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Commemoration Match – West London Wildcats v Wandsworth Demons

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Commemoration Game – West London Wildcats v Wandsworth Demons

Chiswick Rugby Club, W4 2SH

3:30pm

On the 28th October 1916, two teams of Australian soldiers took to the field in London to play a match of Aussie Rules, raising much needed funds for the Red Cross.

Over 100 years on, two AFL London clubs will commemorate the 1916 Exhibition Match by opening the 2017 Season in replica kit.

In what is also a 2016 grand final rematch, the West London Wildcats host the Wandsworth Demons at the Chiswick Rugby Club.

Last year’s premiers, the Wildcats, will be hoping to continue with their 2016 and 2017 pre-season form in tomorrow’s encounter. They were convincing winners in last year’s grand final controlling large portions of the match, and eventually ran out as 51-point winners.

Having added a third consecutive AFL Europe Champions League to their trophy cabinet, and claiming the AFL London Pre-Season Cup, they’ll go into this clash as deserved favorites.

With the nature of the AFL London player turnover year-to-year, round 1 always offers up a few surprises. Both clubs have experienced large player exodus’ so the two team’s new recruits will be on show.

The Demons were left reeling after a disappointing end to their 2016 campaign. Saving their worst performance for the year until last should’ve provided extra motivation for their squad this off-season.

They’ll come out firing in tomorrow’s clash knowing they’ve got a lot to prove against the competition’s benchmark.

The extra significance this match will hold is something all players, coaches, spectators and clubs will remember for a long time.

Both clubs have been incredible in their preparations for this commemoration match and should be congratulated for all their efforts.

Check out the AFL article on the match HERE

Coach’s thoughts – West London Wildcats – Keith Della-Vedova

“We have been building towards Round 1 since January and everyone is pumped for it to have finally arrived after doing it tough during the cold months. We have a good mixture of experience and fresh faces across all grades with the extra excitement of having our inaugural women’s team debuting tomorrow as well.

Being involved in the recreation of the Pioneer Exhibition Game from over 100 years ago is a fantastic experience to be a part of, having Lizzie Kirkham come down to share her knowledge and passion for the project of Aussie footballers involved in WW1 has been a really humbling experience. Hopefully across all 4 grades we can deliver the same spirit and commitment the Third Division did during the war 100 years ago and celebrate their memories of those who gave us the chance to be here today.”

Coach’s thoughts – Wandsworth Demons – Francis Caldow

“It’s great to have footy back for another season and there’s no better way to kick it off than with a grand final rematch. This year will be extra special with the 100-year commemoration celebrations in what should be a fantastic day down at Chiswick.

Our senior team has been lucky to keep a strong core group of players and this should hold us in good stead for this week and the season ahead.

Wildcats are a super team to compete against and continue to be the benchmark of the league. It is awesome to be involved with such high-level football on this side of the equator.”

Team Lists

West London Wildcats

Keith Della-Vedova

Jared Risol

Stephen Staunton

Zak Bozanich

Jonny O’Duifinn

James Stevenson

Mack Williams

Ryan Sullivan

Mike Gregson

Jack Wood

Tyson Mihocek

Lewis Brackstone

Paul Hinkley

Adam Rice

Stuie Ward

Cameron Cope

Lewis Gedney

Andrew Ibberson

James Shanahan

Jarrod Bennetts

Sam Taggart

Evan Johnson

Matt Warwick

Andy Challis (Captain)

Wandsworth Demons

Jack Wheeler

Sam Drake

Hugo Phillips

Harry Lahy

Josh ‘Jet’ Beattie

Alex Watson

Andy Smith

Riccardo Leumann

Jack Andrews

Ben Durance

Kevin O’Brien

Eoin O’Murchu

Dom Chao

Matt Decler

Alan Tobin

Mick Pitman

Danny Reid

Will Sutton

Adam Jeffrey

Nick Noblett

Sam Bowler

Ash Walsh

Michael Curcio

Geoffrey Rouse (Captain)

 

Good luck to all the clubs kicking off their season on Saturday. Check out the full AFL London round 1 fixtures HERE

 

‘The Game of their Lives’ Commemoration Match

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*Picture: Australian War Memorial

 On the 28th October 1916, the Queens Club in London played host to the first organised game of Australian Football played overseas by predominantly elite-level players.

Over 100 years ago two teams of Australian soldiers staged an ‘exhibition game’ that drew over 3000 spectators, including the then Prince of Wales and etched itself in the history books of Australian Rules Football.

The game was the brainchild of Brigadier-General Sir Newton Moore, who proposed it to the legendary general John Monash, then commander of the Third Division.

Lieutenant Frank Beaurepaire, an Olympic swimmer was tasked with organising the one-off match which raised almost £1000 for the British and French Red Cross Societies.

The two sides competing in the match were littered with football royalty. The Australian Units Training Team, who played in light red jumpers with a white kangaroo on them, was captained by Norwood champion, Charles Perry.

The side also included, Percy Trotter of Fitzroy and East Fremantle, George Bower of South Melbourne, Clyde Donaldson of Essendon and vice-captained by Fiztroy’s John ‘Jack’ Cooper.

They lined up against the Third Australian Division, who wore navy blue jumpers with a map of Australia in white, who were captained by South Melbourne’s Bruce Sloss.

Their vice-captain was Collingwood and Richmond star, Dan Minogue, while they also had Bill Stewart of Essendon, Hughie James of Richmond and Jack Brake of University and Melbourne on the Third Division side.

The game was low-scoring, with the Third Division side claiming a 16-point victory. The final score read 6.16. (52) to 4.12. (36).

Tragically for Third Division captain, Bruce Sloss, Jack Cooper, Stan Martin, James Foy, James Pugh and Les Lee, the exhibition was to be their last as all were tragically killed serving in the Great War.

In just over a weeks’ time, two London sides will commemorate the Exhibition Game in their round 1 encounter.

In what doubles as a 2016 grand final rematch, the Wandsworth Demons and West London Wildcats will wear replica kit in the game. The Demons will wear the light red jumpers with white kangaroo of the Australian Units Training Team while the Wildcats will wear the navy blue with white map of Australia of the Third Australian Division.

The May 6th encounter will be played at the Chiswick Rugby Club, Chiswick, London, W4 2SH. Ball-up will be at 3pm, with the match being captured on film by Game On Productions and BarTV Sports.

The match would not be possible without the incredible work of Game On Productions, Lizzie Kirkham, who is thrilled that the game will be remembered just over 100 years since the original took place.

Stay tuned for more information on the match.

View some original footage from the match courtesy of the British Pathe (www.britishpathe.com)

ANZAC Cup 2017 Review

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The ANZAC Cup was played in Northern France over the weekend with the Australian Spirit claiming victory in both the men’s and women’s games on Sunday. Players spent 4 days with host families, with the event culminating in a moving dawn service at the Australian National War Memorial on ANZAC Day.

Saturday 22nd April

The Australian and French players arrived in Villers-Bretonneux to be greeted by their host families in the early afternoon. Many were treated with a traditional French lunch by their hosts before a combined training session at Stadium Timmerman.

Players from all four sides mingled and trained together for over an hour, with drills being led by the French coach, Andrew Unsworth and Australia’s Ash Walsh.

 

Following the training session players convoyed to Le Hamel for a welcome dinner hosted by the Association Bretonvilloise Animation (ABA). Prior to the dinner commencing respects were paid to the policeman killed in the Paris terror attacks two days earlier, with commemorations being led by the Mayor of Villers-Bretonneux.

The coaches from both sides presented the players with their jumpers before the team captains spoke of what it meant to represent their countries, in what is such an important time for both Australia and France.

Once the formalities were over, the ABA served the aperitif before serving a traditional French meal for the 100 people in attendance. Players and support staff of both teams openly shared their favourite football stories as the teams began forming relationships ahead of their big match.

 

Sunday 23rd April

Players and officials had a nice early start on Sunday morning with a visit to the Australian National War Memorial. This provided the opportunity for reflection at what is a beautiful and very special memorial.

Walking amongst the gravestones, players read the names of fallen soldiers engraved on the walls of the memorial, which was an incredibly moving and humbling experience for all the players.

Soon it was time to head back into Villers-Bretonneux for the parade through the town, another unique element of the ANZAC Cup. Players followed a local bagpiper and local children bearing the Australian and French flags through the streets of Villers with locals waving and cheering from their houses as the parade moved past.

Shortly after the conclusion of the march, the women’s match was underway. In the second official women’s ANZAC Cup game, it was the French who started stronger and looked dangerous early.

The Australian’s ferocity at the contest and tackling pressure proved too much for the French, as they failed to register a goal in the second and third terms.

In what was a great game of footy, Australia claimed victory 9.15.69 to 3.8.26. Stephanie Filbay and Camille Portal were awarded best on ground honours for their respective sides.

The men’s match followed immediately after the women’s match, but not before a rousing rendition of the French national anthem, which had many in the crowd believing that this could be the year to break their 3 ANZAC Cup drought.

It was a fast-paced start with both sides registering early goals. A massive third term gave Australia the advantage, and despite a strong final quarter the deficit proved too much for the French to overcome.

The final score read 13.12.90 to 6.15.51, with Michael ‘le lapin’ Curcio and Pierre Leschales rightfully chosen as the best players afield.

A moving presentation ceremony was hosted by the ABA, a presentation that was made even more special with trophies and medals presented by Harriet O’Malley, Cultural Attache at the Australian Embassy in Paris, and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Honourable Dan Tehan MP.

A special thanks to umpires Tobias Siegel and Cai Davies for officiating the matches doing a splendid job.

On what was a beautiful day in Villers, players and officials enjoyed some well-earned post-game refreshments generously provided by Pirate Life Brewery Company.

For full match reports click here.

With the French players departing on the Sunday evening, the Australian’s were hosted by one of the local families at their home to enjoy a mix of French and Australian cuisines.  Celebrations carried on into the night with some classic Aussie rock ballads being belted out by all who attended.

 

Monday 24th April

The Monday gave players a chance to explore the surrounds of VB with many enjoying the sights of nearby town, Amiens.

In the afternoon, the players delivered an Auskick clinic for the children of Le Hamel, which has a population of only 500. Forty local children had their first AFL experience and took part in the session, which taught the students some basic AFL skills such as kicking, handballing and marking.

The hour-long session was one to remember with neither the kids nor the players wanting it to end. Players were presented gifts by the children and were surprised when the young students sung the Australian national anthem in what was a very touching moment.

Whilst in the area, several players took the time to visit the Le Hamel Memorial. A timeline of events leads visitors out to the memorial proper. The vast landscape and trenches surrounding the memorial created an eerie sense of the conditions those fighting would have encountered close to 100 years ago.

The day finished with a quiet drink at the Le Melbourne pub in Villers. This time was used to share stories of the past few days, before players returned to spend their final evening with their host families.

 

Tuesday 25th April

Players met at 3:30am to begin the 40 minute walk from the town centre out to the Australian National War Memorial. An incredible Dawn Service, in icy cold conditions, was delivered with dignitaries and armed servicemen and women delivering stories and letters from those who gave up their lives on the battlefields of the Somme.

Following the service, it was time for players to go their separate ways with the Australian squad returning to all the different parts of Europe that they now call home.

It was the 9th time AFL Europe has had the privilege to deliver the ANZAC Cup. The event wouldn’t be possible without the huge efforts of the ABA led out by Xavier Graux, the host families, O’Neills Sportwear for supplying a fantastic playing uniform for the Australian team, BarTV Sports for capturing the event, the French national men’s and women’s sides, the locals of Villers-Bretonneux, Le Hamel and surrounds, the umpires, and the Australian players who put in so much effort with their applications.

2018 is the 10th edition of the ANZAC Cup, but more importantly the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux. AFL Europe looks forward to working together with the ABA and local families of Villers-Bretonneux to create another fantastic ANZAC Cup.

Click here to see the video highlights of the Anzac Cup, courtesy of BarTV.

ANZAC Cup 2017 – Match Reports

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The 9th Annual ANZAC Cup, contested between the Australian Spirit and France, was played in picturesque conditions yesterday at Stadium Timmerman, Villers-Bretonneux. The beaming sun resulted in a nice crowd growing for the 12pm women’s game.

Following a minute’s silence and the national anthems the women’s game was under-way. It was played at a frantic pace from the opening bounce with Coline Duquet of France working well in the ruck to give her midfielders first use of the football.

Two goals to one had the French in front at the first change with Camille and Berengere Portal having strong opening quarters.

Wayward kicking in front of goal was hurting the Australian’s as they started winning the football out of the middle and holding deep in their forward line.

The Australian’s went into halftime with an 8-point lead after trailing the French at the quarter time break.

The second half went all the Australian’s way but they couldn’t convert in front of goal kicking 5 goals, 13 behinds to the end of the third quarter.

They got their radars straight in the final term with an extra 4 goals sealing victory in a great game of football. Final scorecard reading 9.15. 69 to 3.8. 26 in favour of the Australian’s.

Best on ground honours went to Steph Filbay of Australia and Camille Portal of France.

The men’s match followed immediately after the women with both sides taking part in the pre-game ceremonies of a minute silence and national anthems. A stirring rendition of the French national anthem had the local crowd excited at the prospect of knocking off the Australian side for the first since 2013.

Harriet O’Malley, Cultural Attache at the Australian Embassy in Paris, tossed the coin with Australian skipper, Tony Fulton choosing to run towards Le Melbourne Pub end of the ground in the first quarter.

Both sides started out strong with French full-forward, Pierre Boscart, looking dangerous coming out the goal square.

It didn’t take long for the Australian’s spiritual leader, Jay Treloar, to make an impact in the game with a strong double fist whilst 15 metres clear of an opponent.

Two goals apiece had both sides even at the quarter time break with the French looking very dangerous in the 9-a-side format.

It was much of the same in the second term with both sides struggling to convert with the immense tackling pressure. Australia edged in front late to take a 9-point lead into the main break.

Coaches, Jason Cameron and Tom Rischbieth got the boys firing in the third term as the Australian’s kicked five goals in quick succession to set up a comfortable lead going into the final quarter.

A strong finish by the French kept the Australian’s honest in the final term but it was too little, too late. Final scorecard reading 13.12. 90 to 6.15. 51 in favour of the Australian Spirit.

The trophies and medals were presented by Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Honourable Dan Tehan MP, who was in Villers-Bretonneux for the ANZAC commemorations.

Best on ground honours went to Michael Curcio of Australia and Pierre Leschales of France.

A special mention to Tobias Siegel and Cai Davies for their stellar performances umpiring both games as well as all the volunteers led by the ABA for putting together another amazing ANZAC Cup.

With the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux next year, the 2018 ANZAC Cup is set to be extra special.

Footballs have Landed!

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Football season is just around the corner and our Football order has arrived at the perfect time. We have a stack of Sherrin Kangaroo Brand and Lyrebird Footballs available in a range of colors and sizes.

Kangaroo Brand Sherrins – £75 each + postage

Available in Red – Size 4 & 5

Lyrebird Sherrins – £35 each + postage

Available in Red and Yellow – Size 4 & 5

Special thanks to PSS International Removals for getting our Footballs to us quickly and easily!

If you’d like to make an order please fill out the order form below and send to admin@afleurope.org to purchase.

AFL Europe – Football Order Form

Umpire at the Champions League!

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Stop watching from the sidelines… See the game from the middle of the pitch!

AFL Europe need Umpires for their upcoming Champions League event held in Amsterdam on Saturday the 1st of April.

Umpires will receive an umpiring uniform for the day, a packed lunch, payment & a great experience in a fantastic city!

If you are new to umpiring or interested in giving it a go for the first time, this is the event for you! AFL Europe will deliver a complementary umpire accreditation course in Amsterdam on Friday the 31st of March. New umpires will then umpire alongside experienced AFL Europe umpires to ensure you receive guidance and support from the middle of the field.

Please send your expression of interest to AFL Europe via umpires@afleurope.org by Friday the 10th of March for your chance to attend this incredible event.

 

Fitzpatrick Cup – Tournament Preview

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The Fitzpatrick Cup is upon us. Tomorrow is the day a new universities champion will be crowned for both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc on the UCC grounds earlier in the week but with sunshine and a balmy 6 degrees forecast for tomorrow we’ll be expecting fast-paced action from the get go.

The day kicks off at 11am with three pitches in action throughout the day. The men’s division will be played off amongst 8 teams in 2 Groups.  The top two teams in each Group will progress to the semi-finals while the bottom two in each will battle it out for the minor placings. The Groups are as follows:

Group A:

  1. UCC 1
  2. Oxford 2
  3. Irish Uni’s
  4. Cambridge

Group B:

  1. Oxford 1
  2. Maynooth
  3. UCC 2
  4. Mixed ARFLI

The women’s division will consist of 3 teams, UCC, Maynooth and Oxford, with the top two progressing straight into the Grand Final at 3:30pm.

The full tournament fixture along with the live streaming link can be found on the AFL Europe website (afleurope.org).

On the eve of the Fitzpatrick Cup we caught up with tournament organiser, UCC Head Coach and all-round good bloke, Eoin O’Sullivan, for a quick chat.

How’s the tournament preparation coming together?

“Everything is looking good at this stage, a few hiccups here and there along the way, but it’s coming together well. Pitches are ready, players and umpires en route, it’s shaping up to be a great day’s footy. Just hope we get the weather to match!”

How are the teams shaping up?

“Well, I suppose we have home advantage so we’d hope to be strong around the ground. Our difficulty has been picking 16, our second squad is as strong as the first! But looking through the lists, the Mixed Uni team are very strong in every line, and Oxford have recently beaten Birmingham too, and are travelling strong, so they’ll be a serious outfit. I know the Maynooth lads have put in serious prep, and have a few tidy players in their list. Also, I’ve played against one or 2 of the Cambridge boys, they don’t miss, and in short games like this, accuracy is vital. So, it’s wide open really.”

Any players to keep an eye on?

“Singling out players is always difficult, giving them a tag is added pressure. I never had it when I played, and sure was class, but nobody knew! I’m sure these boys will love the limelight though, so I’ll drop a few names. UCC have 3 Jacks, 2 Oisin’s, 2 James’, and 2 Kev’s, they’ll surely produce something between them. Maynooth have Darragh O Morain, he’s bound to play well someday. Mixed Uni’s have Hally. That’s all that needs to be said on that. Cambridge have Mossy Harrington up top, the closest thing there is to a Buddy Franklin in Europe. And Oxford have Geoff Pascoe, a man that knows all the rules, and will surely push them to the limit for their cause.”

Who’s going to come away from Fitzpatrick Cup in 2017?

“Ah c’mon, you can’t ask me that! Having 2 dogs in the fight, I’d like to think that UCC can make it an all Cork Grand Final. No doubt the other boys will be out to stop that, but our boys are boasting a mix of youth, experience, National Team players and hardy b*****ds in both squads!”

AFLW and JLT Community Series Streamed Live & Free!

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The AFL are pleased to advise that all matches throughout the AFL Women’s league and the JLT Community Series will be made available free of charge via watchafl.afl.com.au.  People with an existing subscription can just log in to watch the AFLW / JLT Community Series matches. Those who have not subscribed will need to register (but will not need to pay) in order to watch the AFLW / JLT Community Series matches.

The opening game of the AFL Women’s League kicks off tomorrow morning with old foes Carlton hosting Collingwood at Ikon Park bouncing at 8:45am GMT.

The season runs over 8 rounds before culminating in the Grand Final on the 25th March. For the full seasons fixtures jump onto http://www.afl.com.au/womens/matches to plan your early mornings for the next two months.

 

Oxford University Team Preview – Fitzpatrick Cup 2017

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In the lead up to the 2017 Fitzpatrick Cup to be held in Cork, Ireland on the 4th February we’ll be taking a look at each side attending the annual universities tournament. Next up in the previews is Oxford University.

Oxford will be a real contender in Cork. They’ve always be around the top at the Fitz and 2017 could be the year they go all the way.

What has happened since the last Fitzpatrick Cup?

Since last year’s competition in Birmingham, the Blues have had a successful year on the field, beating Cambridge in the Varsity Match. Facing tough matches against Birmingham and the West London Wildcats following last year’s cup, we fought the entire match against Cambridge to ensure a 58-52 victory with a game-winning smother of the Tab’s last shot at goal.

Fitzpatrick Cup history

We had a great tournament last year in Birmingham for the Fitzpatrick Cup, finishing third.  We brought a huge Oxford squad with mixed fresh faces and grizzled old timers.  We lost a close Semi final to the University of Cork.

Players to watch 

We’re looking forward to see which players step up and surprise our anxious competitors in the Cup.  Practices and early matches this season have shown us that we have new vocal leaders on the team.  Certainly, watch veterans like Irishman Tommy Griffin and the ubiquitous Geoff Pascoe.

So, who’s in charge?

Oliver Bartlett, a Brit in his 4th year at the club.

Interview with Daniel Tracey – Men’s Captain of the Oxford Blues

Aims for the tournament?

“We undoubtedly will enjoy playing the match in Cork, and get to know our fellow Irish lads.  However, we aim to improve on our third place finish in 2016.  We fought hard last year, and intend to bring the same intensity to the pitch.”

Which players have the X-factor?

“This year we have an incredibly deep bench, and everyone has contributed to make the season a strong one so far.  It’s hard to name individual players, but Tommy Griffin, Geoff Pascoe, Alex Coccia, and Ewan Selkirk have a the tendency to make quick and strong plays for the score.”

How have the preparations been going?

“We’ve got a lot of new players on the team, some new to the sport entirely, and others who have played before internationally.  Of course it is always a big job to build up the team but after three solid matches this autumn, we have many guys showing up and contributing.  We are fielding a very diverse team who are ready to build up even more.”

What are the main attributes of your team?

“We have solid 1 on 1 contests, and great team communication.  The attitude this year has been that everybody gives it a good go and tries hard.  We’ve got a few experienced players and many new players who are learning quickly.”

Applications Open – ANZAC Cup 2017

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AFL Europe is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Australian Spirit team to compete in the 9th Annual ANZAC Cup in Villers-Bretonneux, France.

The small town of Villers-Bretonneux in Northern France has a strong connection with Australian Armed Forces. On 24th April 1918, the town was captured by German forces. Overnight the Australian troops retaliated and by dawn on the 25th April 1918 the town had be retaken.

The ANZAC Cup is played between the Australian Spirit team and French National side for both men and women and is part of the ‘Australia Week’ celebrations held in Villers-Bretonneux in the lead up to ANZAC Day.

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Players are expected to arrive in VB on the afternoon of Saturday the 22nd of April, with matches being played on the Sunday. Participants are expected to stay until the Dawn Service on ANZAC Day.

The ANZAC Cup costs £100 per player and includes; full playing kit, jacket, 3-nights billeted accommodation, dinner on the Saturday evening and lunch on the Sunday.

Applications are welcome from any Australian or New Zealander with selection for the weekend emphasised on a player’s personal connection to WW1 and the Armed Forces and not purely footballing ability.

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Players interested in applying for the 9th Annual ANZAC Cup should express interest to ben.durance@afleurope.org to receive an application form. Application forms need to be returned by Friday 10th February to be considered.

Check out some of the footage from last year’s ANZAC Cup as shot by Channel 7 below.

http://snpy.tv/2jx42iN