This weekend takes us into week 3 of the inaugural Foxtel Cup competition, with the first quarterfinal already decided, the Northern Territory Thunder and East Perth Royals likely playing at TIO Stadium on May 28th. This weekends matchup features the highly fancied Swan Districts versus the only Western Bulldogs aligned VFL entrant in this competition, Williamstown.
This match represents the first time the two sides have met in competition. It is the second time in this competition that a Victorian side will have to travel interstate to Perth, giving the WAFL sides a big leg up in the preliminary stage of the competition.
The VFL competition started last weekend, and the WAFL competition is 3 weeks old, however Swan Districts have had a less than auspicious start to the season, losing all 3 of their matches so far.
2011 Record
Swan Districts 0-3 (WAFL 8th)
Williamstown 1-0 (VFL 3rd on %)
2010 Record
Swan Districts 15-4-1 (WAFL 2nd)
Williamstown 15-3 (VFL 1st)
On recent records, Swan Districts appear out of form, but with Williamstown only having played one match, and being the travelling team for this fixture, it makes it a hard one to pick. On 2010, the teams appear fairly evenly matched, the Black Ducks running out the season as premiers, Williamstown coming in 3rd.
Introduction to the teams
Swan Districts
Founded in 1934, this is one of the newer teams in the WAFL. They have won 8 premierships, including the most recent 2010 Grand Final. They are currently based at Steel Blue Oval (formerly Bassendean)
Swan Districts have played interstate football before, qualifying for the Escort Cup series in the 80s, defeating Glenelg and Collingwood, but due to protests at unscheduled changes sent a reserves team to play Richmond in the quarterfinals which the Swans duly lost. (and were barred from the night competition until 1985)
The Swans have been a rich recruiting ground for the VFl and AFL.
Districts players who have gone on to the VFL/AFL include Phil Narkle, leon Baker, Peter Kenny, Mike Smith, Ashley hansen, Peter Sartori and many more. in 2010, 16 players who have been through Swan Districts took part in the AFL. These were: Nic Naitunui, Andrew Embley, Tony Notte (WCE), Micheal Walters, Clancee pearce (Freo), Dennis Armfield, Jeffrey Garlett, Chris yarran, david Ellard (Carlton), Neville Jetta, jamie Bennell (Melbourne), Jarrad Blight (Collingwood), Luke Miles (St Kilda), Lewis jetta (Sydney), Todd Banfield (Brisbane) and Alex Rance (Richmond).
Last years Sandover medallist, Andrew Krakouer will this year play for Collingwood.
Established: 1934
Premierships: 8 (2010 most recent)
Sandover medallists: 12
Williamstown
Founded in 1864, Williamstown was a member of the VFA in 1884, before several Victorian clubs that now form part of the AFL. They now play in the VFl, and after several years as Collingwoods aligned club, they are now the parter of the Western Bulldogs. The Seagulls are based at Burbank Oval, and have won 13 premierships.
Famous VFL/AFL listed players have included Barry Round, Jim Caldwell, Max Papley, Ron Todd, ian Rickman, Alby Linton, Wally Carter, and many more.
Former AFL players currently on the Williamstown list include Jason Cloke, Matthew Little, Callum Urch and Ben Jolley.
Established: 1884 (VFA First Division)
Premierships: 13 (2003 Most recent, minor premiers 2010)
Liston Medallists: 10Match: Swan Districts v Willamstown Seagulls
Date: April 9th, 2011 (Curtain raiser before WCE v Sydney)
Venue: Pattersons Stadium, WA
Time: 3pm
Broadcast: Foxsports 1 HD, 6pm
TW
Guest
Here is link to the players and the positions -- Good to see the AFL putting up a website for this comp, which should grow in future times subject to Foxtel of course. Just noticed -- Replays of previous Foxtel Cup games available on the web site. Another great sunny day in Perth for the game - Perfect conditions. http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/17333/Default.aspx#fixtureid=5715&tab=Teams.
ChrisT
Guest
Really pumped for this match, as a Swannies fan living in Victoria it's been tough for the last couple of years. Can't wait to see my beloved swannies live again even if it's on TV. I'm loving the foxtel cup so far, excellent initiative by the AFL and Foxtel.
Tim
Guest
This time last year, this would be a cracking match. Sadly for Swan Districts, they have lost a stack of players, not least their talisman Andrew Krakouer to Collingwood. Really struggling so far this season. Might be able to fire up for this new comp and home advantage should count for something but on form, Willy should win.
Sherrin-Burley-Faulkner
Guest
Gee, Swan Districts have provided a stack of draft picks in the last couple of years, if my memory serves, Natanui, Yarran and one of the Jettas all came from the same street around Midland somewhere. Did not realise that Wilianstown had such a long, grand history, 1864 is very old in football club terms, for some reason i associate them with Footscray (WB), but quite a number of their players seem to have played for South Melbourne/Sydney Swans. Hope it's a close one, and SD gets up, West Perth beat them last weekend, SD have lost quite a few layers from laty years premeirship team, none will be missed as much as Krakeour
David
Guest
Terrific article but just to correct a couple of errors, all the VFL clubs in the foxtel cup have an AFL alignment (although the Roosters have only a partial alignment). None of the players with AFL experience on the Williamstown list play at the club. Their Captain however, Brett Johnson is a former Carlton listed player. Cheers David http://vflfooty.com