By Pippinu -
November 29th 2009 @ 5:00am
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The ACT continues to produce AFL talent
The ACT ceased to be a strong Aussie Rules territory over 25 years ago – its demise corresponding with the Swans moving to Sydney in the same year that the Raiders were admitted to the then NSWRL.
It was also around this time that the legendary Cowboy Neil, a St Kilda and Ainslie FC icon, hung up his boots.
The ACTAFL can manage only five local teams these days, its stocks bolstered by the participation of the Swans Reserves, which at least does say something for the quality of the league under tough circumstances.
Ainslie FC has not had much success in the past decade, but in the latter half of the last century was an absolute powerhouse in local Aussie Rules, and to this day, still has a reasonable amount of resources at its disposal.
Like one or two other Aussie Rules clubs in Canberra, they manage a player salary bill of upwards of $500,000 per annum, which is a fair bit in a semi-professional competition in a non-AFL area.
In the late 80s and early 90s, it won six premierships in a row, adding to an already formidable list of awards.
The club has an interesting trophy on permanent display in its foyer in its original clubhouse at Ainslie (a once working class inner-city suburb that is now mostly gentrified).
A premiership Cup? Player of the century award? Some major representative honour?
No. It’s an old perpetual U13 Best and Fairest award that bears the following three names:
1. Shaun Smith (awarded the AFL mark of the century in 1995);
2. Nathan Buckley (Collinwood great and ex-captain, now assistant coach, being primed to take over from Mick Malthouse); and
3. James Hird (Essendon great, ex-captain and dual premiership winner).
It’s unlikely that any suburban club of any description in Australia boasts three names such as these on the one best and fairest trophy.
Of these three names, only James Hird was drafted directly from Ainslie FC. He was taken at a very low no. 79 in the 1990 draft.
His father played some four games with Essendon, while his grandfather was a premiership player who played over 100 games with the Dons and would later become a club president, having a grandstand named after him at Windy Hill.
So 19 years later, Jason Tutt becomes the newest player to be drafted directly from the Ainslie FC, and the first Canberra player to be drafted from the ACTAFL since current Swans co-captain, Craig Bolton, was drafted eleven years ago by Brisbane.
Only one other NSW/ACT Rams player was drafted this year, but he actually comes from Echuca, on the Victorian side of the Murray River.
Jason Tutt was taken by the Western Bulldogs at number 31, a very high selection which raised quite a few eye brows around AFL circles, as well as in the Tutt household.
Jason was hoping that he would be picked up by the Bulldogs, but was shocked to go so early, and in fact at that point, was only half watching the telecast, but when he heard the name Ainslie, he knew it had to be him.
As one can imagine, the Tutt household has been complete mayhem since Thursday night.
Jason still had to attend school this Monday to finish up, but instead will be required at West Footscray on Sunday for his first training run, meeting up with his new team mates for the first time.
He has already received the friendly advice to pick a locker well away from that of Barry Hall.
By all accounts the Bulldogs rate his pinpoint kicking, as they do that of their first round selection, Christian Howard.
He is known for his quick legs, run and carry off the half back flank, and capacity to spot up targets with his long kicking on the run, very much in the mould of the Bulldogs’ Lindsay Gilbee, who is known for his accurate 65-metre kicks.
He did very well in all the athletic tests at the recent draft camp, scoring a more than reasonable 14.4 in the beep test.
Jason has an interesting sporting background in that he has also represented Australia at softball, which suggests he has the mental capacity to play sport at the elite level.
The Bulldogs had another surprise selection up their sleeve, taking Shane Thorne of the Northern Territory at no. 76. It’s quite rare for a 23 year old from a minor state/territory to be drafted.
He is known locally as “Mr Magic”, so it’s possible he was on the Bulldog’s radar for a while.
Perhaps the Bullies have hopes of Thorne emulating the original NT Michael “Magic” McLean?
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bever fever said | November 29th 2009 @ 12:43pm | Report comment
I would say the production line is more of a drip than anything else these days from Canberra. I remember the days when we had Jezza, Micky Conlan, etc then Blumfield, Hird and thats about where it dried up.
This IMO will change as GWS starts and lists more players from the riverina and ACT.
Whilst at the top level, ACT football would benefit from some more high grade teams there are around 21 clubs/teams in division 3 and 4 ranging from Cooma through Canberra to Goulburn, lower grade/amatuer footy in the area is really pretty strong.
It remains to be seen whether our friend republican is right and junior footy is heading in the right direction but i am old enough to remember when the Swans moved to Sydney and it was a stimulus for the local footy scene. With Sydney getting closer and closer to Canberra these days i have no doubt some money etc will be pumped into Canberra to find the next James Hird.
25 years ago the ACTAFL was arguably the top footy comp in town, doubt if it will ever regain its former glory but if it can manage to provide one draftee a year it will IMO be doing its job, the area has been IMO overlooked in the last few years, things could be changing quickly.
Pippinu said | November 29th 2009 @ 1:06pm | Report comment
bever
thanks for the comment.
I had a lot of trouble coming up with a short, tight title for this, an accurate one may have been: Ainslie produces first draft pick in 20 years – but outside of the Canberra region, only those who really know their footy have ever heard of Ainslie.
The Roar editors produced this title, and while I agree it’s not a true reflection of what this story is about, in fairness, it was a tough one to title.
You could also add Hamill to your list, plus a couple of others who never quite made it to senior level. Another kid called Anstey was drafted by the Bullies in the early to mid 90s, but spent 2 or 3 seasons in the reserves.
I would agree that one draft pick every year or two would be a good objective for Canberra in terms of producing draft pricks, and the GWS club will assist in that endeavour.
BigAl said | November 29th 2009 @ 6:50pm | Report comment
Wasn’t Micky Conlan from Tassie ? – son of that great Tassie legend Neil Conlan.
Pippinu said | November 29th 2009 @ 6:56pm | Report comment
The family may have been from Tassie – I think that’s right – but Mick played most of his footy in Canberra.
bever fever said | November 29th 2009 @ 7:09pm | Report comment
Pretty sure Mick played all his junior footy for Manuka, had a brother Reece who played quite a few games for Manuka but never rose to the same footballing heights as his brother.
From memory i think Mick benchpressed the universe one day such was his strength and fine physique, i remember him and his twin Dougie Barwick running around for Ftzroy imtimidating everyone with their muscles.
Dougie Barwick had a few seasons with the pies as well
Westcoast929406 said | November 29th 2009 @ 1:19pm | Report comment
Cue Republican who appears to take a close interest in the ACT footy world.
Beaver fever said | November 29th 2009 @ 2:18pm | Report comment
Yep where is Republican, I think Craig Bolton from either Marist or St Eddies is ACTs sole player in the AFL which ATM is a sad indictment on the code in the region and their is no guarentee that Tutt will make the grade.
Junior footy in canberra needs GWS/AFL to pump resources into auskick and build from there to return Canberra to a good chance of producing some talent, although i have seen some gun footballers in my time from Canberra never make the grade because of this or that.
In fact from memory and i could be off the mark but i dont recall many AFL footballers coming through from riverina area around Wagga for a while.
Pippinu said | November 29th 2009 @ 4:40pm | Report comment
Bever
you’re right – only one other kid was drafted from the NSW/ACT Rams this year – and he was actually from Echuca (Vic.)
A few things will be messing around with the draft over the next two or three years, and we felt the impact of that this year.
Only one or two kids from Qld were drafted this year – but that’s because GC17 has wrapped up the best 17 and 18 year olds from Queensland outside of the draft process – GWS will have the same entitlement over the next two or three seasons.
On top of that there’s this NSW scholarship system operating, which clearly cannot continue once GWS enters the league.
Republican said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:08pm | Report comment
MMM,
I remember watching Conlan play in the ACTAL however I thought his family lived here in Canberra. In fact his father worked with mine in the early days and was a big Manuka father figure from my recollection? Did they migrate from Tassie.
Jezza went to my old school as well despite it’s Union cred.
This isn’t earth shattering re Tutt by any means however its more significant than what either rugby code or soccer are gleaning for their national profile from this region. I agree that the 70’s and 80’s were far more exciting and productive for the game in the ACT however, all considered the future is looking bright at the GR’s and with the advent of GWS their will be heightened incentive for our young aspiring players, so more talent will surface from Canberra to be sure. Given the ACT’s growth I dont believe more than two draft picks from this region per year would be expected. The population including Queanbeyan is approx 380K I believe.
What irony that the Doggies have plucked this one from the ACT while clandestinely doing the dirty on the region by taking two home games to NZ in 2011, since they fell short in negotiating this with Wellington City for 2010. The Canberra media will be all over their skull duggery shortlywhile the ACT assembly are certain to reconsider into any future relationnship the AFL command with the Territory, dependant on what has really transpired with re. NZ I believe.
The Rugby codes will be feeling quite self satisfied as a result of all this AFL expedience, since this could prove extremely damaging to the code in the ACT, depending on what if any commitment the AFL sees fit to give the region – long term???
Cheers
Pippinu said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:23pm | Report comment
Republican
as it happens, both the AFL and the FFA have given Canberra short shrift in the recent past (wth the AFL’s poor treatment going back even further).
You shouldn’t be too quick to downplay the soccer talent that has come out of Canberra over the last 10 to 15 years – for a smallish place, it’s been pretty good.
Republican said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:21pm | Report comment
Pippinu.
I thought there were three drafted from the Rams? On the NSWACT AFL web page i read there were three unless I misread this, which is entirely possible. This still only means ONE ACT draft which is good but naught to get excited over. It has however been along time between ‘draft – drinks.’
Cheers mate
Pippinu said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:05pm | Report comment
You could be right about the three – I just cast my eye across them all and thought I only noticed another one.
Also – I probably didn’t pay too much attention to the rookie elevations that occur in the final rounds of the draft – there could easily be a former Ram hiding amongst them.
Republican said | November 29th 2009 @ 8:32pm | Report comment
Pippinu
Yep, I must confess my Soccer local knowledge is fairly poor so apols. The other draft pick from the Rams this year was a Wagga product me thinks? The Riverina certainly has some AFL cred over many years has it not!
Freud of Football said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:16pm | Report comment
For such a small town there is a lot of activity from Canberra on here, a lot of Poli’s not doing their job perhaps?
I think the assertion “It’s unlikely that any suburban club of any description in Australia boasts three names such as these on the one best and fairest trophy.” is pretty ridiculous.
I don’t know who won the B&F’s at Port Adelaide but they are a Suburban club and some of the names that they have produced, well they have been pretty amazing to say the least or the Sturt team of the late 60s and early 70s, same thing.
Just because the names aren’t known to the entire country (and I’ll not you felt the need to point out Shaun Smith’s claim to fame as other than “that” mark, he was an average player) doesn’t make them any less talented and you’ll not that SA’s head-to-head record in SOO was always pretty good, even before AFL days.
Pippinu said | November 29th 2009 @ 9:22pm | Report comment
Freud
If Canberra ends up with an A-League club – that’s a fair few teams in national comps for a city of around 350,000.
I would think that when I talk of a suburban club, people would accept I’m not talking about clubs in national comps (and in any event, such clubs rarely run U13 teams).
Yes – I don’t really have any hard evidence – but a perpetual B&F trophy will have about a dozen names on it before it’s replaced – so for a an U13 B&F trophy to carry those three significant names, all from the one U13 team – in an area where aussie rules is not dominant – that’s a damn fine achievement.
But if anyone can point to another U13 B&F trophy that carries three or more names of equal weight – by all means – let us hear about it!!
Let us put some criteria around it:
1. At least two of the names were club captains of a team in national comps.
2. At least one of the names is a dual premiership winner.
3. At least two names have won club best and fairest at national level.
4. The 3rd of the players still managed over 100 games at national level and has one at least one significant award.
Let’s open it up – all codes – no problems – naturally international representation will be treated even more favourably – three names on the one perpetual U13 B&F from a smallish surbuban club in a smallish regional comp – that’s all we’re looking for.
Freud of Football said | November 30th 2009 @ 12:37am | Report comment
Pip, you’ve gone from stating the ridiculous to the absurd.
Because Port’s greatest players “only” played in the SANFL – which isn’t a national competition, it’s a comp for teams in Adelaide – but Buckley, Hird and Smith played in the AFL they must be better?
You mightn’t know a great deal about Russel Ebert – who is an echelon above Buckley and Hird – but you’ve surely heard of a few Port players in the AFL;
Craig Bradley? Dual premiership winner with Carlton, 4 time all-australian, record for most games, 19 games for SA?
How about Warren Tredrea? Premiership winner, 8-time leading goalkicker, 4-time B&F, 4-time All-Australian?
Maybe Gavin Wanganeen? 300+ games, dual premiership winner and 93 brownlow medallist? That’s just some of the more recent names that have come through the ranks at Port and they’re every bit as good as Smith, Buckley and Hird.
Don’t discount them as a suburban club, Adelaide might have 1.17 Million people but that counts Suburbs a LONG way away which most people in the city wouldn’t count, if you’d just talk of Adelaide and the suburbs close by it would probably be more like 600,000.
Fact is, people outside of SA (and I’ll stick up for WA here too) have got no idea, they just stick their head in the sand and don’t realise what a history AFL has outside of Vic and apparently the ACT with it’s “3 great names”. Go and do a break down of the stars of the league and you’ll find it’s not 62.5% Victorians, the clubs might be there but the players come from far and wide.
Lastly, I haven’t seen a game for a few years but I would say in 2005, when I last did watch games, the SANFL was of a higher quality than the VFL.
Redb said | November 30th 2009 @ 6:32am | Report comment
“Lastly, I haven’t seen a game for a few years but I would say in 2005, when I last did watch games, the SANFL was of a higher quality than the VFL.”
Considering the VFL is more or less a reserve grade compettion I doubt that would be too difficult.
Maybe Central Districts would like to take on Geelong?
Redb
Freud of Football said | November 30th 2009 @ 7:12am | Report comment
The VFL is generally played out by the AFL players who aren’t selected for their clubs, it’s a feeder league but the players are, generally, expected to be of AFL standard.
Redb said | November 30th 2009 @ 8:16am | Report comment
There is a yawning gap between AFL and VFL, it is basicially just the reserves. These are players who out of form, recovering from injury or just not good enough to play at AFL standard yet.
Like I said let’s put Geelong (best Vic club) up against Central Districts (best SA club).
Redb
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 8:17am | Report comment
Two words come to mind – total annihilation.
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 7:08am | Report comment
Freud
Sorry but:
1. I don’t think most people would categorise Port as a little suburban club.
2. And even if you wish to categorise Port as a little suburban club – do they run an U13 team?
3. And if they do run an U13 team – is their a perpetual U13 B&F trophy floating around with some big names on it?
If not – what on Earth are you talking about?
Freud of Football said | November 30th 2009 @ 7:21am | Report comment
1) Most people in SA would and they would know a lot more about Adelaide, Port Adelaide and its Suburbs than someone sitting in the ACT or Melbourne. Fact is, Adelaide (and again, I’ll bring WA & Perth into my argument) are not understood by the gibbons in Victoria, particularly Melbourne who thinks that the sport of AFL revolves around them.
The only reason the national league stemmed from the VFL was money. Melbourne had a lot more money and the VFL clubs were better funded than the SANFL & WAFL clubs but again, as proved via State of Origin, both SA and WA were able to compete with Vic on a regular basis, it had nothing to do with a lack of quality players or support.
2) Who cares what names are on a U13 trophy? U13 means nothing. I won a badminton tournament at U13 level, I didn’t turn into one of the greats.
If Hird and Buckley had of been in the same year, only one of the names would have been on there, the only appeal of the club is that they had such talented players come through, whether they won the U13 B&F is irrelevant and as such, look at the talent that Port has had, it is miles above your beloved Ainslie FC.
3) They have U18s and U16s but I guess that means they aren’t as good as Ainslie in the mighty ACTAFL?
Redb said | November 30th 2009 @ 6:33am | Report comment
ACT footy should be revered at least for producing Sir James Hird, no doubt.
Redb
Freud of Football said | November 30th 2009 @ 7:25am | Report comment
James Hird was phenomenal, yes, but you’ve got your Essendon goggles on. I could list off a dozen names that only ever played in SA, names that you might never have heard of but if you were to ask any South Australian who grew up watching both the SANFL and VFL they would agree that they were better.
Redb said | November 30th 2009 @ 8:13am | Report comment
James Hird barely played in the VFL.
I wasnt comparing Hird to every other footballer who has ever played the game, just as an ACT product they deserve some credit.
I might have Essendon goggles but I guarantee you James Hird is held in the highest regard by Bombers fans. Some of the things he did on a football field were amazing he could turn a game on his own and he did that at the highest level.
Throwing up some un-named SA players lacks any credibility – how can you seriously compare with your SA goggles on.
Sir Jim is not perhaps God but I bet they were on first name terms
Redb
Michael C said | November 30th 2009 @ 8:35am | Report comment
ah, great SA players just to grace the Arden St turf,…even if just for 10 weeks one year……Graham Cornes, Russell Ebert, Peter Jonas (to be fair, kept breaking his leg/s), Kym Hodgeman (the best of the lot for us really)…….Mal Blight still comes out number 1 for us. And the less said about Chris Lindsay the better.
alas, G.Cornes and R.Ebert get rated in Victoria based on 6-20 games at North Melb in 1979 as distinct to 300-400 games in Adelaide.
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 8:42am | Report comment
MC
I still remember NM recruiting four big interestate guns at the start of the 1979 season, of which Cornes and Ebert were two (can’t remember the other two) – I just remember their photo – presented with big fanfare – but as it turns out, that was the beginning of the end of NM’s first golden era.
Michael C said | November 30th 2009 @ 9:45am | Report comment
we had 1981 with Phil Kelly and Peter Spencer from WA and Hodgeman and Jonas from SA all in one go.
Ebert and Cornes came in 1979, Ebert just shy of 30, and Cornes was 31. A bit ambitious???
We got 5 games from Cornes and a serviceable 25 from Ebert.
In 1982, we got Jim & Phil Krakouer, Bruce Abernethy and Craig Holden.
We were a real foreign legion around then.
bever fever said | November 30th 2009 @ 9:05am | Report comment
Here is a list of ACT’s team of the century, some players their that only local fans wold know but some well recognised AFL players as well.
Note no Micky Conlan or one of my favourites Edney Blackaby, Craig Bolton probably was not playing when the team was picked
http://www.fullpointsfooty.net/australian_capital_territory.htm#Left Half Forward Flank
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 9:10am | Report comment
Robbie Anderson was very unlucky not to make the starting 18 – I doubt anyone coming out of Canberra has ever had a sweeter left foot.
Tony Wynd would just about have to be the very best Canberra product never to have had a go at AFL footy – he was just that tiny bit too late for the draft (he would have been about 22 when the draft first started).
He was good enough to make the 1988 tour of Ireland.
If I’m not mistaken, he is a distant relative of Scotty Wynd.
AndyRoo said | November 30th 2009 @ 9:25am | Report comment
Freud, I think Pip’s point is that in one U13 team their were at least 3 AFL players two of which were super stars.
Pip wasn’t making out that Ainslie FC were putting the Geelong Falcons to shame every year in the talent producing stakes but 2 super stars and another good player all on the same trophy… that is a pretty amazing occurance.
My local Futbal team have the stub showing Matt Mackays (Bne Roar) first registration on display…not quite as good as Ainslie’s effort
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 9:52am | Report comment
AndyRoo
thank you that’s precisely what I am saying – there’s an old U13 perpetual B&F with three pretty big names on it (for our game).
I’m aware that plenty of junior clubs are to be found all over Australia producing good talent for their respective sports, but you won’t find too many original junior trophies in existence with three illustrious names on it.
But if they exist – let’s hear about it – if nothing else – it’s a great topic!! (and I’m talking for all the codes – an original perpetual U13 trophy).
AndyRoo said | November 30th 2009 @ 9:57am | Report comment
I know when you start putting together school’s teams you would get some pretty amazing stories because school teams are more focussed i.e. Rugby Schools, League Schools, Sports Schools. But a suburban club it’s much more of a freak occurance and interesting for mind.
I can now think of one club team that could challenge. I don’t remember the age group or the club name but I remember in Robbie Slater’s book their is a photo of his junior futbal team and it also contains Mark Waugh and Steve Waugh.
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:04am | Report comment
That’s an interesting fact, and a good trivia pursuit question.
Michael C said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:27am | Report comment
Heyfield footy club would probably have an impressive recent list. (Wojo, Leigh Brown, Ferguson, Mark Stevens and Adrian Cox)……that’s before the kids get to Gippsland Power. ANd Heyfield, ain’t a large regional centre like Sale or Traralgon.
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:34am | Report comment
But I repeat – it’s not about producing a list – it’s about a real live original perpetual U13 B&F trophy with the said names on it.
AndyRoo said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:47am | Report comment
Not all codes have that B&F system of 3 players getting a mention though…. I vote an u13 team photo should be good enough.
Perhaps the coach and manager also have to at least have the same last names as one of the players (i.e. their someones dad) to make sure no one sneaks in an accademy team
Just regular suburban u13’s, who got the most freakish cluster of talent. The Wagga/Ainslie effect.
MC is right though, Hayfield need to be investigated.
Michael C said | November 30th 2009 @ 11:14am | Report comment
certainly – and I’ve got no idea who won the Heyfield B&F’s in those years.
Republican said | November 30th 2009 @ 11:49am | Report comment
Beverfever
I worked with Jimmie Black and conned him into playing a couple of indoor hockey games once, which tested his fitness out suprisingly. What a terrific Rover/Follower he was. I remember he and Eddie Blackaby playing blinders when we beat the big V at Manuka all those years ago. Kevin Cowboy Neal was inspirational as well on the day.
A bloke by the name of Peter Kenny went to St Eddies with me and played for Manuka. He was recruited by Carlton however a series of Injuries put pay to an otherwise promising career. I reckon there could well be room for him as well on this ACT/ Qbyn team of the century.
Pip
I think there may well be a few rookies yet to be confirmed from the ACT, which bodes well for the GR of the game here. I sincerely hope that the AFL start honouring this demographic more, at least above and beyond that of their preoccupation with NZ currently. The ‘Australian’ has an article detailing Hawthorns involvement and expectations for the game there, which is quite disturbing if you hail from a small Footy demo ie ours or even moreso the NT.
I am more than happy for NZ to be considered as a future demo for developing and recruiting promising young AFL athletes however I am very opposed to any off shore elite base being established in one of their major cities, at our expense, as I continue to postulate. I would expect AFL supporters around the country to show solidarity in supporting regions ie as ours, if this indeed presents as a real threat, in pressuring the AFL to honour its heartlands, first and foremost.
Cheers
bever fever said | November 30th 2009 @ 5:37pm | Report comment
Republican, i think before the AFL get really serious about NZ – if they ever do that ACT, Tassie, Darwin and Nth Qld will all be in front of NZ probably Perth for that matter as well. BTW IMO Perth could handle another team now which would probably have 40k of members within a couple of years.
I would say that with GWS now just down the road ACT will see more resources, i mean lets face it Canberra is nearly a suburb of Sydney these days (attempted joke)
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 5:59pm | Report comment
Depending on where they ultimately play games – but it really is only a 2 hour drive from Canberra’s Northern suburbs to Western Sydney.
bever fever said | November 30th 2009 @ 6:26pm | Report comment
I am not up on where they will play all their home games (GWS), but i am hoping they play at the new stadium in Blacktow upgraded to fit in around 15k.
i am aware of transport issues to this ground and cricket pressures, but 15k will i reckon provide a great atmosphere and Blacktown is definetly GWS territory, homebush is far to big for them.
Wonder what will happen as Fitzpatrick’s company now owns/leases ? homebush stadium.
bever fever said | November 30th 2009 @ 7:43pm | Report comment
But Pip who wants to go to Sydney when the same amount of time will get you to the beautiful south coast, from Ulladulla down to Merimbula …. beautiful coastline.
Maybe the ACTAFL should bring Batemans Bay out of hibernation, might get a few retired players back for the road trip.
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 7:51pm | Report comment
I know the Bay had aobut two years in the ACTAFL – I presume they went back to the Sapphire Coast League – is that right?
bever fever said | November 30th 2009 @ 9:52pm | Report comment
Yep seniors in the Sapphire coast and juniors in the South coast AFL, not sure why this is the case.
Pippinu said | November 30th 2009 @ 10:11pm | Report comment
I think the seniors outgrew the South coast comp a long time ago – the Sapphire Coast comp is actually quite strong – from memory there are two teams playing out of Merimbula, and Mallacoota from across the border plays in it as well.
The juniors playing locally is probably just a cost thing – it’s a fair hike from the Bay to Mallacoota!
Republican said | November 30th 2009 @ 5:52pm | Report comment
bever fever
Joke accepted mate!
Crickey, I hope your right. I think the game is going to go gang busters in NZ myself. The time is ripe for the Australian diaspora to profile the code to great effect in this respect.
Does anyone know how many Schools are being infiltrated by our game in NSW, esp since the Hawks have tapped into this potential GR in NZ?
The NZ Herald has even given this a plug – on their web site anyway.
Cheers
bever fever said | January 11th 2010 @ 6:57pm (5 weeks ago) | Report comment
Former Adelaide Crows midfielder Robert Shirley to turn his back on an AFL career and join AFL Canberra club Ainslie.
Shirley has knocked back an offer from new AFL franchise Gold Coast FC and will instead join Ainslie on a one-year deal.
http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-1051-0-0-0&sID=54793&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=10814678§ionID=54793
Seems Ainslie might be starting to spend some of their millions, but at any rate its a bit of a boost for the code in ACT