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2016 AFL EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIPS

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The 2016 AFL Europe Championship Schedule taking place in London from August 13-20th.  AFL Europe’s triennial 18-a-side tournament is a warm up for the AFL International Cup in August 2017. With match days falling on, Sunday 14th, Tuesday 16th, Thursday 18th, Friday 19th and Saturday 20th at Motspur Park (Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Ground, KT3 6NE) this year’s competitors are:

 

MEN

German Eagles

Great Britain Bulldogs

Irish Warriors

Swedish Elks

 

WOMEN

European Crusaders (Made up from France, GB and Scandinavia)

Great Britain Swans

Irish Banshees

 

SCHEDULE

DAY ONE – SUNDAY 14TH AUGUST

1pm Irish Warriors v German Eagles

3pm Great Britain Bulldogs v Swedish Elks

 

DAY TWO – TUESDAY 16TH AUGUST

4pm German Eagles v Swedish Elks

6pm Great Britain Bulldogs v Irish Warriors

 

DAY THREE – THURSDAY 18TH AUGUST

1.30pm Great Britain Swans v Irish Banshees

2.15pm Irish Banshees v European Crusaders

3pm European Crusaders v Great Britain Swans

4pm Irish Warriors v Swedish Elks

6pm Great Britain Bulldogs v German Eagles

 

DAY FOUR – FRIDAY 19TH AUGUST

11.30am Irish Banshees v European Crusaders

12.15pm Great Britain Swans v Irish Banshees

1pm European Crusaders v Great Britain Swans

 

DAY FIVE – SATURDAY 20TH AUGUST

1pm Men’s Third Place PO

2.30pm Women’s Grand Final

3.30pm Men’s Grand Final

 

Good luck to all involved, we can’t wait to host you in London from 13th-20th August 2016.

 

For volunteering, physiotherapists, or umpires please email admin@afleurope.org

Player of the Week – Daniel O’Connell

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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.

 

Daniel O’Connell has been instrumental in his first year at the Leeside Lions. Currently 8 from 8 this season Daniel has been nominated as Player of the Week by Richard MacSweeney who wished to acknowledge his role in the club’s success.

An enthusiastic and skilled player for the Leeside Lions, we look forward to hearing how you and the Lions go for the remainder of the Season! Good luck!

 

Name:

Daniel O’Connell

Club:

Leeside Lions

Nationality:

Irish

What position do you play?

Anywhere in the forward line, I’d like to think I have a great eye for goal.

AFL team you support:

Carlton Blues

Favourite AFL player:

Ciaran Sheehan of the Carlton Blues, a fellow Muskerry & Cork man.

How did you find out about AFL?

Through my brother Padraic, who is actually my sporting idol, he started playing a couple of years ago.

How long have you been playing for?

This is my first year playing the game but I love it.

What is your memory of your first Aussie Rules game?

In my first game this season, still unsure of the rules, the ball came in over the fullbacks head, all I had to do was catch it and be left with a couple of metres to kick, it was a guaranteed major. Instead of this, as the ball floated in I leapt like a salmon and flung my arms in the air in the direction of the oncoming Sherrin.

I connected perfectly, and had just done a Maradonna “Hand of God” style goal, punching the footy over the line. Proud as anything I turned around, expected to be congratulated by my teammates but was only met with amusement and laughter from them and the opposition. All I could do was laugh, now I know for sure I can’t punch the ball over the goal line.

Best AFL moment?

Scoring my first “legitimate” goal for the Leeside Lions

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

The guys in the club have a song about me and my brother to the tune of the Toure brothers song (Kolo Toure , Yaya Toure).

It goes like, “Danny, Danny Connell, Danny Connell, Paudie Connell, Paudie, Paudie Connell” on repeat for about an hour straight.

After a game I also like to chill my baby wipes in the fridge before using them, it’s my little treat.

Player of the Week – Natascha May

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AFL EUROPE PLAYER OF THE WEEK (UK/ROW)

Each week AFL Europe is profiling a European player and finding out how they got into the great game of Aussie Rules and a bit about themselves. If you’d like a profile or know of someone who would, then email admin@afleurope.org to receive a question sheet.

This week’s player profile is on Natascha May from the South East London Giants. Natascha has only been playing the game for a year and a half and found out about the game through a friend who wanted to spend more time together. The ruck with South African and German heritage is relishing her time at the Giants and will be hoping they go far in the AFL London Women’s finals coming up in a few weeks. Best of luck for the rest of the season Natascha.

 

Name:

Natascha May

Club:

South East London Giants

Nationality:

South African/German

What position do you play?

Ruck

How did you find out about AFL?

My Aussie friend Amelia recommended I attend training with the giants as a way for us to catch up and see each other more regularly.

How long have you been playing for?

1.5 years

What is your memory of your first Aussie Rules game?

Our first game was a preseason friendly with the Wandsworth Demons. It was a really cold, wet London morning and I had no idea what I was doing. The game was a lot of fun and I knew afterwards that I would love playing AFL.

Best AFL moment?

My best AFL moment so far was playing with the Giants at the London preseason cup that we hosted this year. Our team managed to win 3 of our 4 games and in doing so, we managed to beat all the London ladies teams. It was a really great experience for myself and my teammates and despite the bad weather and playing in swamp-like conditions, we had so much fun! We missed out on the grand final because our percentage was beaten by one of the other teams but we felt like winners at the end of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday Around the Grounds

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Around the Grounds

4th time lucky for Kingdom Kangaroos

The monkey is off the back for the Kingdom Kangaroos in Season 2016 after notching up their first victory against the Falkirk Silverbacks in the AFL Scotland Premiership.

After starting the season with three straight defeats the Kangaroos showed they can still have impact in the Scottish League with a commanding 174 to 29 victory. They’ll be hoping to continue this momentum into their next game when they take on the Greater Glasgow Giants.

 

AFL Sweden pushing for growth

AFL Sweden is conducting its very first nationwide membership drive over a three week period from Friday the 24th of June to Sunday the 7th of August.

They’re targeting to reach 600 members with each club in competition to see who can recruit the most members during the three-week campaign.

If you or anyone you know might be interested, then jump over to the AFL Sweden Facebook page or contact them via their website.

http://www.aflsweden.se/2/index.php

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

 

AFL Scotland seeking Head Coach for the Scottish Sirens

AFL Scotland is taking expressions of interest for the role of Coach for the Scottish Ladies National Team to prepare for the upcoming Euro Cup in October and beyond.

For further information, please email secretary@aflscotland.org.

 

Paris Cockatoos claim CNFA Premiership

The Paris Cockatoos are the champions of France after clinching victory from minor premiers, the Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes. In what proved a nail-biting affair the Cockatoos ran out the match harder in the final 10 minutes and this cemented the difference. The final scorecard read 110-90 in favour of the new Parisian outfit.

The ‘Toos take the title from big brothers, the Paris Cockerels, in what signifies a shift in power for the clubs in the CNFA.

The day was hosted by the Bordeaux Bombers and ran seamlessly in what was a beautiful day for Aussie Rules. Congratulations to both sides for their valiant efforts and we look forward to following the CNFA in what is fast becoming one of the premier competitions in Europe.

COCKS

 

Ex-AFL star makes ARFLI debut

The Galway Magpies of the ARFLI had a new member to shower in Gatorade at the weekend with former AFL and Collingwood FC star Marty Clarke making his debut at the Belfast carnival.

Clarke’s Magpies beat the home side, the Belfast Redbacks, by 17 points before overcoming the South Dublin Swans by a mere 4 points in an exciting second game.

With 73 games AFL experience with the Collingwood Magpies it would be great to see Marty strutting his stuff in the ARFLI week-in week-out. Who knows, we may even see him don the Irish jumper in upcoming tournaments.

Full article:

Marty Clarke makes ARFLI debut

Marty Clarke

 

 

 

 

Member Offer Thursday

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Member Offer Thursday – O’Neill’s Apparel

This week’s member offer is from our sports manufacturing partners, O’Neill’s. O’Neill’s is 100% Irish owned and is nearing 100 years of operation. This year AFL Europe and O’Neill’s have partnered and are able to offer our community the following offers:

  • Customised Guernsey, shorts, Socks, Half Zip Tracksuit top, Skinny/Berne Tracksuit Bottom – £98.50 includes VAT
  • (extra crest embroidery £2.50 per item)
  • Purchase your Boots, Customisable Footy & Travel Bags, Mouth Guards, & Training gear as well!

https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/afl-europe.html#/shop-by-team/afl-europe.html?&no_cache=1&p=1

 

Player of the Week – Coline Duquet

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Each week AFL Europe is profiling a European player and finding out how they got into the great game of Aussie Rules and a bit about themselves. If you’d like a profile or know of someone who would, then email admin@afleurope.org to receive a question sheet.

This week’s player profile is on French ruck, Coline Duquet. Coline first fell in love with the game of AFL on a study exchange in Sydney, Australia, where she played for the University side. She has been a member of the French national side for the past few years and this year represented France in both the AFL Europe Champions League and ANZAC Day clash in Villers-Bretonneux.

Coline picked up the nickname ‘Emu’ during her time in Australia and loves singing the French national anthem before her games for her country.

Well done Coline, best of luck for the rest of the season.

 

Name:

Coline Duquet

Club:

Paris Cockerels

Nationality:

French

What position do you play?

Ruck

AFL team you support:

GWS Giants

Favourite AFL player:

Jeremy Cameron

How did you find out about AFL?

I studied in Sydney, Australia for a year and played a season with UTS

How long have you been playing for?

3 years

What is your memory of your first Aussie Rules game?

It was a preseason game in Sydney, really warm weather. They put me in the midfield and I didn’t know what I was doing but I felt really welcomed in the team and knew I would love it.

Best AFL moment?

Singing the French anthem with the French national team

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

At a training session in Sydney, the coach said “don’t bend over like emu” which made me laugh very hard because it sounded so Australian. My nickname there was emu.

 

Tuesday Around the Grounds

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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

Tuesday Around the Grounds

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Demons ‘Freeze the C’ for MND

Despite going down in all three grades on the weekend the Wandsworth Demons had major success off the field. The big ‘Freeze at the C’ took place with an array of homemade cupcakes, beanies, hats and raffles seeing the Demons raise over 2300AUD for the Cure for MND Foundation. A simply amazing result.

Special thanks goes out to the great support of the opposition West London Wildcats, Jimmy Perrett, Ash Walsh, all the girls who helped at the stall and last but not least, Gaby Duncan. Days like these go to show how amazing football clubs are.

Amazing initiative Demons.

Demons

 

Cock fight ends in a thriller between the two Parisian sides

It was a changing of the guard in the French capital at the weekend. 2015 CNFA premiers, the Paris Cockerels, went down in a thriller to their little brothers, the Paris Cockatoos, 18.5. 113 to 13.8. 86.

The French league is certain to crown a first-time premier in two weeks’ time with minor premiers, Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes winning through in their semi-final by claiming a 4-point win against Toulouse.

The CNFA is fast developing into one of the premier competitions across Europe and no doubt the AFL Europe community will be keeping a close eye on the Grand Final in Bordeaux on the 25th of June. Watch this space for a match preview of that game.

COCK!

 

Port Malmo go back-to-back to claim the 2016 Swedish Cup

The Port Malmo Maulers continued their dominance in Sweden claiming the Swedish Cup in Norrtalje for the second consecutive year. The day was a huge success with the tournament getting a full page spread in the local paper. A big shout-out to all those who put this amazing tournament together.

Final standings for the day were as follows:

  1. Port Malmo Maulers
  2. Sodermalm Blues
  3. Norrtalje Dockers
  4. Oslo Crows
  5. Mixed Bags
  6. Arsta Swans

Swedish Cup 2

 

GB Swans meet in Birmingham and name their first 17 for AFL Europe Champs in August

British girls from all across the country made the trip to Birmingham at the weekend for a fantastic training session in the lead up to the AFL Europe Championships in August. The first 17 girls were selected to represent Great Britain following the session.

Congratulations to the following girls on making the GB Swans side:

Beth Bailey

Jen Bennett (Wimbledon Hawks)

Freya Blount (University of Birmingham)

Lea Cobham (North London Lions)

Lousie Darby (Wimbledon Hawks)

Charlie Eales (Wimbledon Hawks)

Chloe Hall (University of Birmingham)

Stacey Hughes (Glasgow Sharks)

Lucy Jones (University of Birmingham)

Rose Lewis (Wandsworth Demons)

Laura Mackay (University of Birmingham)

Rania Ramadan (North London Lions)

Alex Saulter (North London Lions)

Danni Saulter (North London Lions)

Caroline Sellar (Glasgow Sharks)

Laura Turner (North London Lions)

Lisa Wilson (Wimbledon Hawks)

GB Swans

 

Johan clocks up 100 of the best

Sodermalm Blues didn’t quite get the win at the Swedish Cup at the weekend but that didn’t dampen their spirits. Club stalwart Johan was elevated to legend status are clocking up his 100th game for the Blues. An absolutely amazing achievement Johan, well done.

 

Lisbon, Portugal announced as Euro Cup location

AFL Europe last week announced Lisbon, Portugal as the location for this year’s instalment of the Euro Cup. The Euro Cup is the premier 9-a-side national tournament for season 2016 and is set to be an incredible weekend in Portugal.

For more information regarding the tournament please email sarah.ongarello@afleurope.org

http://afleurope.org/euro-cup-2016/

 

AFL CNE top of the table blockbuster doesn’t disappoint

AFL CNE is the most competitive it’s ever been in season 2016. The weekend saw the two top sides the Manchester Mozzies and Wolverhampton Wolverines go head-to-head with the winner asserting their dominance coming into the backend of the regular season.

The Mozzies came out on top in what proved a scintillating contest in wet condition with the game staying within two kicks for the duration. The final score read 11.20. 86 to 10.13. 73 in favour of the Manchester boys.

 

Benjamin Durance

Tuesday Around the Grounds

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International Cup (IC17) dates and location announced

The AFL has announced the 2017 AFL International Cup (IC17) will be held in Melbourne, from August 5-19.

It will be the sixth International Cup and will include both men’s and women’s competitions.

The AFL’s head of community and international development Grant Williams said he expects the 2017 carnival to be the biggest yet.

Screen Shot 2016-05-31 at 17.27.32

Finland AFL’s 2016 Season kicks off

Finland AFL (FAFL) started this weekend with both Round 1 & 2 being completed in a Round Robin format.

Despite being hosted by the 2015 Premiers the Helsinki Heatseekers, the Turku Dockers came out guns blazing to beat both the Heatseekers and the Vaasa Wombats.

Results:

Helsinki Heatseekers 1.1.7 def. by Turku Dockers 5.6.36
Turku Dockers 10.2.62 def Vaasa Wombats 3.1.19
Helsinki Heatseekers 6.8.44 def Vaasa Wombats 5.6.36

 

AFL Head of Community and International Development visits AFL Europe

AFL Europe was fortunate enough to have Grant Williams, Head of Community & International Development for The AFL, visit Headquarters in Australia House for a few days of planning and strategy discussions.

We are excited about the way forward in terms of developing fledgling nations, women’s footy, and youth development.

 

Ex-AFL London player, Jess Edwards, represents South Australia 

Ex-AFL London and Wandsworth Demons player Jess Edwards played in the South Australia v Northern Territory friendly, that took place on Saturday night at The Oval in Adelaide.

The South Australian’s wowed with a 27-point win over Northern Territory, managing to keep them to one point after quarter time.

Edwards was the leading goal kicker slotting 2 of the 6 majors.

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100 of the Best from Port Malmo veteran 

Aaran Higgins notched up his 100th game for the Port Malmo Maulers at weekend with a convincing 178-38 win against Helsingborg.

The fearless midfielder, who is the current President of the Maulers, has been at the club since 2008 and spent three at the helm as senior coach.

Congratulations Az, a great achievement.

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GB Bulldogs announce first 18 for AFL Europe Championships.

The Great Britain Bulldogs have announced their first 18 players after a training camp in Manchester this weekend.

The first 18 so far comprise of players from the Huddersfield Rams, London Swans, Manchester Mosquitoes, North London Lions, Wandsworth Demons, West London Wildcats, Wimbledon Hawks and Wolverhampton Wolverines. Head Coach has been named as Dean Thomas.

#BackTheBulldogs

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Auskick programme is introduced in Malta

Head of Community & International Development for the AFL, Grant Williams met with Sport Malta and the Australian High Commission to introduce AFL into the winter sports programme.

The initiative aims to promote Aussie Rules amongst girls and boys from a young age, teaching them the skills of the game.

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