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Irish Warriors Tame GB Bulldogs In Dublin

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In a friendly rematch, played after a last minute venue change in Dublin at Islandbridge, the Irish Warriors have defeated the Great Britain Bulldogs to gain some satisfaction after going down them in the European Championships in August. The match is another important step for both national teams as they prepare for next year’s International Cup (IC17) in Melbourne.

The Warriors were determined to make amends for their last encounter and got away to a strong start, holding an almost unassailable lead by three quarter time. They had to withstand a five goal deficit fightback from the Bulldogs, but still managed to hold on for a valuable seven point win.

Final Scores: Irish Warriors 12 6 78 d GB Bulldogs 10 11 71


For the AFL Europe European Championships in London back in August, it was the Bulldogs that ran out 22 point victors to claim the title. Yesterday’s game did not hold the same recognition as “Champions of Europe” but it certainly did give the Irish the opportunity to flex muscle and make a statement to all other European teams preparing for Melbourne that Ireland is back…and danger ...

Crocs Down Saints, Tigers Roar – Northern Territory Footy

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The third round of the NTFL season in Darwin was completed yesterday when the Southern Districts Crocs defeated reigning premiers, St Mary’s by 18 points in a tight game at Norbuilt Oval. In other matches, the Nightcliff Tigers continued their tremendous start to the season with a resounding thumping of Palmerston Magpies, Wanderers defeated the Tiwi Bombers and Waratah downed the Darwin Buffaloes.

The Crocs and Saints played a high scoring game. The Saints got away to a good first quarter and again in the third with seven and eight goals respectively. But Crocs kicked seven goals to one in the second quarter, and did what they had to in the last to pull away. With 41 goals kicked for the game it was a defender’s nightmare, but the upshot sees the Crocs now with two wins for the season and just one for Saints.

Final Score: Southern Districts 22 7 139 d St Mary’s 19 7 121


Waratah enjoyed their second win of the season, giving their faithful more joy as they continue to rebuild after a horrid 2015/16 season. In almost the polar opposite of the Crocs/Saints game, it was a low scoring affair at TIO Stadium. The Tahs’ got away to a 10 point lead by quarter time and were able to keep a desperate Buffaloes team at arm’s length for the remainder of the match. The win has the Waratah boys inside the top five after three rounds and they have plenty to fight for to stay there.

Final Score: Waratah 10 10 70 d Darwin 7 12 54

In the earlier match at TIO Stadium, the Wanderers also remained undefeated when the comfortably accounted for the Tiwi Bombers by 49 points. Wanderers held a good lead by quarter time and continued to build their lead the further the game went. The loss was another blow for the Bombers and sees them sitting winless on the bottom of the ladder and desperate to turn the season around quickly – not easy when they will play a Saints team equally desperate.

Final Score: Wanderers 18 18 126 d Tiwi Bombers 12 7 79

The Nightcliff Tigers have started the season in compelling form and their powerful performance against the Palmerston Magpies will have sent warning bells across the league – they are the real deal. An eleven goal to one first half was as clinical as it was brutal as the Tigers outclassed their opposition. They won every quarter to run out winners by a massive 112 points, keeping the magpies scoreless in the final term.

Final Score: Nightcliff 21 16 142 d Palmerston 4 6 30

Next weekend’s Round 4 clashes will see a huge match when the undefeated Nightcliff and Wanderers meet. St Mary’s will clash with the Tiwi Bombers, Waratah plays Palmerston and Southern Districts does battle with the Darwin Buffaloes.


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Lille Eagles Take Flight

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Football evolves. It is the nature of sports as they tap new markets, respond to opportunities, move to develop stronger fan bases and keep ahead of potential challenges.

Such is the story of France’s newest Australian football team, the Lille Eagles. The city of Lille sits close to the border with Belgium in the far north of France, a little over 200 kilometres north of Paris. With a population of over 200,000 (and an greater urban population of over one million), the city is a prime location to develop the game, particularly with its proximity to the city of Amiens and the nearby memorials of The Somme Battlefields where Australian and French teams play their annual ANZAC Day memorial clash - an area that has already embraced Australian football.


Arnaud Deleurme, president, coach and player for the Lille Eagles founded the now defunct Brittany Griffins team, and is now putting together what he hopes is a new team that can build relatively quickly into a competitive unit in the CNFA. According to Arnaud (translated from French), “today the Brittany Griffins club is stopped. I left the region for professional reasons and I arrived in Lille where I created the Lille Eagles. It is a new club because in the north of France, there is no footy.”

“Plans are to gradually build the club, find common ground, recruit players and create the right structures them. For now, I'm starting from scratch. I have everything to fit into place. The difficulty is that I get to Lille after the start of the sports season which complicates matters for playing fields and facilities and players. [But]I am patient, we'll do things quietly this season.”

“The primary objective is to have some regular players and train on a lighted field for winter. Next, it should be noted that we will rely on the GAA club Lille for joint trainings and build a club atmosphere. GAA & [Australian Rules]Footy together in Lille for future! This is a beautiful project. And it is hoped that some players of Lille Eagles will participate in CNFA championship matches complementing the other competing teams.”

“Finally, we must add that Lille are called the Eagles because it is the West Coast Eagles who were willing to officially sponsor the club by sending us material - jerseys & shorts from the official team.”

It is exciting to see yet another new club emerge on the French footy horizon, especially given the recent developments of new clubs such as the Paris Cockatoos, Blagnac Aviator and ALFA Lions as well as the continued growth of the Perpignan Tigers – all pointing towards a great opportunity for the Lille Eagles to grow and ultimately prosper in an even stronger and bigger league ...

Cairns To Welcome Reigning AFL Premiers

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The tropical Far North Queensland city of Cairns has just received arguably its biggest boost for hosting future AFL Premiership matches with the announcement that it will host its sixth consecutive annual AFL event. Despite falling attendances since 2013 when the Richmond v Gold Coast match drew a crowd of over 11,000 people, the current premiers, Western Bulldogs, will headline the 2017 event – the first time Cairns has played host to a reigning premier.

The match will be part of the Round 18 AFL Premiership fixture and be played again in the original twilight timeslot after opting for an evening event in 2016.


Whilst much of the excitement will surround the “glamour” of having the current premiers in town, the game won’t necessarily be a one horse race with the Gold Coast Suns likely to improve greatly with the inclusion of injured players and experienced recruits. Cairns has fans in both camps. The city has a strong supporter base for the Gold Coast Suns with the team having visited every year since 2010. But the Bulldogs have also won over the city since their first visit in 2014, working closely with the community and showing a keenness to be a part of the burgeoning Cairns AFL scene.

According to the Cairns Post newspaper, Western Bulldogs chief executive Gary Kent is quoted as saying that “we are pleased to return to Cairns for fourth consecutive year, for what has become a much anticipated match in our fixture.”

“Our players, staff and coaches have built a great connection with the Cairns community, and we look forward to strengthening that relationship in 2017. Our fans have shown great support for this match in the past and we hope to see that continue next season.”

The Cairns football community continues to grow, evidenced by new clubs over recent years including the Cape York House junior club, the Eagles, and the entry of local club, Pyramid Power, into the reserve grade competition. The continued promotional and financial benefits, as well as the increased sponsorship opportunities and the mentoring for local clubs provided by both the Bulldogs and the Suns will improve the local game further.

The Cairns Post also quoted AFL Cairns President Gary Young who stated “It’s a testament to those fans locally whose love for the game has influenced the return of top-flight football.”

So far the Western Bulldogs are yet to lose a game in Cairns, winning their encounters in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The Suns won their first two matches for premiership points in Cairns in 2011 and 2012 (which featured Karmichael Hunt’s famous “after the siren” winning goal) to boost their local support base. They also defeated the Essendon affiliate team, the Bendigo Bombers, in a VFL match in 2010.

Cairns has produced an enviable list of AFL players in recent years with Courtenay Dempsey (Essendon), Jarrod Harbrow (Gold Coast), Charlie Dixon (Port Adelaide) still playing at the highest level. Young Jack Bowes, formerly from the Cairns Saints juniors, is a likely top five selection at this year’s national draft in Noveember.

The Cairns community now has the opportunity to plan ahead for the event and get behind their Queensland team, the Suns, or the highly popular premiers, the Western Bulldogs and promote the game to one and all as well as getting tickets early when they become available to show support for future fixtures in Cairns.

The full 2017 AFL Premiership Season fixture will be released on Thursday 27th October on the www.afl.com.au website ...

World rankings post All Asia Championships

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World Rankings at the conclusion of All Asia Championships and International Test between Great Britain and Ireland

The contesting of the All Asia Championships on Friday 14th October saw the debut of a new  International Australian Football entity, Team IndoChina. The Team IndoChina concept is similar to the European Crusaders in that it draws local Asian players from the Indochina Nations that are currently unable to field a full National side. This first edition of Team IndoChina was formed with players from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

AFL Asia has, I believe, nominated Team IndoChina to contest the International Cup 2017 in Melbourne, in August 2017. Indonesia (Garudas) and China (China Reds) and Team IndoChina played each other in a Round Robin contest for the Inaugural All Asia Championship.


China is a fully ranked nation whilst Indonesia is provisionally ranked, now only one game away from becoming fully ranked. Team IndoChina debuts with 40 Rating Points. Below are the rating points changes of the three “nations” from the three All Asia Championship Matches.


Also the rating points changes for the Ireland v Great Britain International test match played last weekend in Dublin, Ireland.
 

Note also no actual changes in ranks occurred as a result of all these matches.
 

Welcome “Team IndoChina” to the International Australian Football Family of Nations

 

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China game gets green light

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The mooted Port Adelaide match in China in 2017, the first outside Australia/New Zealand for premiership points has officially been given the green light. Port Adelaide will play their away match hosted by the Gold Coast Suns in Shanghai. The match will take place on Sunday, May 14.

The round eight clash was revealed this afternoon in Melbourne. The match will be show live into Australia at 3.20pm Melbourne time.

 

Picture (right) of the launch from Twitter.

The match will be played at the Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai.

It is expected there will be matches and functions held by AFL Asia in Shanghai in conjunction with the match.  We will have further details when they are announced.

 

 

The Port Adelaide Press Release Follows

Port Adelaide to host historic first game in China

Wednesday 26 October 2016


The Port Adelaide Football Club will make history as the host of the historic first AFL Premiership Season game in China.
The Power will travel to Shanghai’s Jiangwan Stadium to play the Gold Coast Suns on Sunday May 14, in a game that will be broadcast back into Australia by host telecast partner Channel 7.
The game, which has been the product of more than two years’ work by Port Adelaide in conjunction with the AFL and the Government of South Australia, follows on from the club’s successful development of a broadcast rights deal with China’s national broadcaster CCTV to show AFL football to the world’s most populous nation during the 2016 season.
The Round 5 Anzac Round game was the most-watched minor round game in the history of the AFL, drawing approximately 4 million viewers between China and Australia alone.
A number of key commercial partners will support the game with a view towards strengthening ties with Australia’s primary trading partner.
The Ausgold Mining Group – a gold and copper-ore mining exploration and development company with interests in Western Australia, Queensland and Broken Hill - is the official match day partner for the game.
Port Adelaide chairman David Koch said the success of the foray is the result of a two-year target to play premiership season football in China, as well as a longer strategy to establish a footprint in Australia’s northern neighbour.
Playing in China is expected to open new commercial opportunities for the Power as it helps expand the global footprint of Australian football through game participation additional to an annual match.
That financial opportunity is something that the Power has identified as key to growing into one of the southern hemisphere’s premier sports clubs.
“This is a moment many people thought would never happen, let alone as soon as 2017,” said Mr Koch.
“The AFL will become the first elite foreign competition to play a regular season game for points in China, beating the likes of the NBA, English Premier League, Major League Baseball and NFL. That is a monumental achievement in itself and speaks volumes of the strength of the relationship between our two nations.
“This is so much more significant that just playing a game for premiership points on foreign soil. This is a landmark moment in the development of Australia’s sporting, cultural, political, economic and tourism ties with China.
“The appetite for AFL football in China is even stronger than we could have imagined when Port Adelaide began forging relationships there.”
A full audio/visual file of Mr Koch’s press conference with AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan and Gold Coast Suns chairman Tony Cochrane will be available on portadelaidefc.com.au<http://portadelaidefc.com.au> later.
What they said…
David Koch, Port Adelaide Football Club chairman
“Before the 2016 season we struck a deal with Central China Television to broadcast three games into China plus a weekly documentary featuring the development of our Chinese recruit Chen Shaoliang and highlights of each AFL round.
“The audiences for those initial games (of up to 4 million people) far exceeded our expectations and saw CCTV expand its coverage to broadcasting an entire AFL game every week.
“To get to the stage we are at now is thanks to the incredible amount of work already done by so many people within the Port Adelaide Football Club, The AFL, the Governments of both China and Australia, The Gold Coast Football Club and our business partners, in particular Mr Gui with ShanghaiCRED and Ausgold, the Chinese owned gold mining company operating in Broken Hill.
“The Ausgold story epitomises what this venture into China is all about and the potential it represents. Sally Zou, the CEO of Ausgold, saw a Port Adelaide game broadcast on CCTV in China and enquired about the club. Ausgold is now Port Adelaide’s official match day partner for this game against Gold Coast.
“But this is not the end, this is really only the beginning, and the hard work really starts now.
“Our commitment goes so much further than just playing one game in China each year. The game of Australian football is becoming accessible to Chinese people from every walk of life as we continue to roll out education and participation programs in Chinese schools and universities. We are also making significant investments in Chinese social media platforms WeChat and Weibo.”
The Hon Jay Weatherill MP, Premier of South Australia
“It’s fantastic that Port Adelaide’s dream of an AFL match in China is now officially a reality.”

“This is a history-making step for the Port Adelaide Football Club and a pivotal moment for South Australia’s relationship with our biggest trading partner.

“This is about more than a match of football.

“Sports diplomacy is an important part of our strategy to deepen our links with the world.

“Port Adelaide’s partnership with China will help increase awareness of the South Australian brand, open doors for businesses, attract investment and create jobs.

“The State Government has already committed $250,000 towards a 25-episode documentary series called The AFL Show, which is produced by Port Adelaide to help raise the profile of South Australia in China.”
Sally Zou, Ausgold Mining Group chief executive
“The Ausgold Mining Group are delighted to be the official Match Day Partner for the historic first AFL game to be played for premiership points in Shanghai.
“This game will be an exciting highlight of a new long term partnership with the Port Adelaide Football Club which will see Ausgold proudly   supporting the Club and our respective communities  in Adelaide, Shanghai, Broken Hill and across Australia!
“We are very proud to be involved in this ground breaking venture!”
...

Saints sign up Holmes for another season

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Jason Holmes’ AFL dream is set to continue with the Illinois-born big man offered a one-year contract with the club.  

Holmes was recruited as St Kilda’s international selection with pick No. 36 at the 2014 Rookie Draft and was the first born and raised American to make an AFL debut in Round 21, 2015.  He is also the first American to play in two AFL seasons.

Elevated in Round 9 this year, Holmes has earnt a permanent spot on the senior list after stepping up for the last two games of the 2016 season in Tom Hickey’s absence.

The former college basketballer has made five AFL appearances over the past two seasons and will remain part of the Saints’ talented ruck department with Hickey, Longer and Pierce until at least the end of 2017.

St Kilda Chief Operating Officer Ameet Bains says the club is pleased to secure Holmes’ services for 2017 and praised the Chicago native for his dedication to learning his craft.

“We’re thrilled to have Jason commit to the club for another year as we think he’s made great strides in his development over his three seasons at the Saints,” Bains said.

“Jason is a rapid learner and strong competitor, and is a valuable part of our talented ruck team.”

After initially being identified at the AFL's combine in LA in 2014, Holmes played metro footy in Chicago before being signed by the Saints. ...

Bulldogs Snarling In Sweden

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A new footy force is starting to growl softly in the south of Sweden. The Eksjö Bulldogs have arrived and they intend to take the Swedish footy world by storm, just as their AFL namesakes, the Western Bulldogs, did this year. “We come out snarling, Bulldogs through and through.”

The town of Eksjö is located a little over 300 kilometres to the south-west of Stockholm, close to the southern city of Jönköping and a part of the Jönköping County. The town is also close enough to the Skane County clubs such as the Helsingborg Saints and Port Malmo Maulers to entertain fairly regular matches.

Gustav Svensson is the force behind the ‘Dogs, but already has plenty of friends prepared to work hard to develop this team and bring it to full fruition.


“The club started with me in June 2016. I´d been playing since 2012 in Norrtälje and then moved down to Eksjö. I was missing the sport and thought about starting something here, and so i did. It started with asking among friends who would be interested in try the sport, so at the first trainings we were about 14 people training - both boys and girls.”

“So I kept going and kept up the training sessions and now we have even got some new members who are with us and train. I [believe] there are very good possibilities to get a good team together and keep it going. The plans for the future are to get even bigger and try to recruit more players and have some events.”

“Just recently we met the team Port Malmö Maulers for an exhibition match, and it went really well. The Port Malmö team were very impressed by our performance. So the future looks bright I think. The way to get the sport interesting is to have events that makes your player feel like they are there [as a part of something special] and create something they will be proud of.”

We wish the Bulldogs well in their journey, but being Bulldogs they will be tough, resilient and determined. The Swedish football scene will be better for their arrival. ...

Cairns Footballer Jack Bowes To Make Draft History

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Former Cairns Saints junior footballer Jack Bowes sits on the cusp of making some AFL history of his own when the national draft comes around on November 25th. Jack won’t be the first draftee to come from the Far North Queensland city, but he is at unbackable odds to be the highest ranked draft choice to come from Cairns.

Being a member of the Gold Coast Suns Academy since he was just 13, Jack will almost certainly be grabbed by the Suns with their Pick 4 on draft night. But with the vagaries of the draft bidding system, if current number one pick holder, Essendon, were to place a bid for Bowes with their prized pick, thereby forcing the Suns to match the bid, Bowes could go as the draft’s #1 pick. The Giants or Lions could also pull the same trick at #2 and #3. No matter which of these scenarios occurs, Jack is destined to be picked inside the top 5 – a remarkable effort for a humble Cairns lad.

Cairns players have been taken in drafts before Bowes. Jarrod Harbrow from the Gold Coast Suns was picked up by the Western Bulldogs at #27 in a rookie draft. Sam Michael also went in a rookie draft at pick #96. Charlie Dixon (Port Adelaide), Pater Yagmoor (ex-Collingwood), Rex Liddy (Ex Suns) and Lewis Moss (ex Suns) were all zone selections. Essendon’s Courtenay Dempsey is currently the highest drafted Cairns product when he was grabbed at #19 in the 2005 draft. Those statistics certainly indicate that Jack Bowes is about the reset and raise the bar for Cairns players.

When asked how he felt about these nuggets of information, Jack, in a World Footy News interview, responded that it was “hard to get my head around. They are all special names and they all grabbed their opportunity.” He credits his Cairns Saints, academy coaches, fellow players and especially his family for creating his opportunities. The rest was up to him to grab each chance, which he has done enviably to date.

Jack concedes that it is “difficult to forge a career in the AFL”, and cannot thank his life role models at clubs and at home enough for giving him the confidence and drive to do so.

I had the pleasure, so to speak, of coaching against Jack for three seasons as a junior. He was always a player to be considered in pre-game strategies – coming up with plans to reduce the influence of Jack Bowes come match day was a huge part of preparation and required many magnets. Tagging never worked, so the benefit was being able to watch a player glide around Cazalys Stadium picking of possessions at will, using them to tremendous effect and influencing games. It is possible that my own team’s 2013 U16 premiership came from the fact that Jack missed the Preliminary Final, being in Darwin for a schoolboy’s championship.

Some compare Bowes to Trent Cotchin at Richmond. I prefer to describe him as a cross between Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury and Hawthorn’s gun recruit, Jaeger O’Meara. Whichever description you believe, he is certainly a Rolls Royce.

But skill and talent alone isn’t enough to make the big time. Jack came through the junior ranks in Cairns with a number of equally talented kids. His playing cohort featured many kids who were destined for big careers, yet Jack is the only one to have reached the rarefied air of an AFL draft.

It raised the question of how or why Jack got this far. Jack agrees that Cairns has so much untapped talent, some already with the Gold Coast Suns Academy, some not. He attributes his success to backing himself to be a part of these foundation pathways that give players great opportunities – something that is only relatively new to the region.

Jack also admits that he “wanted it [highest level AFL] for a long time. I always wanted to be the best I could be and get the best out of myself. There are so many distractions and lifestyle choices and I needed to focus on my goals.” Certainly, two of the key attributes that Jack possesses are a tremendous personal drive to succeed and the focus to continue channelling his energies into his goals.

His recent U18 All-Stars match, playing against the cream of this year’s draft crop, illustrated well how his focus can influence a game. By his own admission (and TV evidence), Jack’s first few touches in the match were largely fumbled. Yet he didn’t allow the demons of doubt to take over. Instead he refocused and went on to be one of the most influential players on the field. That takes strong mental resilience.

Jack knows that his possible high drafting is all a “matter of perspective and speculation”. He is simply happy to get the opportunity to play with any club, and just grateful to have that chance. Clearly there are benefits to being snared by the Suns after being a part of their academy processes and living on the Gold Coast with his grandparents. But for now he will just see “how it unfolds on the night.”

One day, when the footy days at the highest level are over, Jack knows that there are so many rivers to be crossed that the future could hold anything. But deep down he would love nothing more than to return to Cairns and re-invest his knowledge and skills into the local system that invested so heavily in him during his junior days, and that he invested so much into also. “AFL in Cairns is in a great state. It is still growing and Cairns is still growing. I would love to come back to Cairns [one day]. To come back would be special.”

To the Cairns footy community, Jack is also very special. On draft night there will be many people with an eye on their own club’s picks, but a second eye firmly on where Jack is selected and what journey will begin from there.

Good luck, Jack. A whole city and region is behind you.

To read a review of his draft prospects, go to the http://www.afl.com website at: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-10-27...t-to-shine

Picture: www.afl.com.au archiv ...

GB Bulldogs Announce Preliminary IC17 Squad

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With less than a year to go until the next International Cup in Melbourne, nations are already making provisions to assemble lists and support personnel ready for the event. The GB Bulldogs provisional first list has just been released. Whilst predominantly made up of players in the AFL London and AFL Central & Northern England competitions, the list is also represented by players from Wales and Scotland.

 

Also featured are players now playing overseas in the Netherlands and Australia. Included in the list is Sam Willatt who will bring his experience to the squad after having been a part of the AFL’s Western Bulldogs/Footscray (VFL) powerhouse, with both winning flags.

 

The website states:

Coach Dean Gavin Thomas and the AFL Europe Champions Great Britain Australian Rules Football are proud to announce their preliminary 52 man squad for the AFL‘s AFL International Cup 2017 held in Melbourne in August 2017

 

GB Bulldogs Preliminary List

Thomas McBride – Glasgow Sharks Australian Rules Football Club

Neil Cooke – Amsterdam Devils

Owain Ryland – South Cardiff Panthers

Mark Ireland – Sheffield Thunder

Anthony Roy Brannigan – Tyne Tees Tigers

Luke Booth – Huddersfield Rams

Alex Overton – Huddersfield Rams

Josh Kenney – Huddersfield Rams

Chris Britton – Manchester Mosquitoes

Andrew Cochran – Manchester Mosquitos

Tim Gower – Manchester Mosquitos

Andy Walkden – Manchester Mosquitos

George Dibble – Wolverhampton Wolverines Australian Rules Football Club

Craig Degville – Wolverhampton Wolverines

Ian Mitchell – Wolverhampton Wolverines

Harry Duffield – Wolverhampton Wolverines

Lewis Gedney – Wolverhampton Wolverines

Cameron Cope – Wolverhampton Wolverines

Ross Denton – University of Birmingham/North London Lions

Jack Coughlan – University of Birmingham/North London Lions

Michael Sharp – University of Birmingham/North London Lions

Tomos Wyn-Jones – University of Birmingham/North London Lions

Olly Harvey – University of Birmingham

Samuel Walon – University of Birmingham

Ryan Daniel Cawley – University of Birmingham

James Talbot – North London Lions

Matt Warwick – West London Wildcats

Jack Wood – West London Wildcats

Alex Watson – The Wandsworth Demons

Charlie Steel – Wandsworth Demons

David Jordan – Wandsworth Demons

Andy Smith – Wandsworth Demons

Myles Hudson – Wimbledon Hawks

David Hastie – Wimbledon Hawks

Jason Edward Hill – Wimbledon Hawks

Marc Cashman – Wimbledon Hawks

Jordan Wynne – Wimbledon Hawks

Will Worthington – London Swans

Ryan Spivey – Sussex Swans Australian Rules Football Club

Sam Willatt – Footscray Bulldogs

Ross Ashman – Manly Warringah Giants

Ryan Floyd – Heidelberg West Football Club – Celebrating 80 Years

Olly Smith – University of Queensland Australian Football Club

Sam Pitman – East Malvern Football Club

Dominic Mitchell – Power House Amateur Football Club

Luke Matias – Caulfield Grammarians Football Club

James Anthony Trigg – Lara Sporting Club Football Section

Adam Ballard – Caulfield Bears

Adam Coxsell – Caulfield Bears

Sean Walton – Caulfield Bears

Luke Murchie – Caulfield Bears

Inti Aburto – Tasman Football Club

 

Support Staff

Guy Titman

Hilary Wilson

Millie Morgan

Charley Dakin

Simon Vardy

 

Congratulations to all involved and good luck to those selected for the final squad next August.

 

Original source – the AFL England website at: http://www.aflengland.org/ωp=1599

 

  ...

Coyotes Bite Tigers – CNFA

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After two completed rounds of the CNFA 2016/17 season, the Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes have cleared out to a handsome lead. They sit on top of the ladder with two wins from two starts and a very healthy percentage after a huge win against the Perpignan Tigers.

The Tigers came to Paris determined to take the game up to the Coyotes, but the home team was switched on from the beginning. By half time they led by a whopping 96 points, having shut the game down early. From there, the run to the final siren went much the same way. The clinical skills in a last quarter that yielded 60 points to nil underlined the strength of the Coyotes.


Quarter Time: Coyotes 48 Tigers 8
Half Time: Coyotes 107 Tigers 11
Three Quarter Time: Coyotes 117 Tigers 25
Final Score: Coyotes 177 d Tigers 25

The third round of the competition gets under way next weekend, 5th November, and concludes on the following weekend. Matches will be played in Paris, Lyon and Toulouse.

The Paris Cockatoos will host the Bordeaux Bombers, both desperate for a win. The Paris Cockerels travel to Lyon to tackle the ALFA Lions in an important match for both. The round will be completed with the Toulouse derby when the Hawks take on new siblings the Blagnac Aviators.

Round 2 Ladder:

Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes - 8 (% 250.9)
Bordeaux Bombers – 5 (105.7)
Perpignan Tigers – 5 (42.9)
ALFA Lions – 4 (437.5)
Paris Cockerels – 4 (152.5)
Toulouse Hawks – 2 (46.7)
Paris Cockatoos – 1 (83.7)
Blagnac Aviators – 1 (63.3 ...

Hawthorn Snares Another Irish Talent

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In this article from Travis King on the www.afl.com.au website, Hawthorn’s post season list changes have included the addition of another young Irishman to accompany their other Irish player Conor Glass.

HAWTHORN has signed its second Irish rookie in 12 months, luring emerging Gaelic football and rugby star Conor Nash to Waverley.

As reported by AFL.com.au in August last year, the Hawks have been circling Nash for some time and the talented Irishman has finally joined the club.

 

The youngster, who hails from Navin about 45 minutes north-west of Dublin, will link up with the Hawks when pre-season training begins next month.

 

Blessed with height, pace and natural athleticism, Nash is set to learn AFL craft as a key defender. 

"I'll learn the trade there hopefully and then they'll maybe look later down the line a bit more forward," Nash told the club's website. 

"Key back, especially having the rugby background with tackling and stuff like that, should be all right." 

Nash has visited Hawthorn to train with the squad three times since he was first spotted by Hawks recruiting and special projects manager Mark McKenzie three years ago. 

He will follow in the footsteps of Northern Irish prospect Conor Glass, who signed with the Hawks last October. 

Glass, a running half-back with tidy skills, played in seven games for Box Hill's reserves this season, including the VFL development league premiership victory over Casey Scorpions, treading a path Nash will soon follow. 

"It's wonderful to have him (Glass) there, you can relate different things from Ireland to him," Nash said. 

"He's good craic as well. It's massive to have him go before me, being able to see the path before me and the process it takes and how long it takes. 

"I've just been following his footsteps." 

Nash is already an accomplished kick of the Sherrin and is keen to get to work learning master coach Alastair Clarkson's game-plan. 

"The oval ball wasn't too bad because I play rugby," he said. "But I suppose positioning and all that will come with a lot of time and a lot of work." 

It is as yet unclear whether Nash has been signed as a Category B international rookie. 

Under AFL rules, clubs can sign one Irish player directly to their rookie list as a Category B international, which the Hawks used to sign up Glass last year. 

Any further Irish players added to the list must be signed as Category A rookies and sit on the main rookie list, with their club forfeiting its last pick in that year's rookie draft. 

The Hawks have been willing to take a punt on international players in recent times, with mixed results. 

Former New Zealand basketballer Kurt Heatherley broke new ground as the first born-and-bred Kiwi to play AFL this season when he made his debut in round 20 against Melbourne. 

However, his compatriot Shem Tatupu quit Hawthorn in March after two seasons at Waverley and joined rugby league club Melbourne Storm.

Original article can be found at: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-10-30/hawthorn-doubles-up-on-the-irish-conors-in-signing-conor-nash

 

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Tahs’ Resurrection Continues – NTFL

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Whilst the Saints and Tigers had big wins on the weekend, and Crocs continued to build their season, it was the Waratah team that had tongues wagging as they won their third match from four starts and made last year’s horror season a distant memory.

The weekend’s first match saw St Mary’s dish out a lesson in football desperation and tactics when they hammered the Tiwi Bombers by 103 points. The contest was effectively done by half time with the Saints holding a 10 goal lead. Despite kicking the first couple of goals in the final quarter, Tiwi just couldn’t get back into the game – the Saints pressure causing turnovers throughout the game and leading to continual scoring options.

Final Score: St Mary’s 26 14 170 d Tiwi Bombers 9 13 67


Waratah and Palmerston played a tight tussle with less than two goals separating the sides for most of the match. Palmerston saw an opportunity to get their season back on track after back to back losses, whilst Waratah were keen to keep their impressive start to the season rolling. In the end, Waratah found that little extra to pull away when it mattered and record a relatively comfortable 23 point win with the only two goals of the final quarter.

Final Score: Waratah 11 12 78 d Palmerston 8 7 55

Southern Districts Crocs did what they had to do to hold of the Darwin Buffaloes. Always seemingly in control, yet never looking likely to run away with the game either, the Crocs were good enough to control play enough for a 33 point win. It keeps the Crocs in a healthy position in second place on the ladder, just a game and some percentage behind the Tigers. For the Buffaloes, a team which promised so much last season, they remain winless and in serious danger of a season more about avoiding the cellar that fighting for finals.

Final Score: Southern Districts 19 10 124 d Darwin Buffaloes 14 7 91

The match of the round, on paper beforehand, appeared to be the rising Tigers up against the consistent Wanderers. It was the battle for top spot with the winner being the only undefeated team. After a reasonably evenly contested first quarter, the Tigers unleashed an eight goal to two second quarter to break the game open. They finished the game keeping Wanderers scoreless in the last quarter, which in itself is a warning signal. Nightcliff have now sent a message that the improvement last year was the start and the sky is now the limit.

Final Score: Nightcliff 23 17 155 d Wanderers 7 8 50

Next weekend’s games will see the Buffaloes take on the rampant Tigers, the Bombers hosting the Crocs, Waratah clash with the Saints and the Magpies meeting Wanderers ...

Irish Don Signs New Deal After List Promotion

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Travis King from www.afl.com.au reports that Essendon’s young Irish recruit, Conor McKenna, has signed a new deal which will see him on the Essendon senior list for 2017. The signing provides a great platform for McKenna to launch a long-term career with the Bombers. 

NORTHERN Irish speedster Conor McKenna will remain at Essendon next season after inking a fresh one-year deal. 

After playing 12 games this season, the former Category B rookie has also been rewarded with elevation to the senior list in 2017.

McKenna has shown some positive signs playing in defence and attack since he burst onto the scene with a goal from his first kick in the AFL against Richmond in round 22 last year.

The 20-year-old played the final eight games this season, gathering a career-best 22 touches and booting two majors against Gold Coast in round 21. 

"I've really enjoyed my time at the Bombers so far and am looking forward to what we can achieve under Woosha's (John Worsfold) leadership," McKenna said.

"Since arriving at the club, I've worked really closely with the coaches to fast-track my development as much as possible and am really happy with the way things are progressing. 

"I've learnt a lot this season, and I can't wait to get back into training ready for 2017." 

The County Tyrone product hails from a Gaelic football background and has impressed the Bombers with his athleticism. 

"Conor is an exciting and powerful player with a natural athletic talent who has worked really hard to understand and learn our game," Worsfold said. 

"We were particularly pleased with his form in the VFL this season and the last couple of weeks in the AFL so we are looking forward to what he can produce for 2017 and beyond. 

"He always brings plenty of energy and intensity with his exceptional speed and endurance and we believe Conor has a bright future as a Bomber." 

McKenna has played 14 games and booted five goals.

Original article can be found at: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-11-03/irish-bomber-conor-mckenna-signs-new-deal ...

Dutch Delegation Unlocking Secrets of AFL Football

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In the following article by Peter Ryan on the www.afl.com.au website, the visit of a trade delegation from the Netherlands has been undertaken to explore the role of the game within sectors of Australian society. Whilst their aims seem to have a broader scope than simply sport, or indeed Australian Rules football in the Netherlands, it is interesting that our game is considered a potential blueprint for other nations to follow.

A HIGH-LEVEL trade delegation from the Netherlands visited AFL House on Friday, keen to understand Australian football's place in the community. 

 

The delegation included the Dutch Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr Henk Kamp, the Deputy Director of European and International Affairs, Ms Yvette van Eechoud, and officials from various Dutch sports including the Royal Dutch Football Federation. 

 They met AFL general managers of football operations, Mark Evans, corporate affairs, Liz Lukin, and game development, Simon Lethlean, to hear about competitive balance, the game's place in Australian culture and the reach of community football and the development of the women's competition.  

The Netherlands are regarded as pioneers in soccer, particularly in the area of talent development with their concept of total football leading the Dutch to three World Cup finals. 

The CEO of the Royal Dutch Football Federation’s Academy, Mr Jen Dirk van der Zee, felt their game could learn from some of the innovations occurring in Australian football. 

The visit was part of a wider trade mission led by the King and Queen of Holland throughout Australia and New Zealand, who former Fremantle footballer Matt de Boer met at an official function in Canberra on Tuesday as his grandparents emigrated from Holland in 1952. 

De Boer, who played 138 games for the Dockers before being delisted at the end of this season, has a commerce degree and is looking to study for an MBA.

The original article can be found at : http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-11-05/dutch-delegation-visits-afl-headquarters

 

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Dragons Too Good For Kangaroos

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The Dubai Dragons have righted their ship somewhat after their clash with the Doha Kangaroos. After going down last start to the Multiplex Bulls in their opening clash of the season, the Dragons were determined to bounce back hard, and did.The final score saw the Dubai Dragons winning 15 13 103 to the Doha Kangaroos 6 4 40, increasing their lead at every change.

The Dragons got away well in the first quarter with four unanswered goals to set up a solid 23 point lead. By half time they had effectively closed out the game kicking another six goals to two. An inaccurate third quarter still saw them advance their lead. The Kangaroos put up a spirited fight in the final quarter, but to no avail as the Dragons ran out 63 point victors.
Quarter Time: Dragons 4 1 25 v Kangaroos 0 2 2
Half Time: Dragons 10 4 64 v Kangaroos 2 2 14
Three Quarter Time: Dragons 12 10 82 v Kangaroos 3 3 21

Final Score: Dubai Dragons 15 13 103 defeated Doha Kangaroos 6 4 40

The win was important for the Dragons to get them back on level pegging with the leading teams, the Bulls and Falcons. It was a disappointing start for the Kangaroos but they are sure to regroup ready for their next clash.

For all information about the AFL Middle East competition, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/AFLME/ ...

1st National Australian Football Championships of Pakistan.

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This article is from AFL Pakistan, edited by Harley Vague. 

The 1st National Australian Football Championship of Pakistan where held on 27th~28th October 2016 played at the  Jinnah Stadium ,Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad. Ten teams from all over Pakistan participated. The final match was played between the Islamabad Tigers and the Rawalpindi Loins.

In attendance was the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan as chief guest and well as the Ambassador of Tajikistan, the Ambassador of Portugal and diplomats from Russia, Brazil, Oman and other dignitaries.

Kashif Bouns presented for AFL Australia and did commentary on the match. The final Match was live telecast on Pakistan National Sports TV around the world on 28th Oct 2016.

The Islamabad Tigers starred on their first outing showing fabulous clean ball skills, gut running and determination to overcome the  Rawalpindi Lions. Despite the hot weather the boys ran out the game well and before an enthusiastic crowd gaining the admiration of many locals and expats. 

Jurek Juszczyk, the Australian High Commissioner (a Saints fan) has supported the efforts in developing organized sports for Pakistani youth. He marveled at the skills the boys showed on their first official outing during the National championship. The Islamabad Tigers won a closely fought encounter with a 20-25 points scoreline.

The Pakistan Football League is developing under the administration of President Mr Tayyab Chatta. This story is more than just a footnote in Pakistan Football. AFL Pakistan is in the process of organising a team for the 2017 International Cup. We hope to have to have more news on that situation soon.

...

It’s Getting Crowded At The Top – CNFA

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Victories this weekend to both the ALFA Lions and the Paris Cockatoos has created a very interesting battle for places in the top four. The situation will become even tighter regardless of the result next weekend.

The Lions have leapt to the top of the CNFA Ladder on eight points just ahead of the Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes also on eight. Behind them, the Bordeaux Bombers sit in third place on six points with the Paris Cockatoos and Paris Cockerels as well as the Perpignan Tigers fighting for fourth place on five.

Round Two will wrap up next weekend with either the Toulouse Hawks winning to jump into fourth place or the Blagnac Aviators surprising the Hawks and joining the logjam for fourth place.


It would be just the result the CNFA wanted with all teams competitive and a realistic finals chance.

The ALFA Lions have surprised everyone this season. A draw that saw them hosting past powerhouses, the Cockerels and Hawks, has seen the Lyon club score two enormous victories – not just on the scoreboard but in terms of the calibre of opposition. Their 85 to 11 win over the Paris Cockerels was achieved in pouring rain, further highlighting how they were able to adjust to a situation and take advantage of it.

In recent seasons the Firesharks Montpellier, Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes and Paris Cockatoos have improved on inauspicious beginnings or simply enjoyed immediate success to reach grand finals. The Perpignan Tigers have found a pleasing consistency and now the Lions are in a position to enjoy finals success with two important wins and winnable games across their remaining draw.

The Paris Cockatoos and Bordeaux Bombers played out a thriller, winning in the end by just 11 points. But the game see-sawed all day. The Cockatoos led by one point (27-26) at quarter time before the Bombers came back to take a seven point lead to the main break (42-49). The Cockatoos edged ahead by the final change, leading by five points (62-57) before holding on in a tight finish to win 13 12 90 to 11 13 79.

The loss continues a solid if unlucky start for the Bordeaux Bombers. Their first round victory has been followed by fighting losses to both Paris teams.

Whilst the Hawks and Aviators will complete this round, teams are now looking towards a fascinating Round Four later this month when the Coyotes will meet the Hawks, a desperate Tigers will seek redemption against the Bombers and in what looms as the almost unlikely match of the round, the Cockatoos will host the rampant Lions.

There is much to like about French footy at the momen ...

Employment Opportunity - AFL PNG Development - Operations Mentor

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An excellent footy development opportunity is available in Port Moresby, PNG.
 
* Combine 2 things you have experience in - AFL and running a business operation
* Support the local staff in efficient and effective reporting, stakeholder relationships, finance and business processes
* Sounds great doesn't it? Download the assignment description for details and apply online
Advertisement Code 10534761
 
Sector Management/Admin/HR
 
Duration  - 12 months

 

Application Close Date - Nov. 21, 2016

Country  Papua New Guinea

 

Program AVID

More details here - https://avid.avi.org.au/opportunities/10534761/ 

Contact

For enquiries, contact Ann Ray on aray@avi.org.au or +61 3 9279 1707. All applications must be submitted online. ...

Pressure Builds For Bombers, Buffaloes & Pies

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The NTFL season is beginning to get away from some of the teams in the lower reaches of the ladder. With just five rounds of eighteen completed, the Darwin Buffaloes and Tiwi Bombers are winless. They both sit three games away from the top five already. The Palmerston Magpies have fared little better with just one win – a narrow eight point first round win against the hapless Bombers.

It is way too early to be writing any team off, but history suggests that a 0-5 or even 1-4 start to a season is very hard to come back from. Most worrying has been the gulf in scores, and this weekend’s round illustrates that.

The Magpies went down to Wanderers by 67 points and the Buffaloes went down to the rampant Nightcliff by 73 points. Tiwi Bombers were gallant against the Southern District Crocs, going down in the end by 23 points after clawing back a bigger margin with a six goal last quarter in front of a home crowd.


Already the top five teams have a two game buffer from the bottom three and whilst none can afford to drop off the pace, each of the top five teams must be feeling confident already that finals are firmly on the radar.

The Nightcliff Tigers continued their charge to flag favouritism, hammering the Buffaloes and remaining undefeated. Only a narrow percentage advantage places Wanderers above the Crocs in second and third place, both boasting four wins from five starts. St Marys gave Waratah a nasty reality check with a 103 point walloping of the improved Tahs. They are both in the five with three wins each. Then there is daylight between them and the ‘Pies.

Next weekend’s round will answer more questions. In the battle for the bottom of the ladder, the Buffaloes and Bombers clash. Waratah have a tough encounter with the Tigers and Palmerston has to face the rapidly improving St Mary’s. The match of the round on paper shapes as the Wanderers match against the Southern Districts Crocs in a game which will certainly shape the makeup of the top five.

Weekend Results:

Nightcliff Tigers 20 13 133 d Darwin Buffaloes 9 6 60

Southern Districts Crocs 16 13 109 d Tiwi Bombers 12 14 86

St Mary’s Saints 17 21 123 d Waratah Warriors 2 8 20

Wanderers Eagles 14 12 96 d Palmerston Magpies 4 5 ...
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