Posts

Aksel’s Diary – Adapting to training at an elite level

/in /by

Tuesday is normally a day off for the GWS Giants and this week was no exception. So while my housemates Adam and Dylan went to university to do some work I had a relaxing day back at the house.

Wednesday was the first day where I was supposed to have an on ground footy session with the boys. I was really looking forward to being back on field and a part of the great game of footy which I haven’t played since the Euro Cup 2012 in Edinburgh.

After a good warm-up we had a few kicking/leading drills and I got to feel the speed and skill level of professional AFL football. It was an amazing thing to be a part of, the players and coaches were really helpful with me during the drills that were all totally new to me.

I was training with the midfielders during this session and we had a little handball game which was quite intense! The session ended with a 18 aside full field match which was a lot of fun. After the session we had a bit of a stretch and ice-bath before we headed back to the club for lunch, pilates and leg weights training.The whole day ended with a team meeting where Kevin Sheedy announced the team for the match against Essendon.

Sheeds gave the guys an extra day to rest, so the only thing we had to do Thursday was massages and then enjoy the rest of the day. I also had a bit of media at the Skoda stadium which was kinda fun to try. See his interview here

I’ve been granted to go down to Melbourne and watch the boys play against Essendon this weekend and visit some friends since the reserves aren’t playing, so that’ll be a really good experience and a good match to watch at Ethiad stadium in Melbourne.

Aksel3

Danish star begins international scholarship stint with GWS Giants

/in /by

Aksel’s Diary Day 1:

After serving with the Danish Army for 3 months and a long flight from Afghanistan to Denmark (home) I didn’t really want to spend the next 24 hours on a plane to Sydney. Then I started to think about why I was undertaking this journey: A 17 day international scholarship with the GSW Giants. All of a sudden the long flight didn’t bother me at all, and I was really excited to have a great experience and be a part of a real AFL club.

After a night in Sydney I got picked up by Ady one of the staff members of the club and he drove me out to one of the many Sydney suburbs where I was going to live during my stay. The house was owned by Adam Kennedy and Dylan Shine, and they had a spare room I was able to move into.

adam kennedydylan shiel

They are really great blokes and we had a relaxing Sunday on the couch with Fifa and Footy on the television.

The boys were a bit worn out after the match against the Gold Coast Suns which they unfortunately lost 104 – 148.

Especially Dylan who’s direct opponent was Gary Ablett.

Monday I had my first day down at the club and met a lot of people. I’m trying to remember everyone’s name and face but it’s pretty hard. My housemates did a really good job looking out for me and helping me during the whole day.

We started the day with a pool session and then we had a light weight session. All good fun! After lunch we had a review of the match against Gold Coast Suns where they pointed out what they had to keep doing as a team and what they had to improve. A lot of statistics and a lot different from what I’m used to with soccer. Every move on the footy field is noticed and analysed.

We then went for a 5 min drive to a field where we had a light session with handballs, kicks and a soccer match before we returned to the club for massages. A really great first day with the GWS Giants.

 

Easter Series comes to exciting conclusion in Copenhagen

/in /by

In the 2nd leg of the 2013 Easter Series there were some very unique challenges that a very long European winter decided to throw at us. With 48 hours until game-time there was the real prospect of the game being called off due the a recent 25cm snow fall and the frozen soil that was taking it’s time to thaw.

After the council ticked off the ground as safe for use only two days before the game, and AFL representatives Kevin Sheehan and Tony Woods checked the surface on Tuesday and announced the game would go ahead as planned in icy cold conditions on the outskirts of Copenhagen.

The Academy and European players were split into two teams coached by Sydney Swans premiership teammates Michael O’Loughlin and Tadhg Kennelly. Kennelly’s side held O’Loughlin’s goalless for the first half, before running out 22-point winners.

Of the Australians, Matt Crouch followed his strong performance against the European Legion last Saturday in Surrey with another excellent showing, along with South Australian Luke Dunstan and energetic midfielder Lewis Taylor.

Leading forward Darcy Hourigan chipped in with three goals and made things happen in his forward half and Kade Kolodjashnij was clever and calm with the ball tucked under his arm.

Midfielders Dom Sheed and Lloyd Perris tried hard for Kennelly’s side, while the versatility of Northern Territory’s Errin Wasley-Black were also there to see off half-back and the wing.

Excitingly the Europeans didn’t look out of place playing amongst these future stars with some of the best passages of play being through the hands of the local boys. Mikkel Kjoege (Den) showed his continued improvement regularly putting his head over the ball and emerging to handball out to a teammate.

Martyn Hinchey (Eng) was great with his tap work while opposition ruckman and mobile utility Niccolo Di Giorgi (Ita) thrilled the big crowd and club recruiters with some soaring leaps and an on9 the run, left foot banana from 45m out directly in front. Other Europeans with impressive games were Kilheeny (Eng) and the Lauritzen (Den) brothers.

Niccolo Di Giorgi and Martyn Hinchey were respectively named the best players for the European contingent.

Tadhg Kennelly’s side 2.6 5.7 8.10 9.12  (66)
Michael O’Loughlin’s side 0.0 0.2 2.4 6.8 (44)

Goals
Kennelly: Hourigan 3, Campion 2 (Denmark), Tsitas 2, Cutler, Kolodjashnij
O’Loughlin: Boyd, J. Secher (Denmark), Sheed, Spina, Di Giorgi (Italy), Smith (Scotland)

Best
Kennelly: Crouch, Taylor, Hourigan, Dunstan, Kolodjashnij, Bontempelli, Robertson, Hinchey
O’Loughlin: Sheed, Perris, Dumont, Wasley-Black, Di Giorgi

Easter Series Highlights

/in /by

View the videos below for all match highlights.

Denmark’s time to shine – Easter Series 2013

/in /by

Australian Football stars at Svanholm Park, Copenhagen

The AFL’s Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Academy Program team, as part of their European tour, will visit Copenhagen on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th of April.

From 9.30am on Wednesday 10th April up to 500 local school children will join junior clinics to learn about Australian Football from a number of AFL legends including Dipper, Tadhg Kennelly and Michael O’Loughlin. (pending the teacher lock-out/ strike).

From 11.30am the Australian U18’s team will be mixed with 16 of the best European players to form two exciting teams to take on each other in the highest level of football ever seen on the European Continent. This is an extension of the Easter Series with the game sure to be highly contested as the best junior players in the world take on each other for the first time.

Opvarmningskampe fra 9.30 (warm-up games from 9.30)
Brøndby Strand vs Brøndbyvester vs Brøndbyøster skoler (the local schools involved)

SE AUSTRALSK FODBOLD LIVE PÅ SVANHOLM PARK ONSDAG DEN 10. APRIL 
(WATCH AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LIVE AT SVANHOLM PARK, WEDNESDAY APRIL 10)

EUROPA VS AUSTRALIEN U18 (EUROPE vs AUSTRALIA U18)
Kampstart: 11.30 – 10. April 2013 (Match start: 11.30 – April 10)
Svanholm Alle 2, 2660 Brøndby Strand (Adress)
Kun 800m fra Brøndby Strand Station (S-tog) (Only 800m from Brøndby Strand train station)

There will also be a training session at Farum Football Club at 5.30pm on Tuesday 9th of April. If you are interested in learning more about Austrailan Football and the league in Denmark you are welcome to attend and meet many ex-AFL stars.

It is hoped that Her Royal Highness, Mary The Crown Princess of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat, who was born and raised in Tasmania, Australia will attend the game to support the young Australians.

About AFL Europe’s junior program – it provides boys and girls with a fun and safe Australian Football experience that serves as an introduction to a lifetime of involvement in the game.

The program is not just about introducing children to Australian Football – it activates and develops within each child the desire for a healthy lifestyle and an association with this great game.

This is achieved through activities and programs for individuals, small groups and teams, and aims to assist development of personal and social skills.

If you are interested in starting up AFL at your school please get in touch with the Danish Australian Football League at nsr@dafl.dk

Europeans playing in the match:

Thore Lauritzen – Denmark

Bjarke Lauritzen – Denmark

Nicolai Secher – Denmark

Joakim Secher – Denmark

Joost Van Der Hulst – Holland

Johan Lantz – Sweden

Troels Ottesen – Denmark

Martin Hinchey – England

Natis Johansson – Sweden

Kevin McSorley – Ireland

Benny McDevitt – Ireland

Matthew Kilheeny – England

Chris Martensson – Sweden

Mikkel Kjoege – Denmark

Victor Petersen – Denmark

Nicolo Di Giorgio – Italy

Andy Smith – Scotland

 

 

Easter Series Showcase Copenhagen – Squad Annoucement

/in /by

In an exciting extension of the Easter Series 2013 will see a match played in Copenhagen on the 10th April. The squad chosen will be split in two and be allocated to either the Kennelly or O’Loughlin team which will also include the AIS AFL Academy (half in each team).

Europeans selected:

Thore Lauritzen – Denmark

Bjarke Lauritzen – Denmark

Nicolai Secher – Denmark

Joakim Secher – Denmark

Joost Van Der Hulst – Holland

Johan Lantz – Sweden

Troels Ottesen – Denmark

Martin Hinchey – England

Natis Johansson – Sweden

Kevin McSorley – Ireland

Benny McDevitt – Ireland

Matthew Kilheeny – England

Chris Martensson – Sweden

Mikkel Kjoege – Denmark

Victor Petersen – Denmark

Nicolo Di Giorgio – Italy

Andy Smith – Scotland

 

All players need to be available for a meeting in the evening of Tuesday 9th April in Copenhagen.

Please confirm your availability by the 20th March via email to info@afleurope.org

Accommodation for Tuesday 9th April and Wednesday 10th April will be arranged for those requiring it.

 

Aksel goes BANG and opens door for Europeans to play in the AFL

/in /by

In Europe’s biggest breakthrough yet the Greater Western Sydney Giants have offered an international scholarship to young Danish AFL player Aksel Bang, who will visit Sydney to train and play with the Giants this year.

The 21 year-old has just started six months national service with the Danish army in Afghanistan and will travel to Sydney during his scheduled break in April/May. After visiting Australia and seeing his first match 2 years ago he now plays for the Aalborg Kangaroos and Danish Vikings and was the leading player in the 2012 Euro Cup in Edinburgh. Seen and a tough and explosive midfielder in the European ranks he is very excited to continue his football education with the Giants.

Giants Chief Executive David Matthews said it was a great opportunity further develop talent from overseas. He said Bang would train with the club and also play in the GWS Giants in the NEAFL.

“AFL Europe has a done a lot of work building the code across the continent and we think Aksel is deserving of an opportunity to further his skills and education in the game,” Matthews said.

Head Coach Kevin Sheedy said he was delighted to bring a player from Denmark to the Giants. The club has formed several partnerships in Europe including the South East London Giants, the North Leinster Giants (Ireland), the Zaprude Giants (Croatia) and the Skåne Giants (Sweden).

“We have an obligation to invest in talented players wherever they may be around the world if we want to truly develop our game internationally,” Sheedy said.

“As someone who did national service himself, I look forward to learning more about Aksel and his experience in Afghanistan. I am sure our players will as well and he will learn a lot from spending time at an AFL club.”

General Manager of AFL Europe Ben MacCormack thanked the Giants for giving Bang an opportunity to develop his game at an elite level in Australia.

“He has come a long way in a short space of the time in our game and no doubt in years to come there will be more players like him heading to Australia to chase their dream of becoming an AFL players,” MacCormack said.

“This is an amazing opportunity for one of our best European talents. Aksel has learnt the game in Denmark and been involved in our Talent Programs in the last two years. We are very thankful to GWS Giants and in particular international visionaries Kevin Sheedy and David Mathews for supporting our efforts in highlighting the talent that exists in Europe. No doubt future years will see many more Aksel Bang’s heading to Australia chasing the dream of becoming an AFL footballer” MacCormack continued.

Aksel’s excitement at the announcement couldn’t be hidden. “This opportunity means a lot to me! It’s a dream come true for me. It’s not only a great opportunity for me to become a better footy player but also a great chance to make the Australians realise that footy is growing in Europe and we are developing some great players far away from Australia under some hard conditions because the sport isn’t very big over here yet. But because it’s a great game and people over here love it so much we have a great training culture and improve our skills every year. It’s a great honor for me to go down to Australia and represent Danish and European footy”.

The AFL’s investment in our region and the touring of the AIS-AFL Academy has made it possible for Aksel to be exposed to a high quality talent program and his progress has been outstanding. The Commission and I wish him all the best on this trailblazing journey with the GWS Giants” MacCormack concluded.

Islanders Win Inaugural JLT Group All Stars Game

/in /by

In the end the scoreline might have flattered the European Islanders team, but there was no question of whether they merited their win on saturday at the Kia Oval. The final score of 11.11(77) to 2.3(5) was made to look far more impressive by four final quarter goals as prior to this the only point the team in white had as many goals as behinds was when Ryan McLoskey scored their first goal.

It took both sides some time to settle and get used to new teammates but once they did, the intensity of the contests was fantastic. The Islands team was well on top for the first half, but in the second the continent dominated for long stages without being able to get goals on the scoreboard. In the end both of their goals came in the third quarter from Tomislav Cvetko and Gregoire Patacq. The Islanders remaining goals were scored by James Flavin 2, Kevin McSorley 1, Kevin O’ Brien 1 (Goal of the day), Andy Smyth 1, Luke Booth 1, Levi Fernandez 1, Matt Kilheeny 1, David Saunders 1 and Gerard Walls 1.

At the post match function best on ground awards were given to Troels Ottesen for the Continental team and Gerard Walls for the  victorious Islanders team, with a tickets donated for next year’s grand final by the AFL and by Event Planning Group.

Through The Chair: Chris Dow’s Blog 1

/in /by

After only 6 weeks in the job I have had the pleasure of watching more football played with true passion than ever before in my life. What a baptism to the role was the Euro Cup in Edinburgh! This was surely one of my most enjoyable days of sport ever and a personal highlight for me was the sheer passion amongst the playing group and also the volunteers. Forever etched in my mind was the Denmark and Croatia game that reminded me of what passion was all about, a couple of points saw the Croats eliminated and the pain was evident. They will surely be a powerhouse of the future under the stewardship of their new coach Ciaran O’Hara.

To say I am looking forward to working with all of you is an understatement. I believe we have both the people and the resources to build on that outstanding foundation laid down by the outgoing Chairman Gerard Murphy and Commissioner Sally Capp. Can I pay special tribute to Gerard who we all agree is a remarkable individual and has worked tirelessly to ensure we are “United, Structured and Respectful”, what an amazing legacy he has left and I hope to repay his confidence by giving my energy and effort to carrying on and building on this legacy.

I look forward this weekend to reacquainting myself with many of you at the European Challenge match at the Kia Oval, we expect a really strong crowd to see these two elite level teams fight it out for the bragging rights to Europe. I expect this to be the beginning of an annual game which will assist us in raising the profile of the game in Europe and supporting our plan to increase player participation throughout Europe.

 

Chris Dow

Chairman, AFL Europe

AFL Europe On Air For JLT Group All Stars Game

/in /by

Following the success of our live audio transmissions at the EuroCup in Edinburgh, AFL Europe’s very own internet radio station will be back up on air again this saturday from the Kia Oval. Coverage of our game between Europe’s Islands and the Continental team will begin at 13.05 GMT(14.05 CET). Check back to afleurope.org or our facebook page for details.