Nsw Country Team Named For Afl Country Championships This Week-end

[Phil Doyle]

The NSW Country team has been names for the Wesfarmers Country Championships to be held in Berri, in regional SA, this week-end.
Head coach Russell Campbell and fellow selectors Craig O’Brien(Sydney), Bevan Rowe (Wagga) and Richard Hamilton (Albury) named the final team last night.
The NSW team squad is made up of players from the MVAFA and Sydney AFL (maximum 8 players) as well as players from NSW VCFL affiliated clubs.
The final team is: Michael Ghobrial (Balmain), Craig O'Brien, Glenn
Garner, Matthew Johnston (St George), Jason McPherson, Christen McPherson, Vaughn Dell (UNSW-ES), Radlee Moller(Campbelltown), Danny Jaques, Steven Priest (Wagga Tigers), Jamie Charlton (East Wagga Kooringal), Matthew Hard(Coolamon), John Hunt, Darren McKimmie, Jason Sanderson (Lavington), Graham Fruean, Joel White, Nick Carroll, Brent Rynehart (Albury), Luke Sutton, Matthew Mills (Corowa-Rutherglen), Clint Eckhart, Mark Bush (North Albury)
and Aaron Purcell (Jerilderie). Emergencies: Luke Carroll (GGGM), Paul Sanson (Lavington)
Other teams competing in the Wesfarmers Landmark National Country Football Carnival are SA, WA, QLD, ACT, VCFL and an Indigenous Allstars team.

The final team will train in Wagga tomorrow (Wednesday, July 24th) at Robertson Oval from 5-7pm before leaving for Berri on Thursday morning.

[Mobbenfuhrer]

Originally posted by Phil Doyle
... Emergencies: Luke Carroll (GGGM) ...

For interested parties, it stands for Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong, whom I believe are a merger of Ganmain and Grong Grong-Matong, the latter also being a merger, of Grong Grong and Matong.

Guesses such as "Germaine Greer, Gonad Mauler" will not be accepted.

[Wayde Petersen]

Aw geez, thanks Kev. I had a clever thing to say about the meaning of the initials G.G.G.M, and you got there first :( ;) :D , ah well, such is life.

But, what I can tell you is that Blighty captain and former St Kilda & Sydney player, Danny Sexton has been selected for the Victorian Districts team (he should've been in the NSW team because Blighty is in New South Wales), alongside Nagambie's, Linc Sullivan, Colbinabbin's Damien Slater & Lockington/Bamawm's Matthew Toynton

The Victorian Districts Team is selected from the "District Leagues" ( eg the Kyabram District Football League), affiliated with the VCFL, and will compete with the Indigenous Allstars, the Queensland, and the New South Wales teams (I think that's right, i'm not sure).


Also I think that Echuca's Rhys Archard and Craig Sholl have been selected for the Victorian Team, along with a few other GVFL players (i'm not sure who they are, but i'll tell you soon enough).

[Dogwatcher]

Selected notes from emails received regarding country football champiosnhips:

WA will be coached by Darrell Panizza record games holder the Claremont FC and a Fairest & Best winner with Woodville.
One of the selectors is Greg Hodson a former South Australian who I think Captained SA in the Teal cup the same year Bradley & Kernahan (sorry about the spelling) played.
Several of our players have WAFL experience with Dale Baynes our only player to have AFL experience 2/3 games with Collingwood last year.
Ruckman Brett King and Forwards Shane & Jamie Nani are our most experienced
Ex WAFL players.
We have 8 players who contested the National Carnival in Wagga Wagga 2 years ago 3 of these players were selected as All Australian's Craig Doney (capt) Jim Gray, and Gavin Morgan.

[Dogwatcher]

ACT Profilere released by ACT official Gary Wallis:

The domestic competition in the ACT consists of seven clubs: Eastlake, Tuggeranong, Belconnen, Queanbeyan, Ainslie, Weston Creek, and the Wagga Tigers. This year is the Wagga Tigers first year in the ACT competition after moving across from the Riverina League. Their players have remained eligible for selection by NSW in this year’s Wesfarmers Landmark Australian Country Championships. The ACT team has been selected from the remaining 6 clubs.

Three time Queanbeyan premiership coach, James Dore is the senior coach for the ACT side, and is supported by selectors David Collins (ex Essendon), and Andrew Bishop (ex Tuggeranong senior coach).

This years’ side combines a blend of experience and youth. A number of senior players have gained All Australian selection in previous championships – Guy Cannon, current Eastlake coach, Matt Campbell, ex VCFL now with Belconnen, Steve Mahar, Belconnen, All Australian 2000, Stafford Cooper, Tuggeranong, All Australian 1998, Captain Mark Armstrong, current Queanbeyan coach and all Australian 1998, Jason Gilbert, Queanbeyan, all Australian 1998. Tony Bourke, ex Carlton was the John Lussick Medal winner in 2000 at Wagga as well as All Australian.

A number of other players are making their debut for the ACT: Steve Hazelman, Belconnen, Julian ****as, Eastlake, Danny George, Belconnen, Bevan Malloy, Ainslie, James Kavanagh, Ainslie, Jarrod Skidmore, Eastlake, Paul McLachlan, Eastlake, and Josh Ryder, Tuggeranong.

The ACT wishes to acknowledge and thank major sponsors Wesfarmers Landmark, the Australian Wheat Board, and the AFL for their contribution to the championships and to country football throughout Australia.

[Dogwatcher]

Playing Number Name Home Club
1 Rodney Maynard Lameroo (former Adelaide Crow)
2 Malcolm Greenwood Loxton (ex Glenelg/ West Adelaide)
3 John Southern West Coast Hawks
4 Scott Feltus Western Districts
5 Brent Howard Casterton (ex Glenelg)
6 Britt Grocke (VC) Lock
7 Ryan Dubois Wudinna United
8 Paul Sadler Lions (Ris/Prop)
9 Roger John**** Blues
10 Brenton Daniels Barossa Districts (2002 Reserves Magarey Medal from Cental District)
11 Jon Copping Penola
13 Ben Fennell Penola
14 Brett Mannion Langhorne Creek
15 David Hams Willunga (ex Glenelg/ South Adlaide)
16 Nigel Vanderzande (c) Tanunda
17 James Sitters Reynella
18 John McKenna West Whyalla
19 Michael McCarthy Kapunda
23 Jamie Walker Penola
24 Shane Comer Noarlunga
25 Anthony Manfield West Whyalla
26 Jason McKenzie Kapunda
27 Lachlan Bowman Orroroo (ex-Norwood)
28 Peter Harten South Gambier

Coach Barry Stringer
Team Manager Peter Dalwood
Runner Geoff Phelps

Selectors Pat Hines Keith Nutt
Rodney Maynard Peter Sims

Head Trainer Neil Uzzell
Trainers Hank Middleton Arthur Eyles

Property Steward Len Lawson

[Dogwatcher]

Victorian Country Division One
Coach: Bob Craig
Selectors: Ron Montgomery. Rod Mullavey, Robert Neal, Wayne Spence

No. Name Club League Age Hgt Wgt
1 Troy Dixon Sth Warrnambool Hampden 23 177 85
2 Chris Kerchavel Hastings Mornington 19 173 71
3 Rhys Archard Echuca Goulburn Valley 19 180 72
4 Brett Taylor Cobden Hampden 27 187 90
5 Brad Thompson Wodonga O & M 25 188 82
6 Simon McCormick North Albury O & M 23 186 82
7 Tim Hargreaves Yarrawonga O & M 26 183 87
8 Blair Robertson Port Fairy Hampden 23 186 85
9 Justin Berry Devon Meadows Mornington 21 180 77
10 Christian Macri Wod Raiders O & M 27 189 91
11 Corey Lambert North Albury O & M 29 185 91
12 Heath Culpitt Castlemaine Bendigo 24 181 84
13 Phil Guthrie Shepparton Goulburn Valley 28 190 86
14 Travis Hodgson North Albury O & M 26 185 92
15 Shane Garner Warrnambool Hampden 29 187 86
16 Damon Lawrence Hastings Mornington 25 179 81
17 Chris McLaren Koriot Hampden 21 180 75
18 Paul Corrigan R.O.C. West Gipps Lat 24 185 83
19 Jeremy Campbell Rochester Goulburn Valley 25 180 76
20 Dustin Burns Wod Raiders O & M 21 174 73
21 Brent Piltz North Albury O & M 23 191 89
22 Ben Anderson Rochester Goulburn Valley 19 194 92
23 Brett Cook Darley Ballarat 29 195 97
24 Mathew Javanovic Ocean Grove Bellarine 20 188 90
25 Guy Stringer Hastings Mornington 29 191 93
26 Rick Wilde Leopold Geelong 28 199 110
27 Andrew Morrison Mornington Mornington 25 194 90
28 Damien Clarke Edi-Aspendale Mornington 27 189 105
29 Andrew Foster Koriot Hampden 26 180 88
30 Brendan Parker Newton Chilwell Geelong 31 187 95
31 Josh McGann South Barwon Geelong 24 184 83
34 Matt Pendergast Lavington O & M 19 180 76

[Dogwatcher]

Victorian Country Division Two
Coach: Ivan Pyke
Selectors: Brendan Broadbent, Stephen Hutchison, Neville Massina,
Ian Thomas

No. Name Club League Age Hgt Wgt
1 Anthony Shrive Harrow Balmoral Horsham DFL
2 Nathan Blomley Newlyn Central Highlands
3 Damian Sexton Blighty Picola & DFL
4 Michael Dobson Lockington B Heathcote
5 Linc Sullivan Nagambie Kyabram & DFL
6 Sean Smith Harcourt Mary Castlemaine
7 Ricky O’Toole Corio Geelong DFL
8 Tim Free Quambatook Golden Rivers
9 Jamie Grant Hepburn Central Highlands
10 Damian Slater Colbinabbin Heathcote
11 Nathan Lewis South Colac Colac & DFNL
12 Andrew Madigan Learmonth Central Highlands
13 Glen Bardsley Maryborough Rov Mary Castlemaine
14 Ian Martin Talbot May Castlemaine
15 Shane Hutchins Dunolly Lexton Plains
16 Scott Thompson Rutherglen Ovens & King
17 Tim Inkster Beulah Mallee
18 James Sobey Learmonth Central Highlands
19 Brian Graham TTU North Gippsland
20 William Power Bambill Millewa
21 Jarrod Arentz Mangatang Mallee
22 Justin Cowell Fish Creek Alberton
23 Luke O’Toole Ultima Golden Rivers
24 Matthew Bruhn Lorne Colac & DFNL
25 Clive Raak Hepburn Central Highlands
26 Mark O’Toole Ultima Golden Rivers
27 Nick Preston Newlyn Central Highlands
28 Nicholas Lye Fish Creek Alberton
29 Barry Stanfield Fish Creek Alberton
30 Matthew Toynton Lockington B Heathcote
31
34

[Dogwatcher]

This article appeared in the Loxton News on July, 24.


Allstars aiming to win
by Rob McLean
In an era of sanitised sporting images and quotes, a footballer rarely has the fortitude and confidence to say “we are going to win this competition”.
Aboriginal Allstars player Damien Rigney, 25, holds no such fears of his words coming back to haunt him.
He is absolutely confident his team will win its division of the National Country Football Championships, to be played in the Riverland this week.
“A little bit of black magic will come to the fore and we will do it,” Rigney said last week.
“I realise other teams are going to be strong and have belief in themselves, but if we go in thinking we are going to lose, there’s no point going.”
If the Allstars are to come out on top, Rigney, who has family in Loxton and Berri, is going to be an integral part of the charge.
A half back or midfielder, Rigney is expected to be one of the stars of the Aboriginal side competing in the second division of the carnival. They will play against South Australia, Victoria Two and Queensland.
A veteran of 30 games for SANFL club South Adelaide, Rigney has been granted the week off by the Panthers to compete in the top quality carnival, despite having had an injured ankle in recent times.
He said South Adelaide has been highly supportive of his desire to play in the carnival, recognising the honour he feels has been bestowed upon him.
“I’m pretty proud of it (the selection),” Rigney said. “We’ve got some pretty good footballers in the community, so to be picked is a big honour.”
Aboriginal players are traditionally recognised for having electric pace and mercurial skills and Rigney believes the Allstars players will be no different.
Coached by former Central District star Phillip Graham (196 SANFL games), the squad contains players from across Australia, including nine South Australian representatives.
The team was selected following this year’s Aboriginal Football Carnival, where teams from the various states challenged for the Charles Perkins trophy. South Australia are the reigning champions.
“As far as skill goes, we should be up there with the better sides,” Rigney said.
“Other sides might be a bit stronger and we are not going to be an overly tall side, but I think we are going to be fairly quick.”
Players to look out for in the side, according to Rigney, include Onkaparinga Hills star Shannon Goldsmith and a duo hailing from Darwin who he believes will set the competition alight with their skills.
Other members of the side include Mallee Park (Port Lincoln) player Richard Jones, a four time Mail Medal winner, and former South Adelaide player Graeme Smith, currently playing for the Pioneer Football Club (Alice Springs).
While in the Riverland the Aboriginal Allstars will participate in some coaching clinics at Waikerie and Winkie Primary School.
Friday’s qualifying round of matches will see the Aboriginal Allstars take on Victoria Two (1pm), Queensland (3.30pm) and South Australia (7pm) at the Berri Oval.

[Dogwatcher]

This article appeared in the Loxton News on Wednesday, July 24.

Greenwood proud of honour

The Riverland will host the nation’s top country footballers this weekend and among those leading lights will be Moorook’s own Malcolm Greenwood.
The Riverland’s sole representative in the South Australian side for the National Country Football Championships, Greenwood, who plays for Loxton, is looking forward to the challenge.
Having only recently returned to the Riverland following a stint in the SANFL, 20 year old Greenwood was a late inclusion in the South Australian squad finalised last week.
Greenwood describes his selection in another state side as an “added bonus”.
“You always treasure your state guernseys and to get one as quickly as this after coming back to the Riverland is something I will be very proud of,” he said.
The former Glenelg and West Adelaide player has previously represented SA at under 18 and under 20 levels.
Greenwood played in the centre during SA Country’s one point victory over a South Adelaide side at Norwood Oval last Wednesday night and expects to fill a similar role in this weekend’s championships.
Representing his state in the Riverland is also a thrill for Greenwood and he hopes to see good crowds at the local grounds over the two days of competition.
“Being at home is just great,” Greenwood said.
“Hopefully the locals will get down and show some support.”
SA Country will play in the second division of the carnival, aiming to finish higher than the third place it recorded at the last championships in Wagga Wagga.
The home state will face stiff opposition from Victoria Two, Queensland and an Aboriginal Allstars side in division two.
Reigning champion Victoria heads division one, with challenges coming from Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.
Among the well known names appearing at the carnival will be former Western Bulldogs and Adelaide big man Barry Standfield (Victoria Two), ex-Collingwood youngster Dale Baynes (WA), former Carlton ruckman Tony Bourke, retired Adelaide Crow Rodney Maynard (SA), current South Adelaide SANFL player Damien Rigney (Aboriginal Allstars) and other ex-SANFL players David Hams, Brenton Daniel, Brenton Howard, Lachlan Bowman (SA), Michael Niesen, Julian ****us and Paul Hallandale (ACT).

[Dogwatcher]

It's also worth noting that Radlee Moller was the lead ruckman in Central Districts inaugural SANFL premiership in 2000.
What a champion!

[Dogwatcher]

If you look in the SA side there is a player called Rodney John****.

You will note that the Big Footy censorship police have found Roger Johnc ock's name offensive.

Well, I never.

PS there will be further write ups and results to come from the country footballl championships.

You won't be making your way over will you Phil?

[Phil Doyle]

That's Ace DW,

If you wanted to be a roving correspondent for bigfooty.com at the championships that would be excellent!

Do you work for the Loxton News? Didn't you guys win some regional sports coverage award a few years back?

Unfortunately I won't be able toi make it over, but I think the Black Duck himself, paul daffy is going.

You're right about Moller - an absolute champeen - here's a profile I did for the Sydney AFL Record earlier this year:

Radlee Moller

Campbelltown captain Radlee Moller is a player who has tasted premiership success. Last year’s grand final loss to North Shore was the first ever premiership he has played in that he hasn’t won – and the experience has made him hungrier for success this year.
“We’ve got plenty of fire in the belly!” said Radlee, who is looking forward to lifting the premiership cup in September as a part of the Campbelltown Panthers campaign for 2002.
From 1998 to 2000 the Campbelltown junior played in the strong SANFL competition. This culminated in Radlee playing in the Central Districts Bulldogs’ famous first ever SANFL premiership victory in 2000 - an experience he regards as the highlight of his football career so far.
“Playing over there I realised how high the standard of footy could get.” Says Moller, who remains a fan of another Bulldog, the Sydneysider Terry Lamb, ‘for his toughness’.
Radlee’s talent was identified very early on in his junior football, at 16 years of age he began playing under 19 level before being a part of Campbelltown’s ‘94/’95 back to back premiership sides.
The big ruckman, known as ‘Radders’ around the Campbelltown club, is studying accountancy at the University of Western Sydney - Macarthur and loves scuba diving and fishing, in fact anything to do with water, when he is away from the football field.
On the paddock his mobility and ability to get the ball make him a big asset to the Campbelltown side, where he is passing on his experience to another generation of Sydney footballers.
Radlee is very happy at Campbelltown and hopes to continue playing his footy injury free into the future.
If determination counts for anything then the experienced Radlee Moller will be leading his Campbelltown side all the way to the top in 2002.

Phil Doyle

[Dogwatcher]

Bumped into some of the Victorian boys in Renmark last night at the Chopper Read/Mark Jackson show.
Sat with Blair Robertson, Tim Hargraves and Heath Culpitt.
The drum is that both teams are confident of taking out their divisions.
Probably to be expected when most of the blokes have at least played reserves in the AFL.
Also appears that Barry Standfield is not likely to line-up.
Looking forward to the footy tomorrow.