Tag: AFL

The AFL Europe Championship 2019 Returns to London!

Europe’s Flagship AFL Competition Returns to England

Great Britain Bulldogs and Swans Looking to Retain Both Titles

June 7, 2018 – AFL Europe have announced that for the second time in a row, the AFL Europe Championship, Europe’s premier Australian rules football event, is to take place in London in October 2019. The event will be hosted by the Wimbledon Hawks Football Club, in conjunction with AFL Europe.

Wednesday 9th October 2019 – Carnival Round
Thursday 10th October 2019 – Semi Final Round
Saturday 12th October 2019 – Finals Round

AFL England president Jason Hill says that he was delighted that London was once again named as host of the Europe Championships in 2019.

“The Europe Championship in 2016 was a great success for our Great Britain Men’s and Women’s sides,” said Hill. “We are looking forward to welcoming our European counterparts to England in preparation for IC2020 down under.

“On the back of a very successful international period for England and Britain we look forward to building on that success by delivering a great tournament for Europe!”

Meanwhile, GB Bulldogs Head Coach Dean Thomas says the event will be a “fantastic advertisement” for the sport in Europe.

“As hosts, we are looking to putting on the most inclusive, entertaining and competitive AFL Europe Championship to date. If every eligible nation makes this competition their primary goal for 2019, it will be a fantastic advertisement for the sport in Europe and a keenly contested event.

“For us, it is a rare opportunity to play for their country in a high-level competition in front of family and friends. We expect to have a big number of players pushing for selection and making selection for this event their goal over the next 12 months.”

GB Swans Head Coach Ian Mitchell echoed Thomas’ sentiments.

“We are delighted to be in a position that we can host Europe’s premier AFL tournament again, and look forward to welcoming the European female footballing community to London again next year.

“The growth of women’s football in recent years has been fantastic to see and as such, we hope to see next year’s Europe Championships showcasing the best talent we have to offer as a continent.”

Past Great Britain AFL Europe Championship Performances

2016 – London, United Kingdom
Men’s Grand Final: Great Britain Bulldogs 7.9.51 def. Irish Warriors 4.5.29
Women’s Grand Final: Great Britain Swans 1.2.8 def. Irish Banshees 0.2.2

2013 – Dublin, Ireland
Men’s Grand Final: Great Britain Bulldogs 6.8.44 def. by Irish Warriors 7.3.45

2010 – Copenhagen, Denmark & Scania, Sweden
Men’s Third Place Play-off: Great Britain Bulldogs 3.11.29 def. by Sweden Elks 5.9.39

About the AFL Europe Championship
The AFL Europe Championship is an Australian rules football competition played between 18-a-side European national teams. It is organised by AFL Europe and held every three years. The inaugural competition was played in Sweden and Denmark in August 2010. Great Britain are the defending champions in both the men’s and women’s competition.

About AFL England
As the governing body for Australian rules football in England, AFL England aims to grow, develop and promote the sport of across the country.

Our Mission:

  • To lead the awareness, growth, development and promotion of the sport in England
  • To create a pathway between the English and Australian game
  • To work in partnership with AFL Europe in reaching mutual goals, maintaining similar values, while working to grow the game on a domestic level

For more information head to aflengland.org or email info@aflengland.com

AFL England Unveils Official Supporter of Women’s Footy in England

Ida Sports Named Official Supporter of Women’s Footy in England

Growth of the women’s game in England “pioneering” says co-founder

June 6, 2018 – Today AFL England unveiled Ida Sports as the Official Supporter of Women’s Footy in England. Founded in June 2017 by Laura Youngson, this announcement comes just days after they launched an Indiegogo campaign aims to create the world’s best football boot for women.

Ida Sports believe that everyone deserves the best sports gear so they can be the best athlete they can be.

“The growth of women’s AFL in England is fantastic to see,” said Ida Sports co-founder Ben Sandhu. “It’s pioneering, and the sheer passion with which the girls play the game is what sport is all about. We hope at Ida sports we can provide the best footwear for women’s footy, so they can focus on their game, not their feet.”

AFL England president Jason Hill welcomed the partnership, saying that he looked forward to seeing what the future holds.

“We’ve seen some really encouraging signs from the women’s game in England recently. Our England and GB sides continue to go from strength to strength, and the enthusiasm from our club sides to establish new women’s teams is really encouraging.

“Going forward I want to see the women’s game continue to expand, both at a national and international level, and I’m excited to see what this partnership brings.”

For more information about Ida Sports, head to their Instagram page www.instagram.com/idasports or click the link to check out their Indiegogo campaign www.indiegogo.com/projects/ida-the-ultimate-female-football-boot-shoes-sports/

For more information head to aflengland.org or email info@aflengland

Good Week/Bad Week – 4th June 2018

After a brief hiatus, ‘Good Week/Bad Week’ is back and ready to take a look at the latest round of fixtures across England. The leagues are really starting to hot up, so let’s see who’s in contention as we approach the halfway stage of the season.

Good Week

The Manchester Mosquitoes once again look like the team to beat in the Central & Northern England league. After racking up 130+ points against the Huddersfield Rams and the Nottingham Scorpions, the Mozzies were restricted to just over half that against the Wolverhampton Wolverines this weekend. However, they still extended their record to 3-0 as they won 11.18.84 to 6.10.46 in tricky conditions.

 

With the Ealing Emus having a bye this round, the Reading Kangaroos knew that a win would take them top of the Men’s Social league owing to their vastly superior percentage. After opening up their campaign this season with two crushing wins over the Giants and Hawks, the Roos defeated the Putney Magpies 8.6.54 to 4.6.30. The 2016 Grand Final runners-up don’t face the Emus until the 14th July in Reading’s designated ‘Family and Friends’ Fixture.

 

The Great Britain Swans held a training camp this weekend in Cardiff, with players all over the country convening in the Welsh capital. A group of players from teams including the Nottingham Scorpions, Cardiff Panthers and the University of Birmingham took part. Swans Head Coach Ian Mitchell took to Twitter to praise the “superb development from everyone in the squad.”

 

Bad Week

The West London Wildcats swept the London Swans in Round 4, dishing out defeats for all three Swans sides. They included a 174-point mauling in the Men’s Premiership and the Raiders winning by 160 points in the Men’s Conference.

One small crumb of comfort is that the Swans’ Women’s Conference side remain top of the table, despite losing 8.9.57 to 1.4.10.

 

Sometimes it happens, and for whatever reason you’re unable to field a team. That was the case for the Nottingham Scorpions who were due to take the field against the Merseyside Saints. However, for the Saints were awarded a walkover when it was clear the Scorpions weren’t going to be making the trip to Merseyside.

The result means the Scorpions sit four points behind the Manchester Mosquitoes, with the Mozzies having a game in hand. The Scorpions’ next game? Against the Mosquitoes.

 

After an opening round against sides from the Welsh Australian Rules Football League, the South of England AFL got their first chance to take on one another in Portsmouth this weekend.

When the dust had settled, the Sussex Swans found themselves bottom of the ladder after 42 and 23 point losses to the Portsmouth Pirates and the Southampton Titans respectively. There record moves to 1-4 and will have to refocus for the next round robin weekend in a fortnight.

Have a great story? Think we missed something? Email info@aflengland.org!

AFL Europe Announce 2019 Euro Cup Host

AFL Europe Announce Norrtålje, Sweden as Euro Cup 2019 Host

England Sides Prepare for AFL Euro Cup 2018 in Cork

June 4, 2018 – With the 2018 Euro Cup just over four months away, the England Dragonslayers and Vixens are working hard to ensure that both teams retain their title in Cork in October.

This week it was announced that the 2019 Euro Cup will take place in Norrtålje, Sweden on Saturday, June 29th 2019. There will also be a General Assembly Meeting held on Sunday 30th June as part of the tournament.

Norrtålje features five pitches and England Team Manager Charlotte-Ellen Eales says that the venue will provide some of the best facilities ever seen for the annual nine-a-side tournament.

“I think it bodes well for a fantastic weekend,” said Eales. “The growth and development of Australian rules football in Sweden over the past few years, particularly in the women’s game, has been really noticeable and we look forward to playing a strong Swedish side.

“The Euro Cup is the most prestigious event in the England calendar and we couldn’t be more pleased that it’s being held in Sweden next year!”

With the 2018 Euro Cup rapidly approaching, Eales says that the focus for both the Dragonslayers and Vixens is currently on preparing for this year’s tournament. With a new coach on board for the Vixens and host of very experienced players in the mix for selection next weekend, both teams will be looking to retain the titles they won last year in Bordeaux.

Historic Euro Cup Performance

2017 – Bordeaux, France
Men’s Grand Final: England Dragonslayers 58 def. Irish Warriors 9
Women’s Grand Final: England Vixens 38 def. Irish Banshees 14

2016 – Lisbon, Portugal
England Dragonslayers – 3rd
Women’s Grand Final: England Vixens 7 def. By Irish Banshees 16

2015 – Umag, Croatia
Men’s Grand Final: England Dragonslayers 26 def. By Denmark Vikings 47
Women’s Grand Final: England Vixens 54 def. Denmark Valkyries 6

2014 – London, United Kingdom
Women’s Grand Final: England Vixens 4.2.26 def. By Irish Banshees 5.1.3
England Dragonslayers – 6th

bold denotes Grand Final winners

For more information email us on info@aflengland.org

Wandsworth Demons to Host ‘Big Freeze on the C’ for FightMND

‘Big Freeze on the C’ Takes Place 9th June

Event features three AFL London fixtures, and Clapham Cubs Junior Session

June 1, 2018 – On the 9th June, the Wandsworth Demons are hosting their third annual ‘Big Freeze on the C’ to raise money for Australian charity FightMND. The event will feature three matches, with the Demons taking on the London Swans in the AFL London Women’s Conference, Men’s Conference and Men’s Premiership.

“The Big Freeze on the C is quite a personal cause for many of our members,” said Wandsworth Demon President Xavier Holland, “With a number of them having personal experience with friends and relatives who have suffered from MND.

“It was set up by one of our former members Gaby Duncan, but in just a couple of years it has grown into us raising over A$12,000 last year. To have the club come together to support and raise funds for FightMND is something we are very proud of!”

During half-time in the final game, there will also be the opportunity for children and juniors to enjoy a session with the Clapham Cubs, London’s first Junior Australian Football Club.

There will also be plenty of FightMND merchandise on sale, along with a bar, bake sale, ice dunking and a raffle with prizes including a signed Melbourne Demons jersey and a Sherrin football.

For those looking to join in the fun, the games kick off at 12pm and continue on until 6pm. Organisers are hoping for a great day of footy, and all for a good cause.

About FightMND

FightMND is a registered not-for-profit Australian health promotion charity. They are Australia’s leading independent Motor Neurone Disease (MND) foundation focused on funding large-scale, collaborative research, clinical trials, and improved care for all Australians living with MND.

Find out more at www.fightmnd.org.au

Isy Currenti: From AFL London to the VFLW

Less than two years ago, Isy Currenti was part of the Wimbledon Hawks who took down the AFL London Women’s Premiership title.

Fast forward to last weekend, and Currenti was part of the Geelong Cats VFLW side who extended their unbeaten start to the season with a 8.9.57 to 0.4.4 win over the Williamstown Seagulls.

Currenti kicked a goal in that game, and we recently caught up with her find out more about her journey from the AFL London to the 2018 Swisse Wellness VFL Women’s competition.

By her own admission, Currenti hadn’t even kicked a footy before she saw a bunch of people playing on Clapham Common during her early days in London.

“I was pretty nervous!” she said, “I’m glad I did it. I haven’t looked back since.”

The Wimbledon Hawks, winners of the 2017 Champions League

Since that first kickabout, Currenti has compiled an incredible European footballing CV including winning the Champions League and representing Australia in the ANZAC Cup in France.

While at the Hawks, she says that a certain legend of the sport spotted that she had a natural talent for the game.

“While I was there we had Anthony Koutoufides come down to one of our training sessions. I had no idea who he was, but he pulled me aside during a drill and told me he saw potential in me – that was pretty cool.”

Recently, after moving back to Australia, she joined Lauren Spark and Katie Shierlaw for a training session at Melbourne Uni, and subsequently played half a season there.

Currenti celebrating with former Hawk teammates Katie Shierlaw and Lauren Spark

From there she was picked up by the Cats and says that from day one she felt like she belonged at the club

“I couldn’t ask for a better club to be a part of,” she said. “To think that I started off playing socially in London, and am now part of a VFLW squad is pretty cool. I still pinch myself! I mean it feels too good to be true.”

To think that I started off playing socially in London, and am now part of a VFLW squad is pretty cool. I still pinch myself!

“Pulling on that jumper, and running out on to GMHBA stadium on a beautiful, sunny day… I couldn’t have asked for much more. We’ve all worked so hard during pre-season, I think we all deserved to be out there soaking it up.

Currenti says it’s the family atmosphere at the Cats that has helped her develop as a footballer.

“You spend a lot of time with your teammates, so you form some really great relationships. Other than the footy side of things, it’s the people you meet and the bonds you develop that really help you.

With a couple of games under her belt, Currenti seems to have set her sights on a larger goal.

“I am wearing number 23 for the Cats – the Big Buddy’s number – so I’m really trying to focus on kicking goals on my left from outside 50…except I kick on my right and there’s no chance I could kick from outside 50 (…yet!).

“At the moment, I’m really trying to focus on developing my game. Playing at a higher level means I’ve had to step up and meet the level of the more experienced players. For me, it’s about getting that experience and becoming more comfortable and confident playing the game. All the coaches at the club have been amazing, and I can’t wait to keep learning.”

And how do her former teammates and friends here in England feel about her journey to the VFLW?

“They’re just glad I’ve invested in a pair of footy boots! I played my first season in runners and didn’t hear the end of it. Aside from that, they’re pretty happy for me. The ones living back in Melbourne came along last weekend [for the first game of the season]. It was really nice to have the support.”

Currenti says she has some pretty simple advice for anyone wanting to get into Aussie Rules – don’t be scared!

“I was pretty scared at first about the whole tackling situation, but it really isn’t that bad. Just think of it like tackling your brother.

“I think it’s great that Aussie Rules is being played all over the world. People don’t believe me when I tell them I started footy in London out of all places. It’s great to see the sport growing globally.”

We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on Currenti, and indeed all the other former AFL London players  now plying their trade in the AFLW and VFLW.

To find out how to get involved with an AFL club near you, head to www.aflengland.org

Photo Credits: Geelong Cats VFLW & Isy Currenti

2018 Season Gets Underway This Weekend

AFL England Ready for Start of 2018 Season

London and Central & Northern England Leagues Kick Off This Weekend

April 26, 2018 – AFL England are looking forward to the start of the 2018 season ahead of the opening weekend of fixtures. Both the AFL London and Central & Northern England leagues have their first round of fixtures this weekend, ahead of an exciting ten rounds of competition.

Here are the defending premiers in each division, and their 2017 Grand Final results:

AFL London

  • Men’s Premiership – Wandsworth Demons 4.14.38 def. North London Lions 5.5.35

  • Men’s Conference – Shepherds Bush Raiders 7.8.50 def. Clapham Demons 4.5.29

  • Men’s Social – Wandsworth Demons 6.5.41 def. North London Lions 1.3.9

  • Women’s Premiership – Wandsworth Demons 6.2.38 def. South East London Giants 0.1.1

  • Women’s Conference – West London Wildcats 4.8.32 def. Wandsworth Demons 0.1.1

Central & Northern England

  • Men’s Premiership – Manchester Mosquitoes 16.13.109 def. Nottingham Scorpions 9.12.66

Southern England

  • Men’s Premiership – Southampton Titans def. Sussex Swans

In the opening weekend of fixtures, the defending Men’s Premiership winners the Wandsworth Demons take on the West London Wildcats, with the Wildcats fresh from their fourth consecutive Champions League title earlier this month.

Other notable Round One fixtures include a rematch of the 2017 Men’s Conference Grand Final, where the Raiders face the Demons, and a rematch of the inaugural Women’s Conference Grand Final where the Wildcats face the Demons.

Moving slightly north and the defending Premiers the Manchester Mosquitoes have a bye in Round One, meaning that the other four teams will battle it out. Last year’s losing Grand Finalists the Nottingham Scorpions face up to the Huddersfield Rams.

The Southern England league kicks off on the 19th May. This year the Southern England league and the Welsh league will be linking up with an inter-connected league structure. This will involve the leagues running separately for league games, and combining for tournaments. Points from both the league games and tournaments will decide the placings in each league, with these deciding who will play against each other in the SEWARFL Grand Final.

Grand Final Dates

AFL London (Women’s Conference) & Central & Northern England – 4th August

AFL London (all other divisions) – 11th August

SEWARFL – 11th August

For more information and for full fixtures, head to aflengland.org or email info@aflengland.org