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WE’RE ALL ABOUT SPORTCANBERRA.COM.AUII Issue #10 April 2012

WE’RE ALL ABOUT SPORTCANBERRA.COM.AU 1Issue #10 April 2012

02 New StadiumAndrew Barr talks to PLAY

03 OutlookWith Chris Cairns

04 BaseballMajor League Preview

06 BasketballGunners 2012 preview

08 RaidersNew Sponsor for the Green Machine

09 Rugby LeagueTertiary Student League

10 Aussie RulesNEAFL: Bridging the gap

12 FeatureGWS - Giant leap for AFL

14 Socials Black Opal Stakes

15 Win With ActewAGL See for your chance to toss the coin before GWS

16 Rugby UnionJohn I Dent Preview

17 Six NationsWales Reigns Supreme

18 Super Rugby2012 Tippers Nightmare

20 Soccer Rock Premier League Preview

23 Orienteering Canberra Cockatoos

24 CrossFit GamesExciting Comp fires up

25 CyclingGreenEDGE Suffers Blow

26 MotorsportsYoung Canberra Driver

27 Combat SportsCanberra Kickboxer Wins South Pacific Title

28 FitnessTry The Latest Workout For Fast Results

29 RollerbladingIs a comeback on the cards

29 Top 5 See our Top 5 Redheaded Warriors

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WE’RE ALL ABOUT SPORTCANBERRA.COM.AU2 Issue #10 April 2012

CANBERRA CBD STADIUM

Canberra’s CBD could eventually be the home of a brand new, multi-purpose stadium. ACT Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Mr Andrew Barr, said plans were well underway to come up with the best possible site for a replacement stadium once the existing one has reached its use-by date.

Canberra Stadium (formerly Bruce Stadium) was built for the 1977 Pacific Conference Games. This makes the concrete structures well on their way to being 40-years-old. Mr Barr says the time has come where the government must decide to either undergo an extensive upgrade of the facilities or plan to build a new structure, more suited to today’s economic landscape.

“Given we know that this spend is going to have to be made in the next decade or so, are we in fact better off ... taking a big leap forward to something that is say, a 21st century arena, rather than fix a 1970’s older asset?” Barr said.

Currently Canberra stadium hosts around 30 events a year and the ACT sports Minister was eager to point out that other stadiums around the world can host anywhere between 200-300 events a year.

In order to make a new stadium financially feasible, Mr Barr said the government needed to “design something that can be used much more frequently”.

Allowing for more useability, the government is considering many different designs including building a roof to cover the stadium, as modelled on New Zealand’s Dunedin stadium. They are also looking at the possibility of corporate areas doubling as hotel suites.

The main site being looked at for the stadium is in Canberra’s CBD. Plans are being drafted for a possible overpass above Parks Way, in order to connect the city with the Lakes foreshore. This would then allow enough extra space for the Stadium to be built above the road.

The second option is at the Civic pool/convention centre site where developers would build over Parks Way to connect with Commonwealth Park. The advantage of this proposal is the possibility of shared facilities between the stadium and the convention centre including the use of industrial sized kitchens.

The University of Canberra has also been named a possible site option, however the minister explained it

was not the focus of the plans at this stage. “The main focus is on the CBD with UC being the fallback option,” Barr said.

He went on to say the studies are well underway, with the potential site needing around 5.5-6 hectares of land with the ballpark figure looking at a price tag of $200-250 million.

With Senator Kate Lundy now the federal Minister for Sports, Mr Barr said Mrs Lundy was well aware of the ACT’s proposals and he is hopeful the federal government will provide some funding as seen with the Adelaide Oval and Sydney Cricket ground upgrades.

“These are big picture issues that you don’t decide on overnight, you need to do a bit of work on it so the timeframe we’ve been talking about is ... to look to construct something new by the end of the decade,” Barr said.

Mr Barr said Manuka oval was first on the agenda however, with its upgrade to be completed over the next two or three years, looking at a cost of $30-40million.

Canberra’s CBD is the prefered site for a proposed new multi-purpose stadium. Lucy Hinchey spoke to ACT Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Mr Andrew Barr.


CHRIS CAIRNS

OUTLOOKThe summer has passed and now the winter codes take over and I will be a passionate follower of the two high profile oval ball codes here in Canberra. But at the backend of what has been a particularly wet summer it was heartening news last week that Canberra has been earmarked to host the Australian cricket team for the first time ever even though it’s taken a hundred years to get them here.

I had heard murmuring that this fixture against the New Zealand cricket team was in the pipeline but the announcement Mr Minister Andrew Barr confirmed that the exact details of the two fixtures will be finalised this month.

It was also heartening to read Minister Barr’s comments that he saw this as the beginning of a relationship with Cricket Australia in bringing International matches to Canberra. In days gone by the Prime Ministers XI was the only opportunity people had to view players live. What’s the difference between watching them live and watching them on TV I hear you say? Well it’s not for the arm chair critic that’s

for sure. The quality of footage that broadcasters provide means that watching a match in the comfort of your home is hard to beat. The real reason in my mind for live sport is to influence and inspire the next generation of sportsmen and women. It’s about taking kids to see their heroes. For them to get to see firsthand the players they watch from afar. To line up for autographs and experience the buzz that goes with representing your country. These types of experiences resonate and they inspire. It is these memories that children take home with them and they then go out on to the sporting fields to replicate.

It is also important for Manuka Oval to prepare itself for what will be its biggest day on show in the history of the ground. Now Manuka is an enormous oval, a huge playing surface. But with the outer stands being

the size they are, they are disproportionate to the playing surface and the aesthetic look of this will make Manuka seem a very small ground on TV. There are some excellent examples around the World of grounds who literally beef up their capacity for one off events. Manuka Oval would be wise to look at exactly how it can optimise the interest that will be shown I’m sure by the Aussie cricket team coming to Canberra. No doubt careful consideration and planning will go in to this match but it is important to note that Canberra will be on trial not only for future matches but also for a potential Big Bash opportunity in years to come.

I cannot stress enough how important this match is on many fronts and I congratulate all involved for getting it here. I understand Minister Barr is a cricket fan and I like the way he has publicly approached this venture. Lastly, the powers that be have done the city a huge service in getting this fixture. It will be up to the public to show that they want International cricket in this city. That will be done with their feet, by turning up to barrack for their National team in their National sport.

INTERNATIONAL CRICKET IN THE CAPITAL IN 2013


The end of the 2011 Major League Baseball season was one of the most exciting seasons in recent history. In Mid-August it appeared that there would be very little tension going down to the last day, but over the last 6 weeks of the season the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves both had historical collapses and missed the playoffs on the last day. This led the way to an equally exciting postseason that saw the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Texas Rangers in 6 games to captures their 11th World Series title in team history. In order to continue the momentum of last season into the 2012 season, MLB has added a second wild card team in hopes of seeing more last day playoff pressure. We will now examine the coming season and predict who will make the playoffs, win the individual season awards and ultimately be crowned World Series Champions.

American League EastNY Yankees - The Yankees rarely have many weaknesses because they have the ability to cover up any holes with their ability to spend more money than any other team. Last year, even though they won the AL East easily, their pitching staff was basically CC Sabathia and pray for rain. This will not be the case this year and for that reason the rest of the AL East and the entire AL should be concerned. This offseason they traded for Michael Pineda, signed Hiroki Kuroda and brought Andy Pettitte out of his one year retirement. Pineda may end of being the key to their whole season as last he was an American League All Star for the Seattle Mariners. Almost all statistical measure (ERA of 3.74 and a WHIP of 1.099) show that he was truly was an all-star. He will now have the luxury of having one of the best lineups in all of baseball to give him the run support that he was missing with the Mariners. Last year the Yankees were second of all baseball with 867 runs scored (5.35 runs per game) while Seattle was dead last with only 556 runs scored (3.43). With those 2 additional runs in Pineda’s back pocket for this coming year, expect his win totals to rise (9 last year) and the Yankees to be even more dangerous than they were in 2011.

American League CentralDetroit Tigers – When 1B/DH, Victor Martinez, season ended before it even started because of a tear in ACL it appeared that the defending AL Central Champs would have an uphill climb to repeat. They did not let this defeat and made one of the biggest off season signings in all of baseball; Prince Fielder. With the addition of Fielder the Tigers now have one of the best, if not the best, middle of the batting order in all of baseball, with Fielder joining Miguel Cabrera. Last year the two combined to hit 68 homeruns and have 235 RBI. With early indications that Fielder will hit behind Cabrera expect Cabrera’s numbers to be even higher and opposing teams will be less likely to pitch around him knowing Fielder is waiting in the on deck circle. The Tigers will also benefit from playing in one of the weaker divisions in the AL where no other team projects to challenge for the playoffs in any form. It is also extremely important to remember that they still have Justin Verlander, last year’s CY Young award winner and MVP anchoring their staff. The Tigers, like the Yankees, appear to be even better than 2011 and are poised to when their second straight AL Central Championship.

American League WestLA Angels of Anaheim – After being a fixture in the AL playoffs during Mike Scioscia tenure as Manager, the LA Angels of Anaheim have missed the playoffs and been passed by their division rivals, the Texas Rangers. In order to overcome this new trend the Angels may have had the best offseason of any team in baseball. In short, they strengthened their strength (pitching) and their weakness (hitting). Everyone knows about the addition of Albert Pujols to bolster a lineup that was middle of league last season with 667 runs (4.11 per game) and add further leadership and experience to a team that wants to win now. Pujols is coming off his weakest statistical season (.299 Batting Average, 37 homeruns, 99 RBI, .366 OBP), but those are still numbers that most players would love have just once in their careers. His addition to the lineup will add runs and ultimately wins to team

that has been lacking both the past two seasons. The Angels also added starting pitcher CJ Wilson to a strong staff, which is significant for two reasons. 1) Wilson has been the ace of the Rangers for the past two seasons. His addition not only makes the Angels stronger, but it weakens the Rangers. 2) Although Wilson is an ace, he does not have to the ace of the Angels staff. They already have Jared Weaver and Dan Haren, which means that Wilson can slide into the number 2 or 3 spot in the rotation and make their staff even more dangerous. While winning the off season does not automatically mean postseason success (see Red Sox 2011), these additions are likely to help the Angels not only return to the playoffs but also win the AL West Division title on 2012.

American League Wild CardTexas Rangers – As noted above, the Rangers took a big hit in the offseason with loss of staff ace CJ Wilson. But they have been here before. After losing to the San Francisco Giants in the 2010 World Series staff ace Cliff Lee left to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies. It was easy to write them off then and easy to write them off again this season. But this Rangers team is still strong. The return their entire starting lineup from the third best offense in all of baseball (855 runs, 5.28 per game) which should give the run support to a young staff that is missing, at least on paper, that all important ace. The Rangers also the have the advantage of not playing in the AL East, where the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays will play each other 18 times. Add in an improving Blue Jays team and this makes for an uphill climb for 3 teams from the AL East to make the playoffs this season. The Rangers may not win the AL West this year, but expect them to grab one of the Wild Card spots in 2012.

Tampa Bay Rays – It is very likely the second wild card spot will come down to the other two beasts of the AL East; the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. Last year, after the Red Sox historical collapse, the Rays gained the final playoff spot on the last day. The only significant change made by either team during the offseason was the Red Sox parting ways with their most successful manager in franchise history (two World Series wins in seven years), Terry Francona, and hiring Bobby Valentine to take over. In short, both teams have mostly stayed put. Both have great lineups and play good defense, but the difference will be the starting pitching staff. Both have multiple aces, but the Rays are deeper staff from start to finish. This advantage will be the difference between the two or three wins that are likely to separate these two great teams at the end of the season and put the Rays back in for the second season in the row.

National League EastAtlanta Braves – The Atlanta Braves ended last year about as poorly as any team can end a season. After seeing their large wild card lead slip away, they ultimately lost their spot in the playoffs on the last day to the St. Louis Cardinals. While many teams would panic, the Braves did not make any significant changes to an already strong team. There is room for

MLB SEASON PREVIEW SAM CARTERFollow Sam on twitter at @sgcarter1804

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improvement though, as they had one of the 10 worst teams in all of baseball in every offensive category. In 2011 they scored just 641 runs (3.95 per game), had a team batting average of .243, OBP of .308 and Slugging Percentage of .387. But this should improve, because even though they didn’t sign a noteworthy bat to the lineup, the addition of a healthy Jayson Heyward should give them the power that they were missing. After having a lights out rookie season, Heyward struggled with his health and when he was healthy enough to play, he struggled to hit for average or power. A healthy, focused Heyward will go a long way toward improving an offense that struggle last year. Add to that, Freddie Freeman being a year older, a third straight season with a rookie of the year candidate with Tyler Pastornicky starting at short stop, one of the best pitching staffs statistically in all of baseball and a motivated Chipper Jones going into the final season of his Hall of Fame career and you have the recipe for bounce back year and a 2012 NL East Division championship.

National League CentralMilwaukee Brewers – This past off season the Milwaukee Brewers were dealt a major blow when Prince Fielder chose to leave and sign the Detroit Tigers. This will be a major blow to what was a very strong offense from the 2011 season. But, because they knew they would be unable to sign Fielder to the big money contract that he would demand in the free agent market, they prepared for this in advance. In the previous offseason, the Brewers traded for ace and one time CY Young award winner, Zach Grienke, to partner with Yovani Gallardo at the top of their rotation. The two combined for 33 wins in 2011, while both finishing the season with ERA’s under 3.80 and WHIPs under 1.22. Having two aces at the top a rotation is luxury most teams wish they had and Gallardo and Greinke will be the difference what is an overall weak NL Central in 2012.

National League WestLos Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers were an enigma in the 2011 baseball season. This finished the season as one of the worst offensive teams (644 runs, 4 per game) and also one of the best pitching staffs (3.54 ERA and 1.25 WHIP). They had the CY Young award winner in Clayton Kershaw and MVP Runner Up in Matt Kemp, who each put together historically significant numbers. Through July 1st they had just 37 wins to 46 losses, but finished the second half of the season strong going 45 and 33, which comes out to a winning percentage of .577. Had they been able to keep this pace though out the entire 2011 season, the Dodgers would have finished with 93 wins and made the playoffs. In short, outside of Kreshaw and Kemp, the Dodgers were unable to put it all together for the full season. Expect that to change this season. The starting staff will be even stronger than last year, with the additions of Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano to the back end of their rotation. Plus, this is a make or break year for Chad Billingsley, a pitcher with all the tools, but has yet to put all together in a full season. Expect Billingsley to figure it out and become the second ace that the Dodgers have been grooming him to

be. With Kemp and Andre Either, the Dodgers have one of the strongest middle of the orders in the NL, but they will need the rest of the team to hit their weight too. The key to all this will be Dee Gordon, the speedy shortstop, who last year stole 24 bases in just 56 games. If Gordon can find a way to get on base more consistently, then the Dodgers will not just win the NL West, but they will run away with the division title.

Wild CardMiami Marlins – If the Angels were the winners of the offseason, then the Miami Marlins came in a close second. The new look Marlins, not only in the team they will put in the field, but in their name (dropping Florida for Miami) and in uniform, look to be on the top teams in the NL in 2012. In 2011 the Marlins finished last in the NL East and their inability to get on base (.318 OBP) and score runs (625, 3.86 per game) was the main factor. They made one big offense splash by signing Jose Reyes away from their division rivals. Hitting in the leadoff spot last season, Reyes led the NL with a .337 BA and also had an impressive .384 OPB. By having a reliable leadoff hitter this will give Hanley Ramirez and Mike Stanton the opportunity to hit consistently with a speedy runner who most likely will be in scoring position. This will add the runs that Marlins were missing from last year and allow them to take advantage of much improved pitching staff with the addition of Mark Buhrle to compliment staff ace, Josh Johnson. With a much improved offense and pitching staff, the Marlins will make their way into the playoffs once again in 2012.

Cincinnati Reds – In 2010 the Cincinnati Reds surprised many people in baseball by winning the NL Central. In 2011 they fell back to earth finish in third place mostly because a very weak pitching staff. Their team ERA (4.16) was 20th in league, as was their staff WHIP (1.33). It did not matter that they scored the seventh most runs in the league (735, 4.53 per game) because the staff could hardly get anyone out. This should change in 2012

for the Reds. They made Mat Latos the corner stone of trade with the San Diego Padres and he will slide nicely into the number two spot in their rotation behind Johnny Cueto. Even with Ryan Madson’s season ending injury leaving them without their closer, the Reds have the ability to have either Aroldis Chapman or Sean Marshall fill that role. The Reds made the necessary changes to return to the playoffs in 2012 after a one year absence.

With the playoff teams set, the question that we will first answer is who will take home the CY Young and MVP awards in each league.

Award WinnersAmerican League CY Young (best pitcher) – Jered Weaver (right), LA Angels, is the ace of one of the most complete teams in baseball. Because they have improved both their offense and pitching staff, the pressure will be off Weaver to the go to guy for the entire team. Expect Weaver to continue improving and take home his first CY Young award in 2012.

American League MVP – Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers, has always been one of the best hitters in baseball, but this could be his biggest year yet. With the signing of Prince Fielder, Cabrera will have the best protection that he has had in his career. Having that safety blanket behind him will a give more pitches to hit and mean an increase in his already stellar numbers. All this adds up to his first MVP in 2012.

National League CY Young –Matt Cain, San Francisco Giants, may finally break out from shadows of two time CY Young winning teammate, Tim Lincecum, in 2012. Last year Cain finished the season with both a low ERA of 2.88 and WHIP of 1.08. He will continue on this trend, and with an improved offense behind him, Cain’s win total will increase and he will take home the CY Young award.

National League MVP – Matt Kemp had an absolutely fantastic 2011, as he almost became the first player since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967 to win the Triple Crown (lead the league in Batting Average, homeruns and RBI). He narrowly missed out the MVP to Ryan Braun, but don’t expect that to happen again this year. According to Kemp, he is ever more focused this year and ready to lead his team into the postseason and this should lead him Kemp to a well-deserved MVP award.

Now that the awards have been handed out the only thing left is to predict the winner of the only prize that matters; World Series Champion.

World Series – After a the dust as settle on the AL and NL playoffs, the two teams left standing will be the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Overall these are two very strong teams who are balanced from top to bottom. Both have great staffs, improved hitting and are strong defensively. So, who will win and why? The Atlanta Braves in 6 and for the simple fact that they will do everything in the power to help Chipper Jones go out a winner.

Sam Carter is a baseball enthusiast located in New Jersey, USA. He is currently writing his first novel, a mystery, about how a paediatric surgeon and obsessed sports fan that goes the extra mile to find the elusive cure to a disease that is inflicting the children of Seattle.

Charles Krupa / Associated Press

MLB SEASON PREVIEW


The Gunners roster has received a significant boost with the signing of Sydney Kings Alex Gynes along with that of the sharp shooting Indiana native Grayson Flittner. The Gunners stocks have also been bolstered by the inclusion of 4 AIS students Matt Andronicos, Andrija Dumovic, Owen Odigie and Jacob Snow.

The Gunners can’t complain about their start to the season. Six of their opening

ten games are at home, and only four of their opening eight are against 2011 playoff teams. But after that it gets real tough. From rounds seven to fourteen, they take on last season’s finalists in eight of twelve games, and the four games against non-finalists are all road trips to Mt Gambier, Brisbane, Hobart and NW Tasmania. That horror stretch also includes a triple-header in round 9 against the Pioneers, Kilsyth and Knox.

CANBERRA GUNNERS 2012 ASSAULT

The Retention of Mesman (above left), Miller (above right), Lacey (above middle), Richardson and Fenton gives the Gunners a solid footing from which to attack the 2012 season. Keeping Jamie Mesman is especially beneficial – he earned a Player of the Week award in 2011 and gives their backcourt a real boost. Much weight will be placed on the young shoulders of Jamie Mesman. The guard is now entering his fifth season and has

been a staple for the Gunners over that time. Last season was a breakout year: compare his averages of 12.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 2011 to his career averages of 7.9 points, 2.6 boards and 1.3 dimes. Hopefully he can continue the upward trend in 2012.

The Gunners have a bunch of emerging talent. Having just turned 19, Owen Odigie is a budding 6’5” Melbourne Tigers development athlete who played for Australia at the 2011 Under-19 World Championships. 17-year-old Dylan Simpson played 13 games for the Gunners last year and is an Australian under-19 squad member for the 2013 World Championships. Finally 19-year-old John Fenton enters his fourth year of SEABL in 2012. Last year Fenton averaged 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in 20 games – a huge improvement on his 2010 figures of 2.4ppg and 2.0 rpg.

The next home game will be Friday 13th April at 6.00pm at the Belconnen Basketball Stadium. Perfect timing to shoot over and watch some top quality basketball straight from work. The Gunners also have a home game on Saturday the 28th April at 7.30pm.

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◊ CRYSTAL JA

Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei has defiantly made inroads in Canberra - not with the federal government, but by signing a two-year sponsorship deal with the Canberra Raiders.

The $1.7 million deal is a significant coup for the NRL club, but also for Huawei which has been battling a week of negative press over its failed ambitions to get involved in the government’s billion-

dollar National Broadband Network (NBN).

The government stepped in last year and banned the Chinese telco from tendering for NBN contracts after ASIO advised its involvement could compromise national security.

But Huawei officials proudly took to the lawns of Parliament House to boast at least one ally in the nation’s capital.

It’s the company’s first official foray into sports sponsorship, having pulled out at the last minute of a deal with ACT Super

RAIDERS SPONSORSHIP DEAL

Rugby franchise the Brumbies last year.

Raiders boss Don Furner admitted the deal had come a bit late, but said it was well worth the wait.

Huawei is the second largest telecommunications company in the world behind Ericsson with an annual revenue of $32 billion, and aims to be the biggest by the end of the year.

“When you look at their company - their revenue, the number of employees - it’s the biggest we’ve ever had,” Furner said.

“They looked at the Brumbies, they looked at AFL clubs as well.“They could have gone with so many codes, so many clubs, they could have gone with cricket or soccer or AFL, so it was fantastic they came to us.”Huawei Australia chairman John Lord said the sponsorship signalled an important step for the company, which is keen to become a household name in Australia.But critics have questioned Huawei’s motives in picking a Canberra-based team.Even ACT sports minister Andrew Barr acknowledged there was a certain “cheekiness” in the choice of location.Lord said the government’s rejection of Huawei was in the past.“Huawei’s business is bigger than the NBN,” Lord said.“We made a decision earlier on this year that we were here to stay and wanted to grow.“What better way than through a sports team.”Asked if ASIO was likely to approve, he responded: “I hope they’re strong supporters of the Canberra Raiders like us.“It will probably be the one thing we agree on.” - AAP.

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2012 is shaping up as a big year for university rugby league in Canberra, with the ANU Grizzlies, UC Cows and ADFA Knights all vying for a share of the spoils in the 2012 New South Wales Tertiary Student Rugby League (NSWTSRL). Founded in 1969, the NSWTSRL is made up of university sides from around the state, and has been kind to the young “interstate” clubs from the Territory.

Founded in 2009 the UC Cows were Minor Premiers in 2011, but had to settle for watching bitter rivals ANU progress through the Finals Series to a Grand Final showdown with UTS-Balmain Tigers. Though ultimately heart-breaking for The Uni Pub Grizzlies, not too many Cows fans would have shed a tear following the surprise 28-18 win to the Tigers.

“It was a tough loss to take,” said new ANU coach Brad McDonell in a recent interview with GrizzliesTV, who played his last game of rugby league in the Grand Final defeat before taking the reins from ex-coach Chris Kennedy.

“A lot of the guys feel the need to make right on what was probably one of our

NEW SOUTH WALES TERTIARY STUDENT RUGBY LEAGUE

worst performances of the season (in the Grand Final). The boys are working really hard at training. Briggs (ANU enforcer Elliot Coffey) is even down to a pack a day,” McDonell said.

Up Belconnen Way, the Cows too are intent on righting their perceived wrongs of 2011. “The boys are looking sharp early on in the season,” said Cows Captain-Coach Matt Barnden, “It’s good we will have a number of boys returning from last year to keep the momentum of a minor premiership going, while we are still welcoming any new guys around the uni or in Canberra to come and be a part of the club.”

Cows in-coming President Will Marchinton is most excited by the off field developments at the club and is also predicting a big year for the Cows.

“With the UC Pub opening up, some older boys returning to the herd, plus the committee embracing new technology, the club is in a really strong position.”

The newest addition to the competition the ADFA Knights had their inaugural

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year as a club in 2011 in the local CRJRL George Tooke Shield, and from the start it became evident that for a small team, they packed a lot of heart and spirit. Despite a string of injuries the Knights managed to secure a number of wins and draws against much larger and experienced teams.

At the end of their respective seasons ADFA faced off against ANU and UC in the 2011 Uni of Origin, and according to ADFA spokesman Phillip Johnson the close

games and great social atmosphere only bodes well for the year to come.

“The whole team is looking forward to a good year of footy and a successful year to follow on from 2011, and looks forward to sharing a few good games of footy with ANU and UC,” he said.

The 2012 NSWTSRL kicks off on April 14 with Rivalry Week, as UC host ANU at the Meadows, while new boys ADFA travel up the M5 to meet the Sydney University-Cumberland Beavers.


◊ TODD DAVEY

The NEAFL season launch was the precursor to the NAB Cup match at Manuka Oval on the 17th of March, with all eyes on the ground for the match between the Richmond Tigers and the GWS GIANTS, the message from the Bradman room was loud enough for everyone to hear.We want to compete with the best of the second-tier competitions in Australia.The general consensus around the wider football community is that the Victorian Football League (VFL) South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and the Western Australian Football League (WAFL) are the premier leagues outside of the AFL, with the NEAFL a step behind.The gulf in class was made all the more evident when NEAFL side Ainslie entered the inaugural Foxtel Cup, a knockout competition which pits the nation’s best

second-tier clubs against each other. A slightly under strength Ainslie side went down to SANFL team West Adelaide by 77 points in the opening round.

However, with the addition of two new clubs into the NEAFL Eastern Conference (Sydney Hills Eagles and Sydney University) and the injection of former AFL talent into the competition, football in NSW and the ACT is beginning to manifest into something more.

With Sydney Hills Eagles bringing in Ryan Houlihan, Ainslie recruiting ex-Adelaide big man Ken McGregor, Belconnen acquiring ex-Collingwood player Matthew Lokan and Queanbeyan making former Essendon rookie Kade Klemke their senior coach at just 21 years of age, the NEAFL suddenly has that injection of AFL class that it desperately craves if it wants to compete with the bigger competitions.

Klemke, speaking on the strength of the

NEAFL said that while the competition has a long way to go before it can say it’s a true second-tier competition, he wouldn’t be surprised if ‘in the near future’ the NEAFL is considered as good as the VFL or SANFL.

Giving players greater opportunity to be drafted from the NSW/ACT region is another aspect the NEAFL is heavily focused on, with former Ainslie player Jason Tutt the one of two players drafted out of the Canberra region in past eight years (Western Bulldogs). Eastlake youngster Josh Bruce was the second player when he was taken by the GIANTS as a priority pick before the 2010 draft.

For a competition that gave the AFL superstars the ilk of Essendon champion James Hird, Carlton great Alex Jesaulenko and former Sydney Swan Craig Bolton, a decline in young talent is something NSW/ACT General Manager Tom Harley wants to address.

Harley, speaking at the NEAFL Eastern Conference season launch spoke of the importance of not only strengthening the competition, but enhancing and nurturing the young talent the ACT possesses.

Saying that “When we (the NEAFL) start to get players drafted out of this market we’ll know we’ve made some inroads.”

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And with mature age players being drafted from the second-tier competitions becoming en vogue, the opportunities for ex-AFL and overlooked players has never been greater.At the moment representative sides like the ACT’s under 23’s, which plays against the UWS Giants annually in the pre-season, and the NEAFL Eastern v Northern Conference rep games this May are some of the best chances for club recruiters to get a good look at what the NEAFL has to offer.However, an overall standard raise in the competition will give recruiters more reason to stand up and take notice of not only the young talent coming out of the NSW and ACT region, but also more seasoned players that have mature bodies and are ready to make an immediate impact at AFL level.NEAFL Eastern Conference Manager Jack Masters believes the NEAFL competition can follow in the footsteps of the VFL and SANFL competitions in providing senior talent to AFL lists. “We know this is going to take time … that is one of the primary objectives.” Masters said.“We would like to see players getting an opportunity every year, whether it be with the GIANTS or the Swans or any other AFL club.”Masters said that the introduction of players with past AFL experience will not only help out the teams they are involved in the immediate future, but also set the bar for players present and future coming into the NEAFL. “It lifts the profile of the competition having those guys come in, but their true value may not be measured until they’re gone and we see some of the young kids they’ve worked with.” Masters believes the work being put into strengthening the NEAFL, with the expansion and addition of experienced players is already starting to reap rich rewards, “It’s slowly starting to change and we’re hopeful that it will continue to grow and we’ll see more Jason Tutts every year.”

NEAFL BRIDGING THE GAP

Scan this QR code to watch the first episodes of NEAFL Eastern’s Footy Talk. (Instructions on downloading a QR reader can be found on the Inside Front cover)


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Sydney AFL coach John Longmire has praised the courage of his talented teenage midfielder Luke Parker for playing on after his jaw was fractured.While some pundits thought the illegal bump on Parker, which earned GWS midfielder James McDonald a two-game ban was the big statement to come out of the inaugural Sydney derby, Longmire thought otherwise.“For me, the big statement out of the game was a 19-year-old kid who was cleaned up and had an injury being able to play the rest of the game out and play really well,” Longmire said on Wednesday.“That’s the statement that really matters to me and really matters to Luke’s teammates.“He’s a super-tough kid.”Parker, who suffered a hairline jaw fracture, was eventually substituted.“We had to actually make the decision to sub him. He didn’t want to be subbed - he wanted to keep playing,” Longmire said.

“He’s one of the toughest kids I’ve seen play at that age.

“He’s 19, he copped a knock, didn’t whinge about it, got up, dusted himself off and kept playing.”

It was initially expected Parker would miss two to three games with his injury, though Longmire wasn’t so sure.

“Whilst he’s hard and tough and fearless and will no doubt want to play, we’ll make the right decision based upon how he feels next week and that’s a decision that will be made by the medical staff,” Longmire said.

Longmire hoped injured veterans Ryan O’Keefe and Rhyce Shaw, both of whom missed the GWS game, would resume training next week, with the former already doing some running.

Longmire admitted Sydney needed to improve on the form they displayed in their 63-point win over GWS.

“Can we play better? Yes we can, and we’ll need to play better” Longmire said.

AAP

LONGMIRE PRAISES TOUGH TEEN PARKER

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◊ ADRIAN WARREN


GIANT STEP FOR AFL’s NEWEST SIDE

They have finally arrived! The GWS Giants have started their AFL campaign. No longer can the team rely on football clinics, fan days, media speculation and charismatic advertisements to win over fans. Now it is all down to on-field performances. While the GWS camp has stated that winning games is not the highest priority in 2012, fans, coaches and the AFL will be looking for competitiveness.

Twelve months ago, the Gold Coast Suns, spear- headed by superstar Gary Ablett Jr were facing the same intense scrutiny. They lost their first round match to Carlton by 119 points and seemingly gave credence to those critics who thought the venture would fail. However after winning three games and competing creditably with some of AFL’s powerhouses, the Suns ‘experiment ‘ has been generally considered a success. Although finishing with the wooden spoon, the Suns have set the benchmark for GWS in 2012.

So will the GWS win a game this year? Their first round encounter against the Swans suggests that they can. The Giants, missing key players through injury, showed glimpses of quality football over the four quarters, though eventually being beaten by 63 points. Despite playing a side renowned for its contested football, the Giants demonstrated that they would not be taken lightly and more than matched Sydney’s physicality. Giants coaching staff, while disappointed with any loss, would be pleased with the effort and buoyed by the fact

it was basically simple errors that let the side down. Despite losing suspended midfielder James McDonald for 2 weeks, the Giants were able to get through the game unscathed, both mentally and physically. As with any AFL team, injuries could help determine GWS’s fate in 2012. The difference between the Giants and every other AFL list is depth as demonstrated on the weekend when the reserves were handed a 119 point thrashing by the Sydney Swans reserves in the NEAFL.

Experienced players helpWhile the Giants squad is short on depth, it is full of youth and exuberance. Much has been made of the number of quality young draft picks in the side, however, it is the more experienced players who will not only have the most impact on the field but also on the culture of the team for years to come.

Chad Cornes was the cornerstone of the Port Adelaide defence for years, and a pivotal factor in their 2004 premiership. Recently, some had written him off as too old and too slow. However, in Round 1 Cornes proved that his ability to read the ball and assist his other defenders was not lost, rebounding at every

opportunity. One of the Demons favourite sons, James McDonald, and the Brisbane Lions’ Luke Power, widely regarded as one of the Lions best ever players, have nothing left to prove at AFL level. The pressure will be

on these players, in likelihood more than others, to win matches and not just make up the numbers. With over 500 AFL games between them, their class and knowledge of modern footy will no doubt be imparted to fellow midfielders like Stephen Coniglio and Dylan Shiel.

Future backboneWhile the Giants more experienced players may provide the platform for success, it is the Giants middle tier players which will be the future backbone of the team. Onballer

Rhys Palmer could be one of the Giants wildcard successes. After winning the AFL’s Rising Star award in 2008, Palmer failed to live up to expectations and was eventually discarded by Fremantle. Against the Swans last week Palmer was at his gut-running best. If he maintains this form and consistency and remains injury free, he will continue to win accolades. Young guns, Tom Scully, Callan Ward and Phil Davis have already established themselves as good footballers but will need to continue to produce if the Giants are to be

“You know if I was 22, I would be working

at it, chipping away, because you just don’t

know.......65% of players who make it were

drafted, there has to be another 35% from

elsewhere.”

2012 brings the dawn of a new era in AFL. The Canberra region is a big part of this development. Peter McGrath caught up with Kevin Sheedy to discuss 2012 and beyond.


successful. And of course, Israel Folau, with a tough first season in the AFL ahead of him, has everything to prove.

Canberra contingentThe Canberra contingent, Phil Davis and Eastlake junior Josh Bruce played junior and senior footy in the ACT and are rightfully seen as torchbearers for the Giants Canberra connection. With the Giants long term goal to play 40 games over next decade in the National Capital together with a presence in the local NEAFL competition, local AFL fans finally have the opportunity to get behind a side that plans to stick around.

Coach SheedyWith a coach like Kevin Sheedy, there will be no marketing problems for the Giants in either the Canberra region or Australia wide. Regardless of GWS’s initial results, Sheedy’s presence in the media, ability to draw a headline, and status in the game projects a positive image for the club and will keep members interested.

Sheedy is the perfect man to lead the Giants with somewhat similar challenges he faced when coaching the inexperienced “Baby Bombers” in 1993. Written off by most, the Bombers not only won the flag, but also provided grounding for stars like Gavin Wanganeen,

Dustin Fletcher, and current coach James Hird. Sheedy’s ability to mentor younger players is second to none and stems from his no-nonsense approach on game-day and at training. The manner in which he imparts his knowledge, his appreciation for the game and desire to win, leaves an indelible mark on his young charges. A football and media icon in Melbourne for over three decades, Sheedy is adjusting to a somewhat quieter atmosphere in Sydney. It is something which he has readily embraced.

“I’ve actually been enjoying the culture in Sydney, because you can get locked into AFL in Melbourne. What I like is crossing paths with different people, who come from different walks of life, people who can give

you a history of Parramatta, the Sydney Rowing Club, the first ships... ”

He has a passion for promoting the game in NSW and has immersed himself in school clinics, community camps as well as the usual media and social events. His efforts will pay dividends if the Giants are to find the next James Hird, Craig Bolton or Phil Davis. He may not have to

look very far with the exceptional talent in the Eastern conference of the NEAFL providing fill-ins for the Giants at every opportunity. Sheedy’s message to budding AFL players from the region is simple, especially to those who think their opportunity has passed.

“You know if I was 22, I would be working at it, chipping away, because you just don’t know.......65% of players who make it were drafted, there has to be another 35% from elsewhere.”

With the GWS fielding a reserves side in the NEAFL competition, local players should be aware that Sheedy keeps a close eye on curtain raisers and the top-up players from the region picked to play for the GWS reserves.

“In the end the more people we pick from the ACT, it is a big tick for AFL”.

Sheedy is undoubtedly the Giants biggest asset, and under his custodianship, there is every chance the Giants will win games and hearts in 2012. What is more exciting for the coach and fans of football in the region alike is what this playing list is going to do in the future.

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“In the end the more people we

pick from the ACT, it is a big tick for

AFL”.


James and Andrew HutchisonSaxon and Zane Jones with Peter Joseph

Elizabeth and Kayla O’Connell and Teeghan Worland

Chris Barritt-Eyles with Rosie and Mitchell Bink

Louise Darbyshire, Jenna Pratt and Kate Osmotherly

Shiri Marx, Chelsea Buckley and Jessica McCatney

Melanie Black, Janine Sheather and Toni Jenkins

Dean Rath, Kim Myssonski, Ashleigh and Melinda Johnston with Cathy and Alan Ringland

Tegan Michelin-Jones, Mel Kingston, Sally Connor, Rose Calipari, Kelly Byrnes and Leonie McMahonNicole Liakon, Sonia Keane and Micarlie White

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◊ ANTONY PERRY

Canberra’s premier local club rugby competition, the John I Dent Cup, has arrived bigger and stronger than ever in 2012, stimulating the appetite of rugby tragics after a six-month break.The ACT’s seven Premier Division sides – Easts, Gungahlin, Queanbeyan, Royals, Tuggeranong, Uni-Norths and Wests – will again engage in a 22-week battle to decide which team will claim Canberra’s most coveted piece of rugby silverware in 2012.

Last year’s competition saw Tuggeranong run riot on its way to the title, winning nine games on the trot in a tremendous run to the finals. The Vikings disposed of Gungahlin in the major semi-final and thumped Wests 44-18 in the grand final to complete an outstanding season.

The 2011 season confirmed that the John I Dent Cup has evolved into one of Australia’s best rugby competitions. Its reputation will be further enhanced in 2012, with Brumbies coach Jake White having assigned each member of his squad a local club to join once the Super Rugby season concludes.

White’s decision not only has obvious implications for the local scene, but also for Sydney’s Shute Shield competition, which has traditionally gained the services of Brumbies players outside of the Super Rugby season. Individuals within Sydney’s rugby circles have voiced their dismay at the decision, saying it will have a negative impact on not only the Shute Shield, but on Australian rugby as a whole.

But Tuggeranong coach Dan McKellar believes White’s decision will “massively” improve the Canberra competition’s profile and is glad to see the change has been finally implemented.

While clubs will only have limited access to their allocated Brumbies throughout the Super Rugby season, their presence in the local scene after its conclusion will undeniably enhance the experience of both players and supporters.

The competition’s long-awaited return last weekend saw Queanbeyan host Gungahlin, while Easts and Uni-Norths faced off at Griffith Oval. Judging by the quality of the two opening-round fixtures, the John I Dent Cup

will again be a popular Saturday afternoon option on Canberra’s busy winter sporting calendar.

Easts Nickname: The Beasts Premierships: 1941, 1947 Coach: Adam Friend Home Ground: Griffith Oval 2011 Finish: 7th

In: Thomas Toailoa (NZ), Heath Gibb (NZ), Steven Moore, Ben Hand, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Andrew Smith, Michael Hooper, Jack Vanderglas (as time allows), Henry Vanderglas (potentially following UK season), Caleb Tracey (USA U20s’), Eric Fallon (USA).

Out: Jerome Harimate (Ireland), Cameron Wyper (Scotland), Steve Castle (Injury/Resting), John Stevenson (USA), Robbie Lavery (UK), Byron Odell (UK), Allain Miriallakis (USA).

2012 Outlook: Last season’s cellar dwellers will be hoping to vastly improve on 2011’s dismal campaign, one which saw the side win just two games. Securing more than two wins in 2012 is not beyond Easts, but a top-four finish is probably well out of reach.

Gungahlin Nickname: Eagles Premierships: (Gungahlin) 2003, (Daramalan) 1984, 1986 Coach: Owen Finegan Home Ground: Nicholls Ovals 2011 Finish: 2nd

In: Dan Palmer, Ita Vaea, Rory Murphy, Cam Crawford, Henry Speight

2012 Outlook: The Owen Finegan-led Gungahlin outfit should be a genuine title contender again in 2012. Come finals time, should the side gain the composure it lacked in 2011, a grand final berth is not out of the question.

Queanbeyan Nickname: Whites Premierships: 1959, 1981, 1982, 1983, 2007, 2008, 2010 Coach: Wayne Southwell Home Ground: Campese Field 2011 Finish: 5th

In: Jono Owen, Leon Power, Robbie Coleman, Tevita Kuridrani, Nic White, Anthony Hegarty

2012 Outlook: After a disappointing campaign in 2011, Queanbeyan will look to regain the stranglehold it held over the rest of the competition not so long ago. A top four place is expected, but don’t count on Queanbeyan being a serious title contender.

Royals Premierships: 1954, 1957, 1958, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 Coach: Craig Leseberg Home Ground: Phillip District Ovals 2011 Finish: 4th

In: Sam Carter, Siliva Siliva, Kimami Sitauti, Matt Toomua

2012 Outlook: Perhaps the surprise package in 2011’s top four, Royals is a 50/50 chance to repeat the feat in 2012. Still a long way off being a serious title contender.

Tuggeranong Nickname: Vikings Premierships: 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011 Coach: Dan McKellar Home Ground: Viking Park 2011 Finish: 1st

In: Colby Faingaa, Ben Mowen, Scott Sio, Zack Holmes, Christian Lealiifano, Robbie Kydd (UK), Pat Leafa (NZ), Lome Niumata

Out: Hugh Roach

2012 Outlook: Having claimed the scalps of two interstate giants during pre-season trials, the reigning champions look primed to go back-to-back in 2012. At the very least, Tuggeranong should claim the minor premiership.

Uni-Norths Nickname: Owls Premierships: (Norths) 1940, 1948, 1956, 1963, 1967, 1971, 1972. (University) 1992 Coach: Rick Shuttleworth Home Ground: ANU North Oval 2011 Finish: 6th

In: Tom Cox, Ian Prior, Ben Alexander, Joseph Tomane, Dylan Sigg

Out: Gary Bautz (Wests), De Villiers Hugo (Wests)

2012 Outlook: As an active recruiter of new Colts players during the off-season, Uni-Norths seem to be focused on building for the future. If that’s the case, expect the club to engage with Easts in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

Wests Nickname: Lions Premierships: 1969, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 Coach: Craig Robberds Home Ground: Jamison Oval 2011 Finish: 3rd

In: Peter Kimlin, Patrick McCabe, Scott Fardy, Jesse Mogg, Fotu Auelua, Gary Bautz (Uni-Norths), De Villiers Hugo (Uni-Norths)

2012 Outlook: Last year’s runner-up should cruise into the finals again this year and shouldn’t be written off as a very serious title contender – possibly the only side capable of knocking Tuggeranong off its perch.

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WALES CLAIM 2012 SIX NATIONS◊ BRETT MCKAY

Wales have completed the 2012 northern hemisphere rugby treble, claiming the Six Nations tournament, the Grand Slam, and the Triple Crown.Having already secured the Triple Crown, beating Ireland, Scotland, and England earlier in the tournament, Wales’ Grand Slam was ensured with their 16-9 defeat of France at Millennium Stadium in the final round, to cap off an undefeated tournament.Wales and France produced one of the matches of the tournament, with France’s gallant defeat rivalling their narrow loss to New Zealand in the Final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup last October.France led for the first twenty minutes of the match after an early penalty goal, but that evaporated when Alex Cuthbert scored in the 21st minute after some outstanding breakdown work from flanker Dan Lydiate and lock Alun Wyn Jones. Penalties from either side added to their respective total, but Wales were never headed for the rest of the game.The highlight of the match was the battle of the blind side, between Lydiate and inspirational French Captain, Thierry Dusautoir, who produced a true spectacle within the spectacle.Welsh Captain and openside flanker, Sam Warburton, didn’t return after halftime with a shoulder complaint, but that wasn’t enough to stop him holding the Six Nations trophy aloft to jubilant scenes in Cardiff.

England still had a mathematical chance of winning the title going into the last match of the tournament, but once Wales beat France, their 30-9 demolition of Ireland at Twickenham amounted to nothing.That said, England’s second placing in the tournament has been a worthy, albeit very public, job interview for interim coach, Stuart Lancaster. In a saga that has taken in good amounts of rugby airtime around the world in recent weeks, even coming to Canberra at one stage with an approach to, followed by eventual

withdrawal from Brumbies coach, Jake White, the England RFU is said to be close to announcing the fulltime successor to Martin Johnson.

Lancaster surely can’t have done too much more than he has, considering the circumstances under which he’s had to operate. Though England took time to get in the tournament, their outings against France and Ireland were both quality wins over a tough opposition.

France and Ireland finished equal third, both with wins over Italy and Scotland, and a draw in their rescheduled match in Paris. Both teams would be disappointed with these returns, and indeed, played a lot better than their final tally indicates. While France must be tiring of gallant losses, Ireland must be concerned with how they opened up late in the second half of their last match, against England.

Italy and Scotland showed brief glimpses during the tournament, but ultimately, couldn’t display the consistency, intensity, or discipline to match their more fancied opponents.

For both teams, their tournament essentially came down their last round match-up in Rome, with Italy’s dour 13-6 win consigning Scotland to its first wooden spoon since 2007.

Wales’ title sets up the June International window up nicely now, with the current Six Nations champions due to play three Tests against reigning Tri-Nations winners, the Wallabies, in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.

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The Highlanders and Stormers head the standings and look to be the best performed of the 15 teams. Here’s a conference-by-conference look at the competition so far:

New ZealandAs expected, the NZ conference is going to be the source of the hottest competition in this year’s Super Rugby competition. This conference will see teams taking points off each other throughout the year, which in turn might mean that only one team qualifies for the six-team semi-final series.The Highlanders proved themselves as a gritty, well-drilled team in 2011, but their move to the new transparent-roofed Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin has seen a ruthless, expansive attacking game take them to another level again.The benefit of a fully enclosed stadium has brought an additional boost too, in the form of an even more intimidating home crowd atmosphere that may see the “House of Pain” moniker carried over from their old Carisbrook home. It’s also no surprise that ACT Sports Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, has already earmarked this stadium as a blueprint for discussions and planning for a new stadium in Canberra within the next ten years.The Highlanders have developed a gameplan that easily allows them to adapt on the run though, and this has

seen them pull off several wins away from home that even last year they may not have. They look finals-bound already.The Chiefs have been the big improvers over the ditch, and despite losing their first match to the Highlanders, they’ve proved to be well-balanced team, compiling impressive wins over more fancied rivals including the Blues and Crusaders.All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden is already reaping the benefit of his off-season switch from the Hurricanes, while Sonny Bill Williams is also enjoying his move from the Crusaders. However, it’s the Chiefs forwards, and particular their massive front row that has the New Zealand conference buzzing.The combination of Samoan Captain and hooker Mahonri Schwalger, with Tongan international prop Sona Taumololo, and the 136kg 20 year-old Ben Tameifuna is proving an immovable object at scrum time, from which their attack is flourishing.The Crusaders and Blues have started spasmodically, both losing the Chiefs and Highlanders, but with the Crusaders winning their opening round showdown at Eden Park. The Blues emerged with an impressive win in Pretoria on their two-game South African tour, but have surprisingly little else to show so far.The Hurricanes similarly finished with a win and loss in South Africa, and then managed a six-tries-to-one win over the

SUPER RUGBY ALREADY A TIPPING NIGHTMARE

Western Force in Perth on their way back.Perhaps the biggest talking point from NZ though, is the emergence of the new young guns, with flyhalves Beauden Barrett, Lima Sopoaga, Tyler Bleyendaal, and Gareth Anscombe already steering the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Crusaders, and Blues respectively with maturity beyond their years. It’s a worrying sign for Wallabies fans for many years to come.

South AfricaWhat’s been surprising about the South African conference already is why it’s also a horror for tipsters. Teams that were expected to be among the very best in the competition have been a bit off the pace, and teams that not a lot was expected of have done better than first thought.The Stormers lead the way, having comfortably accounted for touring New Zealand sides, but then also struggled to overcome the Sharks in a tryless encounter.What must be a worry, though, is that where their success in recent seasons was built on the back of strong defensive records, their defence doesn’t have the same intimidation factor about it in 2012.After scraping into the finals in 2011, the Sharks were expected to cement their place among the competition’s top teams in 2012, but like the Blues and Crusaders, consistency has been lacking so far.A solid win against the Reds could be the spark they need, and more will be

known about them once their current Australasian tour is completed in the coming weeks.It was thought the Bulls might drop back to mid-table after losing so many established stars and internationals, but they seem to be finding a way of reinventing their side while maintaining high standards.And while the Lions already look like a tough season is ahead of them, the Cheetahs’ close loss to the Brumbies and last-minute win over the Rebels show that they remain a danger team.

AustraliaThe Reds remain the Australian team to beat, but look to be playing within a holding pattern until Quade Cooper returns from injury. Until then, the Reds look content to play within their limitations, getting the job done by any means.Injuries to key players - such as what happened to Mike Harris and Ben Lucas in Durban in the first week of their South African tour - could leave them vulnerable to falling back into the pack in the coming weeks.The Brumbies continue to play impressively, given their relative inexperience, and the Jake White influence grows by the week. Close wins over the Force and Cheetahs were followed by a last-minute loss to the Chiefs in New Zealand, a match that highlighted that the Brumbies will be far from the easy-beats everyone assumed them to be in 2012.The Rebels are showing signs of improvement, both defensively and in attack, with James O’Connor providing an added spark. As with last season though, they are still struggling to score tries.The Western Force struggled in the early weeks of the competition, playing a limited game with next to no attack. That all changed with an impressive win over the Waratahs in Sydney, which ended in yet another round of boos for the home team.And this just leaves the Waratahs. Brumbies supporters will no doubt be quite enjoying the last-minute losses, and horrible showings like that against the Force, but in reality, a strong NSW is needed to ensure a strong Wallabies side later in the year.The Waratahs have too much talent to keep playing the lacklustre, shouting-at-the-TV rugby they currently are, but it’s hard to know when or if they will click into gear. For their own season, it needs to be soon.

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A new season of action in the ROCK Premier League has begun and activity on and off the field has been intense in pre-season as teams juggle their squads in a bid to find the winning formula to bring home that silverware. As ever ACT football giants Canberra FC will be at the forefront of the competition looking to claim their 21st league title and add yet more silverware to their groaning trophy cabinet. Challenges should come in again from Canberra Olympic, beaten 2011 Grand Finalists, and Belconnen United with each of the other teams comprising the eight-club ROCK Premier League harbouring their own ambitions for a top-four place and finals football. Here’s how they are all shaping up as we prepare for the big kick-off.

BELCONNEN UNITEDA clutch of new forward signings has propelled Belconnen United into the bracket of favourites alongside long-term rivals Canberra FC as the McKellar Park outfit look to reclaim the glory days under Head Coach Steve Forshaw. After finishing third in the table and being eliminated in the Preliminary Final by Canberra FC Forshaw identified the front third as an area for improvement and the signings of twin Canberra City goal threats, Misko Naumoski and Nikola Taneski, who scored over 30 goals between them last season, goes someway to modifying any deficiencies in that area. Excitingly, the club has also signed Michael Taurasi, the free-scoring AIS striker, and with Ryan Jones in top form pre-season, Forshaw has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal. As ever, Dustin Wells will be the lynchpin of the team with the 2011 ACT Player of the Year and Golden Boot a massive influence on all around him. A youthful back-line, bolstered by the addition of the classy Milan Popovic, should be more than capable of setting a foundation with Jack Kaye and Rowan Sheppard two excellent goalkeepers.

CANBERRA CITYA new look Canberra City will take to the field this season with Head Coach Matt Moore ringing the changes from the squad that ended the 2011 season in fourth place before being eliminated in the semi-

finals. The loss of Naumoski and Taneski to Belconnen has meant that young strikers Brad Sawyer and Ross Edwards will need to step up in 2012 and the loop Federation Cup showed that they should be unfazed by the attention. The all-round ability of the squad has been further strengthened with the addition of the Hartin brothers, Luke and Ben, from Goulburn Strikers and the arrival of Cyffin Evans from Monaro Panthers. Perhaps most intriguingly is the inclusion on the squad list of the mercurial Marcial Munoz with the former Cooma Tigers midfield maestro full of the kind of trickery that can win games through moments of sheer brilliance. If Pat Ross-Magee can recover from an injury sustained at the FFA Futsal National Championships his partnership with Munoz could see City eclipse last season’s efforts.

CANBERRA FCThe champions will be, as ever, the team to beat in 2012. However there are signs that the empire may be coming to its natural end as the squad that has dominated ACT football for the better part of the past decade starts to drift apart. Prolific goal scorer Paul Ivanic has signed for Monaro Panthers, John Glass has retired and Stephen Lee has left for challenges anew at Woden Valley. Before anyone starts writing epitaphs for the club though it’s worth taking a look at who’s come in to replace the lost talent. The addition of the classy Nicky Rogers from Belconnen United, a striker with a proven record at this level, seems an astute acquisition whilst the return from long-term injury of Danai Gapare, a hard-running front man with a nose for goal, should keep the goals for column ticking over. Lukas Cole has pace to burn but is still a raw talent in the making with highly rated ACTAS shot-stopper Jakob Cole providing back-up for the experienced Ben Klug. As usual the talented Adam Spaleta and Matt Grbesa will pull the strings for Victor Yanes and Michael Spaleta to fire the bullets for a team that will be there or thereabouts once again.

CANBERRA OLYMPICAfter their exploits last season, in which they inflicted two of the three defeats suffered by the eventual treble winners Canberra FC, Canberra Olympic will head into the 2012 season in good heart, albeit with a squad that looks, on paper at least, considerably different from the one that ended the year on the wrong end of that epic 5-8 Grand Final scoreboard. The loss of several young stars and a couple of experienced campaigners has left Dean Ugrinic reshuffling his pack to find the perfect blend and with the inspirational Robbie Deeley in midfield, anything seems possible. Justin Selkirk signed from the Monaro Panthers and previously captain of O’Connor Knights when Ugrinic was in charge there, adds an air of authority to the squad and should be a super foil for the likes of Robbie Shroder and Domenic Giampaolo. As ever, youth will be given its head at Olympic with Jason Ugrinic and Nathan Megic promising much whilst Angelo Konstantinou and James Bradbury are as fine a pair of goalkeepers as is present in ACT football. With an exciting attacking blend of attacking talent Olympic should be up the pointy end of things once more.

COOMA TIGERSThe enigma that is Cooma Tigers will once more be on evidence in the 2012 ROCK Premier League season as Gaby Wilk searches for more consistent performances this season. The Tigers ended the 2011 campaign in fifth spot, two points off the pace and a place in the finals, but would have sauntered into the end of season jamboree had they managed to win one of their opening five matches. That horror start

ultimately cost them dear but the Cooma management is determined to make sure that lightning doesn’t strike twice. The signing of striker Alex Oloriegbe, who struck fourteen league goals for Woden Valley in his debut season, is a statement of intent as is the top-notch signing of Robbie Cattanach from NSW Premier League powerhouse Manly United. The way in which Cattanach blends in with a team that also boasts Alex Castro and the effective but under-rated Iain Elliott will be critical to their progress. Defensively Felipe Flores

and Jordano San Martin will need to be on their toes to protect the agile Francis Bangweni and, if they can get off to a better start than in 2011, expect to see the Tigers roaring for the majority of the year.

MONARO PANTHERSIt’s difficult to know what to expect from Monaro Panthers in 2012. On the one hand they have lost a raft of players who graced their first team squad last season and with it a wealth of experience. Leading scorer Mark Shields, lynchpin Justin Selkirk, old hands Geoff Howarth and David Baillie and goalkeeper Matt McDonald are but a few who have left the club with new coaches Njegosh Popovic and Frank Cachia almost having to rebuild anew. On the other hand are the arrivals of Canberra FC goal-machine Paul Ivanic

ROCK PREMIER LEAGUE 2012

SEASON PREVIEW

As ever ACT football giants Canberra FC

will be at the forefront of the competition

looking to claim their 21st league title and add yet

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◊ CONTINUED OVER


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and experienced former Canberra Olympic players Matt Cachia and Elia Salloum. The squad is a mixture of youth and experience with the former trio joined by young tyros such as Tyson Cottam, Darian McGarry-Watson and custodian Callum Hogan, a former Tuggeranong United youth ‘keeper on whose shoulders rests an enormous weight. Keeping hold of the talented Daniel Cobertaldo is a big plus for the club though and if he can carry on with the progress made last season then the Panthers could ruffle a few feathers of the more fancied teams.

TUGGERANONG UNITEDNew Coach Jeremy Butler, a Tuggeranong United man through and through, returns to take charge of his boyhood club as United look to the future. The appointment of Butler, who has never coached at first grade level before, may be considered something of a risk by those within the football community but for a man who wears heart on his sleeve you can no doubt expect Tuggeranong to be full of endeavour and some exciting football. Following the return of Butler a raft of signings have rejoined the Tuggeranong revolution with Mark Shields, Matt McDonald, Matt Menser, Tim Anderson and Aaron Cashman all coming back from Monaro Panthers. Young stopper Steven Klug, a Tuggeranong youth player, also rejoins after a season in the Canberra FC Premier Pathway team whilst speedy forwards Mpho

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?Masopha and Nathan Duck tread in Butler’s footsteps having signed on from Woden Valley. Much will depend on Tim Stewart and his ability to dictate the pace of the game in the centre of the park with experienced central defender and skipper Tim Ireson a pivotal cog at the back.

Last season Woden Valley coughed up at least eleven points from winning positions. That kind of generosity was what cost them dear in the long run as they ended the season in sixth place. Add the missing points to the mix though and the team was a finals contender. Turning those dropped points into victories must therefore be at the top of Head Coach Pat McCann’s agenda for the 2012 season. The loss of 14-goal striker Alex Oloriegbe to Cooma Tigers may hurt in the front third with Sean Murphy given the task of trying to replicate that scoring feat. As has been the norm for Woden in recent seasons they welcome two US recruits with defender Nick Hamilton and midfielder Peter Marlette joining the club alongside Mark Shepherd from the UK. Exciting Futsalroos talent, Daniel Fulton, is another to join this year and his quick feet and eye for a pass could be critical in the crowded midfield environments of the top flight. Overall it’s a young side, with a smattering of experienced campaigners, and how these youngsters adapt to life in the ROCK Premier League will be the making, or breaking, of Woden Valley in 2012.


The Canberra Cockatoos have dominated the National Orienteering League and National Orienteering Series since their inception in the mid-1990s, but despite the Cockatoos’ successes, Orienteering remains a mystery to many local sports people. When Canberra’s Grant Bluett won a Gold medal at the 2001 World Games in Akita, Japan a national daily described Orienteering as

a ‘car rally on foot’, which is a good analogy. The other question is how can a sport based on individual competitors conduct a team-based National League?The answer is relatively simple. There are four divisions of the National League/Series: Senior Men, Senior Women, Junior Men, Junior Women. Junior is under 21. The competitions are similar to the Tour de France in that the National Series is similar to the General Classification, except that it is a points-based competition based on the top 30 placings in each Stage and the National League is similar to the Teams Classification, except that it is a points-based competition based on team placings (based on the times of the three fastest finishers in a team) in each Stage. Points in each competition are aggregated to determine overall placings for each division. And, rather than all the Stages being conducted consecutively, the Stages are spread throughout the year in rounds of Stages. Also, as with the Tour de France the format and terrain varies for each Stage. Most Stages are Time Trials, but some are Mass Start Multi-loop, Chasing Starts, or Relays. Distances may vary from Sprint Distance (around 3 km), Middle Distance (around 5 km) to Long Distance (up to 18 km). In 2012, there will be five rounds totalling 20 stages: three near Ballarat, six in southern Queensland, three near Newcastle, three in the Northern Territory and five in Tasmania.

CANBERRA COCKATOOSFor the first 13 years, the National League had one division, Senior Combined, but with the Canberra Cockatoos winning in 12 of those 13 years, Orienteering Australia decided to create the four current divisions. The Cockatoos still manage to enjoy success, winning both Senior divisions in 2008 and both Men’s division in 2011.Shannon Jones won the Senior Women’s division of the 2010 National Series. The picture (where?) captures her leaving a control (checkpoint), with her course map and thumb compass in her left hand and her electronic timing device on her right index finger. Within 15 seconds of finishing competitors know whether they have visited each control in the correct sequence, the time for each leg and their overall time.The Cockatoos prospects in 2012 have been boosted by having two overseas competitors as their lead runners, Lizzie Ingham (New Zealand) who is ranked 25 in the world and Matt Crane (Great Britain) who has represented GBR at six World Championships. After three stages, both are leading their respective divisions of the National Series and the Senior Men won the first three stages of the National League near Ballarat in early March. Competition will resume with Stage 4, a Sprint Distance event, on Friday 6 April near Stanthorpe and will be followed by a further five stages in nine days at various areas throughout south-eastern Queensland.

TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH BETTER FOCUSFocus is the new buzz word in the sporting arena. We hear it all the time. “He just doesn’t look focused”. “She seems to have lost her focus”. “They had bad focus right from the beginning”. But what exactly does focus mean and more importantly what can you do to improve yours?

The flashlight analogyI like to use the analogy of a flashlight to illustrate the importance of focus. Think of a flashlight as an athlete’s natural talent. Many athletes have incredible natural talent however without the right focus the athlete’s full potential will never completely shine through. Picture this scenario. You’ve lost something in the dark and you use a flashlight to help find it. Unfortunately, no matter how powerful the flash light is, if you don’t point it in the right direction you want get the result you want. Here in lies clue number 1 to becoming a better athlete, making sure your focus is pointing in the correct direction. For an athlete that direction is the present, but more on that a little later.To find clue number 2 on developing better focus we need to at the lens of the flashlight. When the lens of a flashlight is dirty or cracked, the light becomes diffused. An athlete’s natural talent acts in exactly the same way. When filtered through a dirty cracked lens, their natural talent becomes stunted. On the

other hand when we have a powerful lens to filter through, not only does the talent come out clearly, but it may even come out magnified. ‘Good focus’ is the key to having a powerful lens.

Where is the right place to focus?A timeline exists running from the past to the present to the future. Our focus is always sitting somewhere

Peak Performance Sports Mathew Neason

along this timeline. Whilst there will be times where it is beneficial for an athlete to shift their focus to either the past or the future, on the most part, particularly in the heat of battle an athlete needs to keep their focus on the present. There are some powerful strategies that we use to achieve this however the first step is just building awareness. Once we notice our focus shifting away from the present, we can utilize a simple cue word such as ‘here now’, to bring it back to the present.

‘Good Focus’ v ‘Bad Focus’When information enters our brain, it passes through filters which allow us to interpret that information. When people tend to focus on negatives, their focus turns bad. Even when positive information passes through negative filters, the interpretation of that information becomes soured. The opposite however is true for athletes who possess good focus. They tend to spot opportunities at every corner. Problems become challenges to overcome. Even when the chips are down, they find a way to win. For more detailed information and practical exercises to help you develop championship level focus, go to www.peakperformancesports.org and take a look at our free coaching resources. - Mathew Neason.


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“CrossFit appeals to a wide range of people, it’s not just for the uber fit and it can be scaled to all abilities. Our classes range from pre-school to over 70’s with everyone learning how to move better and improve their

fitness. It’s always challenging, it’s always diverse and that is a different approach to a lot of training people have done in the past,” he said.

It was certainly a wake up call for Birch when he was first introduced to the sport. Despite a career in rugby with the Brumbies and several as a personal trainer CrossFit challenged areas of his fitness he hadn’t paid much attention to in the past.

“I thought I had a fairly high level of fitness after playing professional rugby, I’m now realising after three years of CrossFit improving my mobility, core strength, and learning new movement patterns how much room there is to increase my fitness,” he said.

CrossFit boxes began appearing in Australia about four years ago and what is known as ‘the sport of fitness’ has proved popular in a country that has always excelled in multisports. It was introduced from the United States, where it was developed by coach Greg Glassman in the late 1990s, the CrossFit Games were introduced in 2007 and became an international event a few years later.

The Games are broken into three parts. The first, the Open allows all CrossFitters to compete and runs over five weeks. The second part of the competition runs over a weekend and includes the top 60 men and women from each region. Finally, the top three in each region compete for the title fittest on earth at the World Games in July and with the tough competition being seen around the city at the moment, it could be another Canberran carrying the flag for Australia at these games.

You hear the CrossFit Games before you see them, with weighted bars crashing to the ground and a chorus of voices booming out of CrossFit 2600 in Deakin, urging another competitor to ‘get on the bar!’

The 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games has again hit Canberra and this year it’s bigger than ever before. Worldwide more than 60,000 are competing, with their first aim to make the top 60 male and females in their region to advance to the next stage.

Canberra athletes are again set to make the cut, with more than 15 in contention with one more round of the Open yet to run at going to print.

CrossFit 2600 co-owner Josh Birch says the ‘sport of fitness’ has taken off in the Capital with double the participants competing in the Open in 2012 than last year from the 2600 box alone.

“CrossFit is constantly varied, functional movement, executed at high intensity. In practice CrossFit aims to train participants in every aspect of fitness, so they are prepared to take on any challenge – even if it’s being stronger to carry the groceries or keep up with their kids.

“On any given day at the box our community will be doing Olympic weightlifting, rowing, swinging a kettle bell or gymnastics movements. In the Games so far we’ve seen Olympic lifting with snatches, seven minutes of burpees and a work out combining box jumps, push press and toes to bar – a real mixed bag.

CROSSFIT GAMES

Image: Ben Southall


Australian team GreenEDGE’s one-day classics campaign received a heavy blow when Sebastian Langeveld suffered a broken collarbone in a crash on the Tour of Flanders.

Along with veteran Stuart O’Grady, Dutchman Langeveld was one of the big hopes for GreenEDGE in Sunday’s 255km race but his classics campaign

is now over, with the injury to rule him out for several weeks.Langeveld collided with a spectator after he tried to move up in the peloton by taking to the far right of the road.“He hit a spectator at around 60 or 70 kilometres per hour,” team director Matt White told Cyclingnews.com.

HEAVY BLOW TO GREENEDGE“You can’t control 260km of roads but some people on the course have no common sense. Sebastian was on the pavement but the spectator then ran back in front of him.“It’s disappointing because he was in good shape and he was looking good but that’s his whole classics finished with and that’s a blow for us for next week.”Langeveld’s crash came just a few kilometres after Swiss star Fabian Cancellara, the winner in 2010, crashed in a feed zone and broke his right collarbone in three places.It came just a few days after GreenEDGE teammate Julian Dean of New Zealand broke his leg on the third stage of the Tour of Catalonia.O’Grady also failed to finish Sunday’s race, the second of the one-day classics, which was won by Belgian Tom Boonen for a record-equalling third time.The 31-year-old Boonen - previously a winner in 2005 and 2006 - beat home Italian duo Filippo Pozzato and Alessandro Ballan in a sprint finish.

Boonen admitted that he hadn’t been very confident of winning when he was left with just the two Italians for company.“This season, I knew that I could equal or beat quite a few records,” said Boonen. “But to win my favourite race three times is special.”Cancellara, who was one of the pre-race favourites for the second one day classic

of the season, will be transferred to a hospital in Basel, Switzerland, where he will undergo an operation.GreenEDGE will now need to reassess their personnel and strategy

ahead of this Sunday’s Paris-Roubaix.His omission will also be another factor as GreenEDGE attempts to hastily decide on a new plan without Langeveld.“We’ve not got a big favourite but we’ve got guys like O’Grady, (Tomas) Vaitkus, and (Baden) Cooke who know how to race and now with Cancellara out of the (Paris-Roubaix) race it really changes things a lot too,” White said.“There’s no one, strong favourite like today.”- AFP

Sylvain Chavanel on the mean streets of Flanders. AFP PHOTO

“He hit a spectator at around 60 or 70 kilometres

per hour”

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Heading into his first full season in the BOSCH Australian Rally Championship, 25 year old Canberra rally racer Adrian Coppin is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Canberran Neal Bates and win an Australian rally title in the next few years.

PLAY caught up with a young man in a rush to go places recently, to find out about him and his plans for the BOSCH Australian Rally Championship this year

Adrian, tell us about youself?Well I am a first generation Canberran and proud of it. I was born here and call Canberra home. I love the place

How did you start rallying?I have been around rallying virtually since I was born. Mum and Dad were both involved with the sport. Dad had been a navigator for a lot of years as well as organising rallies so I remember attending events from a very early age.

When did you start competing?My first rally was in 2009 running an old Corolla. I didn’t set the world on fire but

my results were pretty good…12th in my first ACT event. In 2010 I purchased a Hyundai Excel rally car and contested the NSW Excel series. I was runner up in the series that year, as well as winning a round of the Championship and finished 6th outright in a round of the NSW Championship.

What are your plans for this year?Actually this year is a watershed year for my rallying career. Firstly I want to win the 2WD section of the Rallyschool.com.au Australian Junior Rally Challenge, a completion for driver under 28 looking to gain experience at the BOSCH ARC level as well as gain experience at the ARC level so I am ready for 2013. My next goal is to find the commitment and self-belief needed to be successful at the top level and finally; I want to build my reputation and brand, so I am marketable.

What car are you driving this year?It is a 2006 Ford Fiesta ST or as they were sold in Australia as an XR4. It is homologated to compete in the Group

N category; which means that it’s eligible to compete in the World Rally Championship. It was imported from Europe last year so I could compete in the World Rally Championship round held last October in Coffs Harbour.

How was that experience?Fantastic! Apart from 3 full days of competition against the best in the world, the whole atmosphere of the event was mind blowing. We finished 2nd in our class which was a good effort. The highlight for me was the after party, and standing in the bar with guys like Ford factory driver Jarri-Matti Latvala, the super experienced Peter Solberg and Citroen rising star Sebastian Ogier among others and being treated as a fellow competitor and partying with them all.

You have just unveiled a wild new livery for this year. What’s that about?It’s about being noticed. I’m young and my team, Innate Motorsport is new. We want our image to be young, vibrant and refreshing. We don’t want to be lost in the crowd, so we set out to be visually

daring. I’m sure we’ll polarise the paddock and everyone will either love or hate the design, but at least they’ll be talking about it.

And what does the future hold?We’ll its early days yet but we are working on getting a new model Ford Fiesta, called an R2 built by the company that runs Ford’s World Rally Championship, M-Sport. And rallying like any motorsport is expensive, so we are working hard on a major sponsor for 2013. As for the rest time will tell.

And who are your sponsors this year?I have a distinctly Canberra flavour with my sponsors. They are Inklab in Fyshwick who came up with the wild design, Penrite Oil, Landscape Direct, Shannons, and Total Traction Service. Without the support of these businesses I wouldn’t be competing this year.

We are also raising money for Devil Ark, a charity working to save the Tasmanian Devil from extinction by breeding Devils free of Devil Facial Tumour disease in the Barrington Tops, behind Newcastle.

Image: Joseph Purdam


LOCAL KICKBOXER MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELFCOMBAT SPORTS

To supplement the scarce income he receives from kickboxing, Tonna works as a fully qualified cabinet maker, which comes on top of training twice a day, six days a week.

His rigid routine, though, has allowed him to train in America and Thailand, as well as compete in Japan earlier this year.

As a hardworking, committed and driven athlete, it’s not unrealistic to think Tonna will achieve his ultimate goal in kickboxing by becoming a world champion.

“I’ve set my goal high and I want to achieve it,” he said.

“Fighters are usually around until they’re 35, so I’d like to achieve it before then.”

Image: Kris Arnold Photography

◊ ANTONY PERRY

Local kickboxer Josh Tonna has asserted himself as a genuine talent on the Australian scene after winning the South Pacific title last month.

The 23-year-old overcame his Filipino opponent at the Canberra Convention Centre on March 17 to record the biggest win so far in his short career.

“It was the toughest win...the best by far,” Tonna said.

“It’s an amazing feeling after two months of hard work to prepare for it...a lot of sacrifices went into it.”

Tonna entered the featherweight fight as somewhat of an underdog, with his opponent being a regular fixture in the 62kg class as opposed to the 58kg class which Tonna competes in.

“He was bigger than me naturally because he fights at 62kg, so he had to drop a bit of weight to come and fight in my class,” he said.

“He was a tough opponent...he was a lot stronger than me.”

The victory was Tonna’s 12th, and having lost just eight fights since taking the sport up in 2006, the win leaves him with a 66 per cent success rate from 20 fights.

Tonna’s current record includes one knock-out victory, which he rates as one of his best, and he achieved the feat in just the second fight of his career, which was a televised event around Australia.

But being a minority sport in Australia, and perhaps around most of the world, it is rare for kickboxing to receive exposure and coverage. As a result, it is, like most other groups of martial arts, financially deprived in comparison to more mainstream, popular sports.

While Tonna is aware the sport is unable to provide athletes with a sufficient income to live off, his love for kickboxing has not withered.

“The glory and the goals that I’m chasing keep me going,” he said.

“There’s not much money in it so you’ve got to find it fun...I find it very enjoyable and I don’t want to stop until I reach my goals.”


LEFT OF CENTRE: ROLLERBLADING

When was the last time you felt this good? Pioneer Scott Cramer struts his wares.

First things first, we (now) know the sport is not called Rollerblading. It’s Inline Skating and while it’s remembered best as a “fad” in the 80’s and 90’s, you might be surprised to find that rollerbladers have graced the streets for over 300 years.

In-line skates were created in the early 1700’s when a Dutchman attached wooden spools to strips of wood and nailed them to his shoes. They were a way to replicate their winter transport of skating on frozen canals.

Over the years there were different variations on the roller/inline skate, but lets skip to the good bit, the hypercolour, bumbags and walkman era of inline.

In 1980, two Minnesota brothers, Scott and Brennan Olsen discovered an older inline skate in a sporting goods store and thought the design would be perfect for off-season hockey training. They improved the skate on their own and soon were manufacturing the first Rollerblade inline skates in their parents’ basement. Hockey players and alpine and Nordic skiers quickly caught on and were seen cruising the streets of Minnesota during the summer on their Rollerblade skates.

Rollerblading peaked in popularity in 1992 with every person of walking age owning a pair (you know you did!). You only have to visit your local op shop to see evidence of this.

Now on to the important bit: should you take up Rollerblading?For this we must consult the “retro cycle”. The “retro cycle” is a natural progression whereby trends/styles have a peak popularity, then fade, then have a peak unpopularity/universal scorn period - usually 10-15 years after their peak. Sometime after that period, they enjoy a revival in popularity – usually beginning in a tongue-in-cheek way. The genuine retro revival must wait 15 years, though.

Rollerblades, right or wrong, are still very uncool (peak popularity in 1992 universal scorn peak in 2005). So while a genuine retro revival is still some years away, 2012 is perfect for rollerblading to peak in ironic popularity.

This year it will be 20 years after Rollerblades’ initial popularity. So just to be on the safe side you’d better pop down to Salvo’s, get some skates, a stackhat and get practicing.

SEP 2011 CFL PUBLISHINGISSN: 1839-3756

WOMEN IN SPORTSAM STOSUR

MOTOR SPORT FORMULA 1

FITNESSGET FIGHTING FIT FOR SUMMER

AFLGRAND FINAL PREVIEW

SOCCEROOSARE COMING TO CANBERRA!

W-LEAGUECANBERRA UNITED SIGNINGS

RUGBY UNIONWORLD CUP

NRLGRAND FINAL PREVIEW

ALANTONGUERETIREMENT AND LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL

ONE GAME AT A TIME

ISSUE # 1

5 Statistically red hair only occurs in 1-2 per cent of the population. Surprisingly in professional sports they represent a staggering ... 1-2 per cent of participants. What you will find though is these sun wary combatants usually have 10-15% more ticker than other competitors. As a red head I’m not biased.

SPORTING REDHEADS

Ryan Villopoto 2011 MotoX champ (RV2.com)

Boris Becker Tennis supremo (AFP)

Paul Scholes Man U stalwart (AFP)

Shaun White The flying Tomato (AAP)

Alan Tongue Toooonnnggueyyy

But as you can see below there are some handy competitors in the top 5.

Honourable mentions go to Steve Hooker (pole vault), Mark McGwire (baseball), Keith Galloway (Big Red NRL), Cameron Ling (AFL premiership hero), Sheamus (the reddest of the red WWE) and US soccer star Alexi Lalas (who I

was once mistaken for in Finland, good times and apologies to Alexi who is no longer welcome in certain parts of Finland).

Without future ado, here is our top 5 redheaded warriors.


2012 KICK OFFSCHEDULE

WWW.CANBERRASTADIUM.COM.AU [email protected] or call 02 6256 6700

Fri 24th Feb - Brumbies vs. Force

Sat 3rd Mar - Raiders vs. Storm

Sat 10th Mar - Brumbies vs. Cheetahs

Sat 24th Mar - Brumbies vs. Highlanders

Sat 31st Mar - Brumbies vs. Sharks

Mon 2nd Apr - Raiders vs. Cowboys

Fri 6th - Mon 9th Apr - Raiders vs. Warriors

Sat 14th Apr - Brumbies vs. Rebels

Wed 25th - Mon 30th Apr - Raiders vs. Sharks

Sat 5th May - Brumbies vs. Waratahs

Fri 11th - Mon 14th May - Raiders vs. Eels

Sat 26th May - Brumbies vs. Reds

Fri 1st - Mon 4th Jun - Raiders vs. Wests Tigers

Fri 29th Jun - Mon 2nd Jul - Raiders vs. Dragons

Fri 13th - Mon 16th Jul - Raiders vs. Titans

Sat 14th Jul - Brumbies vs. Blues

Fri 27th - Mon 30th Jul - Raiders vs. Knights

Fri 3rd - Mon 6th Aug - Raiders vs. Broncos

Fri 17th - Mon 20th Aug - Raiders vs. Roosters

Fri 24th - Mon 27th Aug - Raiders vs. Bulldogs

2012 KICK OFFSCHEDULE

WWW.CANBERRASTADIUM.COM.AU [email protected] or call 02 6256 6700

Fri 24th Feb - Brumbies vs. Force

Sat 3rd Mar - Raiders vs. Storm

Sat 10th Mar - Brumbies vs. Cheetahs

Sat 24th Mar - Brumbies vs. Highlanders

Sat 31st Mar - Brumbies vs. Sharks

Mon 2nd Apr - Raiders vs. Cowboys

Fri 6th - Mon 9th Apr - Raiders vs. Warriors

Sat 14th Apr - Brumbies vs. Rebels

Wed 25th - Mon 30th Apr - Raiders vs. Sharks

Sat 5th May - Brumbies vs. Waratahs

Fri 11th - Mon 14th May - Raiders vs. Eels

Sat 26th May - Brumbies vs. Reds

Fri 1st - Mon 4th Jun - Raiders vs. Wests Tigers

Fri 29th Jun - Mon 2nd Jul - Raiders vs. Dragons

Fri 13th - Mon 16th Jul - Raiders vs. Titans

Sat 14th Jul - Brumbies vs. Blues

Fri 27th - Mon 30th Jul - Raiders vs. Knights

Fri 3rd - Mon 6th Aug - Raiders vs. Broncos

Fri 17th - Mon 20th Aug - Raiders vs. Roosters

Fri 24th - Mon 27th Aug - Raiders vs. Bulldogs

play magazine issue #10

Documents

canberra stadium

timefreeplay canberra

twitter play canberra

mr barr

mr andrew barr

new stadiumandrew barr

replacement stadium

bruce stadium