Player of the Week – Natascha May

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AFL EUROPE PLAYER OF THE WEEK (UK/ROW)

Each week AFL Europe is profiling a European player and finding out how they got into the great game of Aussie Rules and a bit about themselves. If you’d like a profile or know of someone who would, then email admin@afleurope.org to receive a question sheet.

This week’s player profile is on Natascha May from the South East London Giants. Natascha has only been playing the game for a year and a half and found out about the game through a friend who wanted to spend more time together. The ruck with South African and German heritage is relishing her time at the Giants and will be hoping they go far in the AFL London Women’s finals coming up in a few weeks. Best of luck for the rest of the season Natascha.

 

Name:

Natascha May

Club:

South East London Giants

Nationality:

South African/German

What position do you play?

Ruck

How did you find out about AFL?

My Aussie friend Amelia recommended I attend training with the giants as a way for us to catch up and see each other more regularly.

How long have you been playing for?

1.5 years

What is your memory of your first Aussie Rules game?

Our first game was a preseason friendly with the Wandsworth Demons. It was a really cold, wet London morning and I had no idea what I was doing. The game was a lot of fun and I knew afterwards that I would love playing AFL.

Best AFL moment?

My best AFL moment so far was playing with the Giants at the London preseason cup that we hosted this year. Our team managed to win 3 of our 4 games and in doing so, we managed to beat all the London ladies teams. It was a really great experience for myself and my teammates and despite the bad weather and playing in swamp-like conditions, we had so much fun! We missed out on the grand final because our percentage was beaten by one of the other teams but we felt like winners at the end of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday Around the Grounds

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Around the Grounds

4th time lucky for Kingdom Kangaroos

The monkey is off the back for the Kingdom Kangaroos in Season 2016 after notching up their first victory against the Falkirk Silverbacks in the AFL Scotland Premiership.

After starting the season with three straight defeats the Kangaroos showed they can still have impact in the Scottish League with a commanding 174 to 29 victory. They’ll be hoping to continue this momentum into their next game when they take on the Greater Glasgow Giants.

 

AFL Sweden pushing for growth

AFL Sweden is conducting its very first nationwide membership drive over a three week period from Friday the 24th of June to Sunday the 7th of August.

They’re targeting to reach 600 members with each club in competition to see who can recruit the most members during the three-week campaign.

If you or anyone you know might be interested, then jump over to the AFL Sweden Facebook page or contact them via their website.

http://www.aflsweden.se/2/index.php

https://www.facebook.com/aflsweden/?fref=ts

 

AFL Scotland seeking Head Coach for the Scottish Sirens

AFL Scotland is taking expressions of interest for the role of Coach for the Scottish Ladies National Team to prepare for the upcoming Euro Cup in October and beyond.

For further information, please email secretary@aflscotland.org.

 

Paris Cockatoos claim CNFA Premiership

The Paris Cockatoos are the champions of France after clinching victory from minor premiers, the Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes. In what proved a nail-biting affair the Cockatoos ran out the match harder in the final 10 minutes and this cemented the difference. The final scorecard read 110-90 in favour of the new Parisian outfit.

The ‘Toos take the title from big brothers, the Paris Cockerels, in what signifies a shift in power for the clubs in the CNFA.

The day was hosted by the Bordeaux Bombers and ran seamlessly in what was a beautiful day for Aussie Rules. Congratulations to both sides for their valiant efforts and we look forward to following the CNFA in what is fast becoming one of the premier competitions in Europe.

COCKS

 

Ex-AFL star makes ARFLI debut

The Galway Magpies of the ARFLI had a new member to shower in Gatorade at the weekend with former AFL and Collingwood FC star Marty Clarke making his debut at the Belfast carnival.

Clarke’s Magpies beat the home side, the Belfast Redbacks, by 17 points before overcoming the South Dublin Swans by a mere 4 points in an exciting second game.

With 73 games AFL experience with the Collingwood Magpies it would be great to see Marty strutting his stuff in the ARFLI week-in week-out. Who knows, we may even see him don the Irish jumper in upcoming tournaments.

Full article:

Marty Clarke makes ARFLI debut

Marty Clarke

 

 

 

 

AFL Europe Match of the Round

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CNFA Grand Final – Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes v Paris Cockatoos – Bordeaux 25/6/16

The Euros have taken centre stage in France over the past couple of weeks but this weekend all eyes will be on the CNFA Grand Final hosted by the Bordeaux Bombers. Stade Robert Monseau will play host to the Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes and the Paris Cockatoos in a battle of the ages in which a new champion will be crowned as the much coveted, CNFA Premiers.

The Coyotes finished the regular season as Minor Premiers, claiming top spot by 3 points ahead of the Parisian pair, the Cockerels and the Cockatoos. They won through to the Grand Final with a 4-point win over the fourth-placed, Toulouse Hawks, in what proved a far tougher game then the minor premiers would’ve liked. The Cockatoos had a massive semi-final showdown in Paris against big brothers and 2014/15 Premiers, the Cockerels. Many expected the Cockatoos to fall short to their more established rivals but grit and determination shone through with a hard-fought 27-point victory.

Both teams will be experiencing a Grand Final for the first time, so the team that settles the nerves first will be a good shout to carry on with the victory. The Coyotes go in with the knowledge that they were the best team all season, however, the Cockatoos were the only team to knock off the Minor Premiers, giving them a slight psychological advantage.

The Coyotes boast a number of players from the French national team and have three of the best from the ANZAC Day showdown with Australia earlier this year in Max, Herve and Billy. Keep an eye on long kicking defender, Kevin, who can be a real game-changer with his run and carry off the halfback line.

The Cockatoos are strengthened by their midfield depth with four quality Frenchmen rotating through the engine room in Dagois, Bouchet, Daniel and Leyson. First use of the footy is crucial so this midfield depth could be a real focal point for the boys from Paris. The Cockatoos rugby connections, Jacob and Kevin, are normally away with work commitments on a Saturday by have shown real promise for recent converts and could prove the difference.

A full day of Aussie Rules action has been organised for the culmination of the CNFA 2015/16 season. A friendly, mixed gender curtain raiser is being played along with a soiree following the Grand Final.

Regardless of the result it’s going to be great seeing two new teams contesting for the top prize the CNFA have to offer. The Bordeaux Bombers and CNFA have organised an amazing day for all to enjoy. This one is expected to be a nail-biter, best of luck to all involved.

Coaches Thoughts – (Hervé Desjardin), Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes

“This game is the result of a long and interesting season. As the Coyotes’ coach, it was my objective to reach the Grand Final. We are going to play against the only team that has beat us during the 2015/2016 Season which will add a little spice to the match. We are clearly the outsider of this event as many of the Cockatoos were part of the 2015 Cockerels premiership team. We are going to give this game 100% and we hope to offer a great game to all our supporters. We are going to focus on our strengths and values: abnegation and determination ! Go Coyotes !”

Coaches Thoughts – Andrew Unsworth, Paris Cockatoos

“Creating a new team was always going to be a bit of a risk… but this group has put all that to bed by reaching the grand final! Hopefully we can go one better against an impressive Cergy outfit that travels well and is always up for a contest. Will be a great day for French footy with the girls also playing. Can’t wait!”

 

 

 

 

Member Offer Thursday

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Member Offer Thursday – O’Neill’s Apparel

This week’s member offer is from our sports manufacturing partners, O’Neill’s. O’Neill’s is 100% Irish owned and is nearing 100 years of operation. This year AFL Europe and O’Neill’s have partnered and are able to offer our community the following offers:

  • Customised Guernsey, shorts, Socks, Half Zip Tracksuit top, Skinny/Berne Tracksuit Bottom – £98.50 includes VAT
  • (extra crest embroidery £2.50 per item)
  • Purchase your Boots, Customisable Footy & Travel Bags, Mouth Guards, & Training gear as well!

https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/afl-europe.html#/shop-by-team/afl-europe.html?&no_cache=1&p=1

 

Player of the Week – Coline Duquet

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Each week AFL Europe is profiling a European player and finding out how they got into the great game of Aussie Rules and a bit about themselves. If you’d like a profile or know of someone who would, then email admin@afleurope.org to receive a question sheet.

This week’s player profile is on French ruck, Coline Duquet. Coline first fell in love with the game of AFL on a study exchange in Sydney, Australia, where she played for the University side. She has been a member of the French national side for the past few years and this year represented France in both the AFL Europe Champions League and ANZAC Day clash in Villers-Bretonneux.

Coline picked up the nickname ‘Emu’ during her time in Australia and loves singing the French national anthem before her games for her country.

Well done Coline, best of luck for the rest of the season.

 

Name:

Coline Duquet

Club:

Paris Cockerels

Nationality:

French

What position do you play?

Ruck

AFL team you support:

GWS Giants

Favourite AFL player:

Jeremy Cameron

How did you find out about AFL?

I studied in Sydney, Australia for a year and played a season with UTS

How long have you been playing for?

3 years

What is your memory of your first Aussie Rules game?

It was a preseason game in Sydney, really warm weather. They put me in the midfield and I didn’t know what I was doing but I felt really welcomed in the team and knew I would love it.

Best AFL moment?

Singing the French anthem with the French national team

Any other interesting information, quirky stories or interesting things about yourself?

At a training session in Sydney, the coach said “don’t bend over like emu” which made me laugh very hard because it sounded so Australian. My nickname there was emu.

 

Tuesday Around the Grounds

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Around the Grounds

Swedish Elks and Irish Warriors release their AFL Europe Champs Squads

The Swedish Elks and Irish Warriors have released strong squads for the upcoming AFL Europe Championships taking place in London during the third week of August. Congratulations to everyone selected. We look forward to seeing these boys in action.

Team lists as follows:

Irish Warriors

Defenders

Muiris Bartley (UCC & Leeside Lions)

Sean Paul Henry (Belfast Redbacks)

Luke Hickey (UCC & Leeside Lions)

Brendan Kelly (Belfast Redbacks)

Stiofán Mac Finn (Wimbledon Hawks)

Tom McKenna (Belfast Redbacks)

Paul Murphy (UCC & Leeside Lions)

Conor O’ Halloran (Leeside Lions)

Eoin Ó Súilleabháin (Leeside Lions)

Tom Stack (Manchester Mosquitoes)

Gerard Walls (Belfast Redbacks)

 

Midfielders

Liam Burns (South Dublin Swans)

Conor Fitzgerald (Wandsworth Demons)

David McElhone (Belfast Redbacks)

Sean McGlinchey (Belfast Redbacks)

Stuart McKeating (Belfast Redbacks)

David Miller (Belfast Redbacks)

Gavin Murray (South Dublin Swans)

Kevin Young Kev O’ Brien (Wandsworth Demons)

Eoin Ó Murchú (Wandsworth Demons)

 

Forwards

Conor Fitzgerald (North London Lions)

Dominic Joyce (Leeside Lions)

Ryan McCloskey (Belfast Redbacks)

Kevin McDonnell (Galway Magpies)

David McGinty (Galway Magpies)

Kevin McSorley (Belfast Redbacks)

Kevin Old Kev O’ Brien (Wandsworth Demons)

Padraic O’ Connell (Leeside Lions)

Cóilín Ó Lordáin (Leeside Lions)

 

Standby/Emergencies

Rory O’ Donnell (UCC & Leeside Lions)

Alan Tobin (Wandsworth Demons)

 

 

Swedish Elks

Andreas Svensson – Helsingborg

Anton Tellström – Helsingborg

Jacob Lantz – Helsingborg

Hampus Olsson – Helsingborg

Jacob Nilsson – Helsingborg

Philip Nilsson – Helsingborg

Robin Nilsson – Helsingborg

Niklas Jonsson – Norrtälje

Martynas Alijosius – Norrtälje

Erik Lindqvist – Norrtälje

Gustav Svensson – Norrtälje

Buster Sund – Norrtälje

Tim Lindgren – Port Malmö

Tobias Gogu – Port Malmö

Tony Persson – Port Malmö

Jonas Lovén – Port Malmö

Christopher Mårtensson – Port Malmö

Jonas Birgén – Årsta

Mattis Kvarnström – Årsta

Oscar Magnusson – Solna

Pekka Tångström – Göteborg

Kaj Karlsson – Södermalm

 

AFL announces 8-team women’s competition for Season 2017

Last week the AFL announced a new 8-team national women’s competition for 2017. With the growth of the women’s game over the past few years this will further develop the amazing participation and exposure for women’s football.

We’re hopeful one of our talented AFL Europe women’s players will be running around on the MCG in the near future.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-06-15/eight-teams-named-for-inaugural-womens-league

 

CNFA Grand Final takes centre stage

Forget about the Euros a brand new CNFA premier will be crowned this weekend in Bordeaux when the Paris Cockatoos and Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes go head-to-head. Both teams head through to the big dance with wins two weeks ago. The Coyotes downed the Toulouse Hawks and the Cockatoos took down reigning premiers and big brother, the Paris Cockerels.

This one is set to be an absolute thriller. Keep an eye out for the match preview this Friday as AFL Europe’s ‘Match of the Round’.

 

Get your nominations in!

Nominations for the AFL Europe Championships in August and the Euro Cup in October are still open. We’d love to have as many teams as possible join in the fun at two of the biggest AFL Europe events of the year.

For further information regarding either tournament please email admin@afleurope.org

 

Another female umpire joins the ranks

Massive congratulations to Odense Lioness, Maria Falkesgarrd Jorgensen, for becoming the first Danish female field umpire during a game between the Odense Lions and Farum Cats in late May.

This is a huge achievement and a testament to Maria, the Odense Lions and the Danish Australian Football League. Keep up the good work.

Maria

Mixed results for Titans in AFL England South

The Southampton Titans had mixed results over the weekend in what was a hard fought day of footy in Brighton.

In their first game they got the W against the Surrey Stags 16.5. 101 to 1.6. 12. The tables turned when they came up against the Sussex Swans who downed the Titans 14.15. 99 to 4.5. 29.

Best on Ground for the day for the Titans was Martyn Hinchey.

Keep up the good work down in AFL England South.

Southampton Titans

Surrey Stags

Sussex Swans

AFL Europe works with DFAT to empower Women and Girls through Aussie Rules.

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The AFL footprint is extending beyond the shores of Australia at a rapid rate. Port Adelaide’s partnership in China, Europe’s continual growth in participation and the array of countries embracing Aussie Rules are increasing at a rapid rate. Countries as remote and varied as Palestine and Malta are jumping on board expanding the AFL bubble further outside of Australia.

On the 3rd of June in Palestine, The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) hosted a ‘Young Women’s Sports Day’ in the capital of Ramallah. The Australian Representative Office (ARO) in Ramallah, in cooperation with the Palestinian Olympic Committee and the Higher Council for Youth and Sport, organised the day which was attended by 11 to 16-year-old girls. AFL Europe collaborated with DFAT by sending every girl home with an Auskick pack and ball.

With expectations set at 100 girls attending, the organising committee was amazed to have 150 keen and excited participants. Girls from villages, refugee camps and sporting clubs in the West Bank area were in attendance; being even more impressive considering the mercury reached a top of 34 degrees.

Aussie Rules was a hit amongst all 150 Palestinian girls as they were put through the paces with some kicking and handballing drills before they went into a free-for-all match, with everyone joining in the fun.

The footies and Auskick packs were much appreciated souvenirs for the girls and will act as reminders of the amazing day they had learning Australia’s Game. No doubt they be making appearances around Ramallah in the near future.

Marcia Pius, Head of Office at the ARO, commented that they were “very proud to share our love of sport with the Palestinian girls, and hopes to build on our cooperation with Palestinian sports institutions and the broader community in future events”.

A enormous thank you goes to Marcia Pius, Lima Anfous, and Amani Hato in the Palestinian DFAT office for ensuring Australian Rules featured in such an amazing initiative. It was a pleasure to be able to assist in the delivery of such a special day for so many girls in Ramallah.

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Benjamin Durance

AFL Europe Match of the Round

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CEAFL Tournament 4/6/16

This week’s ‘Match of the Round’ is changing it up a little. Due to a fixture change for the CEAFL tournament which was initially meant to be held this weekend we’re going to do a review of their first tournament from the 4th of June that was held in Croatia.

The CEAFL or Central European AFL is a series of tournaments amongst countries in that region to supplement their domestic competitions.

The first tournament was held in Croatia on the 4th of June and included the teams: Zagreb Hawks, Zagreb Dockers, Zaprude Giants, Ploče Eagles, Sesvete Double Blues, Styrian Downunderdogs and the Velika Gorica Bombers.

The Zagreb Hawks won this league in both 2014 and 2015, however, this year sees a new set of favourites with the Zagreb Dockers and Zaprude Giants pushing for early favouritism.

This tournament saw teams were split into two groups.

Group 1:

  • Zagreb Hawks
  • Zaprude Giants
  • Ploče Eagles
  • Velika Gorica Bombers

Group 2:

  • Sesvete Double Blues
  • Styrian Downunderdogs
  • Zagreb Dockers

Games Review

Group 1 saw the Hawks topple the Bombers in a tight affair before giving the Ploče Eagles a tough game, winning that one by a bigger margin. The Giants won all their games and stamped their authority on the competition by letting everyone know who the favourites were in the group. Ploče edged out the Bombers for another year and locked in third place.

Final Standings:

  1. Zaprude Giant
  2. Zagreb Hawks
  3. Ploče Eagles
  4. Velika Gorica Bombers

Best on Ground:

Lenić (Giants), Galez (Giants), Mamić (Giants), Diklić (Hawks), Prtenjača (Hawks), Nedić (Bombers), Kežić (Eagles).

 

Group 2 saw the Dockers and Double Blues head to head in an absolute thriller. The Dockers kicked 2 goals in 2 minutes to edge past the Blues and claim victory. The Dockers cruised through their game with the DownUnderdogs, as did the Double Blues.

Final Standings:

  1. Zagreb Dockers
  2. Sesvete Double Blues
  3. Styrian Downunderdogs

Best on Ground:

Cvetko (Dockers), Ivoš (Dockers), Motik (Blues), Pavković (Blues), Jud (Downunderdogs), Schittegg (Downuderdogs)

Following the group stages the final series was played out. The Zaprude Giants dominated the Zagreb Dockers in the Final and proved they’ll be tough to beat in the remaining tournaments.

 

Best on Ground:

Ignacije Valečić

 

Team Reviews

Zagreb Hawks

After winning back-to-back Croatian leagues and CEAFL the Hawks lost some of their key players. Josip Habljak went to play in Sturt FC and that story is well known, Tomislav Cvetko, Croatian Knights Captain and one of the best players of the league went to play for Dockers. In this CEAFL they played without captain and best player, Jan Doležal.

Josip Kravar started to play at full forward and some rookies emerged to the team. The

Hawks were not focusing on winning the CEAFL or Croatian league, but to rebuild team with rookies in order to bring back the flag one day with young forces.
Maybe not the strongest team, but for sure most dedicated workers.

 

Zagreb Cvjetno Dockers

After the arrival of Tomislav Cvetko, the Dockers team won the Croatian league in 2015. Despite Cvetko, the Dockers have Croatian Knights in forward line that cause headaches for all team’s. Lovre Čudina, Ivan Ivoš and Tomislav Cvetko are making a difference and combined with strong midfielders (Ivan Molnar, Luka Čudina and Zvonimir Marinovic). Their strong and determined defence is what holds this team together.

Hot favourites for the CEAFL and Croatian league.

 

Zapruđe Giants

Maybe the only rivals to Dockers this year. The Giants have best midfield in this league (Murković, Lazanin, Mamić) and probably best defence led by Lenić and Galez.

They have lost Nedić as a skilful HF but compensate that with Benčić (last year’s rookie and Knights player).

Giants are strong team that can win against any other team if they play to their ability.

 

Sesvete Double Blues
After last year debut in Croatian league and CEAFL, the Blues grew into team that can play side by side with stronger teams. They lost to the Giants and Dockers in Croatian league this year due to inexperience and some rookie mistakes, but they have potential to hurt top teams.

They have a strong midfield group lead by Motik and Pavković and reliable defence with Djuran, Pecikoza and Karamatić junior. As well as this, Karamatić senior is forever dangerous in the forward line.

 

Velika Gorica Bombers

Founded by young Giant, Tomislav Nedić and Hawk, Filip Martincevic, who have given their best to start up a completely new team. Josip Josipović joined in their back line as an experienced player and gave them some confidence.

Bombers in their first year are still learning but showing a promising future with young players that work hard on and off the field.

 

Ploče Eagles

Ploče also started to play in the Croatian League and CEAFL in 2016. Found by Johnny Ante Rončević who has given his life to this club.  Youngest team in competition where midfield is led by 15-year-old players like Hrvoje Kežić, who in his first year is picked to play for Croatian Knights which proves his talent and potential.

Their strength is their unity and ability to play as a team and that is what matters. They proved to be better than Bombers in the last game and we are looking forward to watching their next game.

 

Styrian DownUnderdogs

Apart from some experienced players such as, Michi Jud and Lukas Holzegger, they’re predominantly rookies that are keen to introduce themselves into this league. They will continue to develop with the increased exposure and will hopefully stick together despite a few tough games ahead.

They haven’t won a game in Croatia for a long time and they are hoping to change this.

 

Looking Forward

The next CEAFL Cup is on the 9th of July in Graz followed by another tournament in Prague on the 10th of September.

A special thanks to Josip Kravar for provding AFL Europe with such a thorough breakdown of the first CEAFL tournament. We look forward to hearing all things footy in the future.

 

Member Offer Thursday

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Did you know that you can buy Official AFL Merchandise from shop.afl.com.au overseas?

Today’s Member Offer Thursday’s is 10% off the AFL Shop when you sign up to the newsletter.

Click here to get started!