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

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  

RESERVES   

Well!! As expected the Dingoes turned up on Friday Looking and Feeling very confident of going home with another win against the Falcons, Little did they know that still bitter from having there wings clipped in there last encounter with the Dingoes that the Falcons were Fit, Stronger and wiser with every Game Played. Especially on there Home Ground in Abu Dhabi. The day started with the Falcons Reserves against the Dingoes Reserves Team. The Falcons struggling to get the numbers to side reserves how ever after some fast talking and true Footy spirit we managed to get a few guys from the Crowd and a couple of New Comers to put on a Uniform and become a Falcon. A special mention goes to Sammy who was invited down to watch us play this Game called AFL, 2 minutes after arriving to the Ground he was a Falcon , jersey and all. A quick run down on what the Ball looked like, “Kick it this way, Punch it that way” 10 minutes later he was standing 20 out having a shot for Goal. Big Effort Sammy, well done.

 Lee “Carey” Ainslie, the King is back in town and we are lead to believe that he is here to stay, Lee slotted 4 majors and a minor much to his disgust in the reserves the last one resembling one of Wayne Carey’s signature moves, on the field that is!!!

Troy Patterson, Jim Hanusek, Shaun Barclay and John Sheperly all playing hard and hitting like Steam Trains, Training is really starting to bring rewards. John Lennon used his head a little too much in the third quarter getting a solid knock, and causing a considerable amount of excitement due to his Blood Covered Face in seconds, A little bit of a clean up, half a bottle of water and he was back out there, at times running the wrong way but managed to go hard and get plenty on the Ball. Daniel Brooke Flew in to town only a day before the Game and managed to play a major part of the Reserves attack as well as having just had stitches’ removed from a previous injury to his knee. Big effort and Great Spirit.

The Resi’s Game was played in Great Spirit and Full Credit goes to all the Guys who managed to make a Game of what started off looking like a forfeit.  The score as usual doesn’t really do the boys justice. Standing from the Boundary you would think different. The Dingoes 16.8.104 to the Falcons 7.7. 49. Well Done!!

Seniors 

Now it was time for the 1^ST’ to have a crack at trying to keep the Falcons hopes alive for the First ever AFL Middle East Grand Final. The reserves had done there job and now it’s the 1^st turn. The Falcons knew it would be a Hard Slog and the Dingoes came in expecting another walk over , not unlike last years games where fitness and Skill let us down. Little did the Dingoes know that right from the first bounce they would be on the receiving end of Good Solid Hard Hitting, Fit Fired up unit?

 The Dingoes however shot out of the Blocks with the first Goal of the match. The Falcons against the wind with Marc Peterson picking up from where he left off in the last Game kicked the next 2 Goals, It was on!! Both teams I am sure were thinking in the first 5 minutes that this will be a long day. The standard was high, the pace was Frantic and Skill level matched at Goal for Goal. The Falcons against the wind managed to keep the score level at 1^st quarter time..

 The Dingoes coming back hard early in the 2^nd. It was time for Cameron ling style tagging, Jonnie O’Neil was just the man to shut a couple of the dingo’s tall running guys down and that he did. Mathew Wood and Mick Molnar stepping it up a notch every Game they play, Woody kicking 2 Goals in just as many seconds whilst Peterson went searching for his straight kicking Boot. Matt Brunsdon and Jay Mears continued to be there in the ready for any Crumbs up forward managing to sneak a couple of favored right foot snaps only this time missing some luck. By now the Dingoes were thinking “Holy Crap” these guys are here to play Footy” The Falcons were up by 10 at the main break.3^rd quarter was the Falcons worst, letting there guard down momentarily, The Dingoes coming on strong kicked 3 majors to our 2 minors. Jonathan Barnett keeping the options open all day in the center bounce at times getting second grabs at the ball and sending it our way up forward. Andy Buchan the New comer to the 1^st continued to hit hard and make play. Troy Patrick, Brett Bowman and Clint Southern rock Solid in defense. At times drilling the Ball forward with ease really shutting down the ever potent Dingoes forward line. Vinnie kept the tradition started by the reserves guys and continued to hit like a Steam Train whilst Brad foat dished out his fair share of hard hits including a Nice Left Foot Snap for Goal keeping the Falcons in reach. 3^RD Quarter time the Falcons were up by 4 points.

The Dingoes once again came out hard kicking the first 2 majors, the pressure was on and things were very tight. A point here a point there. Coming down to the last 5 minutes of the Game where things were getting a little Hot in the Falcons Nest. It was then when Vinnie busted out from the centre bounce , ball in hand with eyes for one thing only, to get that Goal and sure enough with in seconds the Falcons were back in it. Mick Molnar burning tracks in the Grass , Brad Foat still hitting like it was the first 5 minutes of the Game, Peterson Couching from the Goal Square and the Falcons were 5 points down, The Dingoes were running Hard but nothing was getting past the Falcons Brick Wall back line, Cameron Granger who silently run rings in the centre all day capped off his great performance kicking a Goal getting the Falcons in front by 1 point. With 1 minute to go Mick Molnar manages to sneak another minor, The ball was destined for the Dingoes forward line, Peterson left the comfort of his Goal Square, Matt Brunsdon, Woody, Cam Granger, Mick Molnar, Vinnie in Fact all players on the Field in the dying seconds were hot for one thing and that one thing was to keep that Ball. The backline under pressure, but unbreakable held the Dingoes down whilst the Final siren blew.

The Day belonged to the Falcons dishing out one of the toughest, fastest, most skillful Games to date in the AFL Middle East League. We handed the Dingoes there second defeat of there season and kept ourselves alive and in the Hot Seat for the Grand Final. In true Aussie form, the Dingoes accepted the defeat with pride along with some small banter from the Falcons, well deserved I may add, Some Beers were downed and spirits were high but most importantly the Dingoes were left driving back down the highway thinking one thing. “What Happened?” I’ll tell you what happened, our wings grew back!!!!!

Both the Reserves and seniors finished off a Great Day by going back to our New Found Club “3^RD Avenue “at the Sheraton Khalidiya. It was a Great evening with plenty of Good Cheer and Banter.

Falcons 14. 9 .92 d Dingoes 14.7. 90

The pundits were wrong predicting a close encounter between the two Middle East capitals, Doha and Abu Dhabi. The Falcons ran away 56 point winners against the undermanned traveling Kangaroos. The game started at a cracking pace with the Falcons midfield led by Cam Crainger and Mick Molnar taking control and feeding leading forwards Matt Wood and Marc Peterson some easy ball. Peterson completed a fantastic individual performance booting nine majors for the home side with precision kicking that Billy Elliot would be proud of.

The Falcons continued their dominance in the second term restricting the hapless Roo's to just four behinds. The back line were playing tighter than a wound up spring led by Troy Patrick, Brett Bowman and Clint Southern, and the Kangaroos were in 8 goals down - following goals to Uberti, Mears and Molnar-  going into the main break with no interchange bench to make matters worse.

Doha gave themselves a snif during the third term outscoring the Falcons four goals to one despite the efforts from ruck duo Jack Barnett and Troy Patterson. The Falcons managed to keep a cool head and run the game out convincingly and sending a message to the Dubai Dingoes who they play next, in what will most likely decide the final of the competition. The Falcons were let down by the unavailability of certain players, however replacements, Matt Brunsdon and Patterson were more than serviceable. 

Again, the game was played in good spirt, both teams and umpire Rod "Rocket" Gillet enjoyed some beers after the game. This competition seems alive and well with four teams a chance to make the final as we head into the festive season break.

Happy Days

 Abu Dhabi Falcons      6.2   10.3   11.6   18.7   119

 Doha Kangaroos         2.0     2.4      6.6     9.9     63

Goals- Peterson 9, Pirouet 4, Uberti 2, Molnar 2, Mears 1.

Abu Dhabi Falcons 16 8 104 def Dubai Dragons 12 6 78 A bigger than expected crowd was at the American College in Abu Dhabi to see the Falcons defeat the Dubai Dragons. Both teams were desperate for a win after coming off losses in the previous rounds. The Falcons started very well, Matt "young" Wood kicking the first had the home team going into the quarter time break 3 goals up and it looked to be the falcons by how far. A great snap over the shoulder for goal by Jay Mears was certainly something to see and a strong tackle from Vinnie in the first 5 minutes showed the Falcons intentions.

ABU DHABI FALCONS v MUSCAT MAGPIE'S The day started bright and early Friday Morning where 14 of the Falcons Finest turned up at 07:00am to catch the 08:50 flight to Muscat. We arrived in Muscat on Time, Collected our gear and headed off to the Beach Front for a Swim and a bite to eat. It was 10:00am and the Game didn't start until 15:30pm. We had time to kill. Spirits were high with many conversations surrounding  Footy , Footy , and more Footy. Ben Williams was busy taking notes about what to do in Game, Marc peterson telling everybody how he would prefer it if we all called him the "The Demolisher", Woody explaining to everyone how we should be sponsored by "Hero's , James Longmuir holding his hamstring in readiness for the warm up to come, and me, well I just sat there thanking Christ that we finally made it to Muscat with only 1 short of a Full Squad and nothing else to do but play the Game. It was now 2pm, We got back on the Bus after working out our plan of attack ( Jim Hanusek was to Nail anyone who had the Ball within the Goal Arch) and headed off to the Local Rugby Field. Some of the Muscat Boys were already at the Ground Setting up, The lines marked, Sign's up, Goal Posts Padded and the Stands waiting for supporters. There was 1 hour before Game Time, We kitted up, Ben Williams addressed the Team, Marc Peterson already taking practice shots at Goals and one last Team Photo before the First Bounce. James Longmuir failed to complete Pre Game Warm up due to Ham String issues from previous Training Runs.( Hard luck mate, but still managed to make the Trip to support the Team and deliver water when required.) We were down to 13 in the playing Squad. 15:30 pm -  After minutes of discussions, Filling out official players names and numbers paperwork, it was GAME ON!!!. As expected Muscat hit very Hard and Fast in the first five minutes with great success out kicking the falcons 5 goals to 1 point. The Falcons had to suck it up, Re-Group and start scoring, That they did, Marc Peterson finally proved to us that just maybe he can play footy and not just Talk Footy, Clean hands, a semi quick turn and snap for Goal, from then on it appeared to be Goal for Goal both ways, Muscat having a solid Breeze in the first 1/4, Falcons still 5 goals down after the first. Ben soon told us at 1/4 time that we need to push hard, clean hands and go hard at the Ball. The Falcons had the Wind that Muscat used to there advantage so well and the time to get those 5 lost goals back in there favor.  Half Time : As expected the falcons managed to out score the Magpies by 1 goal, our Tall Centre's (Jonathan Barnett and Troy Patterson in Ruck) started getting Fist to Ball. Mick Molnar, Mick Cox and Nathan Pirouet all benefiting from the Rucks efforts. Matthew Wood and Jay Mears covering the Forward Pockets. Jim Hanusek, Cam Granger and James Ryan with support holding a Solid Defense whilst Ben Williams and Clint Southorn covering a field. Marc peterson proving to be dangerous at Full forward taking solid Grabs. The Falcons being 4 goals down still had a lot of work to do in the second half if they were to beat the Magpies on there Home Ground. 3rd Quarter :  After a solid Rev up at Half Time from Ben Williams and a short re-group session the Falcons appeared to find there Wings and Take flight. Out Running, Out Muscling and out scoring to get with in 3 points. The boys seem to make space, Hit the ball running and making sure there tackles stuck. The 3rd term would have been the  Falcons best with a solid Team effort from all. To the Magpies credit and understanding that they were under a lot more pressure managed to steal the final 2 goals of the quarter and stretch the lead back out to 15 points. Final Quarter : The Falcons knew that they needed to hit the ground running with what they had left to have any chance of over running the Home Team. Goals were being scored at both ends of the Ground which didn't do the Score Board any good for the Falcons already being 15 points down with Speed and Accuracy fast disappearing. The Falcons always knew that the first 5 goals in the Match would be a Hard Task to get back and after a Solid Games worth of Footy, A lot of Hard Bumps, Strong Tackles, and Classy Goals this 5 goal lead came back to haunt us, A late flurry of in accurate Kicking by the Falcons and an impressive display of final serge from the Magpies got them back out to a 6 goal lead at the Final siren. Final Score Muscat             17 - 12 - 114 Abu Dhabi          11 - 13 - 79 PLAYERS Jim Hanusek ; USA! Showed Great Strength, Took a few nice marks in defense. Strong all day. Not bad for guy that had never played the Game before. Well done Jim.  Cam Granger ; seemed to be at every position of the field at some time of the Game and using the ball well, Great Goal running from the back line. Mick Cox ; Kept running all day, Plenty of possessions. Well done. Ben Williams ; Always manages to show Great Leadership and Play good quick football at the same time. Great passes into the forward line. Clint Southorn ; Showed Great Skill under pressure, Especially when defense was under the pump. James Ryan ; Rhino! says it all, Eyes for the ball, looks great in Flouro Green gloves. Makes his Tackles Stick. Nathan Pirouet ; Very vocal, second to Marc Demolisher Peterson, However Great on the Ball and shot at Goal. Troy Patterson ; Always there as a Tall Ruck in support, Cleared well out of centre. Helped in defense. Marc Peterson ; Finally got the chance to prove he can actually be very dangerous up forward how ever struggled with accuracy, 5-8. Led out well with sticky hands at times. Jay Mears ; Missing in action, Had a dirty Game. Just happy to get that one out of the way early. Mick Molnar ; Never fails to come up with the ball in a scramble, Very fast on his feet, couple of goals. Best Player for the Falcons on the Day. Jonathan Barnett ; Rock Solid in the Ruck, Could probably get a Job with Etihad handing out Blankets if he fails to play on. Big Effort on the Flight Home. James Longmuir ; Bad Luck mate, Bad Hamstring, Ran the water well. Made the effort. Matthew Wood ; Consistent along the wing, Ran all day , was an option up forward. All in All the day went well, Both the Falcons and Magpies played in Good Spirits and Played Hard. Credit to the Boys in Muscat for getting away with the Win.  Full Credit to the 14 Falcons who Traveled across to represent the Falcons and Abu Dhabi. Well Done Lads. Sponsors, Special thanks to Etihad Holidays for helping arrange Flights to and From Muscat.  The league is officially off and running now and full focus is on Playing our first home Game against the Dubai Dragons on November the 14th.