Quantcast
Channel: World Footy News
Viewing all 3240 articles
Browse latest View live

Bachar Has A View To The Future

0
0

“Just give it [Australian Rules football] a go. Have a try, give it a taste and get a feel for the game.”

Such is the overriding message that Bachar Houli, Richmond footballer and Multicultural Ambassador for the game, delivers to his charges wherever he is visiting. In his role as ambassador, or through his own Bachar Houli Academy or any of his other community involvements, Bachar is in a unique position to convert young people to our game.

In a chat today with Bachar it was clear that he is passionate about the game, and equally passionate about the opportunities the game can give to young people. “I say to the kids I work with, especially in the Islamic schools, that if you give it a go you will understand and grow the game. The kids give it a try, from soccer or rugby backgrounds, and see that they already have many of the skills needed to play. From there it’s easy.”

Bachar has seen enormous growth in the past three or four years since he began his academy and worked within schools and communities to grow the game. “Since I started the growth has been huge. Phenomenal. The kids in the schools want to give the game a go. When they are getting involved at a community level they get the most out if it [the game].”

He has been rapidly growing his network of education and development programs which are making an impact on the multicultural acceptance of the game. Through the Bachar Houli Academy he has created “a high performance football talent camp for emerging junior players aged 14-17 years, who are from an Islamic background. The Academy aims to develop the participant’s leadership skills, fast-track their football development, and provide genuine pathways for them to pursue playing football at an elite level.”

There is also the Cultural Diversity training which Bachar offers which “involves a presentation from Bachar Houli on his journey to AFL, as an Australian-Lebanese migrant. Houli’s objective is to educate the broader community about the importance of providing an inclusive environment.”

“During the presentation, Houli discusses the benefits of inclusion in sport, challenges, family and religion, and he has spoken about his unique story to at a number of schools and football clubs, including his own club, Richmond.”

Additional to these ventures is the Bachar Houli Cup which “provides Islamic based schools and students an opportunity to participate in an AFL 9’s competition.” The competition continues to grow with competitions in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia. The combination of these programs is of enormous benefit to the development of the game amongst Islamic youth and a blueprint for future schemes across a host of multicultural communities nationally.

The conversation soon turned to whether the growth of multicultural acceptance of the game will link to the international development of the game.

“Yes.” He said. “But I think initially the growth will be biggest closer to Australia, like New Zealand. The game is growing well there with Auskick clinics and the AFL matches being played there. But that is also spreading. When I was in Dubai I saw the same thing with Auskick clinics and the game growing.”

When asked whether the development of the game in multicultural communities across Australia would lead to a quicker international uptake of the game, he said “yes, it is linked but it will be slow. We just have to keep growing the game. One day the game may be international, but that’s a long way down the track. Until then it will still be a uniquely Australian game that is played more and more overseas.”

For Bachar, the journey to reach the top in Australian Rules football has been a long one with many twists and turns. From the early days playing for Spotswood Under 12’s without his parents knowledge (the irony was that it was the trophies he won which gave his secret away), to his captaincy of the Victorian Under 15 team, then selection to represent Victoria at both Under 16 and Under 18, Bachar has worked hard and excelled. His TAC Cup selection with the Western Jets, drafting to Essendon then move to Richmond where he now a club leader are a further extension of that hard work ethic ingrained in him. It is that same ethic which is leading to the success of his youth programs, and the transition of kids to follow their own paths.

Bachar is a committed person. He had bought together his faith, love of football, his family, community and culture to be an inspiration to so many. He has committed to a life whereby all of these elements are welded together, resulting in a successful personal journey, but also the blazing of paths for others to follow.

And this is all built around two simple premises. To “just give it a go”, and “get involved and grow the game.” I’m certainly in.




Left: Bachar with one of the teams ready for the Bachar Houli C ...

ANZAC Day Clash at Villers Bretonneaux seeking players

0
0

AFL Europe has commenced the call to action for players to compete in this year’s ANZAC Cup in France. The match will again be played in the now historically linked venue at Villers Bretonneaux, part of the Somme Department in northern France, some 20 kilometres from the city of Amiens.

As reported on the AFL Europe website, “2015 sees the 7th edition of the ANZAC Cup on the battlefields of Villers Bretonneux in France. Thanks to the work of previous organisers the CNFA and ABA this event continues to grow into a real highlight on the European calendar. This year’s event will be held on the 25th April.”

“Playing abilities are not the focus, we are more interested in personal connections to the area or the armed forces and the ANZAC’s special history. In the tradition of the ANZAC spirit Kiwi’s are more than welcome to apply.”


“The series stands at three games apiece and is always a fierce battle that is then celebrated by all. As ANZAC Day is on a Saturday this year it is sure to be a very special occasion with a larger than normal crowd.”

The match is played on a makeshift, but proudly cared for, ground opposite the Australian War Memorial. The AFL’s website states that “the people of the town never forgot the bravery of the Australian soldiers, while the local school was rebuilt using donations from the children of Victoria, many of whom had relatives perish in the town's liberation. Today, signs can be seen around the school with the inscription "N'oublions jamais l'Australie" (Let us never forget Australia).”

“But the annual Anzac Day Cup isn't about elite-level football. It's about passion, pride and paying respects to those long-departed. The contest is played out in front of the graves of over 770 Australian soldiers, as well as those of other British Empire soldiers involved in the campaign.”

Anybody wanting information on the Villers Bretonneaux ANZAC Day Cup, whether wanting to participate or simply visit, can contact Ben MacCormack at AFL Europe by email at: ben.maccormack@afl.europe.com or visit the AFL Europe website at: http://www.afleurope.org/
...

New Polish Team in Bydgoszcz Gathers Interest

0
0

With previous attempts stumbling, Poland may soon see a new team (or two) if Gareth Smith can bring his project to fruition. Most recently the Polish Bisons were put together in Poznan, but after recent contact the only remaining Bison admits that the club is now inactive.

Gareth, however, has the love of the game and the drive to kickstart the game in a nation which he believes has the latent talent to take on the game and excel.

“I have lived in Bydgoszcz for over eight years now but still love footy! I am a massive Cats fan and have been since I was a kid. I kick the footy in the park almost every day with my kids in summer and I still feel the old competitive juices flowing, so I tried to find an Australian football team here in Poland.”


“I took over the Futbol Australijski w Polsce Facebook page to see if I could help. I am in the process of putting a Polish voice over to the AFL Explained video and the Skills video. I hope this will be done by the end of January.”

“I have recently contacted everyone who sent messages to the Facebook page to see if people are interested in having a kick, skills sessions and learning about the rules – we’ll see [what happens from that].”

“Of course, I am doing this in the little spare time I have. If I could find the sponsorship to make this a full time thing I would love it. I say that because I truly believe there are athletes in this country that can crack it in the big league in Australia. Poland recently won the World Volleyball championships, the have had great results in the world championships in European Handball, tennis is on the rise (Poland won the Hopman Cup last week and Agnieszka Radwanska will give the Aussie Open a crack this year) and Robert Lewandowski is one of the best strikers in the world. Also the basketball league around the country is very developed and there is now Marcin Gortat playing NBA for the Washington Wizards”

“The plan for now is to find a dozen blokes in Bydgoszcz and a dozen blokes in Poznan, where there was once an interest and a good effort by a young guy there to get things going. I did have some contact from an Aussie guy in the Tri-City area [the cities of Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot to the north of Bydgoszcz on the Baltic Sea] and I have some hope he could do the same.”

In the short term Gareth has some work to do in getting local council approval for the use of suitable sports fields. He will also be in touch with the Minister of Sport in Warsaw to form the AFL Polska association. Then comes the task of running Auskick clinics to encourage youth to learn the game and possibly unearth the next David Wojcinski or James Podsiadly – two former Cats of Polish origin.

He is also in the market for footballs and jumpers, should clubs be in a position to donate.

Certainly, if Gareth’s plans can come to be then there is potential for a considerable growth of interest and teams in more than one Polish city. This could have positive ramifications for the game in that part of Europe, possibly becoming another link to existing clubs in Germany and the Czech Republic – or beyond. But for now Gareth’s challenge is simply getting started locally, so that he and his kids can find some more people to have a kick with in the parks of Bydgoszcz.

Anyone interested in assisting Gareth in his task can either contact us here at World Footy News, or go to the Polish football Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/FutbolAustra...lhc.recent ...

Cairns To Host 2015 AFL Diversity Cup

0
0

The tropical North Queensland city of Cairns will play host to this year’s Kickstart Championships and All Nations Cup, which together comprise the AFL Diversity Cup. Last year’s event was held in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. The North Queensland city of Townsville held the event in 2013.

The event presents the opportunity for Cairns to further establish its credentials as a regional venue for high calibre AFL events, following on from hosting AFL Premierships matches and other key national events such as the Women’s Championships in 2013.

According to the press release from AFL Queensland:

“AFL Cairns will host the 2015 Kickstart Championships and All Nations Cup (AFL Diversity Cup) at Cazalys Stadium from Friday 10th to Wednesday 15th April. The U15 Kickstart Championships is in its 5th year and the structure has been developed to provide a supported, talented player pathway that compliments the National U16 Championships. It aims to expose indigenous and multicultural players, coaches and umpires to an elite AFL program environment.”


“The carnival is the first stage for players to be involved in a high performance environment and will provide players with an opportunity to test themselves against the best emerging Indigenous and Multicultural players from across the country.


AFL Queensland North Queensland Development Manager, Graeme Pratt, who spearheaded the initiative to get the championships to Cairns said, “These Championships are significant to both AFL and the national sporting community. They recognise upcoming talent from our indigenous and multicultural communities, as well show the participants a pathway to elite opportunities.”

AFL Cairns President, Gary Young, said, “The announcement of Cairns as host for these important national championships is an exact fit with the significant push our city and region has nurtured to attract sports tourism.”

“These championships in Cairns serve three main goals. We want to give some kids from a specific part of the community a great new opportunity, we want to recognise AFL as a terrific sport and to highlight and show off the city, region and State as a great place to compete in no matter what sport it is that comes our way.”

Mayor Bob Manning said Cairns Regional Council had offered its full support to the event.

“This tournament encourages greater participation in AFL and is a great stepping stone for young players looking for a future in the game,” Cr Manning said. “We welcome the Kickstart Championships to Cairns and look forward to hosting visiting players and officials.”

Key features of the Championships include;
KICKSTART CHAMPIONSHIPS
• 22 players per team
• Players need to be born in the year 2000 (u15)
• Head Coach required to be Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander

ALL NATIONS CUP
• 12 players per team
• Players need to be born in the year 2000 (u15)
• Players born overseas from non-English speaking countries
• Players from emerging communities that have a parent born overseas from Asia and Africa.
• Head Coach required to be from Multicultural background

UMPIRES
This year in line with the new Diversity Umpiring strategy each State will be required to bring 2 umpires (boundary, goal or field) and they will become part of the Diversity Umpiring program. National AFL Umpiring department will manage education and mentoring program at the Championships.

Further details about the event will be released closer to the event date. Interested people can either contact World Footy News for further information, or contact Graeme Pratt by email at AFLQ at: Graeme.Pratt@aflq.com.au





Left: Cazalys Stadium, Ca ...

Through The Looking Glass – AFL Italia Rebuilding For The Future

0
0

Cristiano Colizzi has played since 2009 for Roma Football Club in Italy, as well as handling media and a host of other things for AFL Italia. Also known as “Pint” (as in a pint of beer), he has provided World Footy News with a rundown of footy in Italy for the second of our “Through The Looking Glass” stories examining how footy has been going, and where to next for the game in countries and leagues across the world.

“As you remember AFL in Italy started in 2010 with four teams: Roma Football Club, Milano Footy Eagles, Genova Dockers and Lugano Bankers. Unfortunately in 2012 we lost Lugano Bankers (they quit playing AFL 9 per side) and in 2014 we also lost Genova Dockers who had just 5 or 6 players remaining.”

“So the Milano Footy Eagles acquired a few players from both Lugano and Genova. They have a great team for now! But the history says....not enough!”

“In 2014 we trained as usual from November to May even knowing that wouldn't be a premiership this year because we are now only two teams.”

“In trying to involve new cities/team in AFL Italy, we played the only match against Milano Footy Eagles in [city of] Pisa [home of the renowned Leaning Tower] on June 21st 2014, managed by Alessandro Bellagamba (he loves AFL !). Milano had a huge team, with [the existing] Milano players and some guys from Genova. Then they acquired some good new skills thanks to Frank Cichello, an Aussie-Italian guy.”

“We met in Pisa on a very hot morning. The match started with good intensity and by half time Rome was leading by one point. During third and big part of final quarter, Milano continued to score until 2 minutes from the end of the match. They were 11 points up.”

‘But as I said last year, Roma never surrender ...we scored a goal (Matteo Lorenzi) from an impossible side position and at the last ball up, our precious Enrico Castellini marked the ball in the midfield and kicked with all of us pushing with eyes… that ball...that ball was a goal! So, when the umpire’s whistle ended the game, we had won by 1 point!”

“It was the only official game in 2014, so we can say we're the best team in Italy, even this year.”

“One week later we said goodbye to our player and mate Jesse Steele, who went back down under with his family. He played 4 years with us, a great man.”

“In August, Rome hosted the first national team training session for 2014. Armando Colombo was the coach (he also works as commentary on Eurosport tv for AFL matches). We started training for AFL Europe Cup planned for October 4th in London.”

“Some guys from RFC [Roma Football Club] were in the expedition: Christian Tiranti (the RFC captain), Andrea Lorenzi, Enrico Castellini, Pierandrea Reale and Cristiano Colizzi (Me!).”

“After four training sessions held in Rome, Milan, Pisa and Genova, the Italian team was ready. We had a very tough pool against Germany, Netherlands and France. We lost the game against Germany , a very good team. But we won easily against Netherlands and, after a very tough game, against our "cousins", the French.”

“Thanks to this we qualified as second in the round and we went to the quarter finals where we met (OMG!) Ireland. Unnecessary saying that they defeated us, but we played a good match. Then we played against Sweden for 7th and 8th place. We were tired [and so] we lost and we closed the tournament 8th (of 16). The tournament was played in one day, from morning till evening. The final winner was a fantastic Denmark.”

“One of our players, Andrea Lorenzi, was chosen for the Best Tournament Team.”

Now, RFC is starting training for AFL Champions League planned for March 21st in Amsterdam. We'll play against club teams from all around Europe. We're all very excited for this and we [have] involved a lot of new (and younger) guys to play. We're training up 20 guys, and it's something really different from past season. It's something similar to our first year.”

“There might be two new teams, Pisa and Padova, for 2015, but it is way too early to tell. But for now our next target is going to the tournament in Amsterdam and to our best. And why not, kick some ass!”

“I want thank, also, Armando Colombo and Frank Cichello who gave me the opportunity to wear the Italian jumper in an official tournament...even if I'm 35 years old. Then I want to thank all Italian national team members like Filippo Alloisio, Denis Conte, Luigi and Tommaso Arndulfo [and the rest] and the guys from RFC and the coach Tim J Marks because they still believe in and trust this team. I also thank other wonderful guys like Simone Catini for supporting us.”

“I love this sport, I love my team. Support us for the Champions League in Amsterdam!”

Cristiano “Pint” Colizzi is certainly a colourful character and just the person needed to generate enthusiasm for Australian Rules football across Italy. For more information about AFL Italia or just the Roma Football Club, contact Cristiano at: http://www.facebook.com/RomaFootballClubAussie




Left" The Roma Football Club - Champions in 2013 and again "undefeated" in ...

Fitzpatrick Cup Comes To Birmingham - and stays.

0
0

The second Fitzpatrick Cup for Australian Rules football playing university teams in England and Ireland takes place today at the University of Birmingham. The previous inaugural event was held in Dublin late in 2013. It was contested by the NRC Eagles from Northern Ireland, DCU from Dublin, the visiting Oxford University team and was won on the day by the UCC Bombers from Cork.

The second incarnation of the event will see the defending champions, UCC, and fellow Irish team the DCU, up against a larger field which includes the host team, University of Birmingham and the teams from both Oxford and Cambridge universities.

The event is fast becoming an important fixture in the calendar of university based teams, not just for the bragging rights that go with victory against other fellow teams, but for the experience that players can gain and the prestige and confidence that go with victory.

For the UCC Bombers, their victory back in 2013 was an enormous boost for the club which was in its infancy, validating the club’s efforts to that stage and proving that the club had a potentially big future.

On the day there were six teams broken into 2 groups. The universities of Birmingham, Oxford, Cambridge and Cork stood alone along with a combined Ireland and combined Midlands team.

The University of Birmingham team has taken out the 2015 Fitzpatrick Cup, defeating previous title holders, the UCC Bombers, in the grand-final.

RESULTS:

Group stage scores:

Cambridge 0.4.4 v Birmingham 9.7.61
Cambridge 3.12.30 v Ireland combined 1.2.8
Birmingham 10.12.72 v Ireland Combined 3.0.18
Cork 5.2.32 v Midlands 5.8.38
Oxford 0.10.10 v Midlands 5.2.32
Oxford 2.4.16 v Cork 4.7.31

First Semi: Birmingham 9 5 59 d Oxford 0 0 00
Second Semi: Cork (UCC) 5 9 39 d Cambridge 0 3 3

3rd place playoff: Oxford 2 8 20 d Cambridge 2 6 18

Grand Final: Birmingham 7 8 50 d Cork (UCC) 0 2 2







Left - The UCC Bombers holding the Fitzpatrick Cup in ...

The Future of Talent Academies and International Talent

0
0

There is an interesting argument swaying back and forth within the AFL concerning the fairness or otherwise of the various talent academies. The following link http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-01-26...tem-unfair describes the pros and cons of having them and whether their very existence undermines the integrity of the AFL national draft.

Of interest to those who look at the game on a more global scale is the idea of whether or not clubs will still be able to rookie international players at will and restriction free compared to indigenous talent in Australia. Will there come a day when AFL clubs will actually need to bid for players, or more dramatically use a high draft selection to obtain international players?

(Left: Isaac Heeney, Picture: Sydney Swans)

There will be some who see this as folly and a flawed way of looking at the issue. Many believe that the amount of, and impact of, international players will never reach that point, therefore it is a moot argument.


Some with a foot in the other camp will argue that it will only take a couple more Pearce Hanleys or Mike Pykes to have all clubs claiming an unfair advantage over others. This has already happened in the case of Isaac Heeney, the Sydney Swans draftee that in a footballing world of equity should have been a draft pick inside the top five, yet was grabbed by the Swans with the comparatively discounted pick 18. The fear is that Sydney have found a future superstar cheaply and circumvented the system on the back of obtaining both Kurt Tippett and Lance Franklin.

The platform is constantly being built to bring in more and more quality international players, and needs to be if this is to become a permanent and meaningful talent pathway. But unless the conversations take place now there will be impacts, negative and positive, to the system of recruiting internationals as it is now.

The argument is currently built around the Queensland and New South Wales based teams. Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns both have talent academies from which they are drawing talent. It seems fair that if those clubs nurture talent and provide the pathway for young players to follow then those clubs should reap the benefits. But not all clubs have academies of a similar nature, hence the debate.

Different clubs have different versions. Port Adelaide has their academy team which competes in the SANFL reserves. Young talent is developed and these players have a shot at the big league if they do well. Essendon has the renowned James Hird Academy which sees sons of past players join at a young age and be guided through their junior careers. The most recent graduate is Joe Daniher, son of former star full back, Anthony Daniher, and part of a great club football lineage. There are others to follow.




Left: Essendon's Joe Daniher (Picture: Zimbio)
















Three players from my own club have been accepted into the Gold Coast Suns Talent Academy and are sure to have their chance at a huge career which would not have been possible had they remained in Cairns.

Most clubs, however, have links to local clubs or leagues where they foster and monitor talent in the hope of one day securing a gem.

As more and more elite talent graduates from academies to AFL lists, the calls for equity will continue to grow from clubs not reaping similar rewards. This is the basis of the argument now where other clubs are fearful that the various cost of living allowances, draft concessions of the past and now elite talent academies will see Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and GWS gain yet another headstart over the rest.

So, what might happen in the near future if a particular club hits the jackpot internationally? Could it happen? No, say some. Yes, Brisbane Lions have a burgeoning superstar in Pearce Hanley and have just rookied his younger brother. If the younger Cian Hanley turns out as good as his older brother, and Pearce wins a club Best & Fairest (he came 4th last year), does that raise a case that Brisbane is getting an unfair advantage from the recruitment of international talent?




Left: Pearce Hanley, Brisbane Lions (Picture: Zimbio)















Conor McKenna at Essendon has huge wraps. It is a long way off, and a big ask, but if he cracks the big time and becomes a star has Essendon rorted a talent loophole? The question will be asked, especially if next year they landed another – Darragh Joyce is still on the market - though Hawthorn and Sydney are closer to getting his name. If Sydney gets him and he becomes a star, will that raise Merry Hell on top of Tippett, Franklin and Heeney?

It is an interesting concept that will play out over coming years. This article is not really leaning one way or the other. It is more of a conversation starter. But as international talent continues to be sought it is just a little bit possible that one day a mini draft for internationals might just replace the impotent Pre-Season Draft and clubs select their internationals from a draft order.

For those who still doubt that such things could happen, I suggest sitting down with a good book by H. G Wells or Jules Verne. Not everything they predicted has happened, but some things have. ...

American Is A Cure For The Blues

0
0

New York Magpie, Alex Aurrichio, has been signed by Carlton’s VFL affiliate the Northern Blues for the 2015 season. The 198 centimetre former baseballer and soccer goalkeeper had come to Australia and trained with Collingwood as well as VFL clubs Coburg and Sandringham. But it was the blues that threw out the first concrete lifeline to give Alex a go.

Leaving his home, and his native club in New York last November, Aurrichio had held a dream to try his hand at reaching the highest levels of Australian Rules football in the heartlands of the game. His bold move has already paid handsome dividends, with the Northern Blues prepared to take the chance.

According to the http://www.afl.com website, Garry O’Sullivan, the General Manager of the Blues, stated that the club was prepared to play the waiting game and allow Aurrichio’s talents to grow and blossom. “"We all know that we've got a long way to go, however we're very hopeful that it will prove to be a fruitful project both for us and for Alex.”


"There’s certainly enough [that we've seen] to suggest that he could play senior VFL football, and so we're very excited to officially provide that opportunity for him."

Should Alex reach that level of performance it would be a possibility that Carlton may consider listing him, or even another club drafting him. Interestingly, Rookie B listing Alex as an international would not be an option if he plays a VFL game. But that is a long way down the track. "Of course there's risk. The risk is that he doesn't get to achieve the level that he wants to achieve," added O’Sullivan.

"But the signs are there. He's big, he's strong, he's mobile and he's motivated.”

Aurrichio first came to the wider attention of the Australian Rules world last year when his journey to play the game was reported in a number of articles, including a story on the New York Magpies website (see: http://www.worldfootynews.com/article...6122822150 ). Los Angeles based sports journalist also wrote an article about Americans from a range of other sports turned their backs on basketball or other sports to give the Australian game a go. Within the article, the author Gil Griffin highlighted Aurrichio, Mason Cox (Collingwood), Eric Wallace (North Ballarat Roosters VFL/North Melbourne) and Jason Holmes (Sandringham VFL/St Kilda) as examples. (See: http://www.worldfootynews.com/article...8193154860 )

The AFL website reports that “The 24-year-old has been on a whirlwind trip to Australia after he tested at the USAFL Combine last April and then played in the national championship victory for the New York Magpies.”

“Encouraged by his teammates, Aurrichio cut together a highlights tape of his performances, sent it to AFL clubs and a week later he was flown to Melbourne to trial.”

Aurrichio has travelled far, but has a great deal further to go. But already his story is inspiring and may have opened the door to other players worldwide to follow their dreams.

That would be a sure fire tonic for The Blues also.





Left: Alex Aurrichio (centre) in training - (Picture - http://afl.com) ...

A Partial History of Footy in Australia's Far North Queensland

0
0

The following is an extract from my own new book which explores the early days of Australian Rules football in the districts to the south of Cairns in North Queensland. It looks at the history of clubs such as the Babinda Magpies and the mighty Centrals Aloomba teams of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s through to their modern day incarnation, Pyramid Power.

 

Along the way the deeds of great local people such as the legendary Howard Kennedy from Woopen Creek, the tragedy of Des Trannore and many more are looked at within the fabric of the game’s development in the tropics.

 

From the centre circle at Power Park I look south towards the majesty of Walsh’s Pyramid, the small mountain that watches serenely over Gordonvale and the surrounding district.  It is the landmark from which our club, Pyramid Power, has taken its name and is a symbol for the club, most local schools and many local businesses.

 

 

Occasionally my reverie is diverted by the irritated squawk of a nearby plover, or the gentle grazing of a flock of ibis. 

 

Other sights and sounds tell their own story. Above the tree line the smoke billows from the Mulgrave Central Sugar Mill, itself another icon of this sugar producing region. The Hambledon Mill is long gone, and there is now a pile of rubble where the Babinda Mill once proudly stood. But the Mulgrave Mill still stands, and the smells, sounds and views of its non-stop seasonal production are still a part of the Gordonvale way of life.

 

From this centre circle, it’s as if I’m a spectator to history itself, not just a sport.

 

In 2014, the Pyramid Power Australian Football & Sporting Club celebrates their 10th anniversary. It follows a year which bought two junior premierships and approval for our first ever senior team in 2014 in the women’s competition. It makes a good story.

 

However, the story of this club goes back further…right back to the beginnings of Australian Rules football in Far North Queensland and the deeds of great men such as Howard Kennedy. As I sit here on the spongy green grass of the centre square at Power Park, I think of where this story should begin.

 

A fitting start would be Woopen Creek.

 

Anybody interested in this examination of both a rich part of the history of Australian Rules football and a close look at how a new club came into existence can contact World Footy News for more information. The book is due for release during February.

 

 

 

 

Left: "Kennedy's Legacy"

 

  ...

Coupe Du Sud in France kicks of 2015 Program

0
0


The winter break is nearly over for the CNFA competition in France with the annual Coupe Du Sud (effectively the Southern Cup or Cup of the South – or more exactly South Cup) to be held in Pau, home of the fledgling CNFA hopefuls, the Pau Bears. The tournament will be held at the Stade Asptt Rugby ground in Pau this Sunday, 7th February.

The history of the event can be traced from this translation of the description of the Football Australian (CNFA) website:

“Created in [the] winter [of] 2010 [by]the club Perpignan Tigers, this competition has established itself in the [CNFA]schedule to host the winter break. Indeed, despite the cold, some southern clubs had the opportunity to play and have easier access to ground through a milder climate than the so-called northern clubs.

Like the Coupe de France, the tournament takes place on a day in a city in southern France. Tradition dictates that only clubs in the south of Bordeaux-Lyon line [are] involved, and it is for the host club to invite a foreign team or northern France.”

This year the event will be fought between the Toulouse Hawks, Perpignan Tigers, Bordeaux Bombers, ALFA Lions (Lyon) and Firesharks Montpellier. Whilst Pau are not listed as having a team directly involved, there is a great opportunity to expose the game to Pau locals and reboot Pau’s hopes of developing their team further.

Hopefully a northern version can accommodate the two Paris teams, Strasbourg and maybe the Nancy Bobcats, as a way to continue to encourage and strengthen newer clubs.

Past winners of the event include:

2010 – Toulouse Crocodiles (Played in Perpignan)
2011 – Toulouse Hawks (Played in Toulouse)
2012 – Bordeaux Bombers (Played in Bordeaux)
2013 – Toulouse Hawks (Played in Marseille)
2014 – Bordeaux Bombers (Played in Toulouse)

World Footy News will announce results of the tournament next week.
...

Nauru 2015 Independence Day footy match won by South.

0
0

Last week saw the 47th anniversary of the independence of Nauru. Formerly known as Pleasant Island, the Republic of Nauru is the smallest state in the South Pacific and by population is the 2nd smallest state in the world after the Vatican City. Nevertheless – and despite a windy and wet day – the national game (along with weightlifting) of Australian Football played a hotly contested North vs South Independence Day match.

The following report is from AFL South Pacific.

SOUTH BEATS NORTH IN THE WET

In a very windy and rainy day, the South team comprising of players mostly from Aiwo, Boe and Evergreen took out this year's Independence match.

Souths shot off to a commanding lead in the 1st quarter with veteran former Panzer key forward Jaxon Jeremiah providing a key target for the South team. The pace of the game had slowed due to the weather which was ideal for the older veterans. Souths kept the North team scoreless in the 1st quarter with Jenke Jeremiah controlling the ruck providing his runners with easy clearances.

In the 2nd quarter the North mounted a comeback gaining some momentum but they did not fully capitalise missing easy shots. North's captain Trent Depaune was shifted to the forward line after struggling against Jaxon in the 1st and it immediately paid dividends with Trent kicking a goal for the North to register their 1st for the game.

In the 3rd quarter the Souths again asserted their dominance in the middle with German Grundler, Diijay Grundler and Johnny Dagiaro winning clearances at ease. In the last, Norths mounted another comeback by kicking 5 straight goals but in the end the margin was too great to reel in.

German Grundler for the South team was adjudged best on ground with a dominant display of hard running, skill and poise despite the poor weather and slippery conditions.For the North team Kingson Akibwib was their best player. He was tenacious with his pressure, desperation and tried his heart out all game from the first bounce to the final whistle.

MATCH REPORT

Team1/41/23/4Final
SOUTH 4.2. (26) 5.4. (34) 10.7. (67) 12.7. (79)
NORTH 0.0. (0) 2.5. (17) 2.5. (17) 7.5. (47)

GOALS SOUTH: Jaxon Jeremiah 2, Johnny Dagiaro 2, DJ Grundler 2, Quincy Detenamo 2, Johnson Hiram, Lachlan Bretchefeld, Bronco Deidenang, Aykers Daniel NORTH: Tommy Daniel 2, Trent Depaune, BJ Bingham, Robroy Grundler, Amin Dabug Depaune, Jericho Detenamo

BEST SOUTH: German Grundler, Bronco Deidenang, DJ Grundler, Ayker Daniel, Jeremiah Kam, Jenke Jeremiah NORTH: Kingson Akibwib, Eros Kun, Patrick Aboubo, Trent Depaune, Detrick B Seymour, Trevin Bernicke

PLAYER OF THE MATCH German Grundler – Souths ...

Cancer Council’s Call To Arms Round in Northern Territory

0
0

 

Below is a press release from the AFLNT which details their own Cancer Council’s Call To Arms round this weekend to highlight the impacts of cancer on all Australians - in this case the people of the Northern Territory.

 

According to the Cancer Council’s own website, “in 2006, despite a decision by the Australian Football League (AFL) to the contrary, Essendon Football Club players wore yellow armbands, in the inaugural Clash For Cancer match against Melbourne Football Club, to support team-mate Adam Ramanauskas who was undergoing intensive treatment for yet another cancer diagnosis.

 

The AFL fined Essendon $20,000 for wearing the armbands, and later agreed that the fine could be donated to Cancer Council, Essendon's preferred charity.

 

In 2007, the AFL agreed to allow yellow armbands to be incorporated into the sleeve of the Essendon jumper for subsequent Clash For Cancer matches.

 

Call To Arms was developed in Victoria in 2007, as an extension of the Clash For Cancer match, and involves any sporting club to wear yellow armbands and fundraise for Cancer Council during a match in July.”

 

With the Northern Territory Football League playing in the summer months rather than winter, their Call To Arms round is held at a different time to the rest of the country. The press release from the AFLNT reads:

 

A tradition spanning over a number of years of the TIO NTFL, Round 17, will again see club’s come together to raise awareness of key cancer statistics.

This weekend’s Round 17 is one of remembrance for those members of the Northern Territory Football Family who have been lost, those who have suffered, and those who are suffering from cancer as well as loved ones.

Yellow arm bands will be worn by players and support staff throughout round 17.

AFL Northern Territory Stakeholder Engagement Manager Joel Bowden said he encourages players to don the bright yellow this weekend.

“There is a very important awareness message we are promoting through the Call to Arm’s round,” Bowden said.

“We hope spectators watching this weekend at the various grounds, across AFLNTv! online, or see imagery from the round see the yellow armbands and that starts a much needed conversation about cancer awareness”.

“Cancer touches the lives of many, both directly and indirectly, refusing to discriminate and by raising awareness we can assist the Cancer Council in advancing their quest for a cure”.

Kathy Sadler, Cancer Council NT CEO said that up to one third of cancers that affect Australian men can be prevented.

“Cancer deaths could be reduced significantly by choosing a cancer smart lifestyle which includes reducing exposure to risk factors including tobacco, obesity, physical inactivity and alcohol,” said Kathy.

One in two men will be diagnosed with cancer of some kind by the time they turn 85, the Call to Arms campaign sees sportspeople of all ages and all codes fundraise for cancer research.

 

Those wanting more information about the NTFL Call to Arms round can contact the AFLNT via their website at: http://www.aflnt.com.au/ .

 

For more information of the Call To Arms rounds and their connections to the community you can visit the Cancer Council’s website at: http://www.calltoarms.com.au/about/media ...

Teaching Australian Football

0
0

Necessity is the mother of invention. So the saying goes. And there are times in the international world of Australian Rules football when that saying is very close to the mark. In the case of teachers trying to introduce the Australian game into every day can be a new invention to find ways to generate and maintain interest up against so many other options.

 

It is not that teachers do not have access to resources – a visit to the AFL website, or even a half decent scroll around google can unearth plenty of free documents, manuals, videos as well as a host of subscriptions for more.

 

 

But the isolation of a teacher who might be the only person for many miles trying to kick-start the game can be profound. In my own case I am lucky to have another keen teacher in the same school, but in past schools I have been a lone voice competing against rugby codes, soccer, basketball and more. And that’s here in Australia.

 

So a recent idea, hatched by a couple of teachers on opposite sides of the world, may help.

 

Purely and simply they have decided to link by email a network of teachers across the world and trade contacts, resources, ideas, documents and anything else that might be of value to other teachers. The teaching landscapes across the world, and especially the Australian Rules football world, are not homogenous. One teacher’s experience may be another’s new idea. What works in one school to generate interest or develop a certain skill might well work in another. Sometimes all it takes is a forum or communication device that can allow that trade of information to occur.

 

It is early days and there is no telling how successful, if at all, the idea will be. But the signs are there that open forums and idea exchanges might just help grow the game.

 

In terms of the UK, we are at a crucial stage in terms of recruiting volunteers to help drive the sport upwards. Clearly with juniors as the focus, PE teachers are crucial to this.

 

Ian Mitchell, president of the Wolverhampton Wolverines in England, is also a teacher at the Brownhills School near Walsall. Ian recognises the challenges of teaching the game in schools where it is a lesser known sport in the following way.

“I see it as a three-fold process: up-skilling teachers so that they are confident/enthused to deliver the sport, creating resources to aid the delivery of CPD and subsequent lessons and the provision of resources and equipment [with associated cost implications].”

 

It is these areas which might be aided if a cross-pollination of ideas and resources can be established, working in conjunction with existing assistance through education bodies and local Australian Rules football organisations.

 

The following excerpt from a previous World Footy News article (http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/20130105035451155 ) gives another insight into the value of school footy internationally.

 

“Mike McFarlane is the president and head coach of the North Delta Junior AFL in British Columbia, Canada. Mike is even more reliant on school based Australian Rules clinics and players than any Australian club. Mike states that “For us, doing clinics in schools is our main recruiting ground for our league and has been the reason for our growth. It also allows us to educate people about our sport so they actually know what it is about. From our standpoint there is not enough done to promote footy in schools because we are basically on our own with little or no support from AFL Canada or the AFL [in Australia].” Mike points out that most Australian-based teams are at least tapping markets where people have some idea of the game. In Canada this is not the case, with Mike having to educate as he goes, long before getting to the stage of recruiting.”

 

It would undoubtedly help Mike and others in similar positions to him to know that there are other teachers across the world that may provide assistance when he needs it.

 

The idea is already growing legs elsewhere with Kevin McSorley (ARFLI and the NRC Eagles in Northern Ireland) and Don Cruttenden (Greensteds International School, Nakuru, Kenya) keen to be involved.

 

It will be interesting to see how this small but practical idea will benefit teachers in passing on the game to new and existing players, but the scope is there for a huge trade in ideas and resources. If you are a teacher and would like to hop aboard, or just seek more information contact: wesleyhull2@gmail.com

 

 

  ...

Port Melbourne snares USA College Football Duo

0
0

The slow, glacial trickle of USA athletes to Australia continues with two more players headed to the VFL willing to try their luck with Port Melbourne for the 2015 season. “The Borough” will play host to Carl Winston and Torrey Harkness, both of whom have been described as “NFL/Olympic sprinter-calibre athletes” by their Los Angeles-based agent, Miro Gladovic, from AFS (American Footy Star).

 

[Carl Winston (L) and Torrey Harkness (R) playing for the Los Angeles Dragons – Herald Sun]

 

This news comes quickly on the heels of a recent story about New York magpie, Alex Aurrichio, who will play this season with Carlton’s VFL affiliate, the Northern Blues, and the recent transitions of Eric Wallace, Mason Cox and Jason Holmes. These three players, who have played VFL with North Ballarat, Collingwood and Sandringham respectively, have made the leap from diverse elite sporting backgrounds back in the USA to reach the penultimate tiers of the Australian national game.

 

 

Both Carl and Torrey are imposing athletes. The biggest difference with these lads is that most players to have come and tried our game have been from basketball backgrounds, but these two are both ex-college football players with bodies more readily adaptable to Australian Rules football – in theory.

 

Carl Winston is 23 years old, stands just 172 centimetres and is a relatively light 85 kilograms. He is described by AFS as “was a running back for Washington State University in the NCAA Pac-12 Conference.”

 

Torrey is older at 25 years of age, is taller at 180 centimetres and slightly lighter at 83 kilograms. His resume reads “played as a wide receiver and quarterback for Dixie State University.”

 

The initial comparison to a glacial trickle of talent implies that there is more to follow.  According to an article by the Herald Sun (http://m.heraldsun.com.au/leader/sport/two-us-college-footballers-to-join-pre-season-training-at-port-melbourne/story-fnglemo4-1227207585388ωnk=f1bc81d419111f3493163f238978f4e8 ) ““To date there has been no American to conquer the sport of footy, and this has been the inspiration for Miro creating American Footy Star.”

 

The American Footy Star website further states that “Miro’s vision is to not only recruit one American Footy Star, but to populate the Australian Football League with dozens of American footy players in the coming years, and add an American flair to the already great game of Australian football, cultivating the great athleticism and skill sets of the countless American athletes who graduate from the greatest sporting production line in the world, the NCAA.’’

 

It is early days yet, but the indications are growing that Australian Rules football is getting onto the radars of more and more athletes from the USA. It is certainly possible that this trend will continue. The creation of American Footy Star is directly aiming at this possibility, as described on their website.

 

American Footy Star is a unique and groundbreaking talent recruitment vehicle, set up to bridge the gap between the vast American talent pool of great athletes, and Australian football, known as Footy to its millions of fans down under, and internationally.”

 

“For the first time ever, the sporting borders between the U.S. and Australia will be bridged together with the launch of American Footy Star (AFS), an audacious and groundbreaking, new, athletic talent search.”

 

Other players in the AFS stable include a former Superbowl champion player for the New York Giants, Ramses Barden. He is described as a “Matthew Richardson type” 201 centimetre potential forward. Recruiters might also like to look at the other prospects on the American Footy Star website at: http://www.americanfootystar.com/footy-talent/ 

 

Port Melbourne coach, Gary Ayres, who will soon be coaching the pair, summed it up well in the same Herald Sun article when he stated ““who knows, this might a whole new frontier for our game. We’ll give them an opportunity and see what develops from there.”

 

  ...

Pearce Hanley Injured – Lions’ Irish Star Down

0
0

Reports came through last week that the Brisbane Lions’ vice-captain, Pearce Hanley, had injured himself and could miss up to 12 weeks. A visit to the surgeon, however, found that the hip cartilage damage was worse than originally thought and the star player would not return until about Round 14.

Hanley had been carrying the injury, but when it became too uncomfortable to bear it was decided to have a cartilage clean-up. This procedure unearthed additional damage that would require more comprehensive surgery than first thought.

The Brisbane Lions club and fans would be disappointed, especially as Hanley had been enjoying a “promising” pre-season in readiness for being a key part of the club’s 2015 assault on a hoped for finals berth.


The injury is also a blow for the former Irish player who has become a pace-setter for international player success. Originally a Gaelic footballer for County mayo in Ireland, Hanley was rookie-drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 2008. He has since played 96 games for the club and in recent seasons has become a key player at the club, enjoying a career best nine votes at the 2014 Brownlow Medal count.

Brisbane Lions supporters will be hoping Hanley can recover quickly, as will his international supporters back home in Ireland.

The Brisbane Lions also recruited his younger brother Cian Hanley, who by all accounts might have his own skill set to rival Pearce. However, Cian is still on the road to full recovery after sustaining a serios knee ligament injury playing Gaelic football in Ireland last year ...

Darwin’s NTFL Season Primed For Epic Finish

0
0

A battle royale looms in the Northern Territory Football League over the remaining two rounds of the 2014/15 season. With the “Call To Arms” round being played this weekend, Round 17, that just leaves this weekend and next for teams to jostle for positions for the finals.

Currently three teams – the Tiwi Bombers (4th), Palmerston Magpies (5th) and last year’s grand finalists Wanderers (6th) are each locked on 32 points. Only two of them can make the finals, and the cull starts today.

Perennial league leaders, St Mary’s, still hold top spot safely, three and a half games clear of any rival. Nightcliff and Southern Districts hold second and third spots, though both had a case of the wobbles last weekend. Nightcliff crashed badly, thrashed by Saints. Southern District made their job harder losing to bottom placed Waratah. They are probably safe though, a game clear of the pursuing three.


For Buffaloes and Waratah, their seasons end next weekend. Neither can reach the finals.

That leaves the log jam for fourth and fifth places and it will be exciting. First up is the battle between fourth and fifth today with Tiwi taking on Palmerston. The winner will play finals. The loser will have to fight like the devil to win their final round clash. Palmerston plays fellow finals hopeful, Wanderers. Tiwi Bombers have the toughest game playing flag favourites, St Mary’s.

Wanderers, currently sixth, have a huge task. They need to beat second placed Nightcliff, then fellow contender Palmerston. They will likely need to win both to make it. A tough ask due to a poor percentage.

The run home to any finals series if laced with excitement and expectation, but when there is a three way race to the finish for finals berths it adds even more interest. Of course, once the finals begin miracles can happen. The best team on the day goes forward, regardless of home and away results. One magical run from any of the teams in contention can take them all the way.

St Mary’s might well be a deserving favourite now, but there are still five other clubs who would like to have a say about tha ...

GB Bulldogs Seek New Coaching & Management Team

0
0

The following article written by Claire Shapland for the AFL England website details the changes occurring within the structure of the GB [Great Britain] Bulldogs team. With an exciting future coming over the next few seasons, opportunities exist for positions that are either vacant or advertised.

 

Anybody interested, either in Europe or even from Australia, who may wish to take on these roles, can contact AFL England on the contacts at the end of this story. This would be an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of the game in England and across Great Britain.

 

With the departure of Mark Pitura, GB Bulldogs are seeking a new Head Coach alongside various other voluntary positions on the organising committee.

 

 

With the expansion of the Women’s game in the UK, a ladies team at the International Cup 2017 is a very real possibility so the Bulldogs Management team needs to be expanded and strengthened. The following positions are out to application:

 

Head Coach

Assistant Coach

Assistant Team Manager

Partnerships Manager (Sponsorship/Fundraising)

Marketing & Media Officer

The next major test for the GB Bulldogs will be the European Cup 2016 (Croatia) followed by the International Cup 2017 (Melbourne), however it is highly likely there will be International friendlies organised. As a non-funded sport currently, players must fund their participation in these major tournaments so for the first time we are seeking a dedicated Partnerships Manager to work to find sponsorship and explore additional fundraising opportunities. With the development of digital media we are also seeking a Marketing & Media Officer to work with the AFL England Media Coordinator/website manager and keep our digital media channels updated with relevant and interesting content.

 

 

To express your interest in one of the above roles or to gain further information please contact Adam Bennett (Team Manager) on:  president@aflengland.org ...

Dessau kicks on to Governor gig

0
0
Linda Dessau was yesterday named as Victoria's new Governor. For those outside Australia the Victorian Governor is the representative of Queen Elizabeth II (Australia's head of state) in the state of Victoria.

In footy circles Linda (pictured left with fellow Commisioners at IC14 Women's Grand Final) is best known as one of the current AFL Commissioners. From an international footy perspective Linda has been a visible presence at IC11 and IC14 matches and official functions. Linda also contributed financially to the St Alban's Spurs playing tour to the US in 2014. The support of individuals on the AFL Commission no doubt shapes the resources and attention given to the game outside Australia, so it disappointing from that point of view to lose her..

AFL Commission Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick today said the appointment of Commissioner Linda Dessau as Governor-elect of Victoria recognises her outstanding contribution to the community in various roles, including her legal career, and was a great honour for the wider football community.
Ms Dessau, a former barrister then magistrate then Family Court Judge, will take up the role of Governor on July 1. She has served as an AFL Commissioner since 2008, after establishing the Essendon FC Women’s Network, alongside a lifetime contribution to the arts community.

“Linda Dessau has been a strong and passionate contributor to the AFL Commission over the past seven years and a leader in the life of Victoria throughout her career in the law,’ Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“The AFL and the wider football community all congratulate her on the appointment to the role as Governor of Victoria.

“While we are disappointed to lose her skills from the Commission, she will not be lost to football and her commitment to a better society for all will continue to see her as a leader in the community.”

LINDA DESSAU AM

Football:

2008-2015 – AFL Commissioner
•Initiated the concept of the Essendon Women’s Network after making contact with CEO Peter Jackson. Network now has more than 700 members. Has also assisted other clubs to establish women’s networks.

Career:
•1995-2013 – Justice of the Family Court of Australia.
•1987-1995 – Children’s Court Magistrate, Coroner and Magistrate
•1975-1987 – Barrister/Prosecutor.

Non-executive directorships:

· Director of AFL SportsReady and ArtsReady

· Trustee, National Gallery of Victoria

· Chair, Melbourne Festival

· Board Member, Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

· Board Member, Unicorn Foundation

· Patron, Sports Conne ...

Portland Steelheads need your vote

0
0

USAFL Club the Portland Steelheads are currently in an online battle for the title of Portland’s Best Sports Logo in Portland (Oregon). 

The competition has come down to the final four and the Steelheads Logo is going strong even knocking off the Timbers MLS soccer team.

They are now up against Pacific University Boxers rugby team and trailing by 200 votes.  So support an Aussie rules team (with a great logo) and help to raise their profile in the city that once hosted a post season match between Melbourne and West Coast (attendance 14,787).

Here is a link to the vote: http://www.portlandsports.com/portland/final-four-portlands-best-sports-logo/

We understand you can vote multiple times but only once per day. ...

Ludwigsburg Taipans and Dresden Wolves feature in 2015 AFLG Draw

0
0

The release of the new playing fixture for the 2015 season in Germany contains some very welcome and pleasing additions to the roster – both an extension on 2014 and an expansion across the league which highlights the game’s growth in the country.

The league welcomes the Dresden Wolves and the Ludwigsburg Taipans for their first seasons in the new national format. After a season spent on “the bench”, the Frankfurt Redbacks also return to the fold.

The new season will feature two halves. An eight round draw from April to June will feature a nationwide AFL 9’s competition. Whilst this is a drop in on-field player numbers, it also ensures that thee competition will extend to 10 viable teams. Hamburg Dockers and the Rheinland Lions will enter two teams each, whilst Munich Kangaroos, Berlin Crocs and Stuttgart Emus will be joined by the new teams from Dresden, Ludwigsburg and the returning Frankfurt Redbacks.

At the end of the 9’s draw, the larger teams (Hamburg, Rheinland and Munich) will play a round-robin style draw over a further six rounds from throughout July and August culminating in a grand-final on 12th September.

When looking through the newly released document, three names appear which would delight the purists and expansionists.

The Ludwigsburg Taipans, started in 2012 and just 15 kilometres from Stuttgart, have been developing in local 9’s formats and this entry into the wider national competition is great reward for effort and commitment to all concerned. (See our World Footy News story regarding the Taipans at: http://www.worldfootynews.com/article...4130101703

The Dresden Wolves came into being around the same time, playing (and winning) their first match in the CAAFL (Czech Association of Australian Football League) in 2013 when they downed the Prague Dragons. Since then the goal has headed towards their debut in the new national design. For more information about the Dresden Wolves, see our story : http://www.worldfootynews.com/article...5083059128

The Frankfurt Redbacks once again return to the national competition after a hiatus of sorts in 2014. The 9’s format has eased pressure on player numbers allowing their return.

The success of the new format will not be apparent until the season is over, but the exciting, innovative restructuring of the AFLG competition will breathe a new life into the game and open up more opportunities for players.

But before all of that, a huge welcome to the Taipans, Wolves and Redbacks.
...
Viewing all 3240 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images