Ex-pats playing the Aussie Game
How We began..
Born out of respect for the skills that the gaelic game has in improving the way we play AFL some kind encouraging, begging, forcing, pressuring, and pesturing players to cross-over the codes. Brilliant pesturing techniques has meant many more players than we counted on, and then gave birth to the crazy idea of having a team full of Irish ex-pats to take on the Aussies at their game.
Many of these girls had a taste of the full contact sport when they played in the compromise rules match in October 2008 against a SWAFL select side, where the luck of the Irish was evident that day and they ran out eventual winners in the "Irish Australian' cup match 49-14. As the series is planned to continue every year, these girls couldn't wait for the once a year match, and have decided to have a go at the oval ball game.
Fun and learning are the key priorities for the team this year, as well as getting to grips with the culture and traditions that Australia and this game has to offer. Based in County Bondi, the team booked in for that almost expected experience of learning how to stand up on a flat board and ride a wave. Yep surfing in the warm blue ocean amongst the manta rays, and then sampling the natural bush surrounds, handfeeding wild kangaroos, possums, and of course barbecues and beer. Whilst not compulsory, some may already be experts at the drinking part.
As if being Irish and playing this game isn't crazy enough, the Inaugural team was coached by New Zealander, Lisa 'Kiwi' Roper who managed to pass on all the good Aussie traditions she has experienced in the game, like the banner run through, the guernsey presentation, the man of the match toast, and the special team song.
The team will always be open to any players, any ability, any nationality, and welcome the supporters, who come from all sides of the globe.
We now have a bar named after us, a cocktail we created and available in our club colours, National media and International media, the documentary is still being planned, and the ride continues.
Come join our journey, and share this ride of a lifetime.