West Coast Eagles’ International Rookie Paddy Brophy will give cause for Irish footy fans to pay attention during the half time break at this year’s AFL Grand Final. Brophy who has played his footy this year with East Perth in the WAFL will line up in the Grand Final Sprint.
 

The man from County Kildare in Ireland will have to beat out a strong field which includes Sudanese born ruckman Majak Daw and Hawthorn’s pacey defender Angus Litherland.

Oddly enough the two heats will also include two drivers from 13 CABS – Gurdev and Parminder Singh - will carry the flag for the taxi-driving fraternity.
 

Heat 1
Majak Daw
Caleb Daniel
Angus Litherland
Charlie Cameron
Darcy Moore
Rory Lobb
Paddy Brophy
Henry Schade
Darcy Lang
Parminder Singh

Heat 2
Brad Ebert
Anthony Miles
Dean Towers
Andrejs Everritt
Jay Kennedy-Harris
Hayden Crozier
Elliott Kavanagh
Leigh Montagna
Lewis Taylor
Gurdev Singh
  ...

The 2015 AFL Grand Final is here. Reigning Premiers Hawthorn have again made it to the big dance and will be joined by the West Coast Eagles in the battle for the flag.  

Once again viewers around the world can access matches live or delayed on a number of TV networks or stream the telecast via subscription to Watchafl.com.au. 

The broadcast schedule for the big day can be seen below.  .

The broadcast schedule is published here in good faith from schedules provided by the AFL.  All schedules may be subject to change. ...

The day has arrived. The 2015 AFL Grand Final played in October for one of the few times in the game’s history due to the Cricket World Cup earlier this year. Reigning Premiers Hawthorn are aiming to go three in a row and up and coming challengers the West Coast Eagles are primed to knock them off.

Alternatively you may be watching the game in the comfort of your own lounge room – for the full International Broadcast Schedule follow this link. And for those not able to have TV coverage you an stream the game (via subscription) through  http://watchafl.afl.com.au/

After the trauma and tragedy of Cyclone Pam earlier this year - for AFL Vanuatu the footy has helped provide a focus to return to normality. The season reaches its conclusion this weekend and that in itself is a victory given the starting point. Along with the AFL Vanuatu decider - this week has also seen AFL Vanuatu again playing host to a contingent from Adelaide's Concordia College.

It’s not always where someone is going but where they have been. With much focus in AFL circles currently around trade week – the movements of one James Aish are a talking point. A couple of years ago he was in Vanuatu with his school mates from Adelaide’s Concordia College, at the time a week after starring in the SANFL Grand Final. This year – Concordia College has again headed to Vanuatu as a continuation of their ‘Football Outreach Vanuatu’ Program.

The AFL Vanuatu season was dramatically impacted earlier this year when Cyclone Pam ravaged the Vanuatu archipelago. Having a footy season at all is a tribute to the hard work of the dedicated folk who make AFL Vanuatu tick.

The finals series kicked off with the Qualifying final in which the Mighty Malapoa Kangaroos (6-1-37) overcame the erratic Errakor Tigers (4-8-32), while in the Elimination final the Seveners Saints (10-4-64) getting past the Onesua Magpies (8-7-55). Last weekend it was the Seveners who continued their surge, getting past the Tigers to march into the decider against the Kangaroos. This week is the big AFL Vanuatu Festival inclusive of the Grand Final between Malapoa and the Seveners. And in the morning there will be an exhibition game with the Concordia College lads taking on the Vanuatu Volcanoes.

The schedule for the day : Saturday 10th October 9am - Pikinini Kick 10:30 am – Exhibition game – Concordia vs Vanuatu Volcanoes Local Food for sale from Kensul Community 12:30 pm – Under 15 tryouts 1:30 pm – AFL Vanuatu Grand Final – Malapoa vs Seveners 3:30 pm : Presentation and Stringband Kensul Youth

It should perhaps be noted that the last time these sides met in early September it was actually the Seveners who took the points with a narrow 7-2-44 to 6-3-39 win over the Roos. The Grand Final clearly could go either way and should be a fine exhibition of footy.

Concordia help take Malapoa training during the week in the lead up to the Grannie.... ...

As the AFL season in Australia moves into the trade and pre-draft stages, two more young Irish prospects have announced themselves at the current  NAB AFL Draft Combine. At the end of last season AFL clubs willingly added Irish talent to their 2015 lists with Conor McKenna going to Essendon, Sean Hurley to Fremantle, Padraig Lucey to Geelong, Cian Hanley to Brisbane and Paddy Brophy to West Coast.

Whilst the North American experiment is in a state of limbo with Eric Wallace being delisted by North Melbourne and the possibility of Mike Pyke retiring, the Irish contingent continues to blossom. The following article from www.afl.com.au introduces the progress of two more Irish candidates.

IRISH prospects Darragh Joyce and Colin O'Riordan have created plenty of interest at the NAB AFL Draft Combine, with the teenagers considered strong chances to earn international rookie contracts

The pair has impressed in all aspects of testing despite limited exposure to the Australian game.

Joyce is no stranger to AFL recruiters, with the 18-year-old a standout at the International Combine in Dublin last December.

"I'm out here to do business and get a contract," Joyce told AFL.com.au.

"I've had interviews with the Swans, St Kilda, Essendon, Brisbane and the Bulldogs, so there has been a bit of interest.

"That's the whole reason I'm out here, because if a contract weren't on the cards I wouldn't be out here."

The 193cm County Kilkenny product has a predominately Hurling background, but played Gaelic football at school.

When the opportunity presented to pursue a professional career in Australia and escape Ireland's economic gloom, Joyce didn't think twice.

"I've put a college on hold to come out here and chase a dream," Joyce said

"My father works abroad in London as plasterer for the past four years because all the work has dried up in Ireland.

"I've had the footy in my hands every day back at home, but once we got knocked out of the hurling with Kilkenny, I've practiced even more so.

"It's a fantastic opportunity."

While Joyce looms as key defender at AFL level, O'Riordan has all the attributes to be a goalkicking midfielder like Pearce Hanley.

The 19-year-old was named Gaelic football's young player of the year in 2014 and has twice earned junior All Ireland honours.

Bringing those achievements to the combine has seen the Tipperary native grilled by several clubs.

"It was a bit daunting having an interview in front of 10 or 12 people, but all you can do is be yourself," O'Riordan said

"The dream is to be a professional, I didn't come out here to make up the numbers.

"You can financially benefit from a game you love."

And the Irishman's proclaimed affection for Australia's indigenous game isn't fabricated to impress the locals.

"I used to set the alarm, get up early and watch the highlights show it back in Ireland," he said

"I had instant love for it, and I'm not just saying that now because I'm over here, I have a genuine love for the game."

  ...

It’s all happening in Papau New Guinea this weekend – from Gary Ablett at Boroko (Port Moresby) to the AFL Lae mens and womens grand finals.

In Port Moresby, AFL PNG is holding a Niukick Gala Day at the AFL Oval at the Bisini Grounds in Boroko. AFL Gold Coast Suns captain Gary Ablett Jnr will be joined by former NBL basketball star Jason Smith. Running this morning 9AM to noon, locals are invited to learn to kick, mark & take a spekky from the best AFL player of our time.

In Lae, the second largest city in PNG and capital of Morobe Province, the action takes place at Eriku Oval today (Saturday 10th October).

Todays schedule – Lae Grand Final day: 10:30 am – Salle DOGS (3rd place) vs Harbour SUNS (4th) Mens 12:30 pm – Salle DOGS vs Harbour Mermai – Womens Grand Final 2:00 pm – Highway LIONS vs Salamanda POWER – Mens Grand Final Followed by presentations.

AFL Papau New Guinea has been busy in recent weeks. Across late September the Under 14 Binatangs toured to Brisbane where over recent years they have excelled (winning the championship in 2013) in the Queensland Under 14 championships. Playing against teams from across Queensland and players from Cape York to Coolangatta.

Across the week the U/14 BInatangs found the going tough but showed resilience to stick to the task.QLD U/14 Championships Game 1 : NQ Northern 11.6.(72) def PNG 3.2.(20) Game 2 : PNG 6.9.(45) def Brisbane North 4.3.(27) Game 3 : Gold Coast North 7.5.(47) def PNG 4.7.(31)

The Esiloan AFL Port Moresby premiership season wrapped up too with the Defence Hawks 8-7-55 getting over the University Tigers 7-2-44 in the A Reserves. In the main game the reigning 2014 premier the Moniplus Taurama Suns (captained by Jeffrey Namate) took on the Concept Koboni.

This was after the Concept Koboni Demons took out the Qualifying final against the Moniplus Taurama Suns earlier in the month. Koboni winning that match booked their passage direct to the Grand Final. The other senior finalists were Oilmin Kokofas who knocked the Bomana Cats out of the finals.

The Koboni had finished the season on top of the ladder while the Suns were the reigning premier. The Grand Final turned out to be a classic in front of a strong crowd of around 3000 at the Murray Barracks oval.

With less than a minute remaining 7 points up – however Koboni pulled off the miracle. Scott Johnson from a set shot narrowed the gap to 1 point and with the seconds ticking away the Demons found Chris Mong unmarked in front of goal who was able to slot it through just before the final siren rang across the field.

BOG for the match was Koboni centreman Paul Philip. Koboni coach Douglas Laip paid tribute to his team and also credited the Suns “The Suns are a great football team but as is always the case, there has to be one winner and we won because we fought hard in the final quarter when champions have to stand up.”

Esiloan AFL Port Moresby GF played Sat Sept 26th

The Womens division was won by the Gerehu Magpies (3.5.23) over the Lamana Dockers (2.0.12).

AFL PNG is more than the on field side of things – and September kicked off with a visit by AFL PNG Academy members to the Bomana Correctional Centre Juvenile Division for a visit with officers, staff and inmates as part of AFL PNG’s life skills program ‘Footy for Life’. This program aims to strengthen ties within the community and help towards the development of players into strong citizens, to live a positive life and be positive role models within their own communities.

Koboni Demons - 2015 POM Premiers.....

Gerehu Magpies - 2015 POM Womens Premiers.... ...

Meanwhile in Fiji it’s been a big Fiji Day and AFL Fiji joined in the party by holding a Fiji Day Cup Under 15s competition at the FNU Nasinu Campus in Suva. 8 boys teams and girls from 6 schools also participating. Many of the kids have been participating in Bula Kick programs, as well as in conjunction with the Fiji National Sports Commission/Ministry of Health running the Tailevu Wellness program. The Fiji Day Cup is an important stepping stone for new and young AFL Fiji talent with the possibility of national representation in the Oceania Cup up for grabs.

The participating boys teams coming from Sila Central High School, Tailevu North College, Western Lautoka, Western Nadi, John Wesley College and a pleasant surprise with Nabua Broncos also joining in. The girls teams made up from Tailevu North, DAV Girls College, Sila Central and Western Lautoka.

The Fiji Day Cup competition holds an important place in AFL Fiji development as AFL Fiji selects a squad of around 30 players to represent Fiji in the Oceania Cup, again scheduled for December this year.

AFL Fiji were excited with over 250 players participating over the day and congratulations to Sila Central for winning both the boys and girls divisions.

Additionally this year, not just is a Junior Tribe squad to be selected for the U/15 AFL Oceania Cup, but also an Under 14 Junior Development Squad who will face off against an Australian 'Wanderers' U/14 side in Suva this December. The girls will be selected towards an Under 17 talent squad to continue training and will play an exhibition match during the Oceania Cup as well.

Boys and girls divisions for Fiji Day Cup.....

Last weekend Bula Kick wrapped up in the West of Fiji with the Western school team running the Bula Kick introductory program for boys and girls, along with training for boys and girls in preparation for the Fiji Day Cup.

Last Bula kick session in the West for season 2015..... ...

The Sydney Swans tonight announced they have signed Irishman Colin O’Riordan as an International Category B rookie.

O’Riordan, who turns 20 next week, is an exciting prospect who hails from Irish county Tipperary.

The 187cm talented junior was recently named Gaelic football’s young player of the year and he’s also an All-Ireland minor winner in both hurling and football and has twice earned All-Ireland honours.

Irishman Tadhg Kennelly is a favourite son of the club in modern times and along the way they have also had Brendan Murphy, Chris McKaigue and Tommy Walsh come to the club from the Emerald Isle.

Kennelly oversaw the talent combine in Ireland late last year that was the first step in getting O'Riordan into the AFL system, but all clubs have the chance to both be at the combine here as well as see O'Riordan at the combine in Melbourne.  With Internationals the draft does not come into play in terms of who gets to sign them, it is first to sign them can then officially take them in the national draft.

Recruiting and List Strategy Manager Kinnear Beatson said the club is thrilled O’Riordan has decided to join the Swans.

“Colin came to the club early this week for a trial and had a training session with members of our academy where he instantly impressed us,” Beatson said.

“What struck us the most was how well he kicked the footy – he’s clearly been doing a lot of work on that – and he genuinely looks like an AFL footballer.

“He’s got great skills, takes the ball at the highest point when marking overhead, his work ethic and his competitiveness really shone out in the session he had with us.

“We’re really excited Colin has decided to join the Swans and we know he’s got the attitude and drive to give himself the best possible chance to forge a long and successful career.”

O’Riordan, who is flying back to Ireland on Monday after the AFL Combine, said he can’t wait to get back to Australia to start pre-season training with the Swans.

“It’s unreal, it’s a dream come true, I know it’s a cliché but it is 100 per cent true – I’ve always dreamed of being a professional sportsman,” O’Riordan said.

“I fell in love with Sydney instantly and from the moment I arrived at the club I felt at home as everyone was so welcoming.

“It hasn’t sunk it yet but when I touch down in Ireland and see my family I’m sure it will.

“I’m so thankful for everything Tadhg Kennelly has done for me and introducing me to a great club like Sydney and I can’t wait to get back up there and get stuck into training, meeting all the players and coaching staff and immersing myself in the game full time.” ...

The Danish men’s footy team has etched themselves into the history books by becoming just the third team to win back to back titles after England (2008/09) and Ireland (2011/12). The Danes were terrific in taking out the title in Umag. The women’s title was taken by the England Vixens, defeating the Danish girls in their final.

In a tough final, heavily effected by strong winds, the England team raced to an early lead before the Denmark team charged back into the game, eventually running out comfortable winners by 21 points.

Host nation Croatia held on in a thriller against Ireland for the third place battle. Germany finished in fifth place, taking out the Euro Bowl by defeating the team from France in another thriller by just three points. The Netherlands defeated the European Crusaders in the battle for ninth place to be the winners of the Euro Plate.

Also of note amongst then performances on the day was the continued rise of the Austrian team, taking seventh place, their best performance at a Euro Cup.

Overall men’s standings at the end of a great day in Umag, Croatia were:

1.      Denmark

2.      England

3.      Croatia

4.      Ireland

5.      Germany

6.      France

7.      Austria

8.      Scotland

9.      The Netherlands

10.    European Crusaders

11.    Norway

12.    Peace Team

The women’s standings at the end of the day were:

1.       England

2.       Denmark

3.       France

4.       Croatia

5.       Norway

6.       Sweden

Scores:

Pool A

Germany 55 d Norway 4 – Ireland 90 d Norway 1 – Ireland 35 d Germany 20

Pool B

Austria 39 d Peace Team 8 – Denmark 93 d Peace Team 0 – Denmark 84 d Austria 12

Pool C

Scotland 22 d Crusaders 19 – England 56 d Crusaders 3 – England 71 d Scotland 0

Pool D

France 87 d The Netherlands 12 – Croatia 71 d The Netherlands 8 – Croatia 70 d France 15

Semi-Finals:

3rd Place Group

Crusaders 26 d Norway 25 – The Netherlands 47 d Peace Team 16

2nd Place Group

Germany 52 d Scotland 15 – France 66 d Austria 13

1st Place Group

England 23 d Ireland 9 – Denmark 57 d Croatia 14

Finals:

11th Place Match – Norway 25 d Peace Team 1

9th Place Match – The Netherlands 28 d European Crusaders 12 (The Netherlands Plate Winners)

7th Place Match – Austria 29 d Scotland 3

5th Place Match – Germany 24 d France 21 (Germany Bowl Winners)

3rd Place Match – Croatia 29 d Ireland 26

Euro Cup Final – Denmark 47 d England 26

Women’s Draw:

Pool A  

France 26 d Sweden 7 – England 82 d Sweden 1 – England 85 d France 1

Pool B

Norway 32 d Croatia 12 – Denmark 47 d Norway 1 – Denmark 36 d Croatia 18

Semi-Finals:

England 88 d Croatia 0 – Denmark 50 d France 1

(Fifth Place Playoff) – Norway 29 d Sweden 7

(Third Place Playoff) – France 40 d Croatia 1

Final

England 54 d Denmark 6

Congratulations must go to AFL Europe and the team in Croatia for putting the event together. Congratulations to Denmark and England, whose men and women reached both finals, but also to all team and players who contributed to a great day. ...

The 2015 Euro Cup is now but a memory and the players, officials, supporters and families have started the journeys home. In another year from now we will start again, somewhere. But now we have a chance to look at how each nation performed at the event.

Denmark:

As close to faultless as a team could get. Won their Pool B matches against Austria and the Peace team by huge margins, then mauled the host team, Croatia, in the semi-final stage. Gave England a decent headstart in the final before powering home and away by 21 points. Little more could have gone right to make this two years of Danish dominance.

The women’s team fell only at the final hurdle, proving too good for Norway, Croatia and France, However, they went down heavily in the final to England suggesting a gulf between their own best and the best women in Europe.

England:

Made short work of the European Crusaders and Scotland in the Pool C matches before a tougher semi-final hitout against Ireland. Played well to win through to final, and started well until the Danes overran  them. Certainly an improvement on 2014 where they finished sixth, but would be disappointed they let this chance slip.

The England Vixens were far too powerful for all opponents, dominating the series. On that form they would have likely beaten the Irish Banshees had they been there, such was their power and structure. Their closest game was the 48 point win in the final. An ominous display.

Croatia:

Pummelled their Pool D rivals in France and The Netherlands before going down to the Danes in the semi-final by a 43 point margin. Played in a cracker of a playoff for third place, eventually holding off the Irish team by just three points. As hosts, Croatia possibly expected better, but still a good result overall.

For the Croatian Queens this tournament was very much a starting point for development. On that basis the women tried hard and proudly and will have learned a great deal. Winless but competitive.

Ireland:

Topped Pool A with a big win against Norway before playing well to down a resilient German team by 15 points. Two tough losses in the semi-final and final stage, downed by England by 14 points then by Croatia in a thriller by three. Would be a touch disappointed, but are still building nicely after a surprising 5th place in Bordeaux two years ago.

Germany:

Defeated Norway but lost to Ireland in their pool to make it a shaky start. From there they proceeded to record a strong win against Scotland and held their nerve against a fast finishing France to hold on to fifth place and the Euro Bowl. Overall, three wins for the day was a good result for the Black Eagles and proves they are still a team to be respected.

France:

Went on something of a rollercoaster ride on the day. A first up win against The Netherlands was followed by a heavy loss to Croatia. Followed up with a big win against Austria before going down by just three points to Germany in the playoff for fifth. Inconsistent but generally played well.

The French women started well with a win against Sweden before back to back losses to both England and Denmark. A good win against Croatia saw them finish third with 2 wins and 2 losses so overall a good effort and a huge improvement on last year when they went winless and bottom of the standings.

Austria:

A fantastic result  for the Austrians. Their seventh place at this event far exceeds any previous efforts at a Euro Cup.  Did not come home with any silverware, but had already made their point. Wins against the Peace Team and Scotland set up the result. The Austrian team should be very proud and are probably proving that somewhere right now.

Scotland:

Won their first game against the Crusaders by three points. After that they had a tough draw, going down to both England and Germany. Austria were too good for them in the playoff for seventh place. Have performed better in the past but eighth place was still a good return for the Scotland team. Will benefit from the tough games in the long run and will be harder to beat in 2016.

The Netherlands:

Took out the Euro Plate on the strength of back to back wins against the Peace Team and the European Crusaders after having lost their opening games heavily to both France and Croatia. Their resilience showed through to keep playing out the tournament with heads high, securing those important wins. A huge improvement on their 15th place in London, proving the Dutch are on the way back up.

European Crusaders:

In effect the team was not a reality until the day before the event, meaning they played under the pressure of little to no opportunity to play as one. Nevertheless, they did secure a narrow win against Norway and pushed hard in the playoff for ninth place against The Netherlands. Played their role giving players a chance to be a part of the tournament, so more than successful again.

Norway:

A case of peaking too late, perhaps. Norway lost their Pool A games heavily to both Germany and Ireland before losing by the narrowest of margins to the Crusaders. Finished on a high with a win against the Peace Team, but can only dream what might have been if they had won against Crusaders.

The women’s team struggled bravely with injuries which saw them perform well with two wins against both Croatia and Sweden but a loss to Denmark. Stood aside to allow Croatia to play off for third place as their injury toll mounted. Overall, a good performance to be built on for next year.

Peace Team:

Went through tournament without a win but were competitive in most games. Will have learned an enormous amount from the matches and will be far better versed and prepared when they come back next year…we hope. Cannot be said to have lost when they won the hearts and respect of most people for just being there and playing with a united spirit.

Sweden:

The Ravens found the going tough, but represented their country bravely. Unable to taste victory in a game sense but will have come away with so many victories in terms of learning the game and displaying their passion. Like France from last year to this year, Sweden might find a huge improvement in just twelve months when they hopefully return to battle at the 2016 Euro Cup.

  ...

The USAFL Nationals are set to get underway in Austin Texas this weekend.  USAFL matches have been underway since early in the year but for most clubs all those games are the warm-up for this tournament.  This year 36 men's teams and 9 women's teams from all over the US will battle it out in warm conditions at Onion Creek Soccer complex in Austin.

The Austin Crows will be favourites in their own backyard to take the title as they did here two years ago, their most likely rival in the final is set to be the reigning champions the New York Magpies.  Don't be surprised though if Austin's neighbours in the Dallas Magpies can work some magic to make it an all Texas affair in the final.  In the Women's Division the Denver Lady Bulldogs are looking to go 6 in a row but will face stiff competition from the other four teams in their division.

Read on for all the details on the schedule of events, the pools, my predictions and the USAFL Weekly Report show schedule for the Nationals. 

The tournament schedule is as follows

MEN'S DIVISION 1:
(Two pools of four teams, round robin.  Winners advance to Grand Final)

Alex's Predictions

Unlike the previous years where the teams in Division 1 would same pushovers and powerhouses, all of the teams this year are in the top 15 in the USAFLWR standings. Add Calgary to that mix and it becomes the toughest Division One tournament in the last 7 years.
Pool A Prediction: Pool A is the easier of the two pools this year, but don’t underestimate any of the 4 teams in the pool. Calgary has a strong contingent and with Golden Gate and LA both playing each other twice and tying once, it’s a tough sledding. Pool A Champion: Austin Crows
Pool B Prediction: Pool B is the toughest of all 12 pools in the men’s divisions and in Division 1. 4 of the top 7 teams in the USAFLWR standings will be fighting on this one and expect a battle. It will literally be decided on percentage and who has the firepower to do it in. Pool B Champion: Based on past experiences and since they are the defending Premiers, New York, but don’t be surprised if Dallas or Denver can sneak up to win the pool.
Grand Final: Austin vs. New York. A rematch of 2 years ago when Austin won the game by the tightest margin in USAFL history. New York hasn’t forgotten on that and they are going for 2 straight Premiers, a feat that hasn’t been done in nearly a decade. Expect a battle. Premiers: Austin Crows by 2.
 

MEN'S DIVISION 2:
(Two pools of four teams, round robin.  Winners advance to Grand Final)

Alex's predictions

Defending Division 2 Champions are the clear favorites. That being said, expect the unexpected in this division as always.
Pool A Prediction: This pool is almost too cut and dry with Columbus on a roll and no other team in the Division with better than a break-even record. If any team outside of Columbus makes it in, it’s because of upsets. Columbus is just that good. Pool A Champion: Columbus Jackaroos
Pool B Prediction: This pool, like Pool A, is almost too cut and dry. Quebec has been the 4th seed before and yes have won a game in this pool, but Chicago and Houston are much tougher despite their records. Whoever wins between Minnesota and Chicago in their match (3 pm Saturday) will win the pool. Pool B Champion: Minnesota Freeze
Grand Final: Columbus vs. Minnesota. The last time these two teams played each other last year, Columbus won by nearly 3 goals. With a powerful team, expect a first in this Division…Back-to-back Premiers. Premiers: Columbus by 13.
 

MEN'S DIVISION 3:
(Two pools of four teams, round robin.  Winners advance to Grand Final)

Alex's predictions

Division 3 expect a wide open field and surprises during the weekend.
Pool A Prediction: Tulsa got the top seed thanks to Sacramento moving up to Division 2 and North Carolina is moving up to their pool and Division 3 because of their win last year in Division 4. With those two, expect a lot of scoring as well as from Ohio Valley. Philadelphia has surprised a many of teams in the past 2 years, so expect a dogfight. Ironically enough, whoever wins the 9 am game on Saturday between Ohio Valley and Tulsa will win the pool. Pool A Champion: Tulsa Buffaloes
Pool B Prediction: This is the more interesting pool of the two as 3 of these teams have never faced each other (Nashville has faced Austin 3 times and won twice). Expect some interesting games to say the least. The game that will decide the pool will be the last game on Sunday @ 10 am between Portland and Nashville. Whoever wins that game wins the pool considering both of those teams have winning records. Pool B Champion: Nashville Kangaroos
Grand Final: Tulsa vs. Nashville. If this happens to be the final, it will be their first ever meeting against each other. Dustin Brasel’s team is a tough competition in the USAFL Southwest region, but the Kangaroos have had tough games with Chicago, Columbus and Atlanta, going 4-2 between the matches. Expect a major battle that will come to the final minute to decide. Premiers: Nashville by 3.
 

MEN'S DIVISION 4:
(Four pools of three teams, round robin.  Winners advance to semi-finals, winners of semis advance to Grand Final)

WOMEN'S DIVISION 1
(Round Robin, best record declared champions)

Alex's predictions

What an interesting year that the top 5 teams have had, especially the 5-time defending champion Denver Lady Bulldogs have had. Coming in with only 3 games under their belt, they have their work cut out for them as they face what could be their toughest competition to date. If Denver can beat New York (Saturday at 1 pm), then their rematch for the 3rd time will be set against San Francisco (Sunday @ 4 pm). Premiers: Denver will take their 6th straight.

WOMEN'S DIVISION 2
(Round Robin, best record declared champions)

For the record here is how the teams have fared during the 2015 USAFL season.  The table includes the USAFLWR standings based on points for matches played, the USAFL standings based on an opinion poll ranking the top 20 teams and the seedings of each team and their pool for the Nationals.

Womens Division

USAFL Weekly Report Show Schedule

You can catch the USAFL Weekly Report shows right throughout the Nationals on Youtube.  The timing for each of the scheduled shows is below (and subject to change).

  ...

The Port Adelaide website has released a story outlining the role the club has had in the development of the game in Asia, particularly with the China Reds team. The article below showcases their involvement ahead of the Asian Championships which begin tomorrow in Bangkok, Thailand.

(Picture: Zhang Hao, Russell Ebert, Chen Shao Ling – Port Adelaide FC)

THE China Reds will take part in the AFL Asian Championships in Bangkok this weekend with the help of Port Adelaide as part of the club’s push into Asia.

With money raised from the 2014 Port Adelaide ANZAC Day fundraising auction, 11 local Chinese players have been given the opportunity to make the trip to Thailand.

This comprises the largest contingent of local players to ever represent a country in the championship, which is normally dominated by expatriate Australians.

According to AFL Asia President Darren Whitfield, Port Adelaide has played an integral part in this result.

“Port Adelaide is pioneering a way for local footballers to get involved, and their fundraising efforts are the reason that Team China are able to send 11 indigenous players” he said.

In recognition of the club’s sponsorship of the South China AFL (SCAFL) and Team China, the players will be sporting Port Adelaide logos on their guernseys.

The China Reds are comprised of combined representatives from the Beijing Bombers, the Shanghai Tigers and the Guangzhou Scorpions.

Their trip is being managed by Zhang Hao and captained by Chen Shao Ling as they compete for the division two trophy.

A total of 13 teams will take part in the competition this weekend, as the Singapore Wombats look to defend their 2014 ‘Asian Champs’ title.

According to Whitfield the competition is an important part of the AFL’s push into China.

“This competition is the ultimate display of footy in Asia and it plays a key role in its expansion in the region,” Darren said.

He also made it clear Port Adelaide is one of the leading lights to nurture the development of the game there.

“Port Adelaide’s involvement in China has been very important, and the players love the recognition that they get,” he continued.

“It lets them know that this game is more than just what goes on in their local region.” He said.

For more information about the competition and results, go to the AFL Asia website at: http://www.afl-asia.com/

Exclusive to  www.portadelaidefc.com.au   ...