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EC Team Preview – European Crusaders

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AFL Europe Championships Team Preview – European Crusaders

Every three years the AFL Europe Championships take place for teams to assert their dominance and claim bragging rights against their European counterparts, as well as gain valuable 18-a-side match practice in the lead up to the International Cup the following year.

In the lead up to this year’s AFL Europe Championships in London we’ll be focusing on each team and previewing their chances of taking out the top prize.

In the final of our women’s team previews we are getting to know the European Crusaders a bit better.

What’s happened since International Cup 2014?

We formed the European Crusaders for this full format tournament; most girls on this team have never played for the Crusaders before.

Who’s in for AFL Europe Championships in 2016?

Crusaders is a team consisting of girls from more than a handful of different countries, hereunder France, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia and Denmark. As many of the countries in Europe are not able to put together a full format team, we got the opportunity to play as a joint team thanks to AFL Europe. Our team consists of players who have never played before and players who have been playing for several years. We have an awesome team with many good girls with different strengths with different strengths we will try to utilize.

Crusaders have never played together before but is looking forward to play and have fun together as a team, hopefully showing the other women’s teams that we are to be reckoned with.

Denmark Valkyries Team Manager Cyril Marsault has been recruited to coach the Crusaders during the tournament. He will get a helping hand from Maria Falkesgaard who will be a playing team manager for the Crusaders.

AFL Europe Championships focus

The crusaders have never played together as a team before, but all girls have a great sense of teamspirit. We have girls of very different skill levels and therefore we would love improve during the tournament, however we now that we might have a huge challenge here. The strengths of the team are that all the girls are very committed to playing a full format tournament and that all the girls’ love playing footy. The weaknesses of the Crusaders is that we are very low in numbers and that we have never played together before.

Who has the X-Factor?

We have players from both the French and Danish national teams and they are always bringing their best play for tournaments. Furthermore, we have a strong list of British, Kiwi and Australian girls who shows promising notes on field. As this team is pure superstar quality, we do not highlight any one player but the team as a whole. However, we are looking forward to seeing Samara Warren play her first footy game and think this former soccer player will be a nice addition to the team.

Coaches thoughts – Cyril Marsault

”The Crusaders will enter the competition with less expectation to them than to the national teams. The focus on fun rather than performance, and the patchwork from different countries, might come as a disadvantage, but choosing to compete with such a team shows great motivation and courage from the players, which might just be the recipe to unexpected success on the field.”

 

Squad

  1. Maria Falkesgaard
  2. Amanda Teglhus
  3. Maibritt Jansen
  4. Claudia Kwok
  5. Alexandra Daley
  6. Lucy Henderson
  7. Coline Duquet
  8. Mathilde Combes
  9. Claire Pérez
  10. Lynne Wooldridge
  11. Rachel Gouldingay
  12. Rebecca Dickson
  13. Hayley ’The Noodle’ Canton
  14. Samara Warren
  15. Claire Messent
  16. Emma Lundaahl

 

 

2016 AFL Europe Euro Cup

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Welcome to the 2016 Euro Cup! This year’s tournament is being held in Lisbon, Portugal at the National Stadium Jamor.

Date: Saturday 8th October 2016

Venue: Lisbon, Portugal (National Stadium Jamor)

Map:

 Pitch Map

Registration:

Your registration fee of €110 + Eventbrite Fee, this year INCLUDES all of the following:

  • Playing registration fee
  • Event t-shirt
  • 2-night accommodation at either Hotel Amazonia or Praia Mar (price is for a triple room with two of your teammates)
  • Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday at your hotel
  • Wristband and free entry in the official after-party

Please note – if you wish to stay at the accommodation for longer (before or after the tournament), please contact us ASAP on admin@afleurope.org so we can organise this for you. Beds are limited so get in early. 

 

Eventbrite - 2016 AFL Europe Euro Cup

 

Volunteers:

Any volunteers who which to help during the event can register on Eventbrite AND contact AFL Europe at admin@afleurope.org. The price for Volunteers covers your accommodation and breakfast we will supply you with lunch, t-shirt and never ending gratitude.

Umpires:

All umpiring enquiries regarding Euro Cup can be made by contacting umpires@afleurope.org – registration is available on the Eventbrite link.

Information Pack:

2016 Pre-Tournament Booklet

Player Eligibility:

1) The Player was predominantly resident in the country of the league between 10 and 16 years of age subject to the qualification in sub clause A below.
2) The Player is a citizen of the country of the league at the time when the competition is conducted, subject to the qualification in sub clause A below.
3) The Player is not under suspension in that Player’s local competition during the period of the competition.
AFL Europe may on a case by case basis, waive the eligibility requirements if it is satisfied that a player is a bona fide resident in the country of the league and his participation would be in the best interests of the competition. Submissions in this regard must be made by lodging a Application for Eligibility Exemption – 2016. Any player who has previously obtained exemption must apply again in 2016 – please complete the form and email to admin@afleurope.org

Tournament Rules and Eligibility

Team Registration & Waiver:

The Eventbrite form makes it compulsory for all players, coaches and team officials to specify which team they are registration for/with however, all teams need to submit a Euro Cup 2016 – Team Entry Form before the cut-off date (Saturday 17th September) as well as a Euro Cup 2016 – Team List and a AFL Europe Euro Cup – Waiver and Release – all players must sign this form before registration on Friday 7th October 2016. This will ensure all information is received by us and we can then go ahead with the rankings and draw.

Match of the Round

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Match of the Round 15/7/16

Round 2 CEAFL Review

This weeks ‘Match of the Round’ is going to review the 2nd round of the CEAFL which took place last week in Dobl near Graz, Austria.

Following a successful 1st round in Zagreb, Croatia the ladder looked like this:

  1. Zaprude Giants 15 Points
  2. Zagreb Dockers 12 Points
  3. Sesvete Double Blues 10 Points
  4. Zagreb Hawks 10 Points
  5. Styrian DUDogs 8 Points
  6. Eagles 6 Points
  7. VG Bombers 4 Points

With the round originally planned with 8 teams, the tournament was eventually run with 5 teams, comprising of the Styrian DownUnderDogs, Sesvete Double Blues and the VG Bombers with full squads, the Zaprude Giants with 7 players and a mixed team combining players from the Prague Dragons, Zagreb Hawks and Zagreb Dockers.

With the Giants only having 7 players they were entitled to an 18-point handicap each game. In addition, all games for the Giants along with the Semi Final were played as 7-a-side games.

The group stage included all 5 teams in the one group – every team played each other once. Only the last two games weren’t played due to a lack of numbers from the mixed side and an agreed draw between the Double Blues and Dogs.

The final standings from the group stage is as follows:

ladder

The final series was kicked off with the Dogs taking on the Bombers followed by the Double Blues locking horns with the Giants.

The first semi-final between Dogs and Bombers ended as a convincing victory for the Dogs as the VG Bombers had numerous injuries and despite a handicap were unable to get close to the Styrian side.

The second semi-final was an absolute thriller between the Giants and Double Blues which saw the Giants clinch victory in the dying minutes of the game.

The Grand Final was played as a 7-a-side game between the Styrian DownUnderDogs and Zaprude Giants. The Giants started with an 18-point handicap and lead by 1-point at halftime with the scores reading 19 to 18.

Even though the Dogs showed courage and almost drew even in the middle of the second half, it proved a lack of experience from the Dogs that led to an 8-point win from the Zaprude Giants.

Review of the teams:

Prague Dragons

The Dragons faced some late cancellations from various players, therefore only 4 guys made the long trip down from Prague. Nevertheless, together with players from the Zagreb Hawks and Dockers they teamed up and showed great passion and enthusiasm. With a full squad that will be on show at their home tournament, the Dragons will be another difficult opponent and raise the quality of the CEAFL competition.

VG Bombers

Founded earlier this year, the Bombers have already shown great courage and massive improvement from game to game. In their second group game, they even had the chance to knock off the more experienced and eventual winners, the Zaprude Giants, but failed to mark the final kick of the game which was only centimetres from goal, losing by 3-points. Their continual improvement is great for the CEAFL competition and they will on develop further in each tournament they play.

Sesvete Double Blues

In their second year of existence, the Double Blues from Sesvete are getting closer and closer to the more established clubs from Zagreb. The Double Blues were dominant throughout the group stages along with the first half of their semi-final against the Giants. They seemed to run out of gas in the second half with the Giants clinching victory in the dying minutes to win through to the final.

Styrian DownUnderDogs

The 1st round of the CEAFL in Zagreb saw the Dogs get their first win against a Croatian team in almost 5 years. With this success in their minds they started their home tournament with another win and managed to beat all the other opponents in the group stage. The Dogs won 5 games on their way to the Grand Final before a fast finishing Giants stopped them in a thrilling game.

Zaprude Giants

Winning 2 out of 2 tournament, the Giants emphasised their ambitions to win the CEAFL this year. If they combine their level of skills and experience again in the final round in Prague they will be hard beat and could claim the CEAFL title.

 

 

 

 

2016 CEAFL ladder after 2 of 3 rounds:

  1. Zaprude Giants 30 Points
  2. Styrian DUDogs 20 Points
  3. Sesvete Double Blues 20 Points
  4. VG Bombers 14 Points
  5. Zagreb Dockers 12 Points
  6. Zagreb Hawks 10 Points
  7. Prague Dragons 8 Points
  8. Eagles 6 Points

The Dogs would like to thank all the teams for attending the 2nd round of the CEAFL and providing such entertaining games of football. The whole CEAFL is now looking forward to the 3rd and final round of the 2016 CEAFL tournament on the 10th of September in Prague.

 

A huge thank you to Michael Jud, Martin Schittegg and Oliver Krajacic for compiling this amazing review of the 2nd round CEAFL tournament. We can’t wait to hear how the final round pans out.

 

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Tuesday Around the Grounds

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The sun shines in Norrtalje for Dockers and Blues

A cracking day of football in the beautiful sunshine in Norrtalje has seen the Norrtalje Dockers and Sodermalm Blues claim victory.  The final scores for the AFL Sweden games saw Norrtalje Dockers 15.11. 101 beat Arsta Swans 5.9. 39 and the Sodermalm Blues 21.8. 134 beating the Bromma Vikings 7.8. 50.

Continuing with the AFL Sweden league and with just over a week into their membership drive sees the clubs doing well so far.

The list of how the clubs are going is as follows:

  1. Norrtalje Dockers – 28 members
  2. Arsta Swans – 24 members
  3. Port Malmo Football Club – 36 members
  4. Sodermalm AFC – 27 members
  5. Solna Axemen – 22 members
  6. Bromma Vikings – 11 members
  7. Helsinborg Saints – 5 members
  8. Gothenburg, Falun, Uppsala – 0 members

Keep up the good work AFL Sweden!

 

Clapham Cubs want you!

The Clapham Cubs are looking for a male to assist with the running of their Sunday Auskick sessions. If you have a passion for growing the game in London, have a clear DBS check and are available on Sunday’s from 11-12pm then contact claphamcubs@gmail.com for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/Clapham-Cubs-861426217276768/?fref=ts

Clapham Cubs

 

ACL rules out Irish talent, Ciaran Byrne for the remainder of the season

Carlton’s Irish import, Ciaran Byrne, has been ruled out for the remainder of season 2016 after rupturing his ACL during Saturday night’s close loss to arch-rivals Collingwood.

It’s terrible news for the 21-year-old halfback who was having a consistent year for the Blues under first-year coach, Brendon Bolton.

Ciaran will undergo surgery in the weeks to come before undertaking an extensive rehabilitation program. All the best Ciaran and we wish you a speedy recovery.

http://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/2016-07-03/scans-confirm-byrne-injury

 

The Flying Dutchmen are back!

The national Australian Rules team for the Netherlands, the Flying Dutchmen, are back on social media and ready to take the AFL Europe community by storm. Not only did they host a game with the Scottish national team in mid-June but rumour has it that they’re trying to rally the troops and make an appearance at the Euro Cup in Lisbon later this year. Fingers crossed!

Jump over to their Facebook and give them a like when you get a chance.

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

 

Bloods reassert dominance over arch-rivals the Glasgow Sharks in SARFL blockbuster

The Edinburgh Bloods claimed a three goal victory to jump to an early advantage in the SARFL Premiership at the weekend.

It started out as a beautiful day at Leith Park and the scene was set for an absolute thriller. But it was the Bloods who jumped out the blocks early kicking 5.6. 36 to 1.3. 9 to take the heat out of the contest in the first term.

The Sharks weren’t going down without a fight and clawed their way back slowly before a very heavy shower in the third quarter allowed the Bloods to shut up shop and take a close but comfortable three goal victory.

The final scorecard read 13.16. 94 to 10.16. 76 in favour of the Bloods in what was another great instalment of this fierce rivalry.

Bloods v Sharks

Tuesday Around the Grounds

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Around the Grounds

Swedish Elks and Irish Warriors release their AFL Europe Champs Squads

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

Team lists as follows:

Irish Warriors

Defenders

Muiris Bartley (UCC & Leeside Lions)

Sean Paul Henry (Belfast Redbacks)

Luke Hickey (UCC & Leeside Lions)

Brendan Kelly (Belfast Redbacks)

Stiofán Mac Finn (Wimbledon Hawks)

Tom McKenna (Belfast Redbacks)

Paul Murphy (UCC & Leeside Lions)

Conor O’ Halloran (Leeside Lions)

Eoin Ó Súilleabháin (Leeside Lions)

Tom Stack (Manchester Mosquitoes)

Gerard Walls (Belfast Redbacks)

 

Midfielders

Liam Burns (South Dublin Swans)

Conor Fitzgerald (Wandsworth Demons)

David McElhone (Belfast Redbacks)

Sean McGlinchey (Belfast Redbacks)

Stuart McKeating (Belfast Redbacks)

David Miller (Belfast Redbacks)

Gavin Murray (South Dublin Swans)

Kevin Young Kev O’ Brien (Wandsworth Demons)

Eoin Ó Murchú (Wandsworth Demons)

 

Forwards

Conor Fitzgerald (North London Lions)

Dominic Joyce (Leeside Lions)

Ryan McCloskey (Belfast Redbacks)

Kevin McDonnell (Galway Magpies)

David McGinty (Galway Magpies)

Kevin McSorley (Belfast Redbacks)

Kevin Old Kev O’ Brien (Wandsworth Demons)

Padraic O’ Connell (Leeside Lions)

Cóilín Ó Lordáin (Leeside Lions)

 

Standby/Emergencies

Rory O’ Donnell (UCC & Leeside Lions)

Alan Tobin (Wandsworth Demons)

 

 

Swedish Elks

Andreas Svensson – Helsingborg

Anton Tellström – Helsingborg

Jacob Lantz – Helsingborg

Hampus Olsson – Helsingborg

Jacob Nilsson – Helsingborg

Philip Nilsson – Helsingborg

Robin Nilsson – Helsingborg

Niklas Jonsson – Norrtälje

Martynas Alijosius – Norrtälje

Erik Lindqvist – Norrtälje

Gustav Svensson – Norrtälje

Buster Sund – Norrtälje

Tim Lindgren – Port Malmö

Tobias Gogu – Port Malmö

Tony Persson – Port Malmö

Jonas Lovén – Port Malmö

Christopher Mårtensson – Port Malmö

Jonas Birgén – Årsta

Mattis Kvarnström – Årsta

Oscar Magnusson – Solna

Pekka Tångström – Göteborg

Kaj Karlsson – Södermalm

 

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

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

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

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

 

CNFA Grand Final takes centre stage

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

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

 

Get your nominations in!

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

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

 

Another female umpire joins the ranks

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

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

Maria

Mixed results for Titans in AFL England South

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

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

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

Keep up the good work down in AFL England South.

Southampton Titans

Surrey Stags

Sussex Swans

AFL Europe Match of the Round

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Swedish Cup – Norrtälje Sportcentrum 11/6/16 8am

The Swedish Cup is AFL Sweden’s annual, one day tournament. The 2016 tournament will be hosted by Norrtälje Dockers and played in a 9-a-side, round robin format to determine the premiers of AFL Sweden.

The 2016 edition of the Swedish Cup this year is promising to be the biggest and best yet, with men, women and juniors all participating. The men will play 5 group games, all playing each other before a top of the table clash in the final. The women will play 4 matches throughout the day and combine for the final, while the Juniors will play one match to showcase the growth of the sport at a grass roots level.

The men’s teams participating are the Port Malmö Maulers, Södermalm Blues, Oslo Crows, Årsta Swans, Norrtälje Dockers and a mixed team made up of players from Helsingborg, Gothenburg, Bromma and Solna. Whilst the women will have a two team format with the Port Malmö Lynx and a combined Stockholm/Oslo team.

The Port Malmö Mauler’s Jonas Lovén, is getting himself ready for a big day with the Maulers looking to keep a firm grip on the cup as reigning champions. “We’re all looking forward to a great tournament in Norrtälje and especially to defend last year’s title. After some tough games drinking beer from the cup is always the goal of the mighty Maulers”

The Maulers participate in the Danish league due to their location but are still very prominent in the Swedish competition. Coach of the Maulers and the national Swedish team, Brett Petersen is excited to coach the team in tomorrow’s tournament, “Coming off 2 big wins in the DAFL, Maulers are looking to be a strong force in this Swedish cup. Maulers leading goal kicker Ben Polmear is one to keep an eye on in this tournament”

Ben Polmear is ready to defend the title although, “we’re missing a few players from last year’s tournament the team of hungry beasts making the trip up to Norrtälje this year are more than capable of defending our title as Sweden’s top 9-a-side footy club.”

Södermalm Blues participated in this year’s AFL Europe Champions League coming 8th in the prestigious tournament. A few players to watch in the Blues would be Mick Larsson, Rob Njoku (better known as Mr T) and Dylan O’Keefe. The much anticipated return of Ivan Rexed will also add depth to the Blues as they fight for the title.

The Oslo Crows have frequented the Swedish Cup in the past years. Winning the Cup in 2013 and 2014, the Crows unfortunately displayed a disappointing performance in 2015 due to lack of inexperience and numbers. Back with a vengeance, Amund Lundesgaard is ready and bringing a fighting group to reclaim the Swedish Cup.

The Årsta Swans have a few guns to watch out for during this year’s tournament. Chris Murr, Che Ramirez, Rob Young, Mattis Kvarnström all add strength and well tuned skills to the Swans team making them strong contenders.

The mixed team will be made up of players from Helsingborg, Gothenburg, Bromma and Solna giving the team a great chance at a shot at the title. This mixed bag could well and truly take out the title with their pick from these 4 strong clubs. Experience will be the key here with the ageless Andreas Svensson, now in his 40’s, Svensson will be playing along side his young son.

The Norrtälje Dockers are proud to have the Swedish Cup tournament back in Norrtälje at the premier Australian Rules sporting facility in Sweden. Norrtälje have had their best start to a premiership season since their creation in 2012 and will be looking to continue that trend in the Swedish Cup. A strong showing of players will ensure that all matches against the Dockers will be hard fought and there is surely not to be a repeat of the 3 draws at last year’s tournament.

The Port Malmö Lynx are extremely happy that the Norrtälje women’s team, made up of Stockholm and Oslo, will be at the Sweden Cup. The anticipation is high regarding the new players they will get to come up against. It’s also exciting to see what new talent could be on offer for the national team. Ryan Davidson, coach for the Port Malmö Lynx and Swedish Ravens will have a keen eye out for what talent he can bring to Lisbon for the AFL Europe Euro Cup this October.

Good luck to all the men, women and juniors involved! We look forward to seeing who takes out the coveted title. #AFLinEurope

Tuesday Around the Grounds

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Coyotes claim Minor Premiership of CNFA champs

The Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes have wrapped up the minor premiership of the CNFA Championship sitting 3 points clear of perennial top of the table side, the Paris Cockerels.

The Coyotes claimed top spot after final round opponents, the Toulouse Hawks forfeited, and are now in the box seat to claim the major premiership when season 2015/16 of the CNFA Championships comes to a conclusion in a few weeks’ time.

Wildcats school Lions on home turf in AFL London Grand Final rematch

The much anticipated Grand Final rematch unfortunately ended in a blow out with the Wildcats running over the Lions by 87 points.

Wildcat’s, Jared Risol and Andy Challis receive notable mentions for the tireless hard work and their combined 9 goals.

The Lions sit in a similar position as they did in 2015, however, they’ll need to put in the hard yards from Round 5 onwards to ensure they have a chance at defending their title.

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Scoreboard leans in favour of Milan Eagles in Pisa friendly

The Milan Eagles took the chocolates against the Roma Football Club in a demo match between the two Italian clubs in Pisa at the weekend.

A couple of accidents within the first 5 minutes had Roma on the backfoot and were unable to get back in the game eventually going down 120 to 23.

A special shoutout for Josip Kravar for his help and insight along with all involved in getting this great exhibition up and running.

Roma v Milan

Port Malmo’s big day out

A massive day of Aussie Rules was had by all out at Port Malmo at the weekend.

3 huge games of football were played. First up were the Mini Maulers side who had a great hit out in the lead up to the big show down between the Port Malmo Maulers and Odense Lions. The Maulers ran out convincing winners 172-9.

The final game of the day was played between the Port Malmo women’s side, the Lynx, and some of the Mauler’s who backed up from their game previously.

Great day out for all showing the amazing growth and development in of AFL in Sweden.

Port Malmo

Oslo East sweeps West and Ås aside in Kenguru Cup opener

Oslo’s Eastside squad proved it will be the team to beat in Kenguru Cup 2016 after scoring strong wins in a high quality round one under sunny skies at Voldslokka.

Playing with a mixture of new and old faces, the East shrugged off an indifferent start against Oslo West in the first game to run out convincing winners 61 to 18.

Game two saw the Easties teach an inexperienced Ås side the finer points of contested, skilled football, and another comfortable win, 53 to 13.

In the evening’s final fixture, West took on and conquered the Ås side, which was ably helped out with some extra players from East. The closest contest of the night saw Ås start brilliantly and head into the half-time break up by eight points. West responded however, and hit back with a flurry of second half goals to put the result beyond doubt. Final scores were West 51, Ås 28.

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Copenhagen Barracudas go pink to fight cancer

The Barracudas host the Odense Lions in their 2016 Ladies Day Picnic.

Its what’s set to be a great day of Aussie Rules so make sure you get on down and support the fight against cancer whilst sipping ‘champagne in the sun, watching sweaty guys in tight shorts and tucking into a lovely BBQ’. Can’t beat that on a spring Saturday afternoon.

Jump on over to the event page if you’re in the area.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1190549217645690/

 

Ben Durance

Danish jet flies into Australia

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AFL Europe are excited to announce the facilitation of Danish dasher, Mikkel Kjoeges move to Melbourne, Australia to pursue his AFL Career. With the assistance of the Victorian Amateur Football League (VAFA) a favourite son of AFL Europe has settled into the Old Xaverian’s Football Club. Mikkel has played many tournaments and excelled in many games over the past 4 years through AFL Europe and his local team the Farum Cats. It was his outstanding performance, at the 2014 AFL Europe Draft Combine, that was the final catalyst to the full realisation of his skill set and ability. Mikkel will write exclusively for us as we document his time in Australia and his dream of making it in the AFL.

Mikkel’s Australian Adventure – Part 1

I arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday night after an extremely long and exhausting 24 hour flight! I was met at the airport and taken to my accommodation where I was happy to see my bed – we had our first footy session the next night, so it was straight into it!

Training on the Thursday was at Xavier College where I was introduced to my new teammates – they are all very nice guys. Training was very different to what I’m used to! High intensity running drills and a lot of exercises I hadn’t done before, all in 35 degree heat! I think there might have been about 50 guys on the same oval, training together; it was amazing – I went home that night with a great experience and an Australian sunburn.

On the Friday I moved into Port Melbourne to stay with a family friend. Being so close to the beach is great and really beautiful. I was also able to go see the house I will be moving into in Caulfield with 2 other guys – the house is nearly 300m2!

I’m really enjoying living in Melbourne, exploring the city, the beaches and meeting the people is great. It’s all really beautiful. I competed with the World Team in Sydney at the 2012 AFL NAB U16 National Championships and have kept in contact with a few of my team mates. A couple of them are doing pretty well with their footy here in Australia which is great and we’re all getting together next week for a catch up.

Since arriving in Melbourne I’ve become even more determined to make it in the AFL, everyone around me is so supportive and positive. I have wonderful team mates and a great coaching staff here at the Old Xaverians. We had a Training Camp down in Portsea on the weekend of February 21-22. We did a few sessions on the beach in 30+ degree weather, it was massive!

Follow Mikkel’s journey on #MikkelDownUnder and @AFL_Europe

 

Click here for Part Two

 

Sarah Ongarello

Denmark Vikings Axios Euro Cup Champions

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After a mostly cloudy and wet day of competition on October 4th at The London Irish’s Hazelwood Centre facility, an almost faultless performance throughout the tournament by the Denmark Vikings gave them the 2014 Axios Euro Cup.

Although they did not compete in last year’s edition in Bordeaux, France, the Danes were looking to avenge their one point loss in the finals two years ago in Edinburgh to Ireland. The hard-fought Grand Final against the usually dominant Croatian Knights was an offensive display from Troels Ottesen, who scored half his team’s goals.

The Vikings dominant showing was showcased by a 109-point shutout over bottom but courageous Catalunya, which included 17 goals and 7 behinds, meaning The Vikings scored once every minute during the 25-minute game. Their defense was strong as well, as only the Welsh Dragons were able to score more than 2 goals on them.

Many attribute Denmark’s dominance to their youth development. Their competitive league begun in 1991. Only two other countries, Canada and Great Britain, had competitive football before Denmark. Now 23 years later, some of Denmark’s players have been playing since their childhood, something rare for European AFL athletes. This was undoubtedly the strongest team in their history. Performances of the European Legion talents Danes Mikkel Kjoge and Aksel Bang as well as Croat Josip “Pain Train” Habljak were congratulated.

16 Men’s team participated in this year’s cup. The German Black Eagles, Swedish Elks, Scottish Clansmen, Welsh Dragons, and champion Denmark Vikings all returned to this year’s competition after missing out in Bordeaux. The Netherlands Flying Dutchmen returned for the first time since 2011. Players from Czech Republic, Finland and Iceland were represented in the Crusaders team that was topped off by additional English players. We hope those teams return to the future Euro Cups.

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Scores of the 2014 Axios Euro Cup:

Prince Charles Group

Italy Azzurri 5.6 (36) – Netherlands Flying Dutchmen 1.4 (10)
Goals:
Netherlands: BGC van Schie
Italy: Denis Conte, Filippo Bolognese, Luigi Arnulfo, Andrea Lorenzi, Filippo Allosio
Best:
Netherlands: Daniel van Der Putten, MIchael van Eijk, Miguel Zuidberg Dos Martires
Italy: Daniele Gennara, Filippo Allosio, Andrea Lorenzi

France Les Coqs 4.4 (28) – German Black Eagles 5.5 (35)
Goals:
Germany: Matthias Kluseman 3, Jakob Friedman 2, Johannes Mast
France: Henry Tiefenbach 2, Loïc Besnard-Gonthier, Pierre-Etienne Dandaleix
Best:
Germany: Ruben Stricher, Simon Assmus, Gannon Borchers
France: Pierre-Etienne Dandaleix, Pierre Boscart, Loïc Besnard-Gonthier

Italy Azzurri 2.2 (14) – German Black Eagles 5.5 (35)
Goals:
Germany: Martin Schettoff 2, Jakob Friedman 2, Matthias Kluseman
Italy: Luigi Arnulfo, Federico Bernasconi
Best:
Germany: Martin Schettoff, Ruben Stricher, Florian Naumann
Italy: Federico Bernasconi, Luigi Arnulfo, Denis Conte

Netherlands Flying Dutchmen 0.0 (0) – France Les Coqs 3.2 (20)
Goals:
France: Loïc Besnard-Gonthier 2, Julien Dagois
Best:
France: Pierre–Etienne Dandaleix, Loïc Besnard-Gonthier, Alban Schieber
Netherlands: Michael van Eijk, Daniel van der Putten, BGC van Schie

German Black Eagles 7.4 (46) – Netherlands Flying Dutchmen 0.1 (1)
Goals:
Germany: Matthias Kluseman 3, Martin Schettoff 2, Ruben Stricher, Simon Assmus
Best:
Germany: Martin Schettoff, Gannon Borchers, Simon Assmus
Netherlands: Michael van Eijk, Daniel van der Putten, Renier J.M Vriend

Italy Azzurri 4.6 (30) – France Les Coqs 3.4 (22)
Goals:
Italy: Denis Conte, Christian Tiranti, Andrea Lorenzi, Daniele Gennara
France: Henry Tiefenbach, Simon Mondin, Loïc Besnard-Gonthier
Best:
Italy: Andrea Lorenzi, Christian Tiranti, Denis Conte
France: Pierre–Etienne Dandaleix, Alban Schieber, Julien Gil

Winston Churchill Group

Ireland Warriors 6.3 (39) – Scotland Clansmen 0.3 (3)
Goals:
Ireland: Gavin Murray 3, Coilin O Londrían 2, Cillian Conboy
Best:
Ireland: Gavin Murray, Declan Alder, David Miller
Scotland: N/A

Swedish Elks 7.8 (50) – Norwegian Trolls 1.3 (9)
Goals:
Norway: Jorgen Boro
Sweden: Michael Larsson 5, Johan Lantz 2
Best:
Norway: Tobias Limseth, Brage Blomdal, Jorgen Boro
Sweden: Michael Larsson, Max Larsson, Tobias Slahl

Ireland Warriors 9.8 (62) – Norwegian Trolls 1.3 (9)
Norway: Andre Michaelsen
Ireland: Cillian Conboy 2, Coilin O Londrían 2, Richard MacSweeney, Padraic O’ Connell, Ronan Moran, Declan Alder, Roch Hanmore
Best:
Norway: Anders Thomt, Andre Klaffmo, Klas Harris
Ireland: Kevin O’ Brien, Gerard Walh, Declan Alder

Swedish Elks 2.13 (25) – Scotland Clansmen 2.1 (13)
Goals:
Scotland: Cameron Goodall, Scott O’Hara
Sweden: Michael Larsson, Johan Lantz
Best:
Scotland: Ross Thomson, John McIntyre, Alexander Clark
Sweden: Max Larsson, Michael Larsson, Johan Lantz

Norwegian Trolls 0.3 (3) – Scotland Clansmen 3.8 (26)
Goals:
Scotland: Alex Young 2, John McIntyre
Best:
Scotland: Alex Young, Cameron Goodall, Daniel Connor
Norway: Anders Thomt, Haarkon Molvig, Atle Brevik

Ireland Warriors 7.7 (49) – Swedish Elks 1.2 (8)
Goals:
Ireland: Kevin O’Brien 3, Ciaran Caffrey, Roch Hanmore, Declan Alder, Cillian Conboy
Sweden: Jacob Lantz
Best:
Ireland: Kevin O’Brien, Rock Hanmore, Eoin O’Sullivan
Sweden: Max Larsson, Michael Larson, Jacob Lantz

Captain Cook Group

England Dragonslayers 11.12 (78) – Crusaders 0.0 (0)
Goals:
England: Sam Willatt 2, Luke Booth 2, Ash Swift, Graham Bickerdike, Myles Hudson, Ross Ashman, Matt Whiteley, David Hastie, Luke Murchie
Best:
England: Will Worthington, George Dibble, Dave Hastie
Crusaders: James Clayton, Tomas Nemec, Jens Lofbancica

Spanish Bulls 0.1 (1) – Welsh Dragons 13.6 (84)
Goals:
Wales: Andrew Atack 4, Chris James 3, Sam Jones 3
Best:
Wales: David Saunders, Christopher James, Liam Payne
Spain: N/A

England Dragonslayers 3.3 (21) – Welsh Dragons 2.5 (17)
Goals:
Wales: Quad Boal, Chris James
England: N/A
Best:
Wales: David Saunders, Tort Case, Quad Boal
England: N/A

Spanish Bulls 1.1 (7) – Crusaders 2.9 (21)
Goals:
Spain: Pedro Hernando
Crusaders: Joni Kinnari, Alex Overton
Best:
Spain: Pablo Màs, Juan Jose Martin de Cabo, Pedro Hernando
Crusaders: James Clayton, Alex Overton, Kristjan Blondal

Welsh Dragons 9.11 (65) – Crusaders 1.0 (6)
Goals:
Wales: Chris James
Crusaders: N/A
Best:
Wales: David Saunders, Nick Lewis, Quad Boal
Crusaders: Alex Overton, Tomas Nemec, Warmon Pliestlic

England Dragonslayers 8.12 (60) – Spanish Bulls 1.0 (6)
Goals:
Spain: Juan Palencia de Sarria
England: N/A
Best:
Spain: Juan Palencia de Sarria, Juan Jose Martin, Pablo Màs
England:N/A

Adam Goodes Group  

Croatian Knights (50) – Catalunya Llops (0)
FORFEIT

Denmark Vikings 13.10 (88) – Austrian Avalanche 0.0 (0)
Goals:
Denmark: Victor Petersen 3, Jonas Nielsen 2, Morten Meroj 2, Nicolai Secher 2, Mathias Biron, Mekkel Kjoge, Troels Ottensen
Best:
Denmark: Morten Meroj, Mikkel Kjoge, Jonas Nielsen
Austria: Markus Mayer, Lukas Holzegger, Konrad Traby

Croatian Knights 4.9 (33) – Austrian Avalanche 1.4 (10)
Goals:
Austria: Markus Mayer
Croatia: David Lazanin, Tomislav Tonsetic, Josip Kravar, Zvonimir Marinovic
Best:
Austria: Martin Schittegg, Bernhard Voller, Markus Mayer
Croatia: Ivan Molnar, Zvonimir Murkovic, Josip Kravar

Denmark Vikings 17.7 (109) – Catalunya Llops 0.0 (0)
Goals:
Denmark: Victor Petersen 4, Mikkel Kjoge 3, Nicolai Secher 3, Nathan Campion 2, Morten Engsbye 2, Jakob Oversgaard, Aksel Bang, Jens Djernes
Best:
Denmark: Victor Petersen, Mathias Biron, Mikkel Kjoge
Catalunya: N/A

Austrian Avalanche 13.9 (87) – Catalunya Llops 0.0 (0)
Goals:
Austria: Erwin Shober 4, Bernhard Voller 2, Richard Claassen, Michael Jud, Lukas Holzegger, Martin Schitegg, Daniel Hansmann, Robert Greimer
Best:
Austria: Martin Schittegg, Daniel Hansmann, Erwin Shober
Catalunya: N/A

Croatian Knights 1.5 (11) – Denmark Vikings 2.5 (17)
Goals:
Denmark: Troels Ottensen, Nicolai Secher
Croatia: N/A
Best:
Denmark: Mikkel Kjoge, Troels Ottensen, Mathias Biron
Croatia: N/A

PT1_8631 PT1_9564

PLATE

Norwegian Trolls 3.9 (27) – Netherlands Flying Dutchmen 1.3 (9)
Goals:
Norway: Rene Jensen, Amund Lundesgaard, Anders Thomt
Netherlands: Renier J.M Vriend
Best:
Norway: Rene Jensen, Anders Thomt, Amund Lundesgaard
Netherlands: Jort Kolman, Michael van Eijk, Gerrit Blanken

Spanish Bulls 5.4 (34) – Catalunya Llops 3.6 (24)
Goals:
Spain: Jose Domingo Fernandez Diaz 3, Pedro Palencia de Sarria
Catalunya: N/A
Best:
Spain:
Jose Domingo Fernandez Diaz, P. Palencia de Sarria, J. Palencia de Sarria
Catalunya: N/A

Norwegian Trolls 8.14 (62) – Spanish Bulls 0.0 (0)
Goals:
Norway: Andreas Berge 2, Rene Damborg Jensen, Jorgen Boro, Klas Harris, Liam Hardy, Tobias Limseth, Haakon Molvig
Best:
Norway: Anders Thomt, Rene Damborg, Tobias Limseth
Spain: Juan Jose Martin de Cabo, Pablo Màs, Joaquin Campuzano Gomez

Catalunya Llops 7.8 (50) – Netherlands Flying Dutchmen 1.6 (12)
Goals:
Netherlands: Jort Kolman
Catalunya: N/A
Best:
Netherlands: Jort Kolmn, Pedro Miguel Zuidberg Dos Martires, Michael van Eijk
Catalunya: N/A

PT2_0001L

BOWL

France Les Coqs 5.5 (35) – Scotland Clansmen 1.6 (12)
Goals:
France Goal: Henry Tiefenchach 2, Jeremy Sardim 2, Clement Bouchet
Scotland: Daniel Connor
Best:
France: Jeremy Sardim, Julien Dagois, Gregoire Chatel
Scotland: Cameron Goodall, David Gramble, Michael Douglas

Austria Avalanche 9.6 (60) – Crusaders 2.3 (15)
Goals:
Austria: Erwin Shober 3, Andreas Jauk 2, Michael Jud 2, Markus Mayer, Richard Claasen, Bernhard Plank
Crusaders: Tomas Nemec 2
Best:
Austria: Bernhard Plank, Michael Jud, Andreas Jauk
Crusaders: Tomas Nemec, Dominic Meny, Alex Overton

Austria Avalanche 4.1 (25) – France Les Coqs 4.8 (32)
HT: Austria Avalanche 4.0 (24) – France Les Coqs 1.2 (8)
Goals:
Austria: Erwin Shober 2, Michael Jud, Markus Mayer
France: Julien Gil, Pierre Boscart, Gregoire Chatel
Best:
Austria: Markus Mayer, Erwin Schober, Michael Jud
France: Pierre–Etienne Dandeleix, Gregoire Chatel, Alban Schieber

Crusaders 0.1 (1) – Scottish Clansmen 8.12 (60)
Goals:
Scotland: Daniel Connor 2, Scott O’Hara 2, Ross Thomson, Alex Young, Gus Thomson
Best:
Crusaders: James Clayton, Tomas Nemec, Warmon Pliestic
Scotland: N/A

IMG_7781 IMG_7740

QUARTER FINALS EURO CUP

German Black Eagles 4.2 (26) – Swedish Elks 1.4 (10)
Goals:
Germany: Matthias Kluseman 3, Florian Naumann
Sweden: Jacob Nilsson
Best:
Germany: Florian Naumann, Martin Schettoff, Johannes Mast
Sweden: Hampus Olsson, SIgurd Kristisansen, Jens Ebbesson

Croatian Knights 4.1 (25) – England Dragonslayers 3.4 (22)
Goals:
Croatia: Tomislav Cvetko 2, Lovre Cudina, Josip Kravar
England: N/A
Best:
Croatia: Tomislav Cvetko, Josip Kravar, Tompa
England: N/A

Italy Azzurri 0.1 (1) – Ireland Warriors 5.10 (40)
Goals:
Ireland: David Miller, Roch Hanmore, Cillian Conboy, Gareth Carragher, Gavin Murray
Best:
Italy: Filippo Allosio, Andrea Lorenzi, Thomas Diana
Ireland: David Miller, Gareth Carragher, Ciaran Caffrey

Denmark Vikings 5.3 (33) – Welsh Dragons 3.2 (20)
Goals:
Denmark: Troels Ottesen 4, Jens Djenes
Wales: N/A
Best:
Denmark:Troels Ottesen, Jens Djenes, Thore Lauritzen
Wales: N/A

England Dragonslayers 2.5 (17) – Welsh Dragons 7.6 (48)
N/A

Swedish Elks 6.9 (45) – Italy Azzurri 2.2 (14)
N/A

SEMI AND FINALS EURO CUP

Croatian Knights 7.9 (51) – German Black Eagles 2.4 (16)
HT: Croatian Knights 4.4 (28) – German Black Eagles 1.0 (6)
Goals:
Croatia: Josip Kravar 3, Josip Habljak, Jan Dolezal, Tomislav Cvetko, Misel Lubina, Zvone Marinovic
Germany: Stefen Risse, Matthias Kluseman
Best:
Croatia: Josip Habljak, Josip Kravar, Ivan Lijovic
Germany: N/A 

Ireland Warriors 2.1 (13) – Denmark Vikings 7.10 (52)
HT: Ireland Warriors 1.1 (7) – Denmark Vikings 4.4 (28)
Goals:
Ireland: Roch Hamore 2
Denmark: Mikkel Kjoge 3, Nicolai Secher 2, Troels Ottesen, Mathias Biron
Best:
Ireland: Eoin O’Sullivan, Kevin O’Brien, Roch Hanmore
Denmark: Mikkel Kjoge, Troels Ottesen, Thore Lauritzen

Ireland Warriors 7.6 (48) – German Black Eagles 2.2 (14)
HT: Ireland Warriors 2.2 (14) – German Black Eagles 1.1 (7)
Goals:
Ireland: Coilin O’Londrian 3, Roch Hanmore 2, Kevin O’Brien 2, Gerard Walls
Germany: N/A
Best:
Ireland: Gerard Walls, Coilin O’Londrain, Ciaran Caffrey
Germany: N/A 

Denmark Vikings 6.4 (40) – Croatian Knights 2.4 (16)
HT: Denmark Vikings 2.3 (15) – Croatian Knights 1.1 (7)
Goals:
Denmark: Troels Ottesen 3, Nathan Campion, Mikkel Kjoge, Mathias Biron
Croatia: N/A
Best:
Denmark: Nathan Campion, Mikkel Kjoge, Mathias Biron
Croatia: N/A

PT2_0852 PT2_0888

AEC Men's Scores