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CAFL Round 1 Match Report - Card Sharks vs Mako Sharks

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Match report taken from the Glasgow Sharks website and written by "the Great White"

Hello and welcome Sharks fans. Saturday saw the CAFL (Glasgow metro league) season opener with a replay of last year’s grand final between the Cards and the Makos. The Makos fell at the final hurdle last season and so were looking to even the ledger and kick start the new season with a victory. The Cards were also looking to start the season with a bang and maintain their dominance of the league they enjoyed last season.

With both teams missing key players it would be down to each team’s new recruits and second year players to get the job done. The game got underway under sunny skies but feeling very cold. With the turf crunching underfoot the cards were kicking to the stadium end of Victoria Park and the makos heading to the city end.

After a congested first bounce the Cards managed the first forward entry of the game, only to have it repelled by the Makos who also could only get as far as half forward before turning the ball over. With both teams backlines standing strong in the early stages the game was showing all the hallmarks of being a tight contest. The cards were first to hit the scoreboard after Robert McKinlay extracted the ball under some serious Mako pressure and dished out a handball to Ross Thomson, who kicked truly from 25 meters out on a slight angle.

The Makos looked like answering straight back when Paul Sweeney attacked a bouncing ball from halfback to start an interlinking chain of handballs that propelled the makos forward. The movement was brought to a halt though as Campbell Hamilton and Alan Bingham combined well to run the ball out of the cards defence but the move came to an end when Stacey Hughes pounced on a loose ball at half back.

Midway through the term the cards sprang forward with some excellent overlapping play but could only manage a behind from the movement. The Makos turned the ball over at half back from the kick in which resulted in a cards goal through Steve Thompson. Shortly after the resulting ball up Robert McKinlay capitalised on a makos defensive error to kick the simplest of goals. The makos got on the scoreboard late in the quarter with Dan Connor roving some good ruck work from John McIntyre then followed up to kick a long range goal. The cards hit back instantly as Chris Pearson slotted home his first major of the day. Then in the dying stages of the term Pearson banged home his second and the momentum was with the cards going to the first break. There would be no more scoring in the term and the Cards took a healthy 26 point lead into the first change. 5-2-32 to 1-0-6.

The Cards started the second term in the same vein they ended the first pushing forward. The Makos seemed to be over possessing the ball in defence and eventually turned it over. The Cards could not make them pay though kicking a behind. Inaccuracy looked to be creeping into the cards play as they had another shot on goal that missed the big sticks. From the kick in the makos won a free kick at centre half back and were able to venture forward for the first time in the quarter. Mark Cummaudo’s long kick slipped across the goal mouth and was toed across the boundary line on the full giving the makos a free kick deep in the forward pocket.

The ball was centred and Steve O Kelly roved the pack and sent a quick kick forward that was marked on the point of the goal square by Mark Cummaudo. Cummaudo’s shot was off target and registered a behind. The cards moved the ball efficiently to half forward but the attack was quelled and for the next few minutes the ball pinballed from half back line to half back line until the cards ended the sequence by kicking a behind. From the kick in the makos went coast to coast culminating in Hazel Stevenson bagging the first super goal (9 points) of the season to cut the cards lead back to 16 points. The Mako revival was short lived though as the cards midfield lifted a gear and came up with a clean centre clearance that saw Campbell Hamilton run onto a long kick and stroll into an open goal.

They were at it again from the ball up, this time it was Ross Thomson getting on the end of his midfields good work marking and goaling from directly in front. The makos went forward from the bounce and managed a stoppage deep in the pocket. The cards easily moved out of defence from the stoppage and through some good transitional play hit Ross Thomson on a slicing run who then kicked truly. This was quickly followed another Campbell Hamilton goal in the shadows of half time. The cards closed out the stanza with another behind and went into the main break full of confidence. 9.6 (60) to 1.1.1 (16)

The third term started in scrappy fashion with neither team able to effect any meaningful ball movement. Through persistence the cards had managed to move the ball into their forward 40 and the makos were struggling to clear their lines. It wasn’t until Robert McKinlay kicked truly after marking a centring ball 20 meters out that the scoring was opened for the term. Shortly after the restart the makos won a free kick at half back but could only manage a stoppage at half forward as the kick tumbled out of bounds. The cards burst clear from the stoppage through Chris Pearson and moved the ball along the wing and into their forward line. Pearson was again on the score sheet as he followed up from his earlier work on the wing to ram home another goal for the Cards.

After some fruitless end to end football from both teams the makos went forward and had a shot on goal through Marc Cummaudo who won himself a free kick for in the back. Cummaudos shot fell short and the cards were able to run the ball out of their defence. The cards could only manage another behind for the term but had more importantly managed to keep the makos scoreless. In what was a low scoring term the Makos through hard work had at least managed to stop the bleeding by not giving away cheap goals. 11.7 (73) v 1.1.1 (16).

The Cards opened the scoring in the final stanza with a behind to Ross Thomson. The makos turned the ball over from the kick in and Alex Young made them pay for it by opening his account for the day with a major. From the bounce the cards again went forward only for a minor score. Ross Thomson was in the thick of things again roving the kick in and kicking truly. It was turning into one way traffic as the cards again went forward and again could only score a behind. The Makos went long and direct with the kick in and forced a stoppage in the middle but the cards midfield were too strong and sent the ball forward resulting in a behind for Alan Bingham.

The Makos changed tact and tried running the ball wide out of defence but the canny cards midfield were switched on and got a stoppage on centre wing. Chris Pearson was having a day out as he received from Robert McKinlay to slot home another goal. Another centre clearance resulted in a behind to Steve Thomson. The makos went forward from the kick in but could not get any deeper than half forward where the cards forced the turnover and efficiently moved the ball forward with a chain of handballs that Alan Bingham found himself on the end of and rammed home a major score.

The Cards won a free kick in the middle for a centre square infringement and moved the ball laterally then went forward. The kick forward was marked by the makos on half back but they could not get past half way before the cards rebounded to move forward again. Robert McKinlay’s behind was the last scoring action for the game as the cards ran out convincing winners by 86 points 15.12 (102) to 1.1.1 (16).

To watch Extended Highlights click here.

See ya on the boundary line next time!

Cheer cheer the blue and the white

The Great White ...


2013 AFL Women's Draft Picks Announced

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The AFL has announced the top 50 female players in Australia as part of the Women's Draft which precedes the "Women's AFL" exhibition game. The game will be played as a curtain raiser to the Women’s Round AFL game between Melbourne FC and Western Bulldogs at the MCG on the 29th of June.

The two AFL Clubs were given the opportunity to select the players from the draft to represent them in the curtain raiser. Also selected were two of Australia’s top female coaches: Michelle Cowan has been appointed coach of the Melbourne FC women’s team, and Peta Searle has been appointed coach of the Western Bulldogs women’s team.

Unsurprisingly, players from the VWFL dominated the selection, with powerhouse Darebin Falcons notching up nothing short of 10 players on the list, 3 of whom where named in the top 10.

A spokesperson from Darebin Falcons told us, “The girls certainly did their club proud. It was a successful night for Darebin, but more importantly for women's football as a whole. It’s fantastic to see these women receiving a reward for their effort.”

Across town, Melbourne University’s team had 6 players selected, whilst in Western Australia, Coastal Titans managed 4 players on the list and Swan Districs had two players named in the top 10.

Representatives from New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia also found their way into the top 50, echoing the promising results from the recent Youth Girls National Championships, and showing that the gap between the two top states and their closest rivals is slowly closing.

Read the full story for the full list of the top 50 female players, their home clubs and the AFL team they have been selected to play for.

Number 1: Daisy Pearce (Darebin Falcons, Vic) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 2: Steph Chiocci (Diamond Creek, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 3: Chelsea Randall (Swan Districts, WA) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 4: Aasta O’Connor (Darebin Falcons, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 5: Kara Donnellan (Swan Districts, WA) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 6: Karen Paxman (Darebin Falcons, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 7: Kirby Bentley (East Fremantle, WA) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 8: Katie Loynes (Diamond Creek, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 9: Lou Wotton (Eastern Devils, Vic) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 10: Emma Kearney (Melbourne Uni, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 11: Mel Hickey (Darebin Falcons, Vic) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 12: Lauren Arnell (Darebin Falcons, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 13: Ellie Blackburn (Beaconsfield, Vic) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 14: Rebecca Privitelli (Darebin Falcons, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 15: Mel Caulfield (East Fremantle, WA) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 16: Elsie O’Dea (Darebin Falcons, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 17: Jasmine Garner (St Kilda Sharks, Vic) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 18: Nicola Stevens (Melbourne Uni, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 19: Kiara Bowers (Coastal Titans, WA) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 20: Natalia Thomas (Yeronga, QLD) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 21: Madeline Keryk (VU St Albans Spurs, Vic) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 22: Katie Brennan (Darebin Falcons, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 23: Bree White Club (VU St Albans Spurs, Vic) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 24: Leah Mascall (Coastal Titans, WA) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 25: Courtney Gum (UNSW-ES, NSW) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 26: Louise Stephenson (Melbourne Uni, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 27: Alicia Eva (Melbourne Uni, Vic) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 28: Kate Lukins (Yeronga, QLD) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 29: Emma Swanson (Peel Thunderbirds, WA) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 30: Lauren Spark (Melbourne Uni, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 31: Brooke Whyte (Coastal Titans, WA) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 32: Kira Phillips (Peel Thunderbirds, WA) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 33: Bianca Jakobson (Berwick, Vic) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 34: Sarah D'Arcy (Eastern Devils, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 35: Jennifer Lew (Sydney Uni, NSW) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 36: Ally Anderson (Zilmere, QLD) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 37: Leah Kaslar (Palm Beach Currumbin, QLD) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 38: Courtney Cramey (Morphetville Park, SA) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 39: Kaitlyn Ashmore (Melbourne Uni, Vic) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 40: Jenna Brunton (Ballarat Youth Girls, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 41: Rene Forth (Coastal Titans, WA) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 42: Penny Cula-Reid (St Kilda Sharks, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 43: Stephanie Walding (East Fremantle, WA) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 44: Emily Bates (Yeronga, QLD) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 45: Amy Catterall (St Kilda Sharks, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 46: Jess Dal Pos (Darebin Falcons, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 47: Alexandra Price (Port Adelaide, SA) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 48: Kellie Marie Gibson (Swan Districs, WA) drafted by Western Bulldogs

Number 49: Bronwyn Davey (Greenacres, SA) drafted by Melbourne FC

Number 50: Natalie Wood (Darebin Falcons, Vic) drafted by Western Bulldogs ...

USAFL Pays Tribute to Bill Robert as Stateside Footy TV Enters its 4th Year

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In celebration of 4 years of Stateside Footy TV, the USAFL have released an article on their website commemorating the work put in by the show’s legendary commentator and producer, Bill Robert.

SSFTV started filming USAFL games in July 2010 and aired their first episode a month later in August. The 4th season of the show is due to be aired from next month. To date, 40 episodes have been filmed and the show has been aired on 81 public access channels across 21 states, and has been viewed online by over 20,000 fans.

For a quick fix of “Australian made, American played”, take a look at the show’s flashy new USAFL promotion video which will feature during breaks in the 2013 show.

For more information on Bill Robert’s contributions to the game in the USA, please read the original article written by Boston Demon and USAFL VP Mike Sheppard.

Readers in the USA can find more information on cable TV viewing times on the SSFTV website.

The show can also be viewed online all over the world on Vimeo, Blip TV and on Bill Robert’s YouTube channel.
 


Bill Robert's pictured with former Sydney captain Brett Kirk ...

Shem Tatupu taking Footy to Australians

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Shem Tatupu has recently been in Melbourne as part of his International Scholarship with the Hawthorn Football Club.

In a move that could be likened to "Selling ice to the Eskimos" Shem has been out and about in Melbourne taking footy clinics at a variety of schools.

In an interesting article http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sp...ars-in-AFL his journey so far makes great readi ...

Victoria Metro claims 2013 Youth Girls National Championships Title

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Victoria Metro have retained their Youth Girls Champions title by defeating closest rival Western Australia by 6.4 (40) to 3.7 (25).

Meanwhile in the other finals, the up and coming Queensland side just scraped past the combined Victoria Country/ Tasmania team in a nail biting 3.7(25) to 3.2(20) scrap for third spot, whilst the underperforming New South Wales / Australian Capital Territory team was blown over by the developing South Australia / Northern Territory team 6.6(42) to 1.1(7) in the battle for fifth.

Results of all the games and video highlights of all the action can be found here on the AFL Community Club website.

This year’s Youth Girls Nationals took place in Shepparton, Victoria. The biannual event is the pinnacle of girls’ football and features the top players from across each state aged between 13 and 18.

Following the finals, the 2013 All-Australian Youth Girls team has been named: ...

International Broadcast Schedule: Round 8

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The international broadcast schedule for the AFL Round 8 can be seen below. All times are correct at the time of publishing and WFN takes no responsibility for changes to the schedule.

The failure to launch AFL match coverage on free to air TV in NZ as scheduled by Sommet Sports has been a lowlight of the AFL's recent efforts to promote the code  in NZ. We are hopeful that the launch may come soon - it now appears Sommet Sports are broadcasting their test page and hopefully the launch and AFL coverage will begin soon.

TelevisionFreo vs EssNM vs SydMel vs WCEGWS vs St KildaGeel vs CarlGC vs BrisRich vs WBColl vs HawPt Adel vs AdelHighlights
AUSTRALIA NETWORK          
Asia17/5 @ 1830 HKT (LIVE)18/5 @ 1130 HKT (LIVE)  18/5 @ 1730 HKT (LIVE)   19/5 @ 1430 HKT (LIVE)21/5 @ 2230 HKT
Pacific17/5 @ 2230 FJT (LIVE)18/5 @ 1530 FJT (LIVE)  18/5 @ 2130 FJT (LIVE) 19/5 @ 1500 FJT (LIVE)  21/5 @ 2200 FJT
India17/5 @ 1700 IST (Delay)18/5 @ 0930 IST (LIVE)  18/5 @ 1500 IST (LIVE)   19/5 @ 1200 IST (LIVE)22/5 @ 1800 IST
ESPN          
Africa    18/5 @ 2300 EST (Delay)    24/5 @ 0900 EST
Caribbean    18/5 @ 0530 EST (LIVE)    22/5 @ 1430 EST
UK & Ireland12/4 @ 1130 BST (LIVE)   18/5 @ 1700BST (Delay)   19/5 @ 0730 BST (LIVE)21/5 @ 1130BST
EUROSPORT 2          
Europe        19/5 @ 0830 CET (LIVE)21/5 @ 2300 CET
UK & Ireland        21/5 @ 2200 BST (Delay)21/5@ 2300 BST
FOX SOCCER PLUS          
USA 17/5 @ 2030 PDT  18/5 @ 0230 PDT 18/5 @ 2000 PDT  21/5 @ 1700 PDT
ORBIT SHOWTIME          
Middle East17/5 @ 1330 KSA (LIVE)   18/5 @ 1230 KSA (LIVE) 19/5 @ 0600 KSA (LIVE) 19/5 @ 0930 KSA (LIVE)20/5 @ 2100 KSA
OTLSM- BOATS AND CRUISES          
Worldwide (excl Australia)17/5 @ 1040 GMT (LIVE)         
SKY SPORTS          
New Zealand        20/5 @ 0000 NZT (Delay)22/5 @ 1200 NZT
TSN2          
Canada18/5 @ 1500 US ET (Delay)   18/5 @ 0530 US ET (LIVE)    TSN.ca
VIVA SPORTS          
Latin America19/5 @ 1000 MST (Delay)         
ONLINE STREAMING LIVEAFL.TV          
Worldwide (excl Australia)17/5 @ 1040 GMT18/5 @ 0345 GMT18/5 @0410 GMT18/5 @ 0640 GMT18/5 @ 0940 GMT18/5 @ 0940 GMT19/5 @ 0310 GMT19/5 @ 0520 GMT19/5 @ 0640 GMT 

  ...

Round One: Kenguru Cup - Norway

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The opening round of Norway’s Kenguru Cup for 2013 was played last night in Olso. According to Adam Pearce, president of AFL Norway, "[we had] three good and close Kenguru Cup games tonight. Each team won one game so it’s looking like it might be an exciting league this year."

As mentioned in a previous article on Norwegian footy, the 9-a-side format last year worked well with the Oslo team separated into East and West, and the Ås university team making for a three team competition. This format was again used for this year’s tournament.

Results saw all three teams sharing the spoils, proving that the formula is a success and providing an even spread of talent, and a belief amongst all players that they can achieve success. Significantly, the Olso West team, who came in third place last year, took the honours this year, highlighting the success of their recruiting and retention program. This was foretold by Adam last year when he suggested that, "Oslo West also has the potential to win as well if they can hold the same regular players."

The scores for the night were:

Game 1: Ås 4.4 (28) d Oslo East 2.5 (17)
Game 2: Oslo West 2.7 (19) d Ås 1.4 (10)
Game 3: Oslo East 4.0 (24) d Oslo West 3.2 (20)

The final standings on the night saw:

TeamWin Loss For Against Percentage Points
Oslo West 1 1 38 34 112 4
Ås 1 1 39 36 108 4
Oslo East 1 1 39 48 81 4

This tournament represents the chance for players to strive to be part of the Norwegian national team for this year’s Euro Cup. The success of this competition in 2013 may also be a valuable shot in the arm and confidence boost to other teams looking to develop in Bergen, Trondheim and possibly others. Success breeds success.

The second round of the Kenguru Cup will be played in Ås on the 27th J ...

“Dreamtime By The Sea” & Walk for Reconcilliation

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A permanent new feature of the Cairns AFL landscape will be played out on the streets and football fields of this North Queensland city next Sunday 19th May.

According to Shaun Nancarrow, Club Development Officer for AFL Cairns, “Local club, the Cairns City Lions, supported by their Event Partners – Harbrow Mentoring, Cairns Regional Council and the Cairns Post -will host the first Walk for Reconciliation along the Cairns Esplanade, departing from the Sound Stage at Fogarty Park and making their way to the Osprey function zone 2.5 kilometres away. Local indigenous health group Wuchopperen will provide healthy snacks at the conclusion of the event while the walkers who wish to attend the footy wait to be transported to the Holloway’s Beach Sporting Complex for the second annual ‘Dreamtime by the Sea’ game.”

This event is largely the creation of the Cairns City Lions football club. They plan to host these events to recognise the contribution and commitment Indigenous players and their families bring to the game of Australian Rules football at a local and national level.

The search for a suitable way to show this acknowledgement led to this footy match.

As Shaun explained “This led to the first ‘Dreamtime By The Sea’ game being played at Holloway’s Beach between the Cairns City Lions and the North Cairns Tigers [in 2012], emulating the ‘Dreamtime at the G’ feature of the AFL’s Indigenous round. Both clubs have a strong indigenous playing group in their teams and it was decided that it [the ensuing game] would become an annual event.”

“The day was very well attended and deemed a major success. The feedback from the community was extremely supportive, particularly from the Indigenous Community of Cairns.”

“This year the Lions wanted to build on the momentum from last year’s event and looked to Michael Long and his walk to draw attention to indigenous issues as inspiration, leading to the idea of a combined community walk for reconciliation, followed by the ‘Dreamtime by the Sea’ game in the afternoon. The idea was not to just make it about AFL participants but to throw the walk open to everyone in Cairns who wanted to participate.”

A central figure to this event is Marc Harbrow, a coach, player and mentor to indigenous players at the Cairns City Lions. He is also the brother of Jarrod Harbrow, current player at the Gold Coast Suns in the AFL.  Marc had identified the club as one of choice for indigenous players who came to the club because of the environment created for indigenous players.

Marc has also asked his widely respected brother to be the AFL’s Reconciliation Ambassador for the event, to which Jarrod agreed, further endorsing the validity and importance of the event.

Marc sees this event as an important one, not just for indigenous people, but all Australians. “Reconciliation isn’t just about the stereotype of First people and the Second (and third and fourth) waves trying to reconcile.  It’s about indigenous communities reconciling with each other, migrants coming to terms with the differences between their old way of life and the new realities facing them in their new homes, fathers and daughters, mothers and sons. [These reconciliations] set the mood and the focus for the event.”

“Everyone has to reconcile with someone or something in their lives, therefore reconciliation is for everyone.”

This year’s “Dreamtime by the Sea” match and Walk for Reconciliation has already attracted much local attention, with many other local football teams planning to walk also. It should prove to be a great day for football and recognition of the enormous role that indigenous Australians have played in the development of Australian Rules football in Cairns and beyond.
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CAFL Round 2 Match Report - Tigers vs Mako Sharks

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Match report taken from the Glasgow Sharks website and written by "the Great White".

Hello and welcome Sharks; fans. Saturday saw round 2 of the Caledonian AFL with a hotly contested match between the Tigers and the Makos. The Tigers were looking to start their season off in style while the Makos were looking to redeem themselves after going down heavily to the Cards in round 1. The Makos welcomed back utility Alexander Clark and Captain Adam Jack while the Tigers were having to deal with the significant loss of Andy Dubojski. The day was cold but dry under threatening skies. The Tigers won the toss and elected to kick to the city end of Victoria Park leaving the Makos heading to the stadium end. 

The first quarter got underway with both teams attacking the ball with ferocity. Jamie Christy copped a high one and was awarded a free kick on half back. The ball was driven long into the tigers' forward 40 but failed to hit its target. The makos' Steve O Kelly pounced on the loose ball and quickly got it moving forward. The makos collected the ball at half forward through marc cummaudo and Dan Connor who combined with a one two manoeuvre to drive the ball deep into the makos forward 40. Andy Butler was on hand for the tigers and cooly delivered to Mark Cadman at half back. The makos managed to stop the tigers progress at half way and Dan Connor was spotted up with a pass at the traditional centre half forward position. Connor passed to Paul Sweeney who had made his way to the forward line from half back the pass went to ground but Sweeney was good enough to recover and shoot out a handball to Marc cummaudo who snapped truly for the game’s opening score.

The makos were quickly back in attack when John McIntyre won the centre bounce and a quick kick forward trickled out deep in the forward pocket. The tigers won the stoppage with Andy Butler putting Derek Smith into space. Smith found Mark Cadman open on the wing but the move came to an end as the makos picked off the next kick at half back. Andy Butler intercepted the makos kick forward and chipped wide to the run of Colin Brandsma who was ran down but managed to get his handball away. 

The tigers continued forward with a kick off the ground and when Mark Cadman swooped on the loose ball looked certain to score until Alexander Clark tackled him in an excellent chase down. The makos quickly went forward from the free kick where Hazel Stevenson earned herself a free kick for kicking in danger her shot hit the post registering a behind. The next phase of the game became congested until the tigers drove forward from a free kick for too high. Alexander Clark was pinged for running too far and the tigers looked to attack from centre wing. The ball was bouncing from half back to half back until Alex Young opened the tigers account with a behind from a long range shot. The tigers were able to build pressure on the makos defence by locking the ball in their forward line but could only manage another behind for the term. The makos finished the scoring for the quarter with a behind to take a narrow lead into the first change 1-2-8 v 0-2-2

The second stanza started with a makos free kick. Dan Connor played on with a handball then a long kick to the pocket. Les burke then won himself a free kick deep in the pocket and confidently went back and slotted his first for the day. Back in the middle the makos ruckman John McIntyre won another tap to get the makos moving forward again but Andy Butler was again there to quell the attack winning and kicking the ball back to centre wing. The game was becoming a little scrappy but the tigers through persistence were edging forward. Both teams' back lines were sticking fat determined not to be scored against.

Alexander Clark won a free kick on half back and sent the makos on a promising attack kicking to Hazel Stevenson in the middle. The ball spilled from the contest and a quick kick forward from the makos seemed to have put Les Burke into space but Andy Butler of the tigers showed excellent closing speed to shut down Burke and make a contest. The ball found its way into Hazel Stevenson’s hands and she snapped at goal. Stevenson’s shot didn’t have the carry and was marked on the last line of defence by Andy Butler who hit Alex Young with a pass on the tigers half back line. Young sent a long ball down the wing to a contest but the ball went out of play and the move broke down. The Makos looked to go on the offensive as they switched the play across their half back line and then went forward into their forward 40 but the tigers Colin Brandsma stopped the movement and sent the ball wide and out of bounds on the wing to set up a stoppage. The makos went forward from the stoppage but Brandsma again intervened combining with Mark Cadman to get out of defence. In what was a low scoring quarter that saw both teams’ backlines standing strong the makos just managed to shade the tigers setting up an interesting second half. 2-2-14 v 0-2-2

The tigers won the tap to start the third quarter but the makos won the clearance through Alexander Clark. Adam Jack marked Clark’s quick kick and kicked long to the goal square where Marc Cummaudo spilt the mark but was good enough to recover and kick a scrambling goal. The ball squirted out to the wing from the restart and the makos won a free kick in the congestion. The makos went forward with the kick but Andy Butler chopped off the move after reading the play. Butler went long and direct and a pack formed at centre half forward for the tigers. Alexander Clark received a handball and was able to run out of defence. Clark passed to Cummaudo who marked strongly at half forward. With the forward line open Cummaudo kicked to the advantage of Dan Connor. Connor was beaten to the ball but he laid a terrific tackle to earn himself a free kick 15 meters out from goal. He was then awarded a 25 meter penalty as the ball was not given back to him correctly taking him to the goal line. Connor popped home the goal and extended the makos lead.

Back in the middle Hazel Stevenson got the makos going forward again after roving some good John McIntyre ruck work. Stevenson kicked into the pocket where Marc cummaudo won a free kick for in the back. Cummaudos shot slipped across the face of goal and was marked by Adam Jack. Jacks shot missed its target to only register a behind. The tigers kick in was to the advantage of Andy Butler who ran onto the bouncing ball and out of defence. Butler kicked long to centre half forward but the makos were able to create a stoppage. The tigers won the clearance from the stoppage with a quick kick from Derek Smith but his kick was marked by the makos Steve O Kelly who cleared his lines kicking to the middle where Hazel Stevenson made a contest and the ball spilled out to Les Burke. Burke kicked long to the advantage of Adam Jack who dropped the mark but was able to soccer the ball off the deck for the makos third major of the term.

The makos won a free kick from a secondary bounce in the middle and were quickly attacking again. Adam Jack marked at half forward and went long to Les Burke who marked in the goal square and played on to slam home another makos goal. The makos won the clearance from the restart and went forward. Mr reliable Andy Butler again read the play and shut down the makos movement and kicked to the wing. The makos intercepted Butlers pass and switched the play to the other wing where they won a free kick and looked to go forward. The tigers were able to repel the attack and the ball spent the next few minutes rebounding from half back to half back. The tigers managed to get forward and locked the ball in putting pressure on the makos defence. As a result of the pressure Derek Smith was able to spin out of a pack and snap the tiger’s first goal for the term. The makos answered straight back with a goal to Alexander Clark after another clearance from Hazel Stevenson. There was no more scoring in the quarter as the makos opened up a handy lead going into the final stanza. 7-3-45 v 1-2-8

The final Stanza got underway with the tigers getting the centre clearance. A strong tackle from Adam Jack stopped the tiger’s movement and a free kick was awarded. Jack passed to Alexander Clark who played on ran inside 40 and kicked a long range goal. The tigers went forward from the restart. Alex Young showed his fleet footedness evading two would be tacklers and having a shot on goal but his shot was off line and went through for a behind. The makos got to the wing from the kick in but the tigers rebounded and moved the ball forward through Derek Smith handballing over the top to Alex Young and another handball put Paul Dalziel clear in on goal. Dalziel’s shot hit the post registering another minor score. The tigers kept the pressure on the makos from the kick in and were rewarded with a free kick to Alex Young. Young’s kick went to the goal line and was rushed through by the mako defence for a behind. The makos went long with the kick in and Stacey Hughes ran onto the bouncing ball in the middle. Hughes drove the makos inside 40 with a kick off the ground but the tigers Andy Butler was there to chop it off and deliver nicely to Mark Cadman on the wing. Cadman came inboard to find Derek Smith who combined with Colin Brandsma and the tigers looked to be away through the middle until John McIntyre put on a crunching tackle on Brandsma and won a free kick. McIntyre sent the makos into attack but the tigers were able to shut them down and cause a stoppage. The tigers went forward from the stoppage but the makos were able to rebound again.

The game entered a phase of free flowing end to end football but neither team were able to score until Alex Young sent a long ball inside 40 and the smith brothers combined well resulting in David kicking a behind. The makos went wide to the pocket with the kick in where Adam Jack took possession and set off on a long run that included 7 bounces. Jack handballed to Marc Cummaudo in the goal square who fumbled, the makos had a two on one though and Gus Thomson kicked the goal. The tigers went forward from the ball up and after getting on the end of a handball Mark Cadman had a shot that went out on the full. The tigers then won the ball back at half forward and David Smith marked in the forward pocket. Smith passed off but his pass was dropped and went out of play. Keeping the pressure on the tiger forwards caused a stoppage and scrambled the ball to Mark Cadman who squeezed through a goal while under pressure. The tigers got the clearance from the ball up and forced the ball forward where Alex Young snapped truly to narrow the margin. That was as close as they got though as the game came to an end shortly after the restart leaving the makos to run out comfortable winners. 9-3-57 v 3-6-24

See ya on the boundary line next time

Cheer cheer the blue and the white

The Great White

Watch the full game here.

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World Rankings - Vikings hammer down Germany

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Although not well publicised, a Denmark versus Germany international was played on the weekend, on Saturday 18th May in Copenhagen.

As a result of Denmark's 20.21 (141) to 1.1 (7) thumping win over Germany, the Vikings have climbed three spots on our World Rankings. There was much discussion previously as to whether the Danes were too lowly ranked, but as pointed out the best way to remedy that is to defeat the teams close on the ladder.

As a result of this match and the earlier shared series between Great Britain and Ireland, eight nations have seen either a rise or fall in their position on our World Rankings since our last formal update on 24 November 2012.

Great Britain (46.51 rating points) has climbed two spots from 9th to 7th at the expense of USA (45.87) and Tonga (44.73) pushing them down one spot each to 8th and 9th respectively.

Denmark's 134 point win over Germany sees them leapfrog over Canada (37.82), Sweden (37.41) and Germany (35.73) from 14th up to 11th place. Canada and Sweden have been pushed down one spot each to 12th and 13th respectively.

Germany has slipped two spots from 13th to 15th allowing Peace Team (36.46) to climb 0.73 rating points above them at 14th.

The standings of all nations currently on the worldfootynews.com unofficial World Rankings, and the rank change since 24 November 2012, are as follows:



Rank        Team Points Games Rank Change
1 Australia - steady
2 Ireland 54.78 40 steady
3 Papua New Guinea 54.66 29 steady
4 New Zealand 53.00 33 steady
5 Nauru 51.17 22 steady
6 South Africa 49.03 22 steady
7 Great Britain 46.51 45 +2
8 United States 45.87 36 -1
9 Tonga 44.73 9 -1
10 Fiji 40.18 9 steady
11 Denmark 38.71 42 +3
12 Canada 37.82 36 -1
13 Sweden 37.41 25 -1
14 Peace Team 36.46 11 +1
15 Germany 35.73 11 -2
16 China 34.36 11 steady
17 Japan 30.39 24 steady
18 Finland 29.02 13 steady
19 India 28.45 11 steady
Prov. Samoa 41.85 18 dormant **
Prov. Croatia 40.60 4 - *
Prov. France 38.23 7 - *
Prov. Spain 28.00 6 dormant **
Prov. Iceland 35.64 4 - *
Prov. Timor-Leste 27.40 6 - *


Spain has not played a qualifying full field match for nearly 8 years and so would be provisionally ranked either way (insufficient games and dormant too long). They must play an eligible match by 13/08/2013 to remain on the list (8 year cutoff rule). Samoa must play by 05/09/2016 to stay on the li ...

SARFL Round 1 – Glasgow v Aberdeen

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Match report taken from the Glasgow Sharks website and written by "the Great White.

Saturday saw the S.A.R.F.L season opener between the Glasgow Sharks and the Aberdeen Eagles. The game was played under threatening skies and in very difficult conditions as heavy overnight rain had left standing water on many parts of the field. Although this was the first league game of the season there was still a fair bit on the line for both teams. The sharks were wanting to get the ledger going their way after going down to the eagles in the last game of the year last season and at this year’s Haggis cup. The eagles on the other hand were looking to keep their momentum going and continue the trend of recent times. Both sets of players were not going to let the conditions dampen their enthusiasm and defiantly marched through the rain to take to the field.

The first quarter got underway with both teams knowing the importance of making the most of their chances while the ball was still dry. It was the sharks though who won the centre clearance and quickly went into attack but were unable to impact the scoreboard. The eagle’s backline were working hard to exit their defence but the sharks midfield were able to form a wall across the middle and were able to keep the ball locked in their forward line. The eagles were giving their all to put pressure on the sharks forwards only allowing them to have snap shots or shoot from difficult angles and as a result the sharks were very inaccurate but still managed to take a healthy 24 point lead into the first break. 3.7.25 v 0.1.1

The eagles showed they were not going to let the sharks run away with the game and lifted at the start of the second term. With the eagles now winning more of the ball in the midfield the eagle forwards were getting more opportunities to score. By the midway point of the quarter the game had turned into an arm wrestle with most passages of play being tough relentless attacks on the footy. Both teams were a little off target and could not make the most of their opportunities when they managed to get forward and in a low scoring game the team who could make the most of their chances would come out on top. In a much more even quarter the sharks could only extend their quarter time lead by one point. 4.10.34 v 1.3.9

The rain eased at the start of the third and while it was still a scrappy contest the game opened up a little and probably the best footy of the day was played. Both teams were finding it easier to go forward and the eagles were first to get on the scoreboard with a major. The sharks answered back with a goal of their own and the mini shootout was on. Both teams traded goals throughout the quarter but neither team could get back to back goals to either extend or decrease the margin. When the term came to an end the eagles had only cut back the sharks lead by a solitary point leaving the margin the same as it was a quarter time 24 points giving them a mountain of work to do in the last quarter. 7.12.54 v 4.6.30

It was a war of attrition in the early going of the last quarter. Both teams were showing the effects of running on the heavy ground for 80 minutes. With both teams running on tired legs the game became very scrappy with neither team able to go forward with any real conviction. The sharks had chances to blow out the score line but were again inaccurate on goal and could only manage 4 straight behinds for the term. The eagles got a goal back late on in the quarter but by that stage it was too little too late as they were left to ponder what would have been had they not had a slow start. In the end the sharks ran out comfortable 21 point victors kicking 7.16.58 v 5.7.37            

See ya on the boundary line next time

Cheer cheer the blue and the white

The Great White ...

International Broadcast Schedule: Round 9

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The international broadcast schedule for the AFL Round 9 can be seen below. All times are correct at the time of publishing and WFN takes no responsibility for changes to the schedule.

The failure to launch AFL match coverage on free to air TV in NZ as scheduled by Sommet Sports has been a lowlight of the AFL's recent efforts to promote the code  in NZ. We are hopeful that the launch may come soon - it now appears Sommet Sports are broadcasting their test page, are showing some test programs and hopefully the launch and AFL coverage will begin soon.

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TelevisionColl vs SydPort vs GeelGWS vs WCEStK vs WBRich vs EssBris vs CarlHaw vs GCNM vs AdelFreo vs MelbHighlights
AUSTRALIA NETWORK          
Asia24/5 @ 1730 HKT (LIVE) 25/5 @ 1200 HKT (LIVE) 25/5 @ 1730 HKT (LIVE)   26/5 @ 1430 HKT (LIVE)28/5 @ 2230 HKT
Pacific24/5 @ 2130 FJT (LIVE) 25/5 @ 1600 FJT (LIVE) 25/5 @ 2130 FJT (LIVE)   26/5 @ 1930 FJT (Delay)28/5 @ 2200 FJT
India24/5 @ 1700 IST (Delay) 25/5 @ 0930 IST (LIVE) 25/5 @ 1500 IST (LIVE)   26/5 @ 1200 IST (LIVE)29/5 @ 1800 IST
ESPN          
Africa     25/5 @ 0530 EST (LIVE)   31/5 @ 0900 EST
Caribbean     25/5 @ 0530 EST (LIVE)   30/5 @ 1400 EST
UK & Ireland24/5 @ 1030 BST (LIVE)  25/5 @ 0730 BST (LIVE) 25/5 @ 1030 BST (LIVE) 26/5 @ 0600 BST (LIVE) 28/5 @ 1430 BST
EUROSPORT 2          
Europe   25/5 @ 0830 CET (LIVE)     28/5 @ 2300 CET
UK & Ireland   28/5 @ 2200 BST (Delay)     28/5 @ 2330 CET
FOX SOCCER PLUS          
USA24/5 @ 0230 PDT (LIVE)24/5 @ 2030 PDT (LIVE) 25/5 @ 2330 PDT (LIVE)   25/5 @ 2200 PDT (LIVE) 28/5 @ 1700 PDT
ORBIT SHOWTIME          
Middle East24/5 @ 1230 KSA (LIVE)25/5 @ 0630 KSA (LIVE)  25/5 @ 1230 KSA (LIVE)  26/5 @ 0800 KSA (LIVE) 27/5 @ 2100 KSA
OTLSM- BOATS AND CRUISES          
Worldwide (excl Australia)24/5 @ 0950 GMT (LIVE)         
SKY SPORTS          
New Zealand      28/5 @ 0000 NZT  28/5 @ 1700 NZT
TSN2          
Canada24/5 @ 0530 USET (LIVE)    25/5 @ 1200 USET (Delay)   TSN.ca
VIVA SPORTS          
Latin America26/5 @ 1000 MST (Delay)         
ONLINE STREAMING LIVEAFL.TV          
Worldwide (excl Australia)24/5@1040 GMT25/5@0345 GMT25/5@0410 GMT25/5@0640 GMT25/5@0940 GMT25/5@0940 GMT26/5@0310 GMT26/5@0520 GMT26/5@0640 GMT 

Saturday Morning Footy returns

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Our thanks to Chris Adams for the following submission (and for all his efforts in footy development) .

Saturday Morning Footy began in Washington DC in 2006 and over that time has counted among its moms and dads, NFL players, AFL players, NBL players, IMF executive board members, US cabinet secretaries, congressional staffers, journalists, and authors. The program has also provided a home-away-from-home for Australian military and foreign affairs personnel and their families while they are in the Washington DC area. Big shout out to the F-35!

As we head into Memorial Day, Saturday Morning Footy is very grateful to the Australian “diggers”, flyers, mariners and submariners have helped coach and run the program. It is also grateful to the US military personnel and veterans that have put in a huge amount of time an effort in order to make the program what it is today.
 

The Saturday Morning Footy junior development programs begins June 8 at Bluemont Park in Arlington VA from

 9am to 10.30am

When: Saturdays (June 8, 15, 22, 29, July 13, 20)

Where: Bluemont Park (601 N Manchester St Arlington VA)
What: Free clinics and games for boys and girls aged 5 to 15.
 
Boys and girls aged 5 to 15 are welcome to participate in the fun and free activities to learn the skills and rules of the great game of Australian football. The under 9s participate in clinics based on Australian Football League’s Auskick program - the highly successful Australian youth sporting program. Kids (and parents) will play fun games to learn ball handling skills, punting, team-work, gross motor skills, decision making, spatial awareness and coordination.
 
Each session will end with a non-contact game. The emphasis will be on safety, fun and learning the great game of Australian football. The under-15s participate in drills, skill games and introductory house league matches designed to teach the game in a fun but competitive environment.
 
Players and coaches from the Baltimore Washington Eagles, the US Revolution (men’s national team) and the US Freedom (women’s national team) will be on hand to pass on their knowledge and passion for this great game.
 
Contact: Chris Adams at christopherpadams@gmail.com or 703-217-3625.
 
 
 
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North Regional College (NRC) Eagles – New Team in Northern Ireland

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Magherafelt is almost as close as you can get to the very centre of Northern Ireland. With a population of around 8,000 people, it is also the largest town in the south of County Derry. But Machaire Fiolta (using the Irish name) is also the home of Europe’s, and Ireland’s, newest Australian Rules football team, The NRC Eagles.

According to Kevin McSorley, architect of the fledgling club and Development Officer for the Australian Rules Football League Ireland (ARFLI), “[The] NRC Eagles are the newly formed Australian rules football team for North Regional College based in Magherafelt. We welcome students from all sections of the college and all sporting ability, and will be training in Meadowbank sports complex regularly.”

In a growing trend across Europe, teams are growing from universities and colleges. Logically, with such a base for potential players, NRC Eagles have begun life as a practical extension of existing sport and curriculum options.

Kevin goes on to explain that, “Basically the college team will train periodically over the summer teaming up with the Belfast Redbacks and weekly during term time. It will consist of students from all schools but primarily our sport courses including the Derry GAA academy”

“I have incorporated aspects of the game into the curriculum such as practical team sports and technical and tactical skills in sport so the student can have a theoretical understanding of the game before or as they learn to play it, and its all part of their educational development.”

“It’s new, fresh and the students are taking well to it. Once we get the kits from our supplier S-Trend UK and hopefully a few balls (now that AFL Europe has a deal with Sherrin) the project will spiral (no pun intended) and move forward.”

“Incorporating it into the classroom will be hugely advantageous in the long run.”

“We will aim to play UCC [The UCC Bombers – University College Cork] over the summer and again early next term prior to AFL Europe’s UK Varsity Cup to coincide with the compromise rules series in October.”

This project has been in the pipeline for a while and will take a good while longer to reach the point where the team is strong enough to compete on a regular national level. But, like the UCC Bombers before them, the NRC Eagles have taken the first tentative steps towards what may one day become another permanent addition to the Australian Rules football landscape in Ireland.

Magherafelt is not a name that slips readily from the lips of football fanatics worldwide. But if Kevin and his NRC Eagles outfit have anything to do with it, that situation could change quite dramatically in coming years.

Welcome, the NRC Eagl ...

Yarrabah – An Aussie Rules “Paradise by the Sea”

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Yarrabah Aboriginal Community is located southeast of Cairns in North Queensland and it is known as a “Paradise by the Sea”. It is hard to argue. The 45 kilometre drive by road from Cairns is lovely, but reaches a climax as it climbs the Murray Prior Range. Shortly after passing beneath the summit of Mount Yarrabah, and its collection of communication towers, the descent begins. Then, at Angel Bend, one of the finest views in the region is witnessed as you look down, seemingly vertically, on the township of Yarrabah adjacent to the glistening waters of Mission Bay.

A spokesperson for the Yarrabah Shire Council stated, “Located in the dead centre of the Yarrabah Township is a sports field that was developed between 2000 and 2001 for the purpose of encouraging Yarrabah kids to take up athletics. It is said that Aboriginal children have natural skills. A new footy oval in Yarrabah would give those kids a chance to show their skills in a variety of other sports like Australian Rules football and not just Rugby League and athletics.”

“There were a number of families from Yarrabah participating in athletics, in nearby Gordonvale, 25 kilometres away [across the range]. The goal at that time was to bring some of the athletic carnivals to Yarrabah and encourage other community members to be part of this, but it did not eventuate.”

“Since then there has been a suggestion to bring cricket back to the community on the site with the sustained development of a Yarrabah club. From time to time other ideas have been floated but unfortunately it [the development of the oval] never progressed due to lack of ideas and funds to move forward.”

“But in saying this there is an opportunity for any sporting codes such as the AFL which can possibly secure funds to upgrade the field to a standard where it can be used to its full potential. Once upgraded it will be a bonus to the people of Yarrabah. The Pyramid Power club of Gordonvale have shown great interest and commitment to the community of Yarrabah for a number of years and believe that this can lead our community to greater success in the future with AFL and other sporting codes.”

The move towards an Australian Rules football oval based in the town even has the support, in theory, of the highest office in town. Yarrabah Mayor, Councillor Errol Neal, sees enormous potential for the project. “[The idea would have] our full support for a whole range of uses. There would be Aussie Rules, rugby league, cricket and maybe bring back athletics and volleyball.” Not only would the idea open up sporting opportunities, but Cr Neal also sees the potential in areas like employment, youth options and links to local business. Additionally, the development of sporting bodies in town and the development of a sporting club would add further direct benefits to the community.

Yarrabah already has its own rugby league team, the Yarrabah Seahawks, based at the town’s existing sporting ground, Jilara Oval. The prospect of another team based in the town, albeit from a different code, would add to the opportunities for local youth. The new football ground, if built, would complement Jilara Oval and the facilities at the adjacent Yarrabah PCYC complex which has multi-use indoor courts to accommodate basketball and other court games. Yarrabah Councillor, Malcom Canendo also sees the possibility of a new complex as adding to an existing framework of facilities and “allowing more opportunities for the kids in town.”

There has long been a rivalry between Australian Rules football and Rugby League in Queensland, and particularly North Queensland. Yarrabah is not immune to this and has a very strong historical association with Rugby League. Kids in the town have always aspired to be the next big thing, and their heroes are Matty Bowen, Jonathon Thurston or Sam Thaiday among a host of other indigenous role models or heroes. But Yarrabah community boasts in excess of 2000 young people according to some conservative estimates. Possibly more.

Simple mathematics says that not all kids can fit into the one sporting code, so more opportunities for youth would be welcome. Councillors in Yarrabah believe there is a place for the code of Australian Football. “It’s all about the sports complimenting each other. The more opportunities exist for our kids, the better.”

The decision makers in town seem to agree that there would be a place for Australian Rules football, and the benefits for the town go beyond the sport itself, but to the core needs of community. The development of the Yarrabah Cricket Ground would bring employment, income and opportunity, as well as providing more engagement for local youth. The question remaining is whether there will be sufficient interest outside of town to drive the idea.

As pointed out by the mayor, Cr Neal, “If the [Cairns] AFL can get funding to develop the game here, we can look at other funding to make it [happen].” A unified effort on behalf of sporting bodies, government departments and committed individuals could certainly see a new footy ground in the heart of Yarrabah.

And what a place to watch a game of Australian Rules football as the game expands further into this “Paradise by the Sea”.

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The "Majak" of Far North Queensland

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Tom hurls his considerable frame into a contest and comes out with the ball. From 30 metres out, he goals: a celebrated first kick, first goal situation. Seconds earlier, Garang had thrown himself fearlessly into a pack. He didn’t get the ball, but his effort caused a spillage and the ball eventually floated forward to Tom. Running frantically to stop all of this was Modasir from the other team.

This passage could have described almost any game, anywhere. It could also have described any three junior players in any game across the nation. But there was a difference.

Tom Daniel’s family is from Uganda and Garang Asheen’s and Modasir Bahar’s are from Sudan. And the setting was under the Friday night lights at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns.

Majak Daw, the North Melbourne sensation whose opening 18 minutes of senior AFL footy earlier this year captured the imagination of the footy public across the nation, has triggered interest in Australian Rules football nationally. Cairns, in North Queensland, has not been immune. Already there is evidence in local competition that kids with African heritage are taking to the game.

It is fascinating to think that this scenario is being played out in Cairns. It is almost to be expected that the national AFL would have targeted African markets in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and possibly the other cities boasting large African populations. There are clubs who already boast bigger numbers of African kids on their lists. But to see this play out on the fields of Cairns is something else. Why?

Local clubs have become aware of the potential playing markets offered by a stream of talented and athletic kids wanting to give the game a go. At the same time, Majak Daw has become an inspiration to African kids. If he can go all the way, maybe they can.

Young Modasir believes this. “Yeah, I know Majak Daw. He is my inspiration as the first Sudanese AFL star.” Modasir and his family arrived in Cairns 8 years ago after leaving their home village of Capcapbia in northern Sudan. His love of the game grew from playing in Auskick programs at school and now he is playing club football for the Cairns Hawks.

Garang has a similar story. His family arrived in 2005 from Khartoum in central Sudan. This is his first year playing for an AFL club, joining Pyramid Power a few weeks ago after being introduced to the game through school programs. The other common denominator is Majak. Garang stated “Yeah, he is my hero and role model. I want to be like him and make my country proud.” He is certainly on that path as he improves week by week.

Tom’s mother is from Uganda, to the south of Sudan, whilst his father is Sudanese. The family journey has been similar to that of Garang and Modasir. Exposure through school is a common theme, which speaks volumes for the junior Auskick programs and school programs and their success. Tom is also now a part of the Pyramid Power club and on early indications has a big future in the game.

But the interesting idea here is that three boys of African descent have arrived at the same code at around the same time and are already adapting so well to the game. In years to come it is not difficult to see this number increasing as more families are exposed to the game. The trend is set to appear all over the country: further increases in multicultural participation.

But certainly, it is refreshing to see that the risk that North Melbourne took in rookie-listing Majak Daw a few years back is paying off, not only at their club, but across the nation.

And, remarkably, this is evidenced by Garang, Tom and Modasir, up north in Cairns.

Round 15 this year is the next time the three are likely to be on the same field again. We cannot wait to see that ‘Majak” happening all over aga ...

Footy Beneath the Arctic Circle – Akureyri, Iceland

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Located in northern Iceland, Akureyri is the fourth largest town in the country and the biggest outside the Reykjavík metro area. It is also a mere 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the Arctic Circle, and it just happens to have a very devoted following of Australian Rules fans who are keen to further develop the game in Iceland.

With a history which dates back to initial Viking settlement in the 9th century, Akureyri has grown over the centuries since to be a significant population centre in Iceland with a thriving fishing industry and an ice-free port which makes it an important centre of commerce for the nation.

Geographically, in football terms, it might also become the most northerly centre for Australian Rules football world-wide with the apparent hiatus of the Tromsø team in Norway as well as the same fate for the Krasnoyarsk team in Siberia, Russia.

A chat with new AFL Iceland General Manager Solvi Fannar Sigmarsson, one of the gentlemen who are driving the development of this new club, reveals that “We're in Akureyri, and we're currently throwing around some ideas for the name. We've been slowly building up a squad here, and currently we have a bigger female squad than we do male. [In fact] it is looking more likely that we will have a full girl’s squad [before the boys], but nothing has been confirmed yet.”

Solvi alludes to the history of footy in Iceland when looking at the growth of an Akureyri club. “Aussie Rules in Iceland started pretty much the same way as it did in Denmark; a couple of mates, who were already familiar with the sport, placed an ad asking for more to join them.”

“In May 2012, I contacted Jón Hrói because I knew one of the guys training in Reykjavík and I wanted to try it out. So he told me to contact Jón. We had a little talk and we agreed to meet the following day. “

“For our first unofficial practice session it was just the two of us. But we had practice pretty much every week, and our squad grew a little. We had two matches last summer with the boys in Reykjavík: one in Akureyri, and the other in Reykjavík.”

“In September 2012 I went with the rest of the boys in the national team to Edinburgh for the Euro Cup. This year we've been training since January, and I've been going to a local university to have [offer] introductory lessons in their gym classes. Now, five months later, our squad has grown significantly. But what delights me the most is that currently, the women outnumber the men.”

“As for the team we will almost certainly have for this year’s Euro Cup, we will also have a couple of the girls join us, so there will likely be some Icelandic players in the Crusaders squad.”

On the weekend, the Akureryi team travelled down to Reykjavik for a match. Playing under the old nickname of “The Dragons”, they went down to their southern hosts 132 to 71, but were highly competitive. Later this month they will host the Reykjavik team in a follow up match. As the Akureyri team continues to evolve it is likely that matches will follow the existing pattern of occasional hitouts against Reykjavík.

But the exciting aspect of this development is seeing another club growing the game in Iceland and, by extension, Europe. This is already an indication of the growing popularity of the game within Iceland, and not just the men. Women also are taking to the game in significant numbers which will continue to add strength to women’s footy across Europe.

As for a permanent name for the Akureyri team? I am sure that Solvi and his crew would welcome any useful suggestions. Until then, good luck to this newest Icelandic Australian Rules team.

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Northern Territory Boasts Four Flying Boomerangs

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The AFLNT (Northern Territory) is delighted to have four of its U16 players selected in this year's 25-player Flying Boomerangs squad. The following is a press release from the AFL.

2013 Flying Boomerangs Squad Announced

The AFL is pleased to announce the 2013 Flying Boomerangs squad which will compete at the NAB AFL Under 16 Championships in July and will tour internationally in December.

The Flying Boomerangs squad will be coached by Eugene Warrior, former Port Adelaide (SANFL) player who currently coaches the Division One Salisbury North Football Club.

The Flying Boomerangs is a personal development and leadership program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young men aged 14 -15 years-old, supported by the Coles AFL Indigenous Program.

Selected by the AFL’s Chris Johnson from the 2013 National KickStart Under-15 Championships held in Townsville, the squad of 25 young Indigenous men has been chosen based on football talent and leadership skills.

Jason Mifsud, AFL Head of Diversity, said the Flying Boomerangs program is a great opportunity for the best rising Indigenous talent in the nation to develop on and off the field.

“The Flying Boomerangs will be exposed to elite training and coaching, as well as personal development opportunities during the NAB AFL Under 16 Championships (July 6 – 13) and the international high performance camp.

“We are extremely excited by the appointment of Eugene Warrior as coach of the 2013 squad.

“Eugene is part of the AFL’s Indigenous Coaching Academy and his pathway to head coach of the Boomerangs is a strong example of the support and development opportunities that the Academy creates for rising Indigenous coaches.

2013 Flying Boomerangs squad:

Shai Bolton (Perth, WA), Kobe Broome (Brisbane South East, QLD), Lenny Christie (Kedron, Brisbane, QLD), Ezekiel Frank (Darwin, NT), Antionne Forrest-Yarran (Perth, WA), Denver Garlett (Perth, WA), John Garlett (Perth, WA), Jamie Hampton (Alice Springs, NT), Callum Harrison (Launceston, TAS), Dion Johnson (Warrnambool, VIC), Jordan Jeffery (Darwin, NT), Kym LeBois (Adelaide, SA), Keiran Martin (Alice Springs, NT), Liam Nelson (Surf Beach, NSW), Tommy Nickels (Northam, WA), Sam Powell-Pepper (Perth, WA), John Pupangamirri (Mullumbimby, QLD), Corey Raymond (Lajamanu, NT), Jy Simpkin (Shepparton, VIC), Kyle Thomas (Reservoir, VIC), Calvin Thorne (Mandra, WA), Samual Walsh-Bannam (Mill Town, VIC), Keenan Waterbury (Katherine, NT), Mathew Wilkes (Perth, WA), Anthony Young (Newborough, V ...

Free tickets to see AFL Women's Game

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In celebration of the first ever Women’s AFL match and AFL Women’s Round, Melbourne Football Club are giving away free tickets to see the Women’s match curtain raiser, followed by the Demon’s AFL clash against the Western Bulldogs. The tickets are available to all women and girls who play football or contribute to the game.

The history making Women’s Round fixture will take place at the MCG on Saturday the 29th of June from 5:10 pm. Tickets are limited so anyone interested in one needs to register as soon as possible at this link:

 

Volunteers are also been recruited to help out at the game. Anyone who has experience of helping out at women’s matches or is involved in any part of the women’s game is welcome to apply. Please fill in a volunteer interest form at this link.

And for those who really wish to make their mark on the game, Melbourne FC are offering the chance to sponsor one of the participants of the Women’s AFL match. The price to sponsor a player will be $500 with the proceeds being given directly to the team to distribute in the best way they see fit. Sponsors will receive a recognition certificate and a photo of the inaugural Women’s teams plus an invite to attend a women’s team training session. The personal or company name will also be displayed on the team page. For more information about sponsorship, please click here: http://teamb.us/projects/84/project-info/

After the game, as special post-match function will take place to acknowledge everyone who contributes to women’s football. The function will include Q&A time with top female footballers from around the country, and the ticket includes entry to the MCG and a reserved seat at the women’s match, as well as dinner. For more information, please visit the Demons website or click here to download a booking form at this link. ...

International Broadcast Schedule: Round 11

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The international broadcast schedule for the AFL Round 11 can be seen below. All times are correct at the time of publishing and WFN takes no responsibility for changes to the schedule.

As of this week NZ free to air station Sommet Sports is officially up and running with respect to showing all the AFL matches live (see schedule below).

Round 11 will see Brisbane, Fremantle, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs all having the week off.  Every club will have one of the weeks Round 11 - Round 13 as a bye.

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TelevisionEss vs CarlGWS vs GeelAdel vs SydGC vs NMSt K vs WCEMelb vs CollHighlights
AUSTRALIA NETWORK       
Asia7/6 @ 1730 HKT (LIVE)8/6 @ 1100 HKT (LIVE)8/6 @ 1430 HKT (LIVE) 9/6 @ 1430 HKT (LIVE) 11/6 @ 2230 HKT
Pacific7/6 @ 2130 FJT (LIVE)7/6 @ 1500 FJT (LIVE)8/6 @ 1930 FJT (Delay) 9/6 @ 1930 FJT (Delay) 11/6 @ 2200 FJT
India7/6 @ 1700 IST (Delay)8/6 @ 0900 IST (Delay)8/6 @ 1200 IST (LIVE) 9/6 @ 1200 IST (LIVE) 12/6 @ 1800 IST
ESPN       
Africa8/6 @ 0530 EST (Delay)     6/12 @ 0630 EST
Caribbean8/6 @ 0530 EST (Delay)     6/12 @1700 EST
UK & Ireland7/6 @ 1030BST (LIVE) 8/6 @ 0730 BST (LIVE)  9/6 @ 0730 BST (LIVE)11/6 @ 2000 BST
EUROSPORT 2       
Europe  8/6 @ 0830 CET (LIVE)   11/6 @ 2300 CET
UK & Ireland  11/6 @ 2130 BST (Delay)   11/6 @ 2230 CET
FOX SOCCER PLUS       
USA7/6 @ 0230 @ PDT (LIVE)7/6 @ 2030 PDT (LIVE)7/6 @ 2330 PDT (LIVE)  9/6 @ 2200 PDT (LIVE)11/6 @ 1500 PDT
ORBIT SHOWTIME       
Middle East7/6 @ 1230 KSA (LIVE) 8/6 @ 0930 KSA (LIVE) 9/6 @ 0930 KSA (LIVE)10/6 @ 0800 KSA (LIVE)11/6 @ 2100 KSA
OTLSM- BOATS AND CRUISES       
Worldwide (excl Australia)7/6 @ 0950 GMT (LIVE)      
SKY SPORTS     10/6 @ 0000 NZT 
New Zealand      11/6 @ 1700 NZT
SOMMET SPORTS NZ7/6 @ 2130 NZT (LIVE)8/6 @ 1540 NZT (LIVE)8/6 @ 18:40 NZT (LIVE)8/6 @ 2140 NZT (LIVE)9/6 @ 1840 NZT (LIVE)10/6 @ 1520 NZT (LIVE)12/6 @ 2000 NZT
TSN2       
Canada8/6 @ 1530 USET (Delay)   9/6 @ 0230 USET (LIVE)  
VIVA SPORTS      TSN.ca
Latin America9/6 @ 1000 MST (Delay)      
ONLINE STREAMING LIVEAFL.TV       
Worldwide (excl Australia)7/6 @ 0950 GMT (LIVE)8/6 @ 0340 GMT (LIVE)8/6 @ 0640 GMT (LIVE)8/6 @ 0940 GMT (LIVE)9/6 @ 0640 GMT (LIVE)10/6 @ 0520 GMT (LIVE) 
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