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November 30, 2016/in News /by afleurope

Lions cruising in CNFA

They’ve knocked off the reigning premiers and now the ALFA Lions are sitting pretty at the top of the CNFA ladder after an impressive 3 from 3 start to season 2016/17. The Lions knocked off the champs in style on their home turf in the capital which further provides weight to their claim as potential finalists in the championship. They cruised to victory with a comfortable 86 to 40 score line.

Their remaining 4 matches are all very winnable as they take on the Blagnac Aviators, ASP Tigers, Bordeaux Bombers and a home match against the Cergy-Pointoise Coyotes. Could it be the year of the Lion?

In the other match at the weekend, it was the Tigers going head-to-head with the Paris Cockerels. The Tigers nearly came away with a huge victory away from home, but it was the Cockerels who held on for a much needed 7-point victory. The final scores reading 94 to 87.

Two matches remain before Christmas break and it’s the Toulouse Hawks in match-ups versus the Bordeaux Bombers and Blagnac Aviators.

Haggis Cup early bird entry fees open

Get on board the Haggis Cup early bird prices for AFL Scotland’s annual tournament in 2017. The Haggis Cup is locked in for the 8^th of April and is being played at the West of Scotland Rugby Club, Glasgow. To enter your team, contact kirsty@aflscotland.org.

Vixens recruiting Team Manager

The England Vixens are on the lookout for a new team manager. Have a look at the full list of responsibilities for the role below. If you’re interested in getting involved or you’d like to know a little more about the role, then get in contact with englandvixens@gmail.com

Wildcats throwback

Have a look at this old print piece on the West London Wildcats. A few days back the Wildcats reminisced on 20 years since becoming the third Aussie Rules club to launch a website. They narrowly missed out on being pioneers on the world-wide-web by the Essendon Bombers and Collingwood Magpies.

Odense hit 1000 fans!

The Odense Australian Football Club celebrated hitting 1000 likes Facebook last week. Great achievement by the Lions and Lionesses. See you at the 2000 mark soon.

Irish Warriors name their Ireland-based IC17 extended squad

The Irish Warriors management team have announced their extended Ireland-based training squad for the 2017 AFL International Cup. More players will be added in the coming weeks depending on performances in the winter championships as well as arrangements being made for UK and Australian-based players to train and have trials in the coming weeks. The final squad of 30 will be announced in the spring.

The management team has been confirmed with Mick Finn joining Brian Currane and Ciaran O’Hara on the senior coaching staff. The team will be managed by Michael Currane and Paul Ryan will once again serve as tour manager.

Congratulations to those selected, check out the full squad from the ARFLI press release.

IC17 Training Squad Announced

Around the Grounds

October 25, 2016/in News /by afleurope

Welcome to Aussie Rules, Eksjo Bulldogs!

AFL Sweden has a new member in its footy family. The Eksjo Bulldogs were officially welcomed to the AFL Sweden competition when they took part in their first intra-club game at the weekend. The Port Malmo Maulers travelled to Eksjo to help with numbers for the session.

Congratulations on playing your first intra-club match Bulldogs, we’ll follow your progress closely and wish you all the best going forward.

CNFA Wrap up

The second day of the CNFA Championships took place at the weekend. The ALFA Lyon took on the Toulouse Hawks and dominated from start to finish. They ended up amassing a huge 175-points to the Hawks 40.

In the other match the Bordeaux Bombers hosted the Paris Cockerels in picture perfect conditions. In what was a close game the Cockerels came away with the all-important four points with a 90 to 59 final score.

The final game of round 2 takes places this weekend with the Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes taking on the Perpignan Tigers. Stay tuned for more news on that game later in the week.

Euro Cup flashback – Rob Fielder assists Russia

It’s been a few weeks since the Euro Cup but we’ve come across this gem of a photo from the tournament:

That’s England Dragonslayers coach, Rob Fielder, giving up his time following his teams game to help a coach-less Russian side during one of their hit-outs. What an absolute legend! No surprises that he was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to AFL England.

Simple gestures like that are what footy in Europe is all about. Great stuff Rob.

Ireland hold on to beat a fast finishing Bulldogs

The highly-anticipated AFL Europe Championships final rematch took place at the weekend in Dublin. The GB Bulldogs, with a host of changes, were hoping to further develop their talent pool prior to the International Cup in 2017. For the Irish, along with a lot of changes themselves, were seeking some redemption following a terrible performance on the mainstage at EC16.

The Warriors jumped out of the blocks early to dominant possession. Coupled with their frantic pressure they registered the first three goals of the match. Going into the first change 15-points up was a great start for the Irish boys and they continued this in the second to go into the main break with an 8.5. 53 to 4.4. 28 scoreboard advantage.

It took a half of football for the Bulldogs to finally switch on and it was the ever-dependable Myles Hudson and Alex Overton that led the charge from the backline. For the Warriors, Roch Hanmore and David McElhone were influencing the play from midfield.

Despite the improved efforts of the Bulldogs the third term ended with the Warriors registering three goals to the Bulldogs two, leaving a 27-point margin going into the final quarter.

The five-goal margin didn’t deter the reigning European Champions and they started the last term with a bang. A yellow card to an Irish player further aided the GB charge as they closed the gap to within 7-points late in the quarter. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs that’s as close as they came as the final siren gave the Irish Warriors a little bit of redemption for their loss two months earlier. Final scores reading 12.6. 78 to 10.11. 71.

Goals:

Ireland: R. McCloskey 4, C. Lordan 3, P. O’Connell 2, L. Burns, S. Guing, M. Bell

GB: A. Walkden 4, J. Hill 3, J. Coughlan 2, C. Britton

Match of the Round

October 21, 2016/in News /by afleurope

Irish Warriors v GB Bulldogs

It’s been just over 2 months since the Great Britain Bulldogs held aloft the European Championship trophy. It’s a day their opponents, the Irish Warriors, won’t forget too quickly as they were completely outclassed at a game they’ve dominated for years.

The Bulldogs used their home tournament as a platform to launch towards their ultimate prize of claiming the International Cup next year. Since their EC16 victory they’ve played Holland, in what was their opponents first ever 18-a-side international, and had players involved in the 9-a-side Euro Cup with England, Scotland and Wales.

The Irish were hurt badly by their final performance at EC16, it stung a lot. If anything its provided them with the perfect wake up call for their International Cup preparations. They bounced back at the recent Euro Cup in Lisbon but ultimately fell short in extra time of the final against a strong Croatian outfit.

This weekend sees the two sides meet again for the first time since that EC16 final, this time on the Warriors home turf in Dublin. The National Sports Campus plays host to the next epic chapter of this fierce rivalry and with a traditional 2pm bounce scheduled its sure to attract a large crowd of vocal Irishmen and women.

Both teams are coming in with numerous changes to when they last met. Alex Watson, Charlie Steel, Anthony Brannigan, Jordan Wynne and Tomos Wyn-Jones enter the mix for the Bulldogs.

The Irish welcome Oisin Collins, Roch Hanmore and Peter Traynor into the side. They’ll sorely miss playmakers Kevin O’Brien and Muiris Bartley in this hit-out but it provides an opportunity for some others to take the next step up.

Neither side will be taking a backward step in this encounter as it provides all 44 players an opportunity to stake their claim for a place on the plane next August. Good luck to everyone involved in this one, hopefully matches like this become a regular fixture throughout the season.

Player to watch….

GB Bulldogs

Andy Walkden was the difference between the two sides in the EC16 final in what was a man of the match performance. His form hasn’t dropped off as he earned team of the tournament honours at the recent Euro Cup in Lisbon. The Warriors will have to keep a close eye on the crafty half-forward if they are to be any chance.

Irish Warriors

Ryan McCloskey was unstoppable at EC16 before a shoulder injury interrupted his campaign. His absence in the forward line was sorely missed in the later stages of that competition. The small forward doesn’t need many possessions to hurt his opposition so whichever Bulldog marks up on him will have to be switched on at all times.

A word from….

GB Bulldogs – Team Manager Jason Hill:

“This gives GB more vital preparation going in to International Cup 2017. It was great winning against the Irish in London but this will be a totally different game in their home conditions and if we want to compete at IC17 we will need to be able to take the game to teams in uncomfortable places. A lot of thanks goes to Ciaran from Ireland for setting up the game and we are excited to bring a GB side across the Irish Sea in what we hope will be a more regular fixture.”

Team Lists

GB Bulldogs	Irish Warriors
Luke Booth (Captain) (Huddersfield Rams)	Gareth Baird
Michael Sharp (VC) (North London Lions)	Liam Burns
Chris Britton (VC) (Manchester Mosquitoes)	Stephen Guing
Anthony Brannigan (Tyne-Tees Tigers)	Sean Paul Henry
Lewis Gedney (Wolverhampton Wolverines)	Brendan Kelly
David Hastie (Wimbledon Hawks)	Colin Lordan
Myles Hudson (Wimbledon Hawks)	Kevin McDonnell
Alex Overton (Huddersfield Rams)	Sean McGlinchey
Ryan Spivey (Sussex Swans)	Tom McKenna
James Talbot (North London Lions)	Gavin Murray
Matthew Warwick (West London Wildcats)	Conor O’Halloran
Jordan Wynne (Wimbledon Hawks)	Peter Traynor
Andrew Cochran (Manchester Mosquitoes)	Matt Bell
Marc Cashman (Wimbledon Hawks)	Oisin Collins
Jack Coughlan (North London Lions)	Roch Hanmore
George Dibble (Wolverhampton Wolverines)	Luke Hickey
Tim Gower (Manchester Mosquitoes)	David Lally
Jason Hill (Wimbledon Hawks)	Ryan McCloskey
Michael “Spike” Kilheeney (Manchester Mosquitoes)	David McElhone
Owain Ryland (London Swans)	Stuart McKeating
Charlie Steel (Wandsworth Demons)	Paul Murphy
Andy Walkden (Manchester Mosquitoes)	Padraic O’Connell
Alex Watson (Wandsworth Demons)	Seamus Owens
Tomos Wyn-Jones (University of Birmingham)	Coach: Brian Currane
Coach: Dean Thomas
Support Staff: Hilary Wilson, Charley Dakin, Millie Morgan

Around the Grounds

October 18, 2016/in News /by afleurope

Fielder and Bennett awarded AFL England Lifetime Achievement Awards

Two legends of AFL England were presented Lifetime Achievements Awards at the conclusion of the Masters game in Reading at the weekend. Rob Fielder and Adam Bennett have been integral to the game here in the UK and Europe over the past decade. Rob finished up his tenure as England Dragonslayers coach at the Euro Cup in Lisbon after 10 years in charge while Adam recently stepped down as AFL England President after providing years of service.

Congratulations on your recognition Rob and Adam, the game here in the UK and Europe is certainly in a better place because of both your tireless efforts.

University of Birmingham

CNFA round 1 kicks off

A beautiful weekend in France set the scene for round 1 of the CNFA season at the weekend. Reigning Premiers, the Paris Cockatoos went down at home to grand final opponents, the Cergy Pontoise Coyotes 104 to 87.

The Bordeaux Bombers proved too strong for CNFA newcomers the Blagnac Aviators in their first hit-out as they cruised to a 40-point victory.

The final match of the round turned out to be a thriller with Perpignan Tigers pipping the Toulouse Hawks by 4-points.

The Paris Cockerels and ALFA Lions didn’t play in the first round of matches but will be raring to go next weekend for the next instalment of the CNFA season.

Check out the full review below:

http://cms.football-australien.fr/index.php/80-1ere-journee-du-championnat-de-france-leo-lagrange-2016-2017

DAFA say goodbye (for now) to stalwart

Euro Cup in Lisbon was the last time DAFA stalwart, Nick Bennett, will pull on the orange and blue jumper for a while. Nick has been a core member of the DAFA over the past few years by sitting on the board, coaching and playing. He has been a huge part of getting the Champions League up and running in Amsterdam as well as the continued development of Aussie Rules in the Netherlands.

Thanks for all your efforts Nicko, taking out the Plate final in Lisbon was a great send-off.

Max Rooke visits AFL London Women’s players

2 x Geelong Premiership Player and current Gold Coast Suns Development Coach, Max Rooke, stopped in to run an AFL London Women’s session on his recent visit to the English capital. Max took the girls through the basics of kicking and handballing before letting the girls in on his famous tackling technique.

Special thanks to Mitch Skelly of the Wandsworth Demons for organising the session and Max for giving up his time to give back to the women’s game.

Australian Wombats hold on against AFL England Masters

On Saturday the Australian Wombats took on our AFL England All-Stars in the first ever International Masters Test between the two nations. The game took place at the home of the Reading Roos, King’s Meadow, in picturesque conditions on Saturday afternoon.

The Wombats are coached by former West Coast and Brisbane player, Brent Staker, who pulled the boots on for the occasion. Our All-Stars led at every change but were unable to hold onto their lead late in the final term when the Wombats stepped up a gear. The final scorecard reading 54-52 in favour of the Australians.

The Wombats are now on their way to Ireland for a two-test series of International Rules against the Irish. We’re hopeful of accommodating the Australian Masters in the years to come and hopefully even getting to a point where we can send a touring side over of our own.

Good luck in Ireland boys!

AFL Europe Umpires take the next step

Three of AFL Europe’s umpires have been selected to take part in next year’s International Cup in Melbourne. Geoff Pascoe, Josh Davey and Oscar Ayyadi earned selection to IC17 following stellar performances with the whistle at our recent AFL Europe Championships held in London during August.

Check out the full article on their achievements below:

http://www.aflcommunityclub.com.au/index.php?id=47&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=3701&cHash=b82881277e72ccb938a9df86eaf33456

Around the Grounds

October 13, 2016/in News /by afleurope

#EuroCup16 wraps up for another year

The 2016 Euro Cup in Lisbon was held over the weekend under clear blue skies and a scorching sun. With 374 players from 16 countries across 22 teams participating the day was an incredible success.

The main pitch was live streamed throughout the day with a record number of people tuning in from all over the globe. Blow-by-blow commentary for the majority of the day brought the games to life and make for great viewing on replay.

Under a setting sun on the main pitch the crowd grew to watch the finals matches. Congratulations to the Netherlands (Plate), France (Bowl), Ireland (Women’s Champions) and Croatia (Men’s Champions) for claiming victory in their respective divisions.

A special thank you to our three pitch manager’s Fanny Maillett, Laura Pinckney and Hayley Canton for ensuring the day ran smoothly along with our umpiring squad led by Shane Hill.

Stay tuned for a full event report in the coming days.

Sparky joins the big time after AFL Women’s Draft

Wimbledon Hawks stalwart, Lauren Spark, became the second Hawk to join the newly formed AFL Women’s League for 2017. She was taken at pick 76 by the Western Bulldogs.

Sparky’s selection sets up a mouthwatering clash with Hawks teammate, Kate Shierlaw, at some stage next year.

We wish both girls all the best in the inaugural AFL Women’s league.

Australian Masters kick off tour with a win

The Australian Masters side which is touring England and Ireland have kicked off their campaign with an 11-point victory over Oxford University at Merton Sports Ground.

The boys will have to rest up as they visit the Australian High Commission today before taking on an AFL England All-Stars side in Reading on Saturday. Further details on that match at the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1058075340928430/

CNFA season kicks off this weekend

The CNFA season is upon us with round 1 of the 2016/17 season kicking off this weekend. The Paris Cockatoos will be hoping to avoid second year blues after they claimed the premiership in their first season against the Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes in the season decider earlier this year in June.

Its set to be a fantastic year of Aussie rules action in the CNFA. Check out the fixtures below:

Hawks and Demons covering all bases

The Wimbledon Hawks and Wandsworth Demons supplied record numbers of participants to this year’s Euro Cup.

The Hawks had players in 5 of the 16 countries:

England: Jason Hill, Myles Hudson, David Hastie, Jennifer Bennett, Louise Darby, Lisa Wilson, Charlotte-Ellen Eales and Jess Milford

France: Chloe Romeo

Scotland: Rachel Kilmartin, Lauren Spark (Coach), Kate Shierlaw (Assistant)

Ireland: Stiofan Mac Finn

Wales: Jordan Wynne

The Demons had a total of 22 club members playing or coaching for 4 countries, umpiring or volunteering in an amazing show of community involvement.

Well done to both clubs for great achievements and for all their efforts ensuring the 2016 installment of the Euro Cup was a great success.

Player of the Week

October 6, 2016/in News /by afleurope

AFL Europe Player of the Week

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 we are profiling the silver-fox from the Irish Warriors, Eoin O’Murchu. If you’re in Lisbon for this weekend’s Euro Cup then keep an eye out on this veteran winger.

Name:

Eoin O Murchu

Club:

Wandsworth Demons

Nationality:

Ireland

What position do you play?

Wing and Midfield

AFL team you support:

Sydney Swans

Favourite AFL player:

Pearce Hanley from the Brisbane Lions. Honourable mention for “Buddy” Franklin from the Swans too.

How did you find out about AFL?

I played Gaelic Football up until I move to London 7 years ago so I always had an interest growing up. Jim Stynes was from my neighbouring club in Dublin and I followed Tadhg Kennelly’s career when he played too. When I found out there was a league in London I really wanted to get involved.

How long have you been playing for?

6 years

What is your memory of your first Aussie Rules game?

Chest marks, getting smashed in my first tackle and beating the West London Wildcats in the lashing rain in Putney.

Best AFL moment?

Being named the Rest of the World Club Captain for the Wandsworth Demons last year but winning EU Best and Fairest in my first season at the Demons is a close second.

Notable mention goes to the hard earned froths at the Alex with the Demons after every game. Nothing better than dropping a few Fozzies with the Dees and Shedees 😉 post game.

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

While I love footy, nothing beats Hurling which was my main sport until I moved to London. Also, my surname is Irish for Murphy which people find very confusing in the UK!

People don’t often associate me with being a big drinker as I usually shy away from the traditional AFL London post-game boat race but a close few know of my ability to down a pint in under 2 seconds.

General Manager Position

September 29, 2016/in Featured, News /by afleurope

AFL Europe is currently taking applications for the role of General Manager. Please find below further information regarding the role.

Job title: General Manager

Contract: Permanent

Location: London

Salary: £35k + additional commission opportunities available

The Australian Football League (AFL) is Australia’s premier sporting organisation, supporting a constantly evolving national competition which has experienced rapid growth over the past 10 years. AFL Europe are the governing body of the sport in Europe and are currently seeking applicants for the role of General Manager – AFL Europe. The General Manager will work with the AFL Europe Commission, Member and Affiliate Countries and the Australian Football League to deliver on the strategy of AFL Europe and drive the growth of the sport across Europe. Specific duties and responsibilities will include:-

Manage the business affairs of AFL Europe including supporting the Commercial Manager in generating revenue outcomes and viable investment allocations in line with agreed business development initiatives;
Provide leadership and guidance to secure grants and funding;
Manage communications and generate content on the website, social media and e-newsletters;
Investigate broadcast opportunities across Europe to increase exposure and potential revenues;
Maintain relationships with Patron Prince Charles office to maximise publicity opportunities;
Create new and sustainable revenue streams;
Liaise with key stakeholders and other appropriate bodies to develop the global brand;
Prepare and manage the annual budget process;
Manage the AFL Europe Talent Program to recruit professionals to expand European operations;
Prepare reports and recommendations in relation to marketing and sales initiatives for senior management.

The successful candidate will have experience working in a Professional Sporting environment; particularly AFL is advantageous,with proven strategic planning and implementation capabilities, commercial business development skills and leadership qualities. You will have knowledge and experience of sports participation or community programs and an understanding of current trends and strategies with the ability to build relationships, financial management expertise and strong operational and administrative attributes.

If you meet the necessary requirements and would like to find out more about how to become part of AFL Europe then please forward your CV with a cover letter addressing the following points to AFL Europe Chairman Chris Dow, chrisdow@live.com.au;

1. What appeals to you about this role

2. How would you deliver against the 5 key accountabilities per the PD; Member services, Commercial, Talent, Marketing and Business Operations; noting prior skills you offer?

3. If successful when could you commence this role?

Closing date for applications will be Sunday 23rd October 2016 at midnight GMT.

Player of the Week

September 28, 2016/in News /by afleurope

AFL Europe Player of the Week

This week’s player profile comes from the South of England. Kieran Jewell plays for the mighty Southampton Titans and idolises Collingwood Magpies Skipper, Scott Pendlebury. He found out about the great game of Aussie Rules in a college lecture and has been playing for 3 years now. In Kieran’s first year playing he was unable to go out with the team due to his age and reliant on his parents to drive him to and from games.

Name:

Kieran Jewell

Club:

Southampton Titans

Nationality:

English

What position do you play?

Wherever needed

AFL team you support:

Collingwood

Favourite AFL player:

Scott Pendlebury

How did you find out about AFL?

In a college lecture

How long have you been playing for?

3 years

What is your memory of your first Aussie Rules game?

Getting put on the opposition team and missing every kick I got!

Best AFL moment?

Scoring my first 4 goals which was in the same game!

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

I wasn’t old enough to go out with the team for the first year I was a Titan, and had to have lifts from parents everywhere!

Around the Grounds

September 27, 2016/in News /by afleurope

Farum Cats hold of Copenhagen Barracudas in DAFL Grand Final

Valby Park played host to the DAFL Grand Final at the weekend between the Farum Cats and Copenhagen Barracudas.

On what was a stunning Saturday afternoon it was the ‘Cudas who had the better of the early exchanges. Unfortunately, their inaccuracy in front of goal hurt them as the Cats kicked three majors to their five behinds. The 1^st quarter ended with both sides locked at 31-points apiece.

The Farum side turned it up a gear in the 2^nd with a five goal to one term giving them a 22-point lead going into the main break. League Best and Fairest, William Andersen, was starting to get into the game and was really causing headaches for the home side.

The premiership quarter proved just that with the Cats piling on a further six goals. It was all but sewn up going into the last but the Barracudas had other ideas. They kept their opponents scoreless in the final term whilst they clawed back two goals. It should have been more for the boys from Copenhagen but their inaccuracy again hurt them.

The Farum Cats had done enough and claimed the coveted prize of DAFL Premiers. The final scorecard reading 16.10. 106 to 10.18. 78. Congratulations Cats, we’re looking forward to seeing you at the Champions League next year.

Goals

Farum Cats: W. Andersen 4, M. Norlander 4, M. Kjoge 4, M. Biron 2, C. Andersen, T. Ottesen

Copenhagen Barracudas: M. John 4, D. De Nardi 4, R. Sorensen, C. Kere

Best

Farum Cats: W. Andersen, J. Overgaard, M. Norlander, M. Kjoge, M. Biron, J. Secher, T. Lauritzen

Copenhagen Barracudas: M. John, D. De Nardi, J. Petersen, A. Hill

Norrtalje Dockers knock off reigning champs the Sodermalm Blues in SAFF Grand Final

The Norrtalje Dockers have stormed home to claim the title of SAFF Premiers. They were up against it early with the Blues kicking a goal within the first 30 seconds of play.

They continued to have the better of it in the opening exchanges and it didn’t take long for them to extend their lead to 13-points.

The Dockers couldn’t buy a goal early on kicking four straight points. Eventually Norrtalje broke through with the Swedish national ruckman, Buster Sund, putting through the Dockers first major.

Sodermalm went into their shells for a while and the Dockers capitalised piling on a number of goals. Dockers, Ryan Tucker and Steven Howard were proving a real handful for the Blues and their superior skills were on display.

The Dockers had given themselves a handy buffer and ultimately they couldn’t be caught. The final siren sounded and the Norrtalje Dockers were the new champions of SAFF – A great achievement by the club.

Final score card reading 12.12. 84 to 7.4. 46. Steven Howard of the Dockers was awarded the Ryan Kingsley Medal for best on ground in the final. Well done Steven.

Goals:

Norrtalje Dockers: M. Schulte 6, N. Innacone 3, B. Sund 2, S. Howard

Sodermalm Blues: M. Rappoccio 2, J. Briscoe, C. Tancredi, A. Cherry, L. Hagberg, J. Dahlberg

Best:

Norrtalje Dockers: S. Howard, B. Sund, R. Tucker, N. Innacone, M. Schulte, N. Jonsson, J. Sund, J. Darke

Sodermalm Blues: A. Cherry, M. Barton, J. Holm, M. Larsson

Check out the full-match replay from BarTV Sports below:

The Flying Dutchmen make their 18-a-side International debut

On a makeshift football field in the middle of Battersea Park, London, The Dutch national side made the journey to compete against the reigning European Champions, the GB Bulldogs, in what their first full format International match.

The match started very evenly with a hot footy and big tackles being laid. Running with the breeze it was the Bulldogs who jumped out to an early three goals to one 1^st quarter.

As the match wore on the superior fitness and team cohesion of GB proved too much for the Dutchmen who fought valiantly all day. The Bulldogs ran out convincing winners to continue their solid run on the international stage.

Regardless of the score line it was a monumental day for footy in Europe. Massive thanks must go to Neil Cooke of the Dutchmen and team GB manager, Jason Hill for arranging the hit-out.

Let’s hope more games like this continue to fill the AFL Europe calendar in the years to come.

Manchester Mozzies celebrate 10 of the best

The Manchester Mozzies named their ‘Team of the Decade’ (2006-2016) at their recent awards night. It’s a great achievement to be recognised for your contributions to a football club both on and off the field.

Congratulations to all those who were named in the team.

AFL Grand Final time!

It’s the Sydney Swans vs the Western Bulldogs in this weekend’s AFL Grand Final. Where ever you are in the world be sure to tune in.

Tag us in your Grand Final party photos and if your struggling for places to watch the game, follow the link below to find your perfect Grand Final party.

http://www.afl.com.au/tv-radio/overseas-gf-party-finder

Player of the Week

September 21, 2016/in News /by afleurope

This week were are profiling the Paris Cockerels gun centre half-back, Huw Ryan. The Aussie-turned-Frenchman has been plying his trade in France for the past few years. Check out his profile below.

Name:

Huw Ryan

Club:

Paris Cockerels

Nationality:

French/Australian

What position do you play?

Full-Back

AFL team you support:

Essendon Bombers

Favourite AFL player:

Nic Naitanui

How did you find out about AFL?

I played football as a child and picked it back up again in Paris vis the annual ANZAC Match in Villers-Bretonneux

How long have you been playing for?

I’ve been playing for two years in France

What is your memory of your first Aussie Rules game?

Being put in the ruck against a man-child, and the frost being crispy under foot

Best AFL moment?

Winning the French Premiership in the 2014-2015 season

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

I stopped playing Aussie rules for 12-13 years then picked it back up when I arrived in France, first at the ANZAC match then with the Cockerels.

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