The Middle East AFL has announced the new season's draw with The Abu Dhabi Falcons securing 3 homes games. Season 2010 will commence on October 22 with the Falcons first game against the Dubai Dingoes in Dubai.

The Falcons will then play the Dubai Dingoes at Home on Friday November 12 followed by another home game on December 10 against the Doha Kangaroos.

January 14 will see the Falcons clash with the Bahrain Blues at home

February 11 the Falcons travel to Muscat to clash with the Muscat Magpies

This was a classic game of hard-at-it-footy that had spectators gasping at the knock ‘em down, stand-up again contest for the pig skin. In the end the class and experience of the opposition prevailed but not before our gallant team had spent every molecule of energy and effort in pursuit of what would have been a famous victory.

Desert derby is a pointer to Middle East Grand Final

Legendary AFL Almanac Rocket Rod Gillett reviews the ins, the outs and match defining match ups.

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi now virtually owns Dubai Inc. The world’s tallest building, the Burj Kalifa, is now named after the ruler of Abu Dhabi. However, the one piece of reality that Abu Dhabi does not own is the Middle East AFL crown.

Competition leaders Dubai Heat are still unbeaten after two seasons of competition and are raging hot favourites to take out their second successive Middle East AFL premiership.

The Heat is at home to the Abu Dhabi Falcons in the final round of roster matches for the season on Friday at The Sevens rugby ground in Dubai.  The top of the table clash between the two unbeaten teams in the competition will be followed by the Dubai Dragons (third) versus Dubai Dingoes (fifth). Three games of Auskick will precede the senior fixtures.

A major out for this game for the Heat is star centre half-forward James Hope (ex-Old Ivanhoe). Also missing through injury are key defender Chris Smith, reliable back pocket Stuart Dodds and utility Luke Batterly.

It is understood that the Heat’s full forward Andrew Schauble , a former Sydney Swans best and fairest player, has rescheduled his flight for a business trip to Iran to be available for the challenge from the Falcons.

The Dubai team will look to Ryan Konnigan to fill the gap in the key defensive post. His duel with league leading goalkicker Marc Pettersen (ex North Melbourne) may well determine the result of the match.

Pettersen snared 9 goals in his last outing against the Dragons and is an opportunist in front of goal.

Supporting Konnigan in defence will be Aaron Grout with former Collingwood listed player Cameron Hotton playing a sweeping role across half-back.

The Falcons almost have a full list to choose from. However, a notable absentee is goalsneak Matthew Wood, who is unavailable.

New recruits Tom Mitchell (ex Sandringham), ruckman Mark Deverill (Barwon Heads) and key forward Dan Brooks (Old Scotch) have bolstered the Falcons’ ranks and transformed the Abu Dhabi outfit into a genuine flag contender.

Coming into the team for his first senior game is fifteen year old schoolboy Ashley Dusting from the oasis city of Al Ain. Dusting has impressed in practice matches at training and will start from the bench.

As it turns out these two teams will play each other again in the grand final on March 19 at the same venue. The finals system is based on the championship format with 1^st playing 2^nd for the premiership, and 3^rd v 4^th for third. The winner of this clash will become favourites to take out the flag.

It was a match worth crawling over broken glass through the sewers of New York to see. Thirty-six players totally committed to pursue the pigskin as though it was the elixir of life.  It was a rip-roaring, bone busting, spine splintering, gut gripping game that in the end favoured the Falcons by a solitary goal. It made all associated with the team happier than a worm returning from a fishing trip.

– by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rocket and match day commentators

The Abu Dhabi Falcons have guaranteed a spot in this years grand final when they narrowly defeated a very spirited and determined Dubai Dragons at the American International School on February 12.

The Abu Dhabi Falcons 15.6.96 defeated Dubai Dragons 14.6.90

Best Players Falcons - Marc Peterson, Ben Williams, Brad Foat, Tom Mitchell

Gaol Kickers - Marc Peterson 9, Tom Mitchell 3, Ben Williams 1, Matt Wood 1, Mark Deverall 1

At the completion of round 6, The Abu Dhabi Falcons along with the Dubai Heat remain undefeated.

The Abu Dhabi Falcons went into the game brimming with confidence with a near full strength side and a tilt at the premiership only 2 games away.

Arriving in Doha courtesy club sponsors Eithad and Emal Aluminium the team enjoyed a seemless flight and transfer to the ground along with  some customary Doha hospitality before the first bounce.

The Falcons opned the first quarter sluggishly and seemed at odds with the conditions as the Doha Kangaroos came out firing kicking 3 goals before the Falcons even looked like scoring. Under pressure the Falcons fired although the scoreboard told a different tail and the team scrambled to assert control against a well drilled Doha team.

Qtr time Falcons 1.7.13 trailed Doha 3.4.22

With key positional changes from the coaching staff and a more focused effort from the Falcons they rested back the lead by half time. Playing deep across the full forward square Marc Peterson nailed  3 critical goals and plenty of points, first gamer for the year in Dan Brookes playing a sweeping role across the forward line chipped in with a couple and the brilliance of Nathan Pirouet saw the Falcons start  to gain the upperhand. Experienced onballer Brad Foat made an impact in closing down the key onballers from the Doha team allowing Captain Ben Williams to make a significant impact in driving the ball into the forward line with increasing ease.

Half time Falcons 6.10.46 lead the Kangaroos 6.5.41

Well rested from the half time break and with a fluent use of the bench the onballers  lead by Ruckman Troy Patterson gained the acendancy. The back line lead by the ever green Cameron Granger ably supported by the spirited Brett Bowman launched numerous attacks deep in the Falcons forward line. With the Rucks gaining arial control around the ground, the Falcons finally started to set the tempo for the game and if not for greater accuracy in front of goal and a couple of fumbling errors in delivering the ball to the leading goal kicker Marc Peterson  the team would have been in a more commanding position on the scoreboard.

3 Qtr time: Falcons 10.14.74 leda the Kangaroos 7.5.47 

The start of the 4th saw the superior fitness of the Falcons come to the fore as the team eased through 5 goals to 2. Whilst the game appeared to be well in control for the Falcons, the Kangarro's valiantly attempted to take the game up the Falcons only to be shut down by a courageous group of on ballers and backman that were able to hold out and set up fluent drive off the half back line.

Fiinal scores:

Falcons 15.17. 107  defeated the Kangaroos 10.7.67

Goal Kickers:

Marc Peterson 5, Dan Brooke 3, Brad Foat 2, Matt Wood 1,Troy Paterson 1,  Anthony Murphy 1, Ben Williams 1, Nathan Pirouet

Best:

Nathan Pirouet, Ben Willams, Dan Brookes, Mike Molnar and  Brett Bowman

Abu Dhabi Falcons Dominate Bahrain Blues in round 3

The much anticipated round 3 clash between the unbeaten Abu Dhabi Falcons and the Bahrain Blues saw the Falcons come out comfortable winners in a dour encounter at the International School.

The Falcons blooded 3 new players and went into the game without super coach Free and veteran Cameron Granger but were still the stronger side due in part to the superior fitness of onballers Ben Williams, Alex Barker and Rohan Kelly.

Full Forward Marc Peterson continued his evergreen form booting 7 goals all, with all other forwards also scoring majors. Celebration of the day went to Players Player of the day Sami Labbel who kicked 2 magnificent goals along with Nathan Pirouet 3, Matt Wood 2, Matt Brunsdan 2, Rohan Kelly 2, Alex Barker 2 and Jay Mears alos slotting 2 goals.

Final Scores Falcons 21.10.136 defeated the Blues 14.3.87

Round 1 - 9th October

Dubai Heat v Doha Kangaroos

Round 2 - 30th October

Dubai Dingoes v Dubai Heat

Round 3 - 13th November

Muscat Magpies v Dubai Heat

Doha Kangaroos v Dubai Dingoes

Abu Dhabi Falcons v Bahrain Blues

Dubai Dragons - Bye

Round 4 - 11th December

Bahrain Blues v Dubai Dingoes

Round 5 - 15th January

Doha Kangaroos v Abu Dhabi Falcons

Bahrain Blues v Dubai Heat

Muscat Magpies v Dubai Dragons

Dubai Dingoes - Bye

Round 6 – Split Round 5th February 12th February

Abu Dhabi Falcons v Dubai Dragons

Round 7 – Split Round 26th February

Muscat Magpies v Doha Kangaroos

Grand Final Day - 19th March

AFL Middle East VB Premiership Season 2009/10

 Dubai Dingoes 1.0 6 2.0 12 4.1 25 6.6 42 Time : 17:45 pmDubai Heat 6.5 41 10.11 71 18.11 119 21.13 139 Location : The Sevens Ground Dubai

___________________________________________________________________________________

Game Summary:

The Dragons came to Dubai full of confidence after an inspiring come from behind win over Bahrain in

Lost to Date : Fri October 30th

Home Team: Dubai Dingoes

Goal Kickers: Walid Melhem 2, Rod Ballendan 2

Best Players: Wally, Rod, Wayne, Will

Away Team: Dubai Heat

Goal Kickers: James Hope 5, Gordon Lewicki 4, Andrew Schauble 3, Nathan Seal 2, Ryan Koningen 2,

Stuart Dods, Andrew Bereza, Tore Zeidler, Luke Hopman and Billy Barker

Best Players: Nathan Seal, Scotty Orwin, Andrew Schauble, Aaron Groot

With the clubs first game done and dusted with a comprehensive victory over the Dubai Dingoes our attention turns to fine tuning and improving overall fitness and game plans for the season ahead.

Training on Monday nights has moved to a 7pm start allowing us up to 2 hours per week to come together at the American School of Abu Dhabi, getting at least 20 guys to every session. Coach: Peter Free Captain: Ben Williams Players to watch: Ben Williams, The youngster in Alex Barker and the ever green goal shark Marc Peterson

The next rounds are as follows (with the home team stated first):

Round 2 - 29th/30th October Bahrain Blues v Muscat Magpies - Thursday night Dubai Dingoes v Dubai Heat Doha Kangaroos v Dubai Dragons Abu Dhabi Falcons - Bye

Round 3 - Split Round 13th November Muscat Magpies v Dubai Heat Doha Kangaroos v Dubai Dingoes Abu Dhabi Falcons v Bahrain Blues  Dubai Dragons - Bye

Round 4 - 11th December Bahrain Blues v Dubai Dingoes Muscat Magpies v Abu Dhabi Falcons Dubai Dragons v Dubai Heat Doha Kangaroos - Bye

Round 5 - 15th January Doha Kangaroos v Abu Dhabi Falcons Bahrain Blues v Dubai Heat  Muscat Magpies v Dubai Dragons Dubai Dingoes - Bye

Round 6 - 12th February Abu Dhabi Falcons v Dubai Dragons Dubai Dingoes v Muscat Magpies Doha Kangaroos v Bahrain Blues   Dubai Heat - Bye

Round 7 - 26th February Muscat Magpies v Doha Kangaroos Dubai Dragons v Dubai Dingoes   Dubai Heat v Abu Dhabi Falcons Bahrain Blues - Bye

Grand Final Day - 12th March  

Dubai Dingoes   7.4. 46                

A friendly rivalry has evolved over the past year or 2 between these 2 successful and much loved Footy Clubs. This weekend was expected to be no different.

The Falcons very eager to return the Favor that was heavily dished out to them Last Season in a 4 Goal Drumming on Grand Final Day where these Teams last met. The Dingoes as always hit the Highway and Travelled to Abu Dhabi to pluck a few more Falcon Feathers.  

Both the Teams positioned there Players ready for the first bounce of the 09/10 AFLME Season.

The Falcons kicking with the Breeze hit the score board first and the Game was ON!

Both teams hitting, Tackling and Running Hard. The Falcons kicked another major whilst keeping the Dingoes scoreless.

By the end of the 1^st Quarter it was apparent that the Falcons intended on controlling this Game keeping the Dingoes scoreless whilst the Falcons managed to slot 5 majors.  

The 2^nd Quarter, The Falcons looking very confident however knowing the Dingoes wouldn’t come to Abu Dhabi just to lay down.

True to the dingoes tough spirited nature and expected, they hit hard and kicked the first 2 Goals of the 2^nd  quarter showing the Falcons that they better be on there toes.

The 2^nd quarter provided 3 Goals by both sides, yet the Dingoes showing that they can match what ever the Falcons dished out.

The Falcons 1^st Quarter Jump put them up by 30 points at the Main Break.

The 3^rd Quarter needing a Game Plan change by the Dingoes to get them back in it whilst the Falcons needed to ensure the rails stayed on the track.

Once again both teams fighting Hard and going goal for goal yet the Falcons with a little more speed and showing a few well drilled game plans kept them in Ffont and further stretching the lead, out scoring the Dingoes 5 Goals to 3 in the 3^rd.

The 4^th Quarter had the Falcons up by 50 points and sitting comfortably for the First win of the Season, One would think that this was enough for both teams to play out the tast term in a far more relaxed fashion than the previous 3 hard fought quarters however the Falcons appeared to have a different plan.

They had come to play hard and a full 4 quarters at any cost, The Dingoes like wise. They weren’t done either, they had a few ribs to tickle and ego’s to settle. It just wasn’t the Dingoes day.

The Falcons wanted this more and they simply took it, Belting another 7 Goals on an already lopsided scored board. The Dingoes put 1 more Goal to there name. In the end the Falcons ran away 84 point victors.

As expected these two great clubs produced a game that was played in high spirits and ended with hand shakes all round.

The Dingoes, a well respected team in the UAE will be sure to bounce back with vengeance whilst the Falcons appear to have sent out a warning that AFL is alive and healthy in the UAE’s Capital.

Congratulations to both the Falcons and Dingoes for the beginning of there 09/10 AFLME Premiership campaign and wish the best of luck for both teams.

The Abu Dhabi Falcons are happy to announce that through the generosity Cougar Holdings the Middle East now have an official endorsed Australian Rules Football League.

The league will commence on October 24^th and Conclude with the top two teams in Grand Final on the 27^th of February.  There are six teams and just five games for the opening season, which will be very much subject to change in the future. Newspaper “7 days” will be updating the games and latest news as well as the website www.aflmiddleeast.com 

AFL Middle East has also created an opportunity for the AUS Kick children to be involved on match days displaying their talents before the main game(s).

Abu Dhabi Falcons games are as follows:

The games will be played on football pitches 9 a side and a squad of 14 players per team who must have a resident’s visa. There will be 4 X 15 minute Quarters played on Friday afternoons, followed by refreshments.

Go Falcons!

 Dingoes 21 7 133 defeat Falcons 9 21 75

Dubai Dingoes made the trip along Sheik Zayed Road for Game 2 of the Capital Cup which was played in great spirit and sportsmanship by both teams, A bigger than expected crowd were at the Abu Dhabi Military base despite the 40+ Deg Heat.

The Falcons came to play and were quickly out of the blocks, led well by captain Matt Wood and Marc Peterson in front of goals with two for the quarter and one a piece to Grant Ewington and Alex Barker, suddenly the falcons found themselves in front at the first break.

On display were the clean hands that Lady Macbeth could only dream about, kicking with more precision than the Folies Bergere and chains of passes tighter than a rusted lock-nut.

The inaccuracy in front of goals cost the Falcons in the second letting the Dingoes skip away, who were well led by Mick Patton and Kym Harris. The Falcons went into the main change 20 points down however, very much in the game. During the second half the Falcons certainly had their chances but were let down in front of goal. Richie Armstrong took a courageous mark in his first game of Australian Football, along with youngsters Wynan Van B and Robert Riley. The performance from Josh Morris was inspiring, returning to the field after a heavy collision, hopefully no ill effects in the morning,

Perhaps the heat was a factor, while endeavor was excellent the skills were probably more cotton than silk. The falcons can take a lot away from that performance, it was always going to be difficult to fit 30 players into 9, however the constant rotations certainly paid dividends in the last quarter with the falcons having more run and possession than the exhausted Dingoes. look out Dragons next week!

After the match both teams enjoyed beers and a barbie at "The Vans" which was a great atmosphere acknowledging the spirt between the two teams.

So many people to thank for setting up the game, the ground and after match entertainment! Flippa, Jay and Claire, Troy, Willo, Gus Len and Joe, Peto, Woody, Gaelle, Steve, Mike Twartz, sorry if I left anyone out.

Author Mick Uberti

On a beautiful night the Falcons played the Abu Dhabi Gaelic Football team at the Eid Prayer Grounds. It's the second time these teams have played. The two teams played a hybrid game over 4 15 minute quarters, The first and third being Gaelic and the second and last being AFL.

The Falcons started very well and adapted to the round ball out scoring the Gaelic team in the opening minutes. However, the irish lads soon steadied and went into the first break with a small lead. The second quarter then saw the Falcons take charge they scored and ran freely out scoring the Irish 24 to 16.

The third quarter was all the Irish, both teams were struggling in the heat and it came down to better skills from the Irish with the round ball. Finally, in the last the exhausted lads on both teams played it out til the finish with the Irish lads taking the points this time.

It was great to get so many new faces to the game. The Falcons are coming along stronger with every game. Two games looming on the 23rd and the 30th of May and also training on Monday nights, there are good things to come.

Thanks to the Abu Dhabi GAA for the game and the ground and we wish them luck in the Middle east tournament in Oman this weekend.

For the Falcons, see you all Monday night at training.

Happy Days.