Fitzpatrick Cup Live Stream

To watch the 2017 Fitzpatrick Cup Live by clicking HERE!

The full schedule of Live Games is as follows.

Schedule
11:00 UCC Bombers 1 v Oxford University 2
11:30 Irish Students v Cambridge University
12:00 Oxford University 1 v ARFLI Selection
12:30 Maynooth University Power v UCC Bombers 2
13:00 UCC Crusaders v Maynooth University
13:30 UCC Bombers 1 v Irish Students
14:00 UCC Crusaders v Oxford University
14:30 Ranking Game
15:00 Mens Semi Final
15:30 Women’s Final
16:00 Men’s Final

1 DAY TO GO!

AFL Europe Championships Preview

14th -20th August

The pinnacle of full format AFL in Europe has arrived. National teams from around Europe have landed in London to compete for the title of best national team in Europe. Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden and Germany will contest the men’s division while Great Britain, Ireland and a combination of players from France, Denmark and Britain will form a European Crusaders side to compete in the women’s side of the draw.

The week long tournament will be held at the home of Aussie Rules in London, Motspur Park, and runs from Sunday 14th to Saturday 20th of August. The first round of men’s matches takes place tomorrow with the Irish Warriors taking on the German Eagles at 1pm. This will be followed by the host nation, the Great Britain Bulldogs going head-to-head with the Swedish Elks at 3pm.

The men’s draw has each team play one another once before they contest the finals on the Saturday. The host nation, the Great Britain Bulldogs, along with the Irish Warriors are tipped to be the strongest sides at the triennial competition. The Bulldogs are renowned for their hard and tough style of football while the Warriors like to take the game on and use the space utilising their run-and-carry.

The Swedes and Germans are harder to get a gauge on and they’ll be real surprise packets at this tournament. Both countries have thriving domestic competitions and on their day can cause upsets to their more fancied opponents. The Elks and Eagles won’t mind the underdog tag and will work it in their favour come game day.

The women’s tournament kicks off on the Thursday with three consecutive days of fixtures culminating in the final on the Saturday. The GB Swans have set the benchmark early in 2016 with a host of victories at shorter format tournaments. The Irish girls will do their best to get the ball on the outside where they are most dangerous with their speed and skill. The biggest unknown in the women’s tournament is the European Crusaders. They’re a side made up of the most footy-mad girls from France, Scandinavia and Britain who were desperate to get a game when their countries were unable to fill a full squad. They’ll be a real unknown force in this tournament and depending on how they gel as a side could seriously contend for the top prize.

With games taking place on every other day from Sunday London will be brimming with Aussie rules action. Keep an eye out on the AFL Europe social media and website for updates and match reviews daily.

The full tournament schedule:

Sunday 14th August

  • 1pm Irish Warriors v German Eagles
  • 3pm GB Bulldogs v Swedish Elks

Tuesday 16th August

  • 4pm German Eagles v Swedish Elks
  • 6pm GB Bulldogs v Irish Warriors

Thursday 18th August

  • 1:30pm GB Swans v Irish Banshees
  • 2:15pm Irish Banshees v European Crusaders
  • 3pm European Crusaders v GB Swans
  • 4pm Irish Warriors v Swedish Elks
  • 6pm GB Bulldogs v German Eagles

Friday 19th August

  • 11:30am Irish Banshees v European Crusaders
  • 12:15pm GB Swans v Irish Banshees
  • 1pm European Crusaders v GB Swans

Saturday 20th August

  • 12:40pm Men’s third place P/O
  • 2:30pm Women’s final
  • 4pm Men’s final

 

 

 

Ben Durance

 

 

EC16 Umpires Preview

Every three years the AFL Europe hosts its premier tournament – the European Championships. Teams compete to assert their dominance and claim bragging rights against their European counterparts. The tournament also serves to provide valuable 18-a-side (“full format”) experience in preparation for the International Cup in the following year.

 

In the lead up to this year’s tournament in London, we’ll be focusing on each team and assessing their build up to the tournament.

 

This time ‘round, we will take a look at the third team – the umpiring team.

 

What’s happened since The Gathering in Dublin, 2013?

Quite a lot, actually.

 

Last time ‘round, the team dealt with (and benefited from the experience of) all manner of things – squally weather, a few bust-ups and ultimately quite a few achieved their Level 1 accreditation.

 

The latter point was quite pleasing as these umpires had worked quite hard to achieve this competency and all are now working towards their Level 2. The benefit of this is two-fold: the umpiring community is stronger and umpires have confidence in our umpiring pathway. Umpires in Europe can achieve AFL-recognised accreditation and the game benefits as a result.

 

Participating every other day was likely the most difficult aspect about both Dublin and Denmark/Sweden 2010. Ideal recovery and nutrition is critical. The team has learned a great deal about this and we hope to implement our prior learning this time ‘round.

 

Since Dublin, we’ve run three workshops and fifteen teleconferences.

 

We go over all the critical things an umpire needs to know in our teleconferences – from correct positioning, protecting the ball player, paying the first free kick, enjoying the umpire’s role and game sense. That last one takes a while to master – knowing when the players just want to play footy helps to know when to let it go and when to take control. Here’s an example of a game day plan for umpires – which is not dissimilar to something a game day plan that a coach would prepare.

 

There’s more info about the AFL Europe Umpire Development Programmes to be found in our Umpiring Portal.

 

Ok, so what is umpiring all about anyway?

It’s like real estate, really.

 

Umpiring is all about position, position, POSITION! Can’t see it, can’t pay it.

 

Though you will run more than a midfielder as a field umpire, it doesn’t mean you have to be an elite athlete. Sure it helps, but what’s more important is to read the play, anticipate what will happen next and either get moving before it happens or work the angles if you get caught short.

 

Arc the packs. Don’t walk if you’re the controlling umpire. Trigger.

 

Want to know more? Check out the basics of positioning in General Play and at Set Plays.

 

Like to see a demonstration? Here’s a good example and another. This one is particularly pleasing for the umpire’s work rate, what was let go and what was paid.

 

But surely you need to know the Laws?

Ok, sure.

 

But in your first game, no-one’s expecting you to know some obscure double goal Law (Law 12.4), the intricacies of a player count (Law 5.5) or the restriction for more than one player on the mark (Law 16.1). You just need a bit of confidence – and to blow that whistle prompt and strong! We call this the Blow Show GO! Having a basic guide helps.

 

If you’ve played before, you’ve got a reasonable gut feeling about what’s unsafe, so pay it. The big ones are high, in the back, hold, trip, unduly rough play (a prime example is Yates v Dermie in the ’89 final) and a good umpire penalises those ones every time. Pay the warranted ones that you see – don’t guess, don’t pay 50/50, generally look after the player making the ball their sole intent.

 

As an umpire develops, then we’re looking for them to get more of a handle on the rest of the Prohibited Contact Law 15.4.5 and to build their rapport with players. They’re also tasked with better understanding the fairness and flow laws, like holding the ball and advantage respectively. The most common decision for an umpire is Law 17 – Play On.

 

So there’s no chance a first year umpire will have reviewed all 22 Laws – it would be an unreasonable expectation. This is one of the reasons we want first year umpires to shadow more experienced umpires for a while and then try it out with someone experienced up the other end.

 

What we do want to see is for the first year umpire to have a foundational understanding of the Spirit of the Laws. This (and the holding the ball flowchart) is the essence of our Level 0 course.

 

As umpires start to become more confident then yes, we would like them to start reviewing the Laws of Australian Football (Europe) more deeply. With their umpire coordinator, the umpire should start with Laws 15 and 19, expand out to Laws 14, 16 and 17, then onto Laws 13, 18 and 20, finishing with Laws 10, 11 and 12. There’s more background around how to approach this on our Laws page.

 

Beyond that, the umpire should attempt the AFL Level 1 course, which we convene according to interest. The umpire undertakes the online theory module and is then assessed and coached during game day conditions. There are also courses available for umpire assessors.

 

And do umpires keep a count of Free Kicks?

No chance.

 

An umpire at Level 1 or beyond is coached only about the unwarranted ones they paid and the warranted ones they missed. But there’s no point dwelling on it in the moment – this is the other part of Blow Show Go – let it go and assess it after the game is done. Main thing here is that a count of free kicks paid to each team has no meaningful basis or coaching outcomes.

 

Top performing umpires use a diary to self-assess.

 

Whilst it’s important to note one or two areas for improvement, umpires are guided to also note their strengths. Think of the set of umpiring skills like a toolbox. Once an umpire has mastered the art of – let’s say bouncing the football – that’s a tool they can draw out of the toolbox when needed – i.e. to restart play. Focus on only a couple of things each week in training – balancing out maintaining strengths and improving another area to maintain motivation. Umpire coaches can use the feedback form when assessing game day performance.

 

It’s important as an umpire to develop an ability to cope with disappointment. As the mistakes an umpire makes are magnified out of proportion to the mistakes made by players, captains and coaches have a responsibility to foster a positive relationship with umpires. Umpires are human after all.

 

As a community, it is important that we remember that within the first three years, we lose about half of our umpires because of negative feedback from players, spectators or coaches. Being able to let a bad decision go becomes paramount. A positive training and coaching environment for the umpire is also important.

 

The best umpires have positive communication with players and have the integrity to put their hands up when they’ve made a mistake – but the decision stands and the game goes on.

 

What if I wanted to start umpiring, but I’m not quite ready for field umpiring?

Have a go at goal or boundary umpiring.

 

Boundary umpiring is great for teaching you anticipation, positioning and decision making. Goal umpiring likewise, with the added responsibility of scoring decisions. With all three umpiring disciplines, collaboration is key to getting the correct decision.

 

We have some foundational information about Goal Umpiring. There’s also some good examples of goal umpire positioning, with a summary. And this example is just exquisite!

 

We also have some what’s your decision examples about Boundary Umpiring. And there are some handy tips on the art of the throw in.

 

Lots of umpire coordinators have found benefit in introducing umpires to the craft via boundary or goal umpiring.

 

Have a read about how others have approached this. Explaining the basic idea of Australian Football is another great place to start. Struggling? If you truly love Australian Football, this one will truly raise the hairs on the back of your neck!

 

Do you have many female umpires?

Yep, absolutely!

 

Following on in the footsteps of Chelsea Roffey and Eleni Glouftsis, there are many ladies across Europe umpiring our great game.

 

The 2016 AFL London season saw a first for female football. As part of a three-umpire system, two of our ladies took control of the Wimbledon v Wandsworth Round 5 match. Indeed, all three field umpires who officiated that match are in their first year of umpiring. We have no doubt that Kate, Lisa and Chris will go onto great things.

 

We are seeing a lot of talented female umpires emerge across Europe. This is down to the important efforts of our umpire coordinators in each league. Just a few examples of our ladies umpiring include:

 

  • Goal umpiring as an initial taster in Denmark;
  • Shadowing more experienced field umpires in Sweden;
  • Coming to our courses and giving umpiring a go in France; and
  • Many more.

Australian Football in Europe is as diverse as the region in which we play. It’s just so pleasing to see female umpires right there in the mix. You’ll see some of our ladies during the tournament.

 

So how is the third team going to umpire in London?

To the best of their ability 😀

 

Seriously though, I’d expect that the umpires push themselves beyond their comfort zone, whilst still paying only the warranted decisions that they see. They will certainly not guess at decisions if unsighted! Once the decision is paid, it sticks. No benefit in arguing it as the decision won’t change and you might concede 50m. Stay disciplined. Focus on the next act of play as regardless of your argument, nothing’s going to change that decision.

 

Our umpires will interpret (in accordance with the Spirits) the Laws of Australian Football (Europe) to their level of capability around the concepts of safety, fairness and flow.

 

The umpiring team are not only looking to support this tournament well, but they’re also looking to put their best foot forward to be selected for International Cup 2017. In that respect, I trust you will wish them well in their endeavours to represent AFL Europe.

 

And who is the third team for the 2016 European Championships?

The following umpires are confirmed to take part in the 2016 European Championships in London: Geoff Pascoe, Brenton Kanowski, Joshua Davey, Oscar Ayyadi, John Enright, Ian Kafka, Lisa Wilson, Rob Fielder, Emily Hardisty, Phil Crow, Tobias Siegel and Berengere Portal.

 

I trust that each will seek to exceed their own personal ambitions and do the umpiring team proud. No doubt everyone is looking forward to seeing who is named as the Golden Whistle winner, for the best performed umpire of the tournament.

 

Shane Hill

Head of Umpiring and Community

#thethirdteam

 

AFL Europe Match of the Round

SARFL Grand Final – Greater Glasgow Giants v Glasgow Sharks

It’s an all Glasgow showdown in the Scottish Australian Rules Football League (SARFL) this weekend. Linlithgow Rugby Club is backing up to host the season finale with a 2pm bounce scheduled.

The Glasgow Sharks won through to the grand final with an 11-point win over archrivals, the Edinburgh Bloods, in last weekend’s preliminary final. The Sharks finished in 3rd place with 4 wins from 6 games.

The Greater Glasgow Giants have been the benchmark of the SARFL in season 2016 and won automatic qualification for the grand final after claiming the minor premiership at the end of the regular season. They won’t need any extra motivation going into this game after going down in last year’s final.

The two sides have only met once so far this season which was at the start of June where the Giants got over the Sharks in a 6-point win. If this game is anything to go by then Saturdays final should be an absolute thriller.

Both sides will go in near full strength, however, the Giants were left shattered after key player and ruckmen, Mark Townsend, broke his leg in the last game of the season. His tap-work and presence in the middle of the park will be sorely missed by the minor premiers.

The Giants will be best served tomorrow by former Scotland captain, Ross Thomson, last year’s joint SARFL Best and Fairest winner, Dougie Smith and young Scottish half-forward Keir Wotherspoon

The Sharks will be looking for captain and fullback, Andy Butler to hold down the fort in the backline. Andrew McManus is a lively type in front of goals for the Sharks and he’ll need to be kept in check by the Giants if they want a chance to win this game. Also keep an eye out for James Hancock and Alexander Clark to have big games after running into some hot form at the business end of the season.

The all Glasgow final is going to take centre stage this weekend for Scottish AFL and the previous history between the two clubs bodes well for a spectacular culmination to what has been the hardest fought SARFL season to date.

Coach’s thoughts – Greater Glasgow Giants, Douglas Hunter

“It’s fantastic for Glasgow to have both teams in the Grand Final and shows the depth of talent in the city. Games against the Sharks are always tough and that Grand Final intensity will only add to that. Whoever comes out on top will have earned it and we believe we’re a great chance of being that team.”

Coach’s thoughts – Glasgow Sharks

“The grand final is the culmination of the work the club has put in over the last year. We are bolstered by a great semi-final win and will take great confidence into this game knowing that our best is capable of beating anyone.”

Around the Grounds

AFL Europe Championships only 5 days away

The much anticipated triennial AFL Europe Championships kick off this Sunday with the men’s first game day. All matches are taking place at Motspur Park and involve Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, Sweden and the European Crusaders. The men’s tournament runs from Sunday the 14th to Saturday the 20th with the women taking the field from Thursday the 18th until the Saturday.

For more information, click on the link below.

5 days

http://afleurope.org/events-media/events/2016-afl-europe-championships/

An All-Glasgow showdown set for SARFL Grand Final

The Glasgow Sharks have sealed their place in the Scottish AFL Grand Final with a nail-biting preliminary final win against the Edinburgh Bloods. With the scores tied deep into the 4th quarter the Sharks eventually ran out 11 point winners in a thriller at Linlithgow Park. This win ends a recent run of dominance from the Bloods in the Scottish AFL league and gives the Sharks one up on their old foes.

Presidents from both clubs had their say on the weekends results:

Bloods President, Craig Stevens

“It was a hard fought, high quality match. We’ve unfortunately come out on the wrong end of the result. We wish the Sharks and the Giants all the best next week in the big one.”

Sharks President John McIntyre

“Great contest and a good result from our club today. Both sides put their all in today and it was one of the best matches to be involved in. The Bloods came at us hard in the last quarter but we withstood the pressure. Off to the Grand Final to play another quality side in an all Glasgow final next week!”

The Grand Final will now be an all-Glasgow showdown between the Sharks and the Greater Glasgow Giants at the same venue as the prelim. The stage is set for a great finish to the SARFL season next Saturday.

Edinburgh BloodsGlasgow Sharks

AFL Sweden back in action

This weekend saw the Stockholm League kick back into action after their mid-season break. The Sodermalm Blues had their first loss of season 2016 following a 10-point defeat at the hands of the Norrtalje Dockers. The Blues a notoriously slow starters following summer breaks so they won’t be too concerned about this result despite finals being just around the corner.

Matt Schulte kicked a cool 7 goals for the Dockers while Johan Dalberg got himself a handful of goals for the Blues.

Final score: 13.6. 84 to 11.8.74

 

Leeside Lions get up over the Belfast Redbacks in ARFLI Grand Final

The culmination of the Irish Aussie rules season took place over the weekend with the Leeside Lions convincingly beating the Belfast Redbacks at Mardyke Arena in Cork.

The Lions last played in an ARFLI grand final in 2011 and broke the strangled-hold the Redbacks and the South Dublin Swans have had on the competition in recent years with their performance at the weekend.

They lead at every change to finish the big one in a canter with the scoreboard reading 16.8. 104 to 7.10.52.

Best on ground honours went to Matt Moore with a crucial 7 goals to his name for the day.

Leeside 2 Leeside

Italy confirms their place at Euro 2016

The Italian national team will make their long awaited return to the international arena at Octobers Euro Cup in Lisbon. The Italian’s have been on hiatus for the past few years but are now back on track to make their mark on AFL in Europe.

Massive congratulations on all involved in getting the side ready for this year’s tournament.

The squad is as follows:

  1. Giovanni ALLOISIO
  2. Luigi ARNULFO
  3. Tommaso ARNULFO
  4. Federico BERNASCONI
  5. Filippo BOLOGNESE
  6. Jacopo CARBONCINI
  7. Denis CONTE
  8. Thomas DIANA
  9. Niccolò DE GIORGI
  10. Marco DEL GAIZO
  11. Daniele GENNARA
  12. Andrea LORENZI
  13. Jacopo NOSARI
  14. Bruno NUGNES
  15. Mattia SACCHI
  16. Christian TIRANTI

HEAD COACH Armando COLOMBO

ASS. COACH Matthew HEWITT

Wildcats, Hawks and a couple of Demons taste success in AFL London Grand Finals

The final day of season 2016 for AFL London took place at the weekend under blue skies and a beaming sun.

The day started off bright and early with the South London Demons controlling the Social division decider from start to finish to claim back-to-back premierships against a courageous Reading Roos. Demons midfielder, Brett Hoare was awarded ‘best on ground’ honours for his tireless work through the middle of the ground. The final scorecard read 8.10. 58 to 3.2. 20.Demons 1

The Conference division pitted the Clapham Demons against the Shepherds Bush Raiders who were attempting to win their 7th straight premiership. In a see-sawing affair the Demons jumped out to a 10-point lead with 9 minutes on the clock in the fourth. They eventually held out for a thrilling 3-point victory in what turned out to be the match of the day. High-flying Brazilian winger, Ricci Leumann of the Demons became the first non-Australian to be crowned ‘best on ground’ in an AFL London Grand Final as he repeatedly provided the crucial link between the backs and forwards for the Clapham side. The final score in this match was 8.2. 50 to 7.5. 47.

Demons

A first-time premier was set to be named in the Women’s division and it was the Wimbledon Hawks who were crowned champions in a demolition of the North London Lions. The girls from the Hawks were unstoppable from the first bounce and finished their perfect season in style holding their opponents scoreless. The Lions should hold their heads high after fighting valiantly all day in front of a large crowd of supporters. Lauren Sparks of the Hawks finished as ‘best on ground’ in a clinical display through the midfield. Final score reading 10.5. 65 to 0.0. 0.

Hawks 1

The final game of the day was the much anticipated Premiership division decider between arch rivals the West London Wildcats and the Wandsworth Demons. Unfortunately, the game didn’t live up to its hype as the Wildcats controlled the tempo of the match and never gave the Demons a sniff. The boys from the West proved too fast and skilful for their opponents whose ill-discipline and turnovers at crucial moments proved costly. The Wildcats were best served by midfielders Todd Pfeiffer and Andy Challis, but it was Captain and Full-back, Jared Risol, who deservedly claimed ‘best on ground’ honours for his role in constantly repelling Demons forward entries and launching his side onto the offensive. The final scorecard reading 14.10. 94 to 7.1. 43.

Wildcats

 

 

 

Match of the Round

Match of the Round 6/8/16

ARFLI Grand Final – Leeside Lions v Belfast Redbacks

Mardyke Arena, Cork plays host to two of the fiercest rivals in Irish Aussie rules. The Leeside Lions take on the Belfast Redbacks in tomorrow’s Grand Final blockbuster with the Lions playing in their first Grand Final since 2011. The Redbacks are ‘big dance’ specialists, having qualified for their fifth consecutive ARFLI Grand Final.

This past year has been a big one for the ARFLI as a focus on reformation of the structures of the league took to the forefront. The establishment of ‘carnival footy’ has been the major structural change to the league. This saw carnivals held in the home city of each of the four competing league teams with Galway, Cork, Belfast and Dublin hosting carnivals throughout the season.

The Leeside Lions were the first side to lock in their place for the Grand Final having done so on the back of a ‘clean sweep’ – winning 9 from 9 games, a first in Irish League history. The Lions squad has been boosted this year by the large number of players from the local university team, the UCC Bombers. Being the first to qualify gives the Lions a much deserved home advantage which could prove pivotal to the outcome of this game.

The boys from Belfast will be a formidable opponent and could shatter the Lions hopes of a perfect season. They’ve qualified for their fifth straight Grand Final and the experience of playing on that first Saturday in August gives them a massive advantage if the game goes down to the wire. They also have the largest proportion of players in the Irish Warriors squad contesting the AFL Europe Championships the following week so that’s not to be underestimated.

Will the ARFLI be crowning a new champion on Saturday in the form of the youthful Leeside Lions or will it be the experienced and battle-hardened Belfast Redbacks. This one is set to be a ‘corker’ and isn’t to be missed. With the ball up set for 3pm get down to Mardyke Arena for the culmination of the 2016 ARFLI season.

Coach’s thoughts – Leeside Lions, Chris O’Brien

“The game will be won by playing our fast, precise style of footy. Players to watch are our Aussie gun, Matty Moore, and experienced players like Eoin Sull, Ian Sull and Cian Quigley that have been here before with the Lions and the national team on many occasions.

A younger crop of guys who have experience players with the Irish Warriors in various tournaments over the last couple of years, most notably, Muiris Bartley and Conor O’Halloran in IC14. We also have a good crop of youth and experience heading to London representing the national team in a couple of weeks’ time for the AFL Europe Championships.

The feeder club, UCC Bombers, have given the Lions a boost this year not only with players but an exuberance for the game and a sense of freshness to the squad that will hopefully reap benefits in the Grand Final against a tough Redbacks team.

We wouldn’t be where we are without the help of Tadgh from our sponsor, Blockagebusters, his generous contribution has allowed us to book training fields, help with insurance and physio bills, especially in the lead up to the final”

 

Member Offer Thursday

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

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

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