AFL in New Zealand?

Australian Rules football in New Zealand dates back to the late 19^th century and was quite popular at the time. 1908 saw a touring New Zealand team defeat teams from both New South Wales and Queensland in Melbourne. The growth of the game was healthy until the First World War when sport in the country grinded to a halt. Aussie Rules never recovered after the war with the whole country fixated on Rugby Union

However, its popularity in the last decade or so has significantly increased in New Zealand. For example, Kiwikick was recently established as the kiwi equivalent of Auskick in Australia, the AFL’s development program for children.

A future for AFL in New Zealand?
(Source: AFLNZ)

ANZAC Day 2013 marked the first competitive game of AFL played outside of Australia.

Prior to the Swan’s sixteen point victory in the game against St Kilda, forward Adam Goodes drew on similarities between his team and the beloved All Blacks at a press conference in Wellington.

“I think if people are coming to watch the Swannies play for the first time and they’ve never seen us or didn’t see the grand final last year, we like to play our game like the All Blacks, which is hard and tough and for the full 90 minutes - which in our game is 120 minutes,” he said

However, Goodes stated that he doesn’t want conflict with Union lovers caused by the game being played in New Zealand, but rather showcasing and sharing the sport with Australia’s neighbours across the Tasman.

In reference again to All Black players, Goods said “it’s one thing that quite scares me to be honest, is to have one of those boys tackle me, but we’re not over here to poach players or anything like that, we just want to share our great game that we love in Australia and that we play so proudly, like the All Blacks play rugby union over here.”

Divided Opinion - Can the AFL coexist with Rugby Union in NZ?
(Source: The Age)

Just like the A-League and the NRL, could we see a team from New Zealand playing in the AFL in the near future?

With over 50 countries having clubs or leagues which play regularly, the game certainly has an international appeal.

- Lachlan Lewis

Johnny Warren, 1943 - 2004

"I told you so."

The almighty quote of Johnny Warren. Four words, preached as gospel to the believers. Four simple words, allowing his legacy to permeate forever in Australian soccer.

The impact of Warren can be seen in his influence on the game; both as a player and a mediator. Despite Harry Kewell being voted as Australia's greatest player in the code, without Johnny Warren and his passionate, selfless and endless promotion of the game, he and a multitude of Australian kids would be compelled to take up the round ball.

I like to think of Warren as Australia's Bill Shankly.

Shankly is best known as the man who is responsible for the resurrection of Liverpool. Taking charge of Liverpool in 1959 when Liverpool languished in the former Second Division of English, Shankly helped overhaul the problems of the club. Shankly helped facilitate many facets that have become known as the 'Liverpool Way' including, a passing/possession-based game, the famous all-red kit and more importantly laying down the foundations needed to help usher in an era of Liverpool's almighty dominance of English and European football. 

Shankly loved Liverpool, the city and they loved him. 

Despite the unheralded nature of Warren's tenure as a manager, it his influence on Australian soccer and future generations to this very day that leads to me to the Shankly reference.

Prior to the household names of Kewell, Viduka, Schwarzer, Cahill and Bosnich, Johnny Warren was truly the household figure of Australian soccer. He was the tireless cheerleader of the game despite all the negative perceptions of the game. He stood as the defiant Anglo-Australian when soccer was always derided as "that game for wogs." Dissatisfied with Australia's lack of success due to a lack of emphasis, he always held firm to the believe Australia had the potential to become a world power due to the sporting passion that is inherent within our culture.

Similar to Shankly's undying and immortalized influence on Liverpool, Warren's influence can be seen through:

• Being a part of the Crawford Report. The report was influential on many fronts as it allowed a revamp of the game in Australia. The Crawford Report helped launch the A-League and Australia joining joining the Asian Football Confederation.
• Breaking away from the Oceania Football Confederation and joining the Asian Football Confederation. Due to Australia's sheer dominance of the region, Warren believed the region did not allow Australia be competitive, instead being caught in a lull of complacency unless it faced regular challenging competition.
• Old soccer, new football. As Warren insisted that soccer be called football, the game has seen commentators slowly shift towards calling it that.
• The Johnny Warren Medal. The medal is awarded to player acknowledged by his fellow professional peers as the best of the season.

It is just a touch ironic and cruel that many of the changes that Warren spent his whole life advocating for would be achieved after he succumbed to lung cancer in 2004. One particular fond memory was when Australia finally broke its 31 year FIFA World Cup exile in 2005 when commentator Craig Foster subconsciously screamed "Johnny Warren!!!"  

But this only allows Warren's legacy to remain everlasting and allow the Australian soccer public remain appreciative of his efforts. At least at every A-League grand final a sign paying tribute to Warren will be displayed.

Johnny Warren will always be seen as the godfather of Australian soccer. RIP, he told us so.

- Aaron Wong

Lions Tour of Australia 2013 – How the Wallabies May Line-Up Come June

The Lions are already gearing up for their tour of Australia

With the Super Rugby season half way towards its completion there has been an increasing amount of talk surrounding who will be in the Wallabies team come June when they go face to face with the British and Irish Lions for the first time in 12 years.

Obviously two factors come in to consideration whilst selecting players for this test series: 1) Current Super Rugby form and 2) Past experience and reputation.

From all the players currently available for selection the strongest XV for the Wallabies would look something like this:

15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies) – On form is not only the most impressive fullback in the Australian conference but the most impressive player in general.

14. Dom Shipperley (Reds) – Edges Nick Cummins at right wing in a real 50/50 situation, mainly due to the number of other Reds in the starting lineup. The young speedster was impressive when he got a chance to perform in the Rugby Championship last year.

13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs) – The best centre in Australian rugby without a doubt. One of the few undisputed world-class players in the side.

12. Pat McCabe (Brumbies) – Compliments Ashley-Cooper brilliantly. His direct and hard working approach both in attack and defence regularly leaves time and space for those around him to perform at their peak.

11. Digby Ioane (Reds) – In mainly due to the consistent injuries suffered by Drew Mitchell and the inexperience of the best Australian left winger in Super Rugby thus far, Joseph Tomane.

10. James O’Connor (Rebels) – Like Ioane, somewhat in the squad by default. Barnes’ injury coupled with the off field troubles of Cooper and Beale make O’Connor the outstanding favorite to be wearing the no.10 jersey come June.

9. Will Genia (Reds) – Is Australia’s best player at the present moment and has been in the past as well. The best no.9 in the world when in top form.

8. Ben Mowen (Brumbies) – Ever improving in both attack and defence even at the age of 28. An extremely hard working and physical player who has also shown leadership skills in recent seasons.

Will We See Smith Wear the Green and Gold Once Again?

7. George Smith (Brumbies) – Arguably the best openside flanker Australia has ever produced. The cliché “form is temporary, class is permanent” applies to Smith more than any other player in this Wallabies lineup.

6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs) – Much like Mowen, Dennis is a hard working and consistent performer. A well-rounded player who never lets his team down.

5. James Horwill (Reds) – Quite simply the best lock in Australian rugby at the moment.

4. Sitaleki Timani (Waratahs) – Although vulnerable on set pieces, he brings an attacking threat with ball in hand and is also known to batter a player or two when defending, something which will be needed against the physical nature of the Lions.

3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies) – Has been a mainstay in both the Brumbies and Wallabies front row for a long time now.

2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies) – Much more reliable than Polota-Nau, especially on set pieces.

1. James Slipper (Reds) – Provides much more mobility and attacking threat than his competitors, notably Kepu and Robinson.

Substitutes: 16. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs) 17. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs) 18. Rob Simmons (Reds) 19. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 20. Wycliff Palu (Waratahs) 21. Nick Phipps (Rebels) 22. Christian Leali’ifano (Brumbies).

James Horwill, with Will Genia being his understudy, will no doubt captain the side especially considering the long term injury to David Pocock.

Notable mentions for players who may end up making the final 22 include Liam Gill (Reds), Scott Higginbotham (Rebels), Nic White (Brumbies), Nick Cummins (Force), Joseph Tomane (Brumbies) and Israel Folau (Waratahs).

- Vladimir Aleksov

Swans having a feather flutter

The reigning premiers, the Sydney Swans, have started the 2013 AFL season in first gear.

A lacklustre pre-season was evident in opening round of the NAB Cup at Blacktown, in an upset against Carlton, let alone the GWS Giants as well. Although the Swans were missing key premiership stars, including Adam Goodes and Josh Kennedy, the other teams were also fielding younger, inexperienced players.

Some of their senior players are yet to overcome the last year's grand final hangover. The best example is Lewis Jetta, who has kicked just two goals and averaged only 9.5 possessions through four games.

Lewis Jetta struggling to find his 2012 form
(Source: News Limited)

However, it is fair to say that there has been noticeable improvement from many players, particularly Canadian rugby union convert Mike Pike.

The Swans have enjoyed easy victories against low ranking teams to begin the season, making last Friday night’s game a real wake-up call with a 21 point loss against a stronger Geelong. Adding to the Swan’s concerns, big ruckman Lewis Roberts-Thomson was left on the sidelines with a right knee injury during the second quarter of the game. This now places him in doubt for several weeks, as he is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery.

In their current form it is questionable whether or not the Swans will be able to come away with a win in this week’s game against a solid St Kilda side. Some media sources are tipping a loss for the historic ANZAC day clash which will be played in New Zealand on Thursday. More to come on this story.


- Lachlan Lewis

Waratahs Season 2013 - Will Cheika's Revolution Be a Success?

Sitting in the grandstands of the Allianz Stadium on Friday night,
watching the Waratahs take on the defending champions the Chiefs, a few thoughts ran through my mind.

Can the Tahs make the play-offs? Can the Tahs play this well week in, week out or was it just a one off win? And do the Tahs have the players to play the attack minded, running rugby that is demanded by head coach Michael Cheika?

Sadly, especially considering that I'm a Waratahs fan, the answer to all three of the above questions was - after a long thought process - no.

In reference to the first two questions its hard to think of an answer other than no. The Tahs have not won an away match thus far this season and they also lost a home match to the all be it impressive Cheetahs. Looking at the schedule, a tour of South Africa to face the Bulls and Kings respectively does provide a rather grim viewing of the table for Tahs fans in the weeks to come. In addition, the win against the Chiefs was the first time the Waratahs have won a game in which they were not heavy favourites. Losses to the Cheetahs, Reds, Brumbies and Hurricanes do not give Tahs fans the confidence that the men in blue can go out every week and put on a performance like they did on Friday night.

Rob Horne - Time for him to get the chop?

Onto the second hot issue i have with the Waratahs, i do not believe that all 15 plus players are on the same page on the field. Under the guidance of newly installed head coach Michael Cheika, the Waratahs are trying to play an attack minded brand of rugby that we have seen the All Blacks have an immense amount of success with. The main problem with this is that the majority of the players that play for the Waratahs were signed by former head coach Michael Foley who was an advocate of a conservative, kick oriented brand of rugby which has been similar to the way Robbie Deans has set up his Wallabies outfit - where the majority of the side is made up of Waratahs players. This leads to a situation where half of the players on the field such as Benn Robinson, Kane Douglas, Rob Horne and Brendan McKibbin, who were Foley-esque players, do not look like they are on the same team as guys like Bernard Foley, Israel Folau, Wycliff Palu and Michael Hooper, who all fit in with Cheika's ideology. The bottom line is that although there is potential to play the style of rugby Cheika wants and be sucessful with it, this will only be achieved if he is given time and full control over the transfer policy at the club as there is plenty of talented Australian rugby players who are well suited to a running style of rugby such as the Force's Kyle Godwin and Nick Cummins as well as a Tah to be in the Rebels no.9 - Nick Phipps.

So where does that leave us with the Super Rugby season of 2013?

Well my prediction is that the Tahs will once again finish around the 10th placed position with the Brumbies and Reds once again leading the way in the Australian conference. However, the potential of Cheika's project should not be looked over lightly as we have seen at the Brumbies - a franchise with much less potential than the Waratahs - that if you bring in the right coaching staff and are prepared to make tough decisions in regards to the playing group, the sky is the limit!

- Vladimir Aleksov

Rugby League - Set of Six

1. Rep Weekend

All of NRL is taking the weekend off as we prepare for the annual Trans Tasman Test between Australia and New Zealand and the maligned NSW City vs Country fixture. We will also have a Tonga vs Samoa Test match at Penrith's Centerbet Stadium and a Under 20s State of Origin fixture. As well as the NRL taking the week off, Holden Cup will have the weekend off too. If you are looking for a game of Footy this weekend you won't be spoiled for choice. If you live in Sydney its either a Test match in the greater west or going down to a traditional ground for some park footy, better known as the NSW Cup. The rep weekend was introduced to limit burnout on our best players but they won't have the weekend off; they will be playing in a one off test match on Friday night in Canberra. So it doesn't help player burnout, so why are there only 4 matches this weekend. A weekend off for footy is bad for fans and the clubs. But what other games could we add to make the weekend mean more?

2. Make it an International Weekend

If we really want this weekend to be taken seriously it should be a worldwide weekend of test matches. The addition of Tonga vs Samoa is a good one. But what about the other test nations? Imagine this lineup for the weekend. Friday night Australia vs New Zealand. Saturday a double header with PNG vs Fiji and Tonga vs Samoa. Then on Sunday we can still have the City Country fixture. How about we get the north involved too; England, France, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy could all have Test matches if Super League is willing to follow the NRL and take the weekend off too. We already know we have the best, closet domestic game, but we aren't taken seriously as an International sport and the lack of regular fixtures doesn't help. Treat international football as well as we treat the NRL and it can only improve. Hopefully the Independent Commission will be able to build of this years World Cup and give International Football the exposure it deserves.

3. Does City vs Country have any value anymore?

Robbie Farah, Mitchell Pearce, John Sutton, Aaron Woods, Jarryd Hayne, Brett Stewart, Josh Reynolds and Jarrod Mullen are just some of the names that have pulled out of this weekends game. However there is great doubt that these players wouldn't play this weekend if there club teams were playing. Most of the NSW team is already decided, so this isn't the big selection trial that is used to be. However there are some great young players that could well be the future of the Blues making their first representative appearance this weekend. Wests Tigers duo James Tedesco and Curtis Sironen, the Bulldogs' Josh Jackson and the Roosters Boyd Cordyner are just some of the players being blooded. But Queensland doesn't have a selection trial, so do we need one? Well if you ask the players they love to play in this game, and for now that's good enough for me. 

4. The Great Divide

We are just 6 rounds in to the 2013 NRL season but we are already seeing a divide between the best and the rest. The NRL is widely regarded as the closet competition in Australian sport thanks to the salary cap. This season though, the divide has become evident much faster than normal. Melbourne, Manly, South Sydney, Sydney, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Brisbane all look like contenders early on. St George Illawarra, Canberra, Cronulla, North Queensland, Parramatta, Canterbury, Wests, Penrith and New Zealand look nothing of the sort. But this is the NRL mind you, it lasts 26 rounds, not 6 and I would not be surprised if any bottom team starts to come good and make a real impact on the competition. If so, it would be another example of the infamous salary cap at work.

5. Coaches under pressure

Another coached sacked for the season and we are only 6 weeks in to the NRL. However the both coaches are from the Super League. Australian Ian Millward has been sacked in just his 2nd year in charge of the Castleford Tigers. His replacement is still to be decided upon. In March Salford Reds Coach Phil Veivers was sacked after just one win from the first 5 games of the season. Last week he was replaced with former Bradford, Wigan, Crusaders and Great Britain coach Brian Noble. Noble's successful history as one of England's best modern coaches, international experience and with multiple Super League titles on his resume makes him a perfect fit for a struggling club like Salford. This is not a job for a rookie coach. Back home in the NRL, Matthew Elliot, of the New Zealand Warriors seems to be under pressure with their poor start. Australian Test Coach Tim Sheens has been mentioned as a possible replacement.

6. New South Wales Number 6

All of the key positions for the Blues seem to be settled. Its incumbents that will keep their positions such as Fullback Brett Stewart, Halfback Mitchell Pearce and Hooker Robbie Farah. However with NSW five eighth Todd Carney currently injured it seems to be the only position up for grabs. However contenders Jarrod Mullen, Josh Reynolds and John Sutton have all pulled out of the City Country clash. It seems to be a two horse race between Todd Carney and Roosters pivot James Maloney. Maloney is in great form and has a club partnership with Mitchell Pearce. However if Todd Carney can get back on the field and put some form on the board he will most likely be selected for Game 1. 

-William Le Messurier-

Take Two

Soccer in Australia has had a not so warm welcoming throughout it's history as one of the four football codes. To be rather blunt and succinct, to many the game was for the:

"Sheilas, wogs and poofters."

The three words aptly describe perceptions of soccer within the Australian sporting market. The game that is played by the other. But it is not always all doom and gloom.

The first light in the tunnel came on the 16th of November 2005. After it's routine dispatching of the Oceania qualifiers, Australia had to defeat the 5th placed team of the South American qualifiers. A task that can't exactly be described as a walk in the park. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Montevideo, supported by 83,000 attendees and millions across the nation, Australia ended its 31 year absence from the FIFA World Cup, earning the right to participate in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Not only did this help capture the interest of the mainstream Australian public, but help bring credibility to the code amongst the other three. The success of the national team (nicknamed, the Socceroos) helped generate interest into the newly formed domestic competition, the A-League.

Arising the ashes of the National Soccer League, the A-League commenced in August 2005, striving hard to tackle many of the problems that historically hindered the progression of soccer in Australia. One of the most obvious issues that was addressed was the issue of ethnic-based clubs. Some of the most historic and famed clubs within Australian soccer have been those of ethnic-based foundations. It can be said that these clubs act as proxy embassies for newly-arrived immigrants, many being established as social clubs for those longing the old country. However, many of the old troubles were revisited in Australia, in particular clashes between Balkan based groups such as the Croats and Serbs. For the Football Federation of Australia, it was an utmost priority to eliminate any ethnic tension, in order to appeal to the masses.

Effectively, two main guidelines directed the format of the competition. No ethnic-based links, so clubs such as Marconi Fairfield, Sydney Olympic and Melbourne Knights (each respectively represented by the Italian, Greek and Croatian communities) were barred from entry. And lastly, 1 city, 1 club. The A-League wanted clubs to consolidate support from the entire demographic of their city, emphasizing inter-city rivalries.

This was a successful tactic which saw record crowds of 50,000 for grand finals, 35,000 for regular season matches and an average of 27,000 for the Melbourne Victory in Season II of the competition.

So why the second uprising?

The common consensus within the Australian soccer community is that the FFA's prioritizing Australia hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup saw a neglect towards the A-league. Average crowds since the 2007-08 season, which saw a record average of 14,610, plummet consistently to an all time low of 8,429 in the 2010-11 season. Two expansion clubs, the North Queensland Fury and Gold Coast United were folded within two to three seasons. Both of these aforementioned clubs were established to further 'nationalize' the game. However the markets for soccer that these clubs were situated at were barely or not at all interested towards the game. The A-league was facing the unwanted prospect of having to field a 9-team league for the 2012-13 season. Hastily, a Western Sydney team was created to fill the void of the demise of Gold Coast United. The events that happened next were truly unprecedented or unexpected.

The current 2012-13 season has widely been acclaimed as the greatest A-League season, surpassing the pandemonium of the inaugural season in 2005-06. The success of the season can be attributed to two main factors.

1. The introduction of quality marquee players. The signing of Alessandro Del Piero, Emile Heskey and Shinji Ono was a masterstroke, that not only gave attention to the game domestically but worldwide, such is the stature of the three marquee players.
2. The fairytale season of the Western Sydney Wanderers. A team build hastily, expected to finish bottom has exceeded every single expectation. About to contest for the Grand Final in 2 days time and finishing the regular season 1st.

The success of this season has truly been welcomed for many soccer enthusiasts within the country, such as myself. It is truly something when the game which has been dismissed by so many for so long has captured the attention of every single Free-to-Air broadcaster and newspaper publication. But this is where the challenge begins. It is a true test of administrative capabilities if the FFA can sustain this interest of the domestic game. It is a test to see whether the spectator-seers of Del Piero, Heskey and Ono will remain after they leave. 

It is a test to let the game grow and to never see a regular season crowd average of 8000 ever again.

- Aaron Wong