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In picture perfect conditions down at the lakefront and with the DirecTV blimp circling above, the Columbus Jackaroo’s and Chicago United played out a great contest of Aussie Rules footy. Columbus took care of Nashville easily at home a few weeks ago and were keen to sink their teeth into United. With relentless pressure on the ball from both sides, Chicago kicked away and won by a scoreline that didn’t reflect the quality of the contest on the field.

The Chicago backline did not give an inch all day and was highlighted by best on ground David Deutz on the Columbus holding the Columbus spearhead Ward to a single goal. Although the ball found its way into the Jackaroo’s fifty regularly it was quickly returned back up the field to Chicago’s advantage. With the Chicago full forward Oscar being tied up by the big full-back and Chet earning 20+ marks and rebounds the Chicago midfield and pockets excelled to put the goals on the board.

So a great win for Chicago and a great showing at Brownstone Tavern by both teams passionate about the game and who both look forward every year to playing against each other and celebrating after together.

Final Scores:

Good signs ahead boys! In a year through injury, travel schedules all affecting training and attendance at games I saw progression last weekend, we managed to put our first W up on the board, and losing to MN & C’bus. Yes you could argue a loss is a loss, and while no one likes losing, we have to take positives from each game.

Way back in Louisville, we were underdone but can honestly say we gave it our all, yes we didn’t end up on top, but were gallant. The following week against a strong New York outfit, my main interests were with our structure and movement. And for periods of the game we were able to match it with a Div 1 team.

Columbus really cut us up, I could see after the game the disappointment in your faces that these guys had beaten us for just the second time. In all seriousness we should remain confident that will beat these guys at Nationals should we come up against them. The heat, lush grass and the dying wind in the last quarter, worked against us, but even under duress we were able to instill panic into them after winning the third quarter. Another one that possibly got away.

Last weekend was a tough weekend, we took 18 blokes up to Madison for three games: Minnesota, Columbus & Kansas City. Once again some really good individual efforts, EZ, Wolfy, Xavier, Pedro, Hayesey, Sars & Pat ‘no more study’ Defors showing us the way in determination and skill to keep us in every game and keep going when there was literally nothing left in the tank! We should be very proud of our effort.

Score:

Goals:
LP: Bradley 3, Josh 2, Vince Doorhy, Sars
LS: Oscar 2, Paul

This months post-long-weekend update from the coach – this edition contains information about the upcoming tournament in Madison, WI the MAAFL home game vs Columbus and the trip to Minnesota. (Note: the original email has been translated from South Australian – skills such as reading, writing, geography and learning about calendars seem to have been left off the school curriculum over there).

Training tonight, everyone should be refreshed after the long weekend and looking forward to this Friday nights Metro game between the Piranhas and Tigers, Rhinos to set up and provide umpires.

Another Key position arrives: Congrats to Ness and Roofy, welcomes another tall to the club, Myles Ward!

Madison Tournament (11 June): We have good numbers (35, 33 players) for the tournament on the 11th June. The guys driving are: Hendrie, Fitzy, Hoyty, Dougy, Ian Kolda, Henry, Kansas. Do the math, we need a few more blokes to drive, if you have a vehicle and intend driving let me know as soon as possible.

Columbus (18 June): This will be a Chicago United home game and a lot of what the selectors see in Madison and on the training track will determine the 24 to represent us against Columbus.

Minnesota (23 July): At the moment only a handful of guys have given Rocky and myself their itineraries for the JULY 23 game. Please book your tickets this week, right now flights are still $89 both ways! Get on it lads, with Nashville not stacking their side this year, this game looks like the most important this year!

Cheers,

Hendrie

Saturday May 21 saw the boys from the Ontario Football League in Canada head down to Chicago to take on the combined United side in what was be a cracker of a day of International Aussie Rules football. First game kicked off between Chicago and Hamilton at 2pm, with the main game between Chicago and the OAFL Steam at 4pm with post game celebrations at the Brownstone Tavern.

The weather gods held back and the dandelions blew strong down at Waveland field to provide a great afternoon of AFL football in the Windy City.  With the BBQ sizzling away and a live(ish) DJ it was a festival atmosphere on the lakefront.

Two games were played between Chicago and a number of players from the mid-west (Des Moines, Milwaukee, Minnesota, St Louis).  Both were hard fought and provided some spectacular highlights.

Game 1 between Hamilton/OAFL and Chicago/MAAFL (2:15pm)

Game 2 between OAFL Steam and Chicago/MAAFL (4:15pm)

Post-game celebrations were held at the Brownstone Tavern to witness Brian Hoyt receive the Blue Jacket (for his efforts in defense) and Jason “Pony-Boy” Wilhelm take the coveted Golden Goose.