expect the Dingoes to push hard this season.

 

Dubai Dragons

“The Dragons are looking for revenge for last year’s Grand Final defeat. Club has been training twice a week for 6 weeks now and focusing a lot of their work on their run. Their numbers are already quite high and team selection looks set to be a headache again, which is not such a bad thing. Look out for the new playing kit and merchandise for season 2014/15.”

The Dragon’s will be hurting from last year’s grand final loss, so payback on their minds.

 

Muscat Magpies

“The Magpies showed signs of great improvement last season and will be looking to build on that again. The team is made of 90% Irish Gaelic players and with majority of these players entering their third season we should be seeing a rise up the ladder for 2014/15. One is for sure is that the Magpies will again be a force in the after match "Boat Race"

Nothing to lose, all to gain. Expect Muscat to push all rivals this season.

 

With the arrival of a new club, burning desires for retribution from last year, new playing lists, goals for improvement and the belief that a new season always brings new opportunities, the AFL Middle east competition for 2014/15 could yet be one of the most exciting.

 

 

Left: last yeaar's premiers, Doha Kangaroos

 

 

 

   ...

AFL Cape York House in Cairns making dreams a reality

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The following article by Paul Daley in The Guardian newspaper looks closely at the work done by Rick Hanlon and his team at AFL Cape York House in Cairns. Having been associated with Rick and his work since 2005, and coached a number of the kids now at Cape York House, I have a strong interest in its future as an establishment that can change the lives of young indigenous and non-indigenous people by developing not only the footballer but also the person.
 
In a recent interview of my own with Rick he discussed the hope that AFL Cape York House would grow beyond the indigenous student base it currently has and take on a more multicultural makeup in coming years, further developing the game and of course an even wider audience of young men.
 
This year saw the maiden season in the AFL Cairns competition for the Cape York Eagles, the teams for which the AFL Cape York House boys play. In their first season the Under 15 team won the premiership beating Pyramid Power. The Under 17 Colts team also reached the Grand Final going down to Port Douglas.
 
The following extract from Paul Daley’s article gives an insight into Rick Hanlon and the history and future of AFL Cape York House. 
 

 

Unique Australian Rules program for Indigenous students in Cairns makes closing the gap a reality

Former footballer Rick Hanlon established Cape York House, but says it’s not about developing footballers – ‘it’s about developing young men who’ll have a chance at life’

Australian Rules football may well have been Rick Hanlon’s salvation.

But he is still the first to tell the young Indigenous men and boys to whom he is both a life mentor and a coach that being a great footy player doesn’t make you a good bloke

Hanlon, as those who know him well attest, is a rough diamond. A lean, fit 51-year-old, he still moves with the agility of the star centreman he was for the best part of two decades in the Northern Tasmanian Football League. He speaks equally quickly, espousing in a rat-a-tat-tat stream his uncompromising views about what young Australians – Indigenous or otherwise – need to succeed in life. Like much of what he tries to impart to his charges, he draws heavily on his own imperfect upbringing and the life lessons he’s drawn from it.

In 1998 Hanlon moved to Cairns as the Australian Football League’s regional development manager, charged with getting more young Australians to play – especially those in the remote Indigenous communities of Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands, where rugby league is the traditional game.

But 16 years later, having driven an impressive Aussie Rules take-up, he has exceeded the league’s official brief by last year establishing AFL Cape York House (CYH) – a 48-bed residence set around an oval in Cairns, where students from remote communities can live while finishing secondary school.

It offers them a real chance to stick at school, to go on to tertiary study or into skilled employment and, most importantly, to invest in and empower their own communities. Along the way a few might even become elite Australian Rules footballers – a bonus but not the imperative for the AFL, Hanlon says.

“If it wasn’t for footy I wouldn’t be ... the man I am today. I made some bad decisions along the way. But that out there – the oval – that was my classroom,” Hanlon says, as the Cape York House residents come in from school, grab afternoon snacks and prepare their football gear for a night match with their team, the under-17 Cape York House Eagles.

 

To read the article in full, follow this link - http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/21/-sp-unique-australian-rules-program-indigenous-cairnsωCMP=twt_gu

 

 

Left: Rick Hanlon and players from Cape York House Under 17 Eagles - Photograph: Paul Daley/The Guardian 

 

 

  ...

Brownlow Medal – Pearce Hanley’s stocks continue to rise

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Measuring a player’s value solely on their Brownlow Medal votes is a highly inaccurate science and not entirely fair on players. But they can be used as a form of comparison over time, and in this area Brisbane Lions player Pearce Hanley is moving along a career path which has similarities to Jim Stynes.

Pearce Hanley polled nine votes at last night’s prestigious Brownlow Medal count. The award is given to the best and fairest player in the AFL based on the issuing of votes by the field umpires on a 3, 2, 1 basis for each game. Last night it was West Coast Eagles player, Matt Priddis, who won the award on 26 votes from Gary Ablett (22 votes) and Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin (22 votes) in equal second place. Fremantle star Nat Fyfe polled 25 votes but was ineligible to win due to being suspended by the tribunal during the season.

Pearce was a long way back in the field, but he has now polled 21 votes in his career, all over the past three seasons.

His rise has seen an increase each year since 2012 (4 votes), 2013 (8 votes) and 2014 (9 votes). Hanley started in 2008 with a game in the final round and was added to the Brisbane Lion’s senior list at the end of the 2009 season. After a couple more years learning the game, Hanley, originally from a Gaelic Football background as a player for Mayo in Ireland, is now on an upward surge.

Irish legend, Jim Stynes, polled a total of 105 Brownlow votes from 1987 to 1998, peaking with winning the medal in 1991 with 25 votes. Interestingly, Stynes also started from humble beginnings polling 19 votes over his first four seasons before his famous win in 1991. Stynes continued to poll votes in every season until his retirement in 1998, but his highest polling season after his win was 15 votes in 1995.

Pearce Hanley is still just 25 years old and may be looking at another five to seven seasons as a player. Even if he were to poll an average of ten votes per season, he might accumulate another 50 to 70 votes, and that is being highly optimistic. He is very unlikely to ever reach Jim Stynes’ total. But that isn’t really the point. Hanley’s ability to accumulate votes, and more each year, suggest that he might, statistically, become the best Irish player in the AFL since Jim Stynes.

It will be interesting to watch his progress, and there is the Jim Stynes comparison to add interest. This article is not suggesting Hanley is as good a player as Stynes, but it is illustrating Hanley’s rise as a player and potential to go much further.

For the time being it is enough to simply enjoy watching his skills as he goes from Irish AFL Rookie to a genuine club leader at the Brisbane Lions.

Footnote: Jim Stynes has been honoured with two structures in 2014. The Jim Stynes Bridge was opened at Melbourne’s Docklands in June, and early in September a bronze statue of the great Irish and Melbourne Demon’s player was unveiled as part of the Tattersall’s Parade Of Champions surrounding the MCG. The statues include Australian Cricketers including Sir Donald Bradman and Dennis Lillee, athletes Betty Cuthbert and Shirley Strickland and AFL legends including Ron Barassi and Leigh Matthews.

Photos courtesy of - http://afl.com.au



Left: The new Jim Stynes bronze statue at the ...

Grand Finals and more in PNG

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It’s grand final time of year and over the last couple of weeks leagues are wrapping up around Australia – and for that matter in Papua New Guinea. Saturday week ago the Lae Grand Final was held whilst the weekend just gone the big AFL PNG Esiloan Grand Final Day at the Murray Barracks Oval in Port Moresby was run and won.

Esiloan sponsored trophies and medallions.

In Port Moresby a big day of footy was scheduled on Saturday starting off at 11am with the Women’s play off followed by the ‘A’ Reserves; Oldies v Masters and finally at 2.30pm the main game.

It’s grand final time of year and over the last couple of weeks seasons are wrapping up around Australia – and for that matter in Papua New Guinea. Saturday week ago the Lae Grand Final was held whilst the weekend just gone the big AFL PNG Esiloan Grand Final Day at the Murray Barracks Oval in Port Moresby was run and won.

In Port Moresby a big day of footy was scheduled on Saturday starting off at 11am with the Women’s play off followed by the ‘A’ Reserves; Oldies v Masters and finally at 2.30pm the main game.

The first game saw the defending champions the University Tigers going back to back - winning the women’s title over the MoniPlus Taurama Suns. Best on ground was Taiva Lavai, captain of the victorious Tigers. The Tigers had won their way to the GF with a solid 18 pt win in the preliminary final over the Lamana Dockers (2.7.19 to 0.1.1). For the Suns Bella Grant, Susan Savere, Benita Mai and Maureen Bauwase tried hard. The Central Bombers are a relatively new side but coached by AFL PNG veteran Overa Gibson they showed that they had learned plenty in a short time and held out the Bomana Cats for a deserved premiership victory. The Bombers had earned their place in the decider with a narrow 6 pt win in the prelim over the Defence Hawks (2.4.16 to 1.4.10). Leading into the match coach Gibson said “We didn’t expect to come this far, win or lose, it doesn’t really matter. We know they will be a hard team to beat. But it will be a real bonus for us and the Gereka community as a whole if we win this one.” Bomana coach Nathan Napkai recognised the great discipline and commitment of his improving opposition and paid credit to Gibson for his leadership. For the record the Bombers got up 4.4.28 over the Cats 1.10.16.

Pre game promotional poster.

The Main game saw the defending champions the Lamana Dockers coached by Richard Aupae take on the MoniPlus Taurama Suns coached by Connie Papau. The Dockers had won their way through to the Grand Final the previous week with a hard fought prelim final win over the Gordons Kokofas (8.6.54 to 5.7.37) having had to dig deep in the final quarter after scores were locked on 5.5 apiece at the last break. The judges had the Dockers as the underdogs, as Peter Sevara Jr in the National stated “The MoniPlus-sponsored Suns have the aura of a champion side with the only thing missing being the silverware”.

The Suns captain Jeffery Namete has been a star this season and along with PNG Mossies team mate Ferdinand Musi – would be the players to watch. The Dockers, skippered by Stanis Isu, would hope for a big day from Sebastian Gelu and up forward from Emmanual Tupia. The match was anything but a walk over and the favourites the Suns had to work hard for a narrow 6 pt win over the slightly wasteful Dockers – 9.5.59 to 7.11.53. The healthy crowd and attendant corporates (sponsors) enjoyed a fine match showcasing dazzling skills and gritty toughness. The game was tight all day after the Dockers jumped out early and by the final quarter the heavens had opened and the going was particularly tough in wet conditions.

Dockers Suns
3.1.19 1.1.7
6.1.374.5.29
7.5.47 8.5.53
7.11.53 9.5.59

Some of the crowd - seeking a vantage point.

The Dockers were getting pegged back through the second term and headed by the last change. As the wet weather took hold the Dockers created chances but were unable to convert whilst the solitary score for the Suns for the term – a goal to the ever dangerous Mong – was the sealer.

The Gordons Kokofas FC may have missed the final play off but they aren't standing still off the field with a near bus provided by Ela Motors and new off field apparel supplied by Oil Min. The growth of these clubs as vital parts of local communities is proven out by the sponsorship associations being established.

The previous week AFL Lae held their season decider at the Eriku Oval (Saturday Sept 13th) – which saw the Salamander Power take on the Sa’lle Dogs. There was a curtain raiser match between the AFL Lae women’s teams. The big game saw the Power 7.12.54 overcome the Dogs 7.9.51 in a classic grand final encounter. The AFL Lae gained great assistance from key sponsors Theodist Lae and Coca Cola Amatil. The intervening week saw other activity in AFL PNG circles with the 39th Independence Celebrations taking place during the 2 day Coca Cola National Junior Championship for the Southern region. The tournament kicked off on Monday Sept 15 and one outcome would be the selection of players from Port Moresby and Kerema for the national squads and Academy for 2015. The championship included matches against four teams - West Bulldogs, East Lions, South Cats & North Tigers - and testing in height, kicking, sprints and a 2 kilometres run. This week the attention has moved to Kimbe for the NGI region national juniors.

It’s been a big year in AFL PNG given the International Cup success – and locally there’s plenty going on as the footy community continues to grow including gaining valuable sponsorship and broader recognition.

...

Following Kurts VFL Grand Final day out loss to Footscray

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It’s all the usual Grand Final preparations. Warm up on the ground, run through the banner and line up for the national anthem. But for Kurt Heatherley it is a foreign one. Well maybe not that foreign as he has spent a few years in Melbourne at school and another since at Hawthorn learning the ropes.
 
But today it is Box Hill he runs out with. Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate team also known as the Hawks. He has played with Box Hill all season. He spent three games with Box Hill’s Development team during the year and the rest of the games with the Box Hill senior team. Playing as a defender he has not clocked up huge numbers but is always a solid contributor who has a love of the physical contest.
 
His stats show he is a keen tackler, something brought from across the Tasman where he grew up around the dominating game of rugby.
 
Kurt starts on the bench. Four minutes in he is up and ready to come on as Box Hill and Footscray seesaw the ball back and forth but finally it is Woodward who breaks the deadlock and Kurt Heatherley comes onto the ground with 6 min on the clock. He is straight into defence on Redpath and then the matchup with Campbell. He spoils their first contest and Box Hill clears. 
 
Campbell marks in pocket for Footscray as Kurt Heatherley is stranded after marking up Jones with the ball coming into the forward line and he was left in no man’s land. Campbell in this instance was actually Shoenmakers man. Campbell kick Footscray’s first goal.
 
Heatherley is now manning up Redpath.    The ball goes into the Box Hill 50 arc and Heatherley zones off in centre of ground. Willsmore kicks the goal for Box Hill.
 
Now with Ayce Cordy in square, leaves him to try to assist with spoil but Shoenmakers man in Redpath takes the mark before he can assist and he kicks the goal for Footscray. 
 
Shortly after he contests for a mark with Goodes on the back flank but the ball spills over boundary. Another player resting up forward and Heatherley is now manning up on Tutt . Box Hill kick a long point and he is back with Jones again.  Heatherley is not seeing much action as Box Hill are doing all the attacking. Sicily eventually adds two in a row for Box Hill. Now Heatherley is running with South Afrian born Johannisen as Footscray peg one back and he is now back manning up on Jones. 
 
Heatherley tries to chase down Grant with pace and pressure causes him to miss running shot at goal.
 
Young kicks a goal for Footscray on the run. And Kurt comes off for rest 27 mins gone in Quarter.
 
Quarter time score Box Hill 4.2 (26) v Footscray 4.2 (26).
 
Kurt starts on bench again. Grant puts Footscray back in front with a soccer goal off the ground.
 
Kurt come back on at 4.30. Tries to mark a skied ball on chest but spoiled. Running with Dickson now and then shortly afterwards withGrant. Kurt is in pack spoiling as Grant tries to mark.
 
Another change and now he is with Jones waiting at the square.
 
Jones gets on the end of a long lead but Heatherley closes and spoils. Eventually a ball up happens. From ball up Tutt runs off back of pack Kurt chases but can’t stop him kicking the goal Footscray are two goals clear. Kurt has his first possession with a nice handball to teammate cleaning up from the ball spilling off the pack on the back flank. 
 
Next Jones gets on a good lead to the pocket and with a hard low flat pass Kurt Heatherley can’t make the spoil. Jones kicks the goal. 
 
Kurt Heatherley now back manning up on Redpath. 
 
Hallahan intercepts pass and kicks one for Box Hill. Kurt Heatherley with Grant and then switches to Jones. Jones goes to the bench and now Heatherley is with Grant again. Grant and Heatherley are very evenly matched physically. A pass comes directed to Grant, but Heatherley spoils to the boundary so Grant can’t mark. Now Heatherley zones off as Grant goes in to contest the ball inside 50 at a ball up.
 
Hallahan kicks a very good goal from boundary line for Box Hill.
 
Hawks go from back line switch to mark to Grimley who goals. Kurt Heatherley ran length of field past 3 marks to provide handball option. Cordy couldn’t keep with let, but Heatherley’s long run is not rewarded. Cordy looks to let him know the run was for nothing and they have a bit of a standing wrestle on the foward 50. 
 
Q3 Kurt Heatherley starts on bench. Luke Lowden kicks an early one for the Hawks a long kick from outside 50.
 
Ross kicks goal roving off contest for Box Hill.
 
Kurt Heatherley comes onto the ground after 8 minutes after Sicily takes big pack grab and misses to left. 
 
Heatherley spoils Redpath mark with assistance on the forward flank.
 
Next he drops back into pack as long kick come inside 50 from Footscray but mark is taken by Pearce – he slots the set shot no problem.
 
Heatherley takes a nice mark from the kickout, about 55m out from the Box Hill goal, he sends a long kick to top of square.
 
Now Redpath leads Kurt Heatherley to take mark on lead. 
 
Dickson makes it interesting with goal for the Bulldogs from a free kick for over shoulder spoil.
 
Jones marks for Footscray and goals.
 
Heatherley now looks to be running on a wing. Gets ball on the wing from a scrappy handball and is tackled over the line for throw in. 
 
Collins goals for Box Hill after Rioli spills the ball to the back of the pack in the square.
 
Hartung gets another for Box Hill with a long 3 bounce run and then goal.
 
Heatherley is now with Ayce Cordy at goalsquare. He rushes a behind as Footscray come charging to try to soccer it through.
 
Kurt Heatherley marks in back pocket from the kickout. He kicks long to a pack on the back flank. 
 
¾ time score Box Hill 11.7 to Footscray 10.7
 
Kurt Heatherley started the last quarter on the ground, probably thanks to Box Hill being restricted after the decision to sit out Cyril Rioli for the last quarter.
 
Kurt Heatherley starts off in the Footscray goal square with Jones at full back.
 
Sicily goals for Hawks at other end.
 
Kurt Heatherley is lead to the ball by Redpath but Tutt intercepts, Box Hill clear the ball though.
 
Goal on the run by Ross puts Box Hill 18 points up.
 
Dickson kicks the goal of the day when he picks up from spoil on the run and snaps the goal for Footscray.
 
Footscray come again with quick clear from centre and Jones snaps on left for goal. 
 
Redpath goals after tackle on Schoenmakers paid to level the scores.
 
Heatherly with Hayes. Slight mismatch .
 
Howard goals for Bulldogs from mark in pocket and goals. A sidewinder soccer kick for a point for Box Hill follows as Footscray rush the behind.
 
Great spoil form Kurt Heatherley as the Bulldogs kicked long to the square and he got a fist in to thump it through for a rushed behind.
 
Moments later Tutt’s kick falls short and Box Hill rush the behind to give Footscray a 7pt lead.
 
Collins takes a stand your ground mark 20m out for Box Hill but his kick misses. 
 
Kurt Heatherley now with Jong and then Redpath as he takes whoever comes loose to the Footscray forward line. 
 
Kurt Heatherley spoils and knocks the ball away from the leading Dickson in the back pocket.
 
Kurt Heatherley slips and cant spoil Jones who marks at 50 and kicks the goal.
 
Heatherley with Grant now. Another to Jones who is infringed in the marking contest and it’s a 20 point lead to Footscray. Was a great clearance and pass from Jong who has dominated around the packs all day.
 
Lin Jong kicks a point after a free kick and 50 metre penalty. On the clearance Heatherley gets a kick on the wing on the run as advantage is paid. Shortly after the siren sounds.
 
Final Score
 
Footscray 16.13 109 defeat Box Hill 13.9 87
 
Crowd 23,000.
 
Brett Goodes was named best on ground, and Lin Jong must have been a close second for the Norm Goss medal.
 
Heatherley’s game in the back line was a serviceable one, he clearly has a job and that is to man up the resting players coming into the forward line, or take whatever matchup is required. He looked outsized for bulk against Cordy, Redpath and Jones but was able to beat them for speed and match them for height. He was really only beaten by the best of leads and passes and once when he slipped, defenders can’t be expected to win every contest after all. With smaller forwards like Dickson and on players like Jong and Hayes he was able to match them for speed. And for build and height he is almost identical to Grant. 
 
His kicking and handball look very reliable and to take his game to the next level really just needs to take charge in the backline rather than put out the fires as they occur. This should all come with more match time and experience on the best forwards in the VFL. ...

2014 AFL Grand Final parties around the world

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Every year since 2005, World Footy News has promoted an extensive list of Grand Final Parties around the world. And with the 2014 AFL Grand Final being played this Saturday in Melbourne between Hawthorn and Sydney we are calling for clubs around the world to send details of your party to us, so that fans of the game in your country/city can watch the big game with you.

You can either post details as a comment below (you must register before you are able to post a comment or login via Facebook) or email troy@worldfootynews.com - all these details will be collated as per previous years.

ASIA
 
Tokyo, Japan
 
Saturday September 27th
 
There are still seats available to attend our Grand Final Champagne Breakfast from 11am this Saturday. There isn't a better way to kick off Grand Final day than indulging in the Hobgoblin's delicious Aussie Breakfast and a few complimentary glasses of Jacobs Creek Sparkling (kindly donated by Pernod Ricard Japan) and of course ensuring that you have the best seats in the house for when the big game starts at 1:30pm Japanese Time.  Email tokyogoannas@gmail.com to RSVP  or for more details today!
(You will also be able to purchase tickets to our NAB Black Tie Ball this weekend at the GF Party)

EUROPE
 
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Bloods Grand Final Party
Malones Edinburgh
14 Forrest Rd EH1 2QN
Doors open 5:00 am
Free Entry
 
Newcastle, England

Date: Saturday 27th September REPLAY at 3pm.  Tyne Tigers will playing a delayed replay of the Grand Final at 3pm in Fluid bar in the gallowgate, Newcastle.

Come and join us upstairs at Fluid bar in Newcastle to watch some of the best players in the game fight it out for the coveted premiership cup. Never watched Aussie Rules football? Come and watch a real sport with the Tigers men’s and women’s players and have a great time.

Entry is £5 for non-members OR free to members

 

NORTH AMERICA

 
Atlanta, GA, USA
Atlanta Kookaburras Grand Final Party
Where: The Albert Pub, 918 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30307
When: Friday, September 26th, 10.30pm
Cost:$25 per head. (Group discounts available pre purchased)
On Offer: Food, drinks, door prizes, a huge time and the live broadcast of the greatest game in the world. The AFL Grand Final, who will be Premiers in 2014?
More Info?: Braden Medders 404 323 9636 Tickets at $25 can be purchased now online. Discounted tickets are available also when purchasing 4, 6 or 10 tickets. Plenty of food and drinks come with your ticket price plus free door prizes. BUY ADVANCE TICKETS HERE - GROUP DISCOUNTS? YES!! & RSVP here on the Facebook Event and invite your friends.
 
Austin, TX, USA
Hyatt Regency Downtown Austin 512-477-1234. 208 Barton Springs Austin, Texas, USA, 78704
Corner of Congress Ave and Barton Springs Road, on the south side of Town Lake. Sits just on the lake facing downtown. 10mins walk to and from downtown.
09/26/14 Starting 10:00 PM
 
Calgary, AB, Canada
Sam's Bar & Grill 403-270-3880 . 1167 Kensington Crescent NW Calgary, AB T2N 1X7
In Kensington and accessible by the nearest C-train (Sunnyside). Near downtown Calgary.
09/26/14 Starting 6:00 PM
Contact e-mail for the organizers: calgary.kangaroos@gmail.com There will be raffles and Aussie beer and food specials.
 
Columbus, OH, USA
Venue: Rude Dogs Bar and Grill: 614-486-7364 Rude Dogs Bar and Grill 1765 West Third Avenue Columbus, OH 43212. Southwest corner of Third Avenue and Westwood Ave in Grandview. Parking is available behind the building and on the surrounding streets.
09/26/14 at 10:00 PM
The Columbus Australian Rules Football Club is hosting a party to watch the AFL Grand Final. Tickets are $15 online /$20 at the door. Tickets include live footy, appetizers (wings, salad, nachos, and homemade pretzels), and complimentary beer from our keg. A cash bar is available and the kitchen will be open for additional food purchases by our guests.
 
Dallas, TX, USA
The Mason Bar 214-220-0227. 2701 Guillot St. Dallas, TX
09/26/14 @ 8:00 PM
http://www.magpiesfooty.com or contact brenn.miller@gmail.com
Doors open at 8pm. Arrive by 8:30 for 3 free drink tickets, 9:30 for two. After 10:30, for 1. Admission will also include hors d'oeuvres. Come support the Dallas Magpies, and watch the Grand Final with one of the best footy teams in North America. All proceeds go to the team for field rentals, equipment, League expenses, and some travel.
$25 at the door. Pay by cash, credit card, or in advance online with PayPal (dpr@dallasfooty.com).
 
Denver, CO, USA
3 Lions Pub 303-997-6886. 2239 E Colfax Ave Denver, CO 80206
On the corner of York and Colfax just one block from the Colfax and Josephine RTD stop
09/26/14 @8:00 PM
 
Edmonton, AB, Canada
The Pint Downtown Telephone: 780-497-7468
10125 109 Street Edmonton, AB
Just north of Jasper Ave on 109. Back room of The Pint downtown.
09/26/14 @ 8:00 PM
Contact e-mail edmausfc@gmail.com
The Edmonton Australian Football Club along with The Pint will be hosting Edmonton's AFL Grand Final Party. Biggest game of the year for any footy lover out there. So come join the Wombats and Emus at The Pint Downtown to watch the game. The back room is booked and game will be played on all TVs with sound.
 
Fort Lauderdale / Miami, FL, USA
Maguires Hill 16 - Back Bar Telephone: 954-764-4453. 535 North Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
between Borward and Sunrise Blvd
09/26/14 @ 10:00 PM
4 Large Flat screen TV’s, inside and outside bars. Free Midnight Buffet - Raffles with great prizes, Games and Merchandise on Sale - Prize's to the best Dressed Footballer (any code) Entry - 2014 Members = $10 - Guys= $20 - Girls = free
 
New York, NY, USA
The Galway Pub Phone 212-725-2353. 7 E 36th St between 5th and Madison Avenues in Manhattan. Closest subway is the 34th Street - Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R) OR 34th Street - Penn Station (1, 2, 3)
09/26/14 @10:00 PM
Join the New York Magpies for the biggest day on the Aussie footy calendar, the AFL Grand Final. The two best teams in the AFL will battle it out with the winner crowned the 2014 Premier. The best place in New York to catch the action is the Galway Pub with NYC’s very own Aussie Rules Football Club.

Doors to the event open at 10 PM with video on a 12′x9′ HD projection screen and 14 plasma TVs on two floors!

Tickets are limited, so be sure to pre-purchase your ticket online before the event. Tickets: Tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100. Purchase tickets online below.Ticket price includes: Live game with sound on all TV’s in the venue Drink specials (including Aussie wine and beer) Prizes, games and giveaways
 
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Tir Na Nog Phone: 267-514-1700. 1600 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA (N 16th and Cuthbert Streets, between Arch and JFK Blvd, inside The Phoenix)
By Car: Best bet is to take I-676 and get off at the Broad Street Exit (from either direction). There is a parking garage at 15th and Spring Streets, right as you get off the ramp, that is only $5 on weekends, that is 2-3 blocks from the bar.
By Public Transit: Tir Na Nog is within two or three blocks walking distance from Suburban Station (Regional Rail), City Hall Station (Broad St. Line), and 15th Street Station (Market-Frankford Line)..
09/26/14 @ 9:30 PM
Come join the Philadelphia Hawks at Tir Na Nog to watch the most anticipated match of the AFL season! $20 gets your admission and your first beer and meat pie! We'll have Hawks merchandise, raffles, prizes and you'll have a chance to win some cold hard cash with the quarter-time square game! Bring your friends and bring your appetites for Coopers, Meat Pies and the best footy the AFL has to offer! All proceeds benefit the club and will help us get to Nationals in October!
 
Portland, OR, USA
Portland Steelheads Australian Rules Football Club – AFL Grand Final Party
Watch the AFL Grand Final and support your local footy club.
What: AFL Grand Final Night Fundraiser
Where: On Deck Sports Bar & Grill, NW 14th & Kearney (map)
When: Friday, September 26th, 7:00pm
Proceeds from the night will go towards the Steelheads’ upcoming trip to the USAFL National Championships this October in Columbus, Ohio. Tickets to the Grand Final night are $10 each and can be purchased online on our website at www.portlandfooty.com or reserved by emailing president@portlandfooty.com and paying at the door.
 
San Diego, CA, USA
McGregor's Grill & Ale House Phone: 619-282-9797
09/26/14 @ 8:00 PM
Join the Lions at McGregor’s as we host a party to watch Australia’s premier sporting event, the AFL Grand Final. We will be raffling off some great prizes, including 2 tickets to San Diego’s top flight New Years Eve Gala, Big Night San Diego (valued at over $400).
 
Santa Monica, CA (Los Angeles), USA
Cock N Bull Pub - Telephone: 310-399-9696.  2947 Lincoln Blvd  Santa Monica, CA
Cross street is Ashland. From the 10 freeway go west and get off at Lincoln, go south for one and a half miles, go past Ocean Park Blvd and pub is 400 yards on your left side. 4 blocks north of Rose ave, 5 blocks south of Ocean Park Blvd.
 09/26/14 @ 6:30 PM
 Contact zmoogan@yahoo.com
 This is our 17th year hosting the grand final, 135 inch HD big screen and 7 42inch tv's with surround sound, full British and American menu with the pies coming out of the oven from 6 PM onwards, no cover charge, arrive early for a good seat in front of the big screen, import and domestic beers on tap and bottle.
 
Santa Monica (Los Angeles), CA, USA
Busby's West - Telephone: 310-828-4567.  3110 Santa Monica Blvd Santa Monica CA 90404
2 blocks West of Centinela.
09/26/14 @ 7:00 pm
Contact mhealy03@gmail.com or go to: http://www.facebook.com/events/1558441301045723 Come watch the 2014 AFL Grand Final with the LA Dragons Football Club. $10 gets you entry, your 1st beer and a raffle ticket.
 
Toronto, ON, Canada
Toronto Dingo’s 19th Annual Grand Final Party
Sports Centre Café – 49 St Clair Ave West Toronto
Friday September 26th – Game coverage starts at midnight doors open 9pm – Admission $10
Nearest Subway St Clair Station (Yonge line)
For more information see www.torontodingos.com or email aflgrandfinal@torontodingos.com
 
Tustin, CA, USA
Auld Dubliner (Tustin / Orange County) - Telephone: 714-259-1562. 2497 Park Ave. Tustin CA 92782
Off Barranca and Jamboree, near Irvine, located inside the District shopping center. Exit the 405 freeway at Jamboree and head east about a mile to The District on the left.
09/26/14 @ 6:00 PM
This will be the 4th year running that the OC Bombers have hosted their Grand Final party at the 'Dub. Always a great night, good food and a nice room with a big screen and multiple HD TV's. Door Prizes, raffles, drink specials and a good time guaranteed! The last three years have all been sold out, so make sure you get in now to reserve your spot, tickets can be purchased online at ocbombers.com for $10, or $15 at the door. All tickets go into the draw for door prizes. Get there early for the best seats.
 
 Vancouver, BC, Canada 

The Vancouver Cougars 10th annual Grand Final Party is coming up September 26th, and they have gotten bigger every year. We always sell out so make sure you get online and get your tickets early. TICKET INCLUDES A FREE DRINK!

Ceili's in Kits will be our best ever venue and we are pumped for a massive party. Loads of TV's, a projector, bundy, Aussie food, prize raffles - don't miss... out!  Buy tickets here: http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vancouver-cougars-afl-grand-final-party-tickets-12771719557

 
OCEANIA
 
Port Moresby, PNG
Aviat Club
Saturday 27th of September 2014, 1pm – 6pm
K100 entry. Tickets can be purchased from AFL PNG Boroko office or at the Aviat.
Entertainment provided, big screens, multiple TV’s, raffles with great prizes.
Proceeds to AFL PNG’s junior development programs.
Contact Nancy Gah or Freda Keene on 3254943

 

World Footy News publishes these listings in good faith.  We take no responsibility for any changes or cancellatioens.  The game may be on Friday night in your part of the world or in some cases may be a delayed or replayed telecast.  Please try to contact the hosts prior to the event to confirm details.  Also many of these events sell out due to capacity ahead of time so again please try to check ahead. 

 

 
...

Harmony in footy action

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Celebrate football and cultural harmony later this month as the 2014 AFL season draws to a close.

The whole community is invited to attend the Harmony Cup Carnival which aims to unite communities, and showcase talented culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) players.

The carnival will occur on the 30th of September and will see the Edmund Rice Senior Lions take on Nic Naitanui Academy at Barry Britton Reserve at 1pm. 

A curtain raiser will also be held at 11am when the Edmund Rice Young Lions play Butler Falcons, the girl’s multicultural football team.

“This carnival is an important event on our calendar,” says carnival organiser Bella Ndayikeze. “Not only is it an opportunity for the teams to show off their playing form, but it’s a chance to come together and celebrate cultural harmony through sport”.

“Joining an AFL team not only introduces our players to a new game, it offers them the perfect opportunity to experience something uniquely Australian and use that to integrate into their new home.”

Bring the whole family to enjoy fun activities and community stalls as well as the two showcase games.

The Edmund Rice Lions football team were the first Multicultural AFL Team in Australia and are made up of young people born outside Australia. The Lions are built on three pillars:

 1. The Edmund Rice Centre Mirrabooka has a proud tradition for delivering effective grass-roots sporting programs and has strong links with local sporting clubs.

2. Over the past four years, the Lions have transitioned numerous players into local and WAFL clubs.

3. The Edmund Rice Centre Lions Harmony Cup Carnival is proudly supported by the Edmund Rice Centre Mirrabooka (ERCM), West Australian Football Commission, Department of Sport and Recreation, Department for Local Government and Communities, City of Stirling, Subiaco Football Club, Fairgame WA, Anglicare, Edmund Rice Centre Mirrabooka Youth Leadership group and Balga Bombers JFC.

Event details:

Date: Tuesday, September 30

Time: 11am – 4pm

Place: Barry Britton Reserve, Balga

Games: Young Lions v Butler Falcons at 11am and Senior Lions v Nic Naitanui at 1pm

...

International Broadcast Schedule 2014 AFL Grand Final

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The 2014 AFL Grand Final is upon us. Reigning Premiers Hawthorn take on the highly fancied Sydney Swans at the MCG in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.  We hope you can watch the match wherever you are in the world, one way or another.

The international broadcast details for the match and highlights packages can be seen below.

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RegionNetworkAFL Game DayThe Pre Game ShowGrand Final - Hawthorn vs SydneyPremiership PartyHighlights
AsiaAustralia Network--27/9 @ 1100 HKT (LIVE)-30/9 @ 2330 HKT
PacificAustralia Network--27/9 @ 1500 FJT (LIVE)-1/10 @ 0330 FJT
IndiaAustralia Network--27/9 @ 0830 IST (LIVE)-30/9 @ 2100 IST
UK & IrelandESPN BT Sport--27/9 @ 0400 BST (LIVE)-30/9 @ 2230 BST
CaribbeanESPN--26/9 @ 2300 EST (LIVE)-3/10 @ 1400 EST
EuropeEurosport 2--27/9 @ 0630 CET (LIVE)--
UK & IrelandEurosport 2--30/9 @ 2230 BST (Delay)--
AsiaEurosport 2--27/9 @ 16:45 HKT (Delay)--
USAFox Soccer Plus/Fox Sports 2--27/9 @ 2300 ET (LIVE)-29/9 @ 1700 ET
Middle EastOrbit Showtime Network27/9 @ 0200 KSA (LIVE)27/9 @ 0400 KSA (LIVE)27/9 @ 0600 KSA (LIVE)-29/9 @ 2000 KSA
Worldwide (excl. Aust)OTLSM - Boats and Cruises--27/9 @ 0430 GMT (LIVE)--
New ZealandSky Sports--27/9 @ 1500 NZT (LIVE)-30/9 @ 1730 NZT
New ZealandSommet Sports27/9 @ 1100 NZT (LIVE)27/9 @ 1300 NZT (LIVE)27/9 @ 1500 NZT (LIVE)27/9 @ 2000NZT (LIVE)1/10 @ 1930NZT
AfricaSupersport--27/9 @ 0625 CAT (LIVE)-29/9 @ 1730 CAT
CanadaTSN2--27/9 @ 2300 USET (LIVE)-TSN.ca
Latin AmericaViva Sports--1/10 @ 1830 MST (Delay)--
WorldwideWatchAFL.com.au--27/9 @ 0430 GMT (LIVE)--

These details are in provided in good faith, World Footy News takes no responsibility for any changes or errors in the above table.  All broadcasts are subject to change, please check with your local broadcaster for the most up to date schedule. ...

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