Portugal embraces footy again with Algarve 9’s tournament

October 20, 2014, 8:54 pm

≫ Next: Two Hanleys are better than one..? Brisbane Lions think so.

≪ Previous: Fremantle Dockers sign Irishman Sean Hurley

The second annual AFL Europe Algarve 9’s tournament was again held in Vilamoura, Portugal, on the weekend. The Algarve is the region in the far south of Portugal, on the Atlantic Ocean, and is a tourism mecca with some stunning coastal scenery. It is also a new home for Australian Rules football after holding the 9’s event for the past two years.

Last year’s winners, The Flying Dutchmen, the Netherlands (DAFA) national team returned to the scene of last year’s success hoping for back to back titles. But it wasn’t to be. This year the team from Portugal took the honours.

Final score:
Kernahandles (Lisbon Dockers) 147 d Flying Dutchmen 52

According to David Valente, the president of Futebol Australiano em Portugal (and honorary Flying Dutchman for the day), “This year it was decided to split the Lisbon Dockers players amongst the other two teams, the Flying Dutchmen, who were present for the second time, and the Carlton/ Stephen Kernahan tribute team. The Kernahan lads, all wearing number 4, proved stronger, and won, and I would like to point out that Portuguese players João Barros, Miguel Valente and Marco Lisboa all had outstanding performances, which earned them the respect of the Aussie and Dutch players and even a few beers afterwards.”

“Also, this event marked the official start of the collaboration between the Dockers and the "Novos Diamantes" association, which helps under-privileged kids from the northern suburbs of Lisbon, one of whom was taken along for a memorable day out, and ended up kicking the footy with some skill.”

Whilst it is true that there were less teams involved this year (Last year saw the Oslo Crows attend along with the Lisbon Dockers and Flying Dutchmen) it is heartening to see that the event was held for a second year. It might be possible in future years for other more local teams, such as the Madrid Bulls or a second Portugese team, with Averio (to the north of Lisbon) winning an AFL Europe Start-up Club Program grant in 2013 to develop, becoming part of a larger event in Vilamoura.

These possibilities are certain to be explored by all parties over the next few months in preparation for a repeat event in 2015.

Left: Kernahandles (Lisbon Dockers) and Flying Dutc ...

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Two Hanleys are better than one..? Brisbane Lions think so.

October 24, 2014, 2:07 am

≫ Next: Saints to set up camp in NZ

≪ Previous: Portugal embraces footy again with Algarve 9’s tournament

The Irish Independent newspaper reported last week that the deal to sign Pearce Hanley’s brother, Cian, will still go ahead. The likelihood is that paperwork will be lodged before the end of this month after in-principal agreements had been put in place back in September.

According to the newspaper, “Mayo minor star Cian Hanley looks set to join his brother Pearce at the Brisbane Lions. The teenager is expected to join the Aussie Rules club as an international rookie despite suffering a serious knee ligament injury in Mayo's All-Ireland minor semi-final defeat to Kerry 11 days ago.”

“Lion’s Football Manager, Dean Warren, said the injury was a setback but did not alter Brisbane’s plans to bring Cian to Australia on an International Rookie contract when the players return from their annual leave.”

“It is really shattering for him, but we have made a commitment to him and we will stick by him,’’ he said.”

“It is an opportunity for us, he will be able to do a lot of skill acquisition training and work in the gym so we don’t think we’ll lose that much time because of the injury.’’

His brother Pearce said: ‘I may have him covered for pace, but endurance wise, he was light years in front of me. I’m thrilled I can be here to help him out but having family here, and another Irishman, will be great for me too. I have missed out on watching him play his football so far, so I am really looking forward to that also.’

The Brisbane Lions reported the proposed signing of the younger Hanley brother back in September on their website. Following is an extract from that article.

The Brisbane Lions are set to add another Irishman to their playing list, after committing to Cian Hanley, the younger brother of Pearce, as an International Rookie.

The 18-year-old, who has been a star for County Mayo captaining his side to the All-Ireland Minor semi-final last month, will relocate to Australia later this year.

Much like his brother Pearce, Hanley impressed the Lions with his elite agility and endurance.

Hanley caught the eye of the Lions early in his gaelic career, with Recruiting Manager, Steve Conole, taking a detour via Ireland earlier this year to meet with the family and deliver an Australian Rules football to the teenager.

Steve said Hanley had impressed the Club with both his talent and his attitude:

“Cian is a focused, diligent young man whose has impressed us all with his professional attitude and drive to improve.

“As Captain of his Mayo team, Cian has similarly impressed with his leadership and strong work ethic.

“His form for Mayo this season had been outstanding and no doubt he is now regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Ireland.”

To read this story in full, click the following link to the Brisbane Lions website: http://www.lions.com.au/news/2014-09-05/oh-brother-another-hanley

Left: Cian Hanley in action ...

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Saints to set up camp in NZ

October 24, 2014, 9:17 pm

≫ Next: Saints to take on Blues in Wellington for 100th Anniversary of Anzac Day

≪ Previous: Two Hanleys are better than one..? Brisbane Lions think so.

St Kilda is set to be further entrenched as New Zealand’s AFL team of choice, with the club to hold its High Performance Training Camp and AFL Australia Post Community Camps in the country.

With NZ born Shane Savage on their mainlist and Joe Baker-Thomas and Giovanni Mountain-Silberry both on AFL International Scholarships with the Saints they are really endeavouring to position themselves as NZ's number one team to support.

The Saints playing list will be spread over Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch for three days as part of the AFL Australia Post Community Camp from December 1-3 before the squad meets in Queenstown to complete its High Performance training camp.

The Saints will hold a 10-day camp in the picturesque New Zealand town, where they will hike through Queenstown’s famous mountains, tackle the rapids of Arthurs Peak and hone their skills using state of the art training facilities.

The new location of the High Performance Training Camp is in line with the club’s New Zealand strategy after the Saints have played home games on Anzac Day at Westpac Stadium, Wellington for each of the past two years.

St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis said it was exciting for St Kilda to step away from its usual training environment and work together in an outstanding location not too far from home.

“New Zealand is a stunning country and Queenstown epitomises this,” Finnis said.

“Our players are very much looking forward to what lies ahead. While the High Performance camp will be a demanding and difficult camp in many ways, the scenery is amazing and the activities planned will definitely be a step away from standard pre-season training.”

“By developing the Australian game in New Zealand, we are committed to being New Zealand’s team and this has only been further proven by the decision to hold our High Performance Training camp at our home away from home.”
...

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Saints to take on Blues in Wellington for 100th Anniversary of Anzac Day

October 24, 2014, 9:25 pm

≫ Next: Townsville retains showcase NAB Challenge match

≪ Previous: Saints to set up camp in NZ

St Kilda and Carlton will play in Wellington in the opening game on Anzac Day next year, which marks the 100th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli.
The match will start at 1.10pm local time (11.10am AEST), meaning it will coincide with the Anzac Day marches that take place in each capital city around Australia.

It will be the first of five matches to be played on Anzac Day next year, which falls on a Saturday, and comes with the agreement of the Victorian RSL after discussions with the AFL.

As our two countries look ahead and unite for such an important day, we acknowledge the historical significance of the Australian and New Zealand relationship,” Saints CEO Matt Finnis said.

“This game gives our supporters a time to remember in a place they will never forget.

State President of the Victorian RSL, Major General David McLachlan AO, gave his organisation’s blessing on the proviso that the New Zealand match would be televised only on Fox Footy.

“Importantly the scheduling means that broadcasts of the matches on Anzac Day will not conflict with any live free to air televising of the capital city marches and other commemorative activities in the various states and territories,” he said.

The full schedule for the historic day will be announced with the rest of the 2015 AFL fixture next Thursday.

The clash with the Blues will be the third home and away game hosted by the Saints in Wellington and their first against a fellow Victorian club.

It will also be the first Wellington game to be played during the day, which the Saints and the AFL hope will lead to a larger crowd at Westpac Stadium.

The inaugural clash in 2013 between the Saints and the Sydney Swans drew 22,546 and the match earlier this year with the Brisbane Lions attracted 13,409 fans.

There is no doubt that the slippery conditions over the past two years because the game has been played at night has diminished the quality of play.

Meanwhile the late timeslot coupled with the length of the game, in comparison to a rugby match, has also severely impacted on the number of children and families who have attended.

Given that the mighty Carlton Blues who are a traditional powerhouse and have huge support are the ones to make the trip this year it would not surprise if it was close to a full house for the first time.

“The first-ever matches for premiership points in New Zealand, away from Australian soil over the last two years, have built a strong following across the Tasman and we look forward to an excellent contest between two foundation clubs of the competition,” said Simon Lethlean, the AFL’s general manager of broadcasting, fixturing and major events.

“Anzac Day is a central point on the Australian calendar and the AFL is greatly appreciative of the RSL’s support for football being able to recognise and thank the contribution of our service women and service men through our history.”

The Wellington match will be Mick Malthouse’s 714th match as an AFL coach, equalling the League record held by Jock McHale.

For more:-
http://aflnz.co.nz/saints-to-take-on-...ellington/ ...

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Townsville retains showcase NAB Challenge match

October 28, 2014, 1:35 am

≫ Next: Cairns, Darwin and Alice Springs share AFL spotlight

≪ Previous: Saints to take on Blues in Wellington for 100th Anniversary of Anzac Day

The North Queensland city of Townsville will host its third NAB Challenge AFL fixture in 2015. With the release today of the AFL’s 2015 NAB Challenge fixture, the people of Townsville and across North Queensland will look forward to the match at Tony Ireland Stadium on Sunday 1st March.

In 2015 it will be the Geelong Cats making the trek north to meet the Gold Coast Suns. The inaugural match in 2013 saw the North Melbourne Kangaroos make the journey, whilst in 2014 it was the Brisbane Lions that visited with a one off Queensland derby.

For the Gold Coast Suns it strengthens their connections to North Queensland. As well as having played AFL Premiership matches in Cairns since 2011 (and a VFL match in 2010), the NAB Challenge matches in Townsville have been a welcome addition to the roster of high performance football played in the region.

Not only have the Suns been able to develop a strong support base through the matches, but they have also worked hard at the grassroots level in the north through events connected to the matches, their own Gold Coast Suns Academy which develops talent pathways for future players and their support of school football through the Gold Coast Suns Cup and associated school carnivals and tournaments.

Many Australian Rules football followers in Townsville still harbour the hope of one day emulating Cairns’ success and hosting premiership matches in the northern city. They are certainly headed in the right direction in hosting their third pre-season match. More exposure will inevitably lead to a greater following and resulting redevelopment of Tony Ireland Stadium, with lighting, seating, catering and corporate sponsorship being addressed and improved.

Cairns followed a similar pathway, hosting a number of pre-season matches from 2003, before being granted premiership matches from 2011. Townsville is now well down a similar pathway. Locals can now look forward to another chapter of AFL football in their city.

Details of accompanying events will be released by AFL Townsville and the Townsville City Council closer to the date.

For the full list of NAB Challenge matches announced today by the AFL, click the following link: http://www.afl.com.au/fixture/nab-challenge

...

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Cairns, Darwin and Alice Springs share AFL spotlight

October 29, 2014, 10:30 pm

≫ Next: Territory Talent in Town for the Michael Long Cup

≪ Previous: Townsville retains showcase NAB Challenge match

The Northern Territory and Northern Queensland have featured prominently in the AFL Premiership 2015 fixture released today. Whilst Alice Springs has lost an NAB Challenge match, it has retained a premiership fixture. Meanwhile, Darwin and Cairns will again host their now traditional AFL fixtures in July.

Last year the people of Alice Springs were treated to two AFL matches. The Melbourne Demons hosted Geelong in the NAB Challenge before a premiership match between Melbourne and Port Adelaide later in the season. For 2015, the Demons will again play host to Port Adelaide, this time for premiership points on the 30th May at TIO Traeger Park.

This provides another tremendous opportunity for the people of Alice Springs, and all across central Australia, to watch an AFL Premiership match. Over 5000spectators attended last year’s premiership match and the AFLNT would be hoping to increase that number in 2015.

The balmy winter evenings in Darwin will be punctuated by the sound of cheers and whistles as the city plays host to the Melbourne Demons in their clash with the West Coast Eagles on Saturday 4th July. TIO Stadium will again be the host venue as the population of Darwin and surrounding districts descend on the home of Northern Territory football once again.

Over in Cairns, Cazalys Stadium will again be the magnet for AFL followers across the region. The venue has been attracting large crowds in excess of ten thousand fans since hosting premiership games in 2011 (The ground’s capacity is only twelve thousand). The figure dropped last year when the Western Bulldogs replaced Richmond as the host club, but numbers are sure to grow in 2015 as the Cairns community embraces the Bulldogs on the back of positive community interaction in 2014.

North Queensland crowds will also have the NAB Challenge match played at Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville, on the 1st March. (See story: http://www.worldfootynews.com/article...8190540184 )

Across the nation, Tasmania will again host matches in Hobart and Launceston, Canberra will again host matches as will Wellington (NZ) above and beyond the regular home and away venues.

Cazalys Stadium, Cairns, North Queensland

TIO Stadium, Darwin, Northern Territory

TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs, Northern Terri ...

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Territory Talent in Town for the Michael Long Cup

October 30, 2014, 12:02 am

≫ Next: What is it about Australian Rules football that we love?

≪ Previous: Cairns, Darwin and Alice Springs share AFL spotlight

The following is a press release from AFLNT about this weekend’s Michael Long Cup, being played in Darwin. This competition is a major part of the development process for Northern Territory junior footballers, and gives an opportunity for young players to bring their talents to a greater stage.

Being part of the Long Cup is a goal for many of our remote and city based juniors, and as part of Round 4 of the TIO NTFL this weekend more than 300 talented 13 year olds will participate in the annual event.

The Long Cup is the most significant junior talent event on AFLNT’s calendar, providing Under 14 players from all over the Northern Territory the opportunity to compete against the most outstanding players from the age-group.

Wally Gallio, High Performance Manager with the Northern Territory Football Club believes the standard of player will be high this weekend.

“The Michael Long Cup is the first step of these 13 year-olds dreams of playing, following in the footsteps of Michael Long who had such a distinguished career playing for St Mary’s (NTFL), Pioneers (CAFL), West Torrens (SANFL) the Northern Territory and of course the Essendon Bombers,” said Gallio.

“The Cup, in its second year, is well supported by the AFLNT Remote Projects Department, all major centres and NTFL Clubs”.

Players are descending on Northline Oval from some of the most remote areas of the wider region, with the Cup acting as the important first step in the AFL Northern Territory Talented Player Pathway.

The format sees five remote teams come in from over 30 communities who make up the following teams: East Arnhem, West Arnhem, Big Rivers, Barkly and Central Australia.

These remote teams will compete in a round robin format against the seven under 14 TIO NTFL sides, with the top players being selected in either the Country or City Teams.

“It looks to be a tough weekend for selectors with all the talent on show, but guaranteed two equally strong squads will be selected,” Gallio said.

Selected players go on to participate in three High Performance camps during the 2015 season and will be the first teams to access the Michael Long Learning & Leadership Centre (MLLLC) mid next year.

First bounce is 4:00pm Friday, with games commencing on Saturday at 8:30am and the grand-final at 7:20pm.

...

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What is it about Australian Rules football that we love?

November 2, 2014, 9:01 pm

≫ Next: Calgary School Football Program

≪ Previous: Territory Talent in Town for the Michael Long Cup

In a world where soccer/football is arguably the most followed ball sport globally, where people in North America idolise their NFL or NBA or other ball game heroes and where the various rugby codes across the world draw fanatical support, how is it that Australian Rules football is able to continue to attract new followers. What is it that makes people want to play the game?

Left: Gary Ablett Snr takes a screamer for Geelong (Herald Sun)

During the recent International Cup tournament in Melbourne there were two series of articles written for World Footy News. The “IC14 Vignettes” series and the “Meet The Players” series both touched on the reasons players were drawn to the game. There was a wide variety of answers.

Some looked at their involvement as “exciting” and cited the kicking, handpassing, marking and tackling as the elements of the game that captured their imagination. Others cited the family connections, team spirit, support networks and social aspects as being most important.

There were some who came to the game via Camogie and other hybrid forms of the game as an extension of that involvement. Others saw the game as a chance to represent their country in an adopted sport and some joined because of the opportunities afforded to women to play the game. Still more joined the game as it was offered through their schools or junior Auskick programs or similar.

In one case a player thought they were playing rugby.

But a common theme throughout the interviews was that players were “hooked” or “fell in love with the game” very soon after giving it a go. There were even some who said they had actively hated the game before they tried it and were converted forever. Most agreed that once they started playing the game they “never looked back”.

This is a wide range of responses, and linked to the individuals own experiences and opportunities. But one thing missing is the nuts and bolts specifics of what attracts people to choose this sport over others. Almost all of the above answers could be used to describe any code. What makes our game unique?

My best answer comes from my own upbringing, both at a local and “big league” level.

I clearly remember the old Houghton Road Reserve, Clayton’s home ground. The sound of the old, honky siren. The big metal numbers they hung on the scoreboard. The drain that ran under the road and the railway line which was our half time fun, but we were back at the game for the start of the third quarter.

There was the captain-coach, Barry Bourke, whose motto was “Do as I say, not as I bloody well do!” Big Percy Leilnors was at Full-Forward. He made Mick “The Galloping Gasometer” Nolan from North Melbourne look positively trim and athletic. But he kicked our goals and was our hero. The McCorkell brothers, Gary and Brian, were enormous when I passed them, and they smelled ferociously of liniment. These were my first heroes. Every kick, mark, handpass, tackle and run was something to behold and aspire to.

Then there was the VFL. Peter Knights’ grace in the air, and Trevor Barker’s. Later there was Paul Vander Haar. The torpedo punts from Blighty. Peter McKenna’s drop punts and Peter Hudson’s mongrel flat punts. The stab passes of Bobby Skilton or Billy Goggin could cut a car in half.

Hawthorn's Peter Hudson evades St Kilda's Bob Murray (The Mercury)

Graham “Polly” Farmer made an art form from the handpass, but it was Ron Barassi who won a first premiership from it. His “Handball, Handball, Handball” half time speech against Collingwood in 1970 turned a grand-final. But watching the likes of Barry Cable, Peter Featherby, Greg Williams and more took the skill to even higher levels.

The hard and the tough players made up gasp…or laugh. Leigh Matthews snapping point posts. Ronnie Andrews. Carl Ditterich. "Mad Dog" Muir. Even mark "Jacko" Jackson in his own sweet and endearing way (?). Players whose toughness, or bravado, made us believe the game was not for the faint of heart.

My early memories of footy include entering Windy Hill from the Raleigh Street entrance and immediately climbing the advertising signs for a supreme view of the game and the tribalism and energy that went with it. Or crawling through the hole in the cyclone fence, behind the merchandise stand, at VFL Park before walking under the grand stand to witness the colosseum below.

St Kilda players do their lap of honour wearing swapped Collingwood jumpers after 1966 flag

Without doubt everyone who has fallen in love with the game has their own set of memories or experiences. Maybe the sharing of these on a universal scale will lure more and more people to the great game of Australian Rules football. I fell in love with the game around 1968 when my excitable father pointed out that Essendon were in the grand-final.

I invite you to tell us when did you catch the bug…and why? What was it about Australian Rules football that caused you to be hooked? To “fall in love” and to “never look back”?

It is the greatest game of all. I said so!

Essendon great John Coleman (http://www.news.com)

Carlton's Alex Jesaulenko takes his screamer over Graeme Jenkin in 1970 Grand-Final (The Age)
,

...

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Calgary School Football Program

November 4, 2014, 12:36 am

≫ Next: Central Australia snare Michael Long Cup victory

≪ Previous: What is it about Australian Rules football that we love?

At times there has been much discusion as to how best to develop Australian Football overseas. There are many factors involved - cost, geography, personel, timeframe and benefit. There can be little argument that any succesful school programs will leverage immediate participants and possible long term players. The AFL has invested in such programs with good effect in specific regions - NSW, Qld, RSA and NZ. Some programs have been succesfully created with much less help as in London, Torronto and Vancouver. Now there is encouraging news out of Alberta Canada. In fact, it begs the question - should we doing more to help?. The following is from Calgary Kangaroos president Lachlan Griffiths

As the snow begins to fall and the 2014 local footy season is now but a memory, plans are being made to expand on the first successful year of a school based AFL program run this year by the Calgary Kangaroos. A brief window of mid April through early June is all they have to work with to be able to get students across the city kicking a footy outside after the snow melts and before the summer break arrives. But that window of time was enough this year to be able to get over 2,300 kids across 15 schools in Calgary introduced to Australia's national sport.

With the assistance of a grant from AFL Canada last year, the Kangaroos purchased footballs and printed AusKick instructor manuals that they then gave to schools, with a catch. The school must run a week of Aussie Rules to be eligible to receive the footy's and manuals. The Roo's then sent a volunteer coach to each school to help the teachers run their module - and the response from schools was overwhelming. The program was oversubscribed and the Roo's had to source additional footy's for schools wanting to run footy in their PE classes.

Kicking off the program with a demonstration at the PE professional development day, the Roo's taught the teachers the fundamentals and signed up schools. Most schools were visited by Team Canada Northern Lights Vice Captain Hilary Perry, a qualified teacher who was then assisted by many members of the club who took time off work, or worked shift work and could spare the time during the day.

Looking forward to 2015, there's a backlog of schools wanting to get footy into their programs, so the challenge now is for the Roo's to find someone to staff it. Calgary Kangaroos President Lachlan Griffiths had this to say "Last year we were very fortunate to have Hilary volunteer hundreds of hours teaching footy. We've looked at a range of models and structures to try to put someone in place to do this full-time for April and May, but we have yet to find a viable approach. A designated AFL development officer is what we need, but we've been told there's no more funding coming from AFL Canada, so unless we can convince the AFL themselves to help us out, we may not be able to help as many schools are we want to this year".

Between the North Delta Juniors in Vancouver, and the Kangaroo's School program in Calgary, the future of junior footy in Western Canada is looking brighter each ye ...

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Central Australia snare Michael Long Cup victory

November 4, 2014, 9:10 pm

≫ Next: Port Adelaide strengthen ties in China

≪ Previous: Calgary School Football Program

The following media release from AFLNT details the result of the grand final of the Michael Long Cup, an event which was reported by World Footy News last week. Also included is an additional press release regarding the launch of a future Leaders program in the Northern Territory at Karama Primary School.

Just three points decided Saturday’s under 14 Long Cup grand final between reigning champions Nightcliff and the Central Australia Power.

The Power were fierce all weekend, hungry for a win over a strong Nightcliff outfit, who field two under 14 teams in the TIO NTFL competition and were favourites heading into the two-day competition.

Central Australia Power left it all on the field and were ultimately rewarded with a narrow win, with goals coming from Kristoff Nelson (six), Kane Linch-Williams and Lehman Corby (five each).

The Centralian’s, who left Alice Springs by bus last Wednesday stayed over in Tennant Creek to play fellow Long Cup participants, Barkly, before hitting the road to Darwin.

The 1500 kilometre trip did nothing to dampen the spirits of the young team, winning the first two pool matches by more than 60 points, before a narrow seven point win over Southern Districts.

Talent and Education Manager Tavis Perry said each team had a number of stand outs and the quality of players reached the lofty expectations of organisers.

“We saw quality AFL being played at Northline Oval over the weekend which made selecting the two Michael Long Squads a real challenge,” Perry said.

“Each team is represented in either the city or country squad which is indicative of the talent on show, and demonstrates the promising future of Territory football”.

Final Placings

1. Central Australia Powers

2. Nightcliff

3. Southern Districts

4. Wanderers

5. East Arnhem Cats

6. Darwin

7. Waratah

8. Big River Hawks

9. Barkly Giants

10. St Mary’s

11. Palmerston

12. West Arnhem Bombers

Karama Commits to Developing their Future Leaders with AFLNT.

AFL Northern Territory is proud to align with another Territory School to develop future leaders through the Future Leaders Football Schools’ program.

The program utilises Aussie Rules to achieve goals across four main pillars; attendance, behaviour, academia and retention and has seen documented success in Bachelor Area School and Maningrida College.

AFLNT Game Development Manager Adam Moedt believes program has benefits that stretch beyond the classroom.

“Our key focus is on primary schools and developing positive behaviours early in life, using AFL as a reward”.

“The programs key focuses, attendance, behaviour, academia, and retention at school span the entire school year and subsequent years through to Year 12, and we’ve seen success already via our two existing partnerships”.

Media are invited to attend the opening of the Future Leaders Football School Program tomorrow, at Karama Primary School.

When: Thursday November 6, 2014 at 9:30am

Where: Karama Primary School (Darwin)

For more information, contact AFLNT via their website at: www.aflnt.com.au or via email at: aflnt@aflnt.com.au ...

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Port Adelaide strengthen ties in China

November 5, 2014, 2:13 am

≫ Next: AFL Middle East 2015 season arrives – No Bull!

≪ Previous: Central Australia snare Michael Long Cup victory

The Port Adelaide FC has connected with a new club in Guangzhou, China with the Zhujiang (Pearl River) Power running out onto the field for the first time recently.

The Zhujiang Power join four other sides in their local competition in Guangdong Province of Southern China - the Huizhou Hawks, Dongguan Giants, Guangzhou Scorpions and Guangzhou Sports University Seagulls.

Port Adelaide hosted the Chinese national side at the IC14, with the Chinese marching before the match between Port and the Sydney Swans in round 20. They have also recently formalised an official partnership with the Hong Kong Australia Business Association.

The full story from the PAFC website is reproduced below.

LEFT: A player from the Zhujiang Power keeps ahead of his Guangzhou Sports Uni opponent.

The original article is available at A New Power in Guangzhou on the PAFC website.

PORT Adelaide's impact on Team China in the 2014 AFL International Cup has started reaping dividends, with a new team adopting the club's nickname for the latest Australian Football season in Guangdong province.

The Zhujiang (or Pearl River) team - known as the Power - ran out for its first two games and prevailed by nine points over the Guangzhou Scorpions in the final game of the opening round, an impressive result after dropping the first game to the league leading Guangzhou Sports University Seagulls earlier in the day.

Other groups competing in the five-team league include the Huizhou Hawks and Dongguan Giants.

Port Adelaide was the primary sponsor for the Chinese National team in the recent IC14 competition played between national teams from around the world in Melbourne.

The team also marched in force at the Power's Round 20 game against Sydney at the Adelaide Oval.

Port Adelaide recently established a formal partnership with the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA) and recently won a special commendation at the HKABA awards night for the its contribution to arts, culture and tourism.

The club's involvement with the Chinese community stretches back a long way too, as evidenced in this picture doing the rounds on social media. ...

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AFL Middle East 2015 season arrives – No Bull!

November 6, 2014, 1:57 am

≫ Next: Hiroshima Cranes Take Flight

≪ Previous: Port Adelaide strengthen ties in China

The brand new season starts tomorrow for the AFL Middle East, and what a great way to unveil their new 2014/15 product that pitting last year’s premiers against the new boys on the block. After months of waiting the fans and players can finally sink their teeth into the excitement of new battles.

First cab off the rank is the battle in Qatar tomorrow when the Doha Kangaroos, last year’s premiers, have the honour of hosting the brand new BM Bulls team – new to the league this year. Doha deserves the honour of starting off the new season after winning their maiden premiership last season when they toppled an unsuspecting Dubai Dragons in the main event. They also get to make history of a different kind by providing the opposition for the newest club in the league on their maiden voyage in the waters of the season proper.

The BM Bulls have announced their arrival in a big way, having reached the grand final of the Pre-Season Cup last month. Quite a remarkable feat for a club that had not played an official game prior to that event. They will be super keen to prove to all that their efforts that day were no fluke, and can be expected to take it up to the Kangaroos. Whilst some say that teams were not at full strength for the pre-season hit-out, it is still something special that the Bulls made their mark against all teams on the day.

Bulls supporters remain optimistic, and quietly confident, that their team will provide plenty more upsets and surprises as their inaugural season unfolds.

(For a full report on the Pre-season Cup click link: http://www.worldfootynews.com/article...8091105349 )

(For a story on the new BM Bulls click link: http://www.worldfootynews.com/article...1000528425 )

Round Two of the new season follows on the following weekend when the Dubai Dragons play host to the Muscat Magpies in Dubai, whilst the BM Bulls (also based in Dubai) will be back in action when they host the Abu Dhabi Falcons as part of a double-header for the city on Friday 14th November.

To keep track of results, find the AFL Middle East Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/AFLME

Fans of the Dubai Dingoes will have to wait for their Round Four match on 12th December when they play the Dragons in the traditional local derby.

Left: Last year's premiers, the Doha Kangaroos, celeb ...

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Hiroshima Cranes Take Flight

November 8, 2014, 2:35 am

≫ Next: NTFL season at 33 and 1/3

≪ Previous: AFL Middle East 2015 season arrives – No Bull!

The Hiroshima Cranes, Japan's newest Australian Rules football team, has recently played in their first hitout against estbalished opposition. Jonathan Cooper, formerly from the Osaka Dingoes and now a key part of the new Cranes outfit, sent this story about the event.

Australian Football in Japan has a very long history, but since 2004, Japanese Australian Football has been governed by the Japan Australian Football League. Teams from Osaka to Tokyo have participated in a national competition which has involved some very strenuous road trips. Despite being a small country in area, Japan is very long archipelago. Distances are vast, and domestic travel is very expensive. In 2014 with 7 teams in Tokyo, and very strong, established teams in Nagoya and Osaka, the JAFL made the decision to separate the league into an Eastern and a Western division.

Despite some initial hurdles and early challenges, the Western division of the Japanese Australian Football League has recently been going from strength to strength. With the support of the league and the international football community, a new team has been established in Hiroshima, and there are now three teams out west – The Hiroshima Cranes, Osaka Dingoes and Nagoya Redbacks. Several other teams are also a very real possibility in 2015.

Through the hard work and dedication of a select few, these three teams met on the 19th of October on the banks of the Yodogawa River in Osaka, and participated in a round robin tournament. Each team played the other once in shortened games, with the Nagoya Redbacks eventually taking the honors. Nobody really cared what the scores were at the end of the day though!

The results were insignificant when compared to the bigger picture. The games were played in fantastic spirit, and all involved had a great time. Beyond that though, games of football were being played in west Japan for the first time in 2014. At the conclusion of the day's events, the three teams agreed to meet each other on a regular basis in 2015, and committed to similar tournaments in the three cities in February, March and April. The April event will be held on ANZAC day in Hiroshima and the Tokyo Goannas have also indicated their intentions to attend.

All involved in Japanese Football are very excited about recent developments and the teams out west will be working fervently with the league and Tokyo based teams to continue to develop football in the western regions of Japan. Expect big things to happen in this part of the world in the very near future!

Left: Teams from the Hiroshima Cranes, Osaka Dingoes and Nagoya Redbacks enjoying the day.

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NTFL season at 33 and 1/3

November 9, 2014, 4:43 am

≫ Next: Perth primed for International Rules Test.

≪ Previous: Hiroshima Cranes Take Flight

The Northern Territory Football League matches played in Darwin this weekend mark the one third point of the 2014/15 season. This presents a good opportunity to see how the teams are tracking so far this season. Already there are some patterns emerging, some upsets brewing and some all teams lining up for a piece of the action over the remaining twelve rounds.

After the completion of Round 6, the Premier League has a surprise leader. The Nightcliff Tigers sit undefeated at the top of the ladder, with St Mary’s sitting behind them with just one loss…to Nightcliff in Round 5. Not only was the Tigers’ win last week a significant message to the competition, it also ended an amazing winning streak from St Mary’s. That run began in 2012 and continued to Round 4 this season and netted the club two premierships along the way. But the resurgent Tigers managed to end the run and in the process install themselves as an early flag candidate.

The season is only early, but these two sides have already stamped themselves as the teams to beat for a grand-final berth.

For further evidence of that, a quick look at the Round 6 results shows that the next tier of teams is a little reluctant to chase the leaders. Third placed Southern Districts lost to the lowly Buffaloes in an upset to have them fall behind the leaders. Last year’s grand finalists, Wanderers, lost three of their opening five matches to also fall behind.

The Tiwi Bombers hold fifth place, but not convincingly. They are on two wins along with sixth placed Palmerston Magpies, but have a batter percentage. However, Waratah and Buffaloes are in seventh and eighth place with a win each but both have better percentages that both the Bombers and the Magpies. That also means that whilst both Waratah and Buffaloes are equal last on paper, the reality is they are just a game out of finals contention at present and a string of wins could change their seasons dramatically.

The same could be said for all teams. A good run of games before the Christmas/New Year break could very well set up a frenetic run for the finals for all teams. The next six matches take the teams to the break, with the final six matches and finals to be played when the competition restarts in January.

It will be interesting to see how the next six rounds pan out. Will the Tiger resurgence continue? Will St Mary’s find their mojo and assert their dominance? Can Southern Districts or Wanderers find the consistency to push for higher positions? Can the Tiwi Bombers get a spark to fire them back into finals action? Can Palmerston continue their slow and steady improvement and aim for finals action themselves? Waratah were finalists last year. Can they return to that feted position again? Or can Buffaloes prove that their last upset win on the weekend was no fluke and snare enough wins to see finals?

There are many questions to be answered, and we will return after Round 12 with the state of play ahead of the final run to the 2014/15 finals series.

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Perth primed for International Rules Test.

November 11, 2014, 2:30 am

≫ Next: Irish Festival at Patersons Stadium

≪ Previous: NTFL season at 33 and 1/3

Paterson's Oval on the 22nd November sees the return of competition between Australia and Ireland in the hybrid game. The codes have chosen cautiously to entertain just the one game this time around.

Australia has chosen to breathe new life into the series by returning to an all-stars concept with eligibility given to only All-Australian players and the AFL have chosen Perth as host city undoubtedly because of it's previous solid support of the concept. That support should ensure a sellout as tickets are presently at the 30,000 mark and people are keen to see so many footballing stars together.

Today, the two players in the squad from Perth, Nat Fyfe and Nic Naitanui proudly displayed their team jumpers at Patterson's Oval. On Sunday, in Sydney they will join the rest of the team. Every member has been given a round ball with instructions to practice as frequently as possible. Nat Fyfe took his ball with him to Europe. As expected, both players were keen to be part of an international experience representing their country in front of a packed house.

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Irish Festival at Patersons Stadium

November 11, 2014, 3:13 am

≫ Next: Freo recruit wants to be like Tadhg Kennelly

≪ Previous: Perth primed for International Rules Test.

The Australia vs Ireland International series recommences next weekend in Perth at Patersons Stadium. Perth has always supported the concept and enjoyed a party-like atmosphere. Hours before bouncedown thousands of people have found their way to Subiaco dressed in national colours and adorned with icons and flags making the game a truly international event comparable to a World Cup clash. This year WAFC have taken this support and expanded upon it.

Steve Tuohey from the WAFC explains. "Patersons Stadium will host an Irish Festival showcasing the sights, sounds and tastes of Ireland to coincide with the AFL’s International Rules Series game against Ireland on Saturday, November 22."

"The Irish Festival, which will be held with the support of the West Australian Football Commission, Tourism WA and the AFL, will commence from 2pm and feature Irish game demonstrations, interactive AFL activities, Irish bands and dancing, an international Guinness Bar, Irish food and beverage stalls, a bouncy castle, face painting and more."

Entry to the festival, which is on Kitchener Park,(in the shadows of Subiaco Oval) is free for fans who hold a ticket to the International Rules match, which commences at 5.45pm. The Irish Festival concept has been led by the West Australian Football Commission as part of a commitment to hosting a diverse range of events whilst providing great experiences at Patersons Stadium to cater for the broader community and provide additional content throughout the course of the year.

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Freo recruit wants to be like Tadhg Kennelly

November 13, 2014, 9:26 pm

≫ Next: 40+ Goal Feast For Toulouse Hawks

≪ Previous: Irish Festival at Patersons Stadium

In a recent article by Alex Malcolm for afl.com, Fremantle Dockers’ recruit, Sean Hurley, opens up about his desire to emulate the feats of another great Irish player of recent times, Tadhg Kennelly. Certainly Fremantle fans would be very happy if Hurley could achieve his dream.

FREMANTLE's Irish recruit Sean Hurley is hoping to emulate the feats of Tadhg Kennelly by winning an AFL premiership.

Hurley has signed with Fremantle, a year after trialling with the club. The 22-year-old Gaelic footballer from County Kildare arrived in Perth last Monday after signing with Fremantle as a rookie.

Hurley, a 193cm midfielder in the Gaelic game, trialled with the Dockers last pre-season but was not picked up. The club remained in touch with him and decided to sign him as a category B rookie for 2015.

Hurley said Kennelly's exploits with the Sydney Swans were his inspiration to take on the Australian game.

"I've been in close touch with Tadhg Kennelly," Hurley said.

"Tadhg will be a big influence”.

"I remember when I was a young lad looking at Tadhg Kennelly dancing on top of the stage after winning the Grand Final. That was on the news at nine o'clock so everyone in Ireland was watching that. If someone else could do something similar to that, it could give another boost to the sport."

Despite not securing a contract last year, Hurley stayed in close contact with the Fremantle coaching staff over the past 12 months while at home in Ireland.

The Dockers provided him with fitness programs, which included instructional videos so he could watch and follow the gym techniques closely.

He also trained at home with close friend Daniel Flynn who is on Port Adelaide's list.

Hurley said he had received some strange looks from Irish locals when he was out kicking an Australian football around.

"I remember one day I had Gaelic training and I went for a kick before Gaelic training and (the manager) came and kicked it into the hedge," Hurley said.

"He was only messing but it got kicked into the hedge. I had to get it after training. It wasn't allowed on the pitch."

Hurley was unsure what position he will play in Australia, saying he was just happy to train and absorb as much information as possible. He was yet to meet coach Ross Lyon but he did receive a call from the Dockers' mentor.

"I had a call from him yesterday and we're going to have a chat later on in the week," Hurley said.

"He's a lovely man and I'm looking forward to listening to what guidance he's going to give me."

Hurley will officially begin training with the Dockers' first-to-fourth-year players on November 17.

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40+ Goal Feast For Toulouse Hawks

November 14, 2014, 10:42 pm

≫ Next: BM Bulls record historic first win in Dubai

≪ Previous: Freo recruit wants to be like Tadhg Kennelly

The Toulouse Hawks have started the new 2014/15 season in ominous form in the CNFA competition late last month. After having won the past two league premierships in France, their recent outing against the ALFA Lions was a frightening warning to the rest that the Hawks aren’t done with yet.

Toulouse Hawks 42 17 269 d ALFA Lions 4 4 28.

The massive 241 point win against the youngest team in the French competition would have had many interested observers searching for the record books, and we invite anyone to confirm where that particular score, and winning margin, sits within the history of French footy.

The Lions would probably like to put the result out of their minds, but it is results like that which so often become the catalyst for change. Maybe for the Lions it marks the start of a long march upwards.

Already the Hawks’ percentage (for and against ratio) sits just under 1000, meaning that they will have an advantage against other teams all season if win/loss ratios become tight.

The season opened with the Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes getting off to an impressive start with a big win over the returning Perpignan Tigers. The score of 19 33 147 to 5 7 37 shows a huge 110 point win, which could have been greater had the Coyotes kicked straight.

Perpignan would have preferred a better return to the national league, having been on a hiatus for sorts for a couple of seasons. But it is great for the game in France to have them back.

The Coyotes backed up that win last weekend in a tougher encounter against the Firesharks Montpellier. The 15 14 104 to 13 11 89 victory was a sterner test, but the Coyotes came through to sit at the top of the ladder with two wins from two starts.

The Firesharks’ previous scheduled game against the Paris Cockerels from October had to be postponed to a date later in the season.

Next weekend features two games with the Toulouse Hawks out to capitalise on their massive first up win when they take on the more formidable Bordeaux Bombers. The ALFA Lions get their chance to chase away the demons of their Hawks clash when they meet the Paris Cockerels.

World Footy News will return to France in mid-December when the league goes in to recess for their winter break and report on the progress of the 2014/15 season. ...

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BM Bulls record historic first win in Dubai

November 17, 2014, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Irish warm up with a win over Vics

≪ Previous: 40+ Goal Feast For Toulouse Hawks

The newest team in the AFL Middle East competition, the BM Bulls, have added a new entry into their history books by winning their first official premiership match. In just a few short weeks of competition the Bulls have already impressed with their competitiveness, and are now adding victories.

In their outing at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai last week the BM Bulls were too good for their opponents, the Abu Dhabi Falcons. The final score saw a 28 point win to the new kids on the block, with a final score:

BM Bulls 13 13 91 d Abu Dhabi Falcons 9 9 63.

This result will be remembered fondly for many years. The early predictions for the Bulls were for a team that would be competitive from their first match, and that has proved true. Their first round match was against the Doha Kangaroos, last year’s premiers, where they went down by just 25 points in Qatar.

Only back in October the Bulls reached the grand-final of the Pre-Season Cup, beating some higher fancied rivals and losing the final by a mere eleven points to perennial powerhouse, the Dubai Dragons. Along the way they had wins against Doha, Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Dingoes, as well as an earlier two point loss to the Dragons.

At the time it may have been seen as an anomaly that the new team did so well, but their win last week proves that the Bulls are here to stay, and they intend to take on all opposition believing they can win. That is an enormous credit to the players and club who have worked extremely hard to get the club up and running so well so quickly.

The BM Bulls now have a break until February when they will finish out the season with matches against the Dubai Dragons, Muscat Magpies and Dubai Dingoes. But already they have tasted a victory and might yet upset a few more apple carts and maybe reach the grand-final in March.

Time will tell.

Left: The BM B ...

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Irish warm up with a win over Vics

November 17, 2014, 2:35 am

≫ Next: Saints head back to NZ as Community Camps announced

≪ Previous: BM Bulls record historic first win in Dubai

A Victorian selection (mostly VFL players with some VAFA players thrown in) played the Irish International Rules team in a warm up for Ireland ahead of their Test match against Australia in Perth this coming weekend.

While the Australian team got together in Sydney to train with the round ball, the Irish made the most of the unseasonal cool wet conditions at Sandringham (a suburb of Melbourne). While there was a contest provided by the Victorians the Irish experience with the round ball allowed them to get plenty of scoring of practice including 9 goals in the net.

The Victorian squad only came together for the first time a week ago and were not actually able to train with the goal configuration used for the International rule format. The Irish attack on the goalkeeper was brutal and will be something the Australian team will need to be wary of.

The Victorians managed to outscore Ireland in the final quarter as the Irish with the result in the bag no doubt already had their focus on a Test win in Perth next Saturday.

Details of International Rules Match played at Trevor Barker Oval, Sandringham (provided by Michael Robinson)

Victoria 0-1-3, 0-1-5, 0-3-5, 1-5-6(27)
Ireland 4-2-1, 6-6-5, 9-9-8, 9-11-13(100)

SCORERS
Victoria: Cockie 9(1-1-0), Clouston, Featherston 4(0-1-1), Bolton, Pinwill 3(0-1-0), O'Sullivan, Rippon, Davies, Owen 1(0-0-1)
Ireland: C.O'Neill 30(4-1-3), Murphy 20(2-2-4), O'Shea 13(1-2-1), Cavanagh 9(1-1-0), Cregg 9(0-3-0), P.Hanley 6(1-0-0), Munnelly 5(0-1-2), Boyle 3(0-1-0), Begley, Hughes, Moran 1(0-0-1)

Crowd: About 1500

Curtain Raiser match
VAFA 0-3-4 0-4-6 0-7-13 3-7-13(52)
Aust GAA 0-1-0 0-8-3 0-8-4 1-13-6(51)
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