AFL MIDDLE EAST

Middle East AFL new website

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:59:58 +0100

For all the latest news on Football in the Middle East go to http://www.afl-me.com/index.html

With 2 rounds left of the home and away games, last year's premiers Abu Dhabi will need to win their last game by a huge margin and count Doha not dropping a game if they are to feature in this years Grand Final come March 2.

ABU DHABI FALCONS WIN FIRST MIDDLE EAST AFL PREMIERSHIP

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:21:19 +0100

The Abu Dhabi Falcons won their first-ever Middle East AFL premiership by 13 points after a tough encounter with the Doha Kangaroos in an absorbing grand final played at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi on March 25.

The Falcons culminated a fine season by going through unbeaten but by no means had it all their own way over the tenacious Qatar outfit in the decider.

Abu Dhabi’s superior fitness and depth proved too much for the spirited Kangaroos in the final stages after a titanic struggle for supremacy that kept the crowd of over 400 enthralled throughout.

The Kangaroos made a blistering start in the first quarter and shocked the Falcons by booting the first 3 goals of the game – their attack on the ball was ferocious and they placed enormous pressure on the Abu Dhabi ball carriers. The Falcons kicked a couple of late goals in the quarter to be within 7 points at quarter-time.

The second term was goal-for-goal as each team moved the ball swiftly from end-to-end. Abu Dhabi’s highly-rated mid-fielders, Adam Trezsinski and Stuart Brohoaska, got into the game to drive the Falcons into attack where they posted 5 goals to Doha’s four majors to be a point in front at half-time.

It was much tighter in the third term as first one team then the other took control – it was the proverbial arm-wrestle – then in a stunning individual effort Doha’s Ben Simpson took on all-comers to boot a morale-lifting goal that put the Kangaroos in front at lemon-time by 3 points.

Doha kicked the first two goals of the final quarter and looked to have established a winning lead with the brilliant Ben Simpson dominate and his side-kick Joe Barnes taking marks all around the ground. Then, as the Kangaroos began to tire and injuries took their toll the move of Falcons’ skipper Dan Brooke to full-forward paid dividends.

It was a match-winning move; Brooke proved to be a major target up forward and his leading and marking led to 3 individual goals and a hand in one other as the Falcons stormed home to eclipse a gallant and brave opponent in an exciting finale.

The grand final culminated another great season of Australian football in the Middle East. The clash for third place in this year’s competition was won by the Muscat Magpies who beat the Dubai Dingoes by 26 points in an entertaining curtain-raiser.

Prior to the senior grand final Abu Dhabi Auskick held a kids v parents match which was thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.

Australian Ambassador His Excellency Doug Trappett was on hand to present the premiership cup to Abu Dhabi captain-coach Dan Brooke while in a new innovation the medals for each of the premiership players was presented an Auskicker.

Field umpire Steve Prien also received a medal to acknowledge his umpiring of the grand final.

1980 Brownlow medalist Kelvin Templeton presented the medal for best-on-ground to fleet-footed Abu Dhabi mid-fielder Stuart Brohoaski, who was also voted competition best and fairest this season.

The competition’s MVP award (based on the votes of the opposition clubs) went to Muscat stalwart Chris Holmes while the league’s leading goalkicking award went to Jess McGuirk from the Dubai Dingoes.

“It (the grand final) marked the end of another successful season of AFL in the Middle East” said Middle East AFL Operations Manager, Phil Temple, “ The match was a fitting of a grand final and congratulations to both teams on the manner in which they played the game”, he added.

“We are also greatly appreciate the tremendous support of our sponsors. Many thanks to Aussie Property.com, VB, and Rider Levett Bucknall for their continuing support of AFL in the region”, said Temple.

Final scores:

Abu Dhabi 3.3.21 8.8.56 10.12.72 15.14.104

Doha 4.4.28 8.7.55 11.9.75 13.13.91

Goal kickers:

Abu Dhabi: M. Wood 3, D. Brooke 3, S.Brohoaska 3, A. Trezsinski 3, A. Dustings, M. Molnar, M.Day

Doha: B. Simpson 5, B. Humphrey 2, J. Goldsack 2, A. Jay 2, R. Mitchell , D. Tilley

Best players:

Abu Dhabi: A. Trezsinski, J. Parmansche, S.Brohoaska

Doha: B. Simpson, J. Barnes, J. Goldsack

Umpire: S.Prien

Crowd: 400 (estimated)

Played at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi on Friday 25 March 2011

Falcons to play Kangaroos for the 2011 Premiership

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 21:03:24 +0100

The Doha Kangaroos will play the unbeaten Abu Dhabi Falcons in this year’s Middle East AFL Grand Final in Abu Dhabi this Friday (25 March) following their 49 point win over the Dubai Dingoes last Friday in Doha.

This will be the Qatar club’s first ever grand final appearance while the Abu Dhabi team will be contesting its second decider in a row after losing last year to the now defunct Dubai Heat.

The grand final will be played at Zayed Sports City at 3 pm on Friday. The match for 3rd place will be played between the Muscat Magpies and the Dubai Dingoes at 1 pm. An Auskick match will then be played immediately prior to the grand final.

Doha clinched a berth in the grand final with a convincing win over the Dingoes in their deferred match last Friday. The commanding 49 point win enabled Doha to finish second ahead of Muscat on %. The Doha Kangaroos 17.7 - 109 defeated the Dubai Dingoes 9.6 – 60.

Key forward Ryan Mitchell booted 6 goals for Doha with solid goal-sneak Andre Jay kicking 5 and Ben Simpson chipping in with 3 majors. Competition leading goal kicker Jess McGuirk (ex-Sydney University) top scored for the Dingoes with 4 goals.

Doha are expected to give a much greater account of themselves in the grand final than in its round 3 clash in Abu Dhabi when they went down by 43 points to the slick Falcons combination.

“We will no doubt be going into the Grand Final as underdog but we will be taking a stronger team to Abu Dhabi than we did earlier in the season and the boys are growing in confidence with every match” said Kangaroos coach Damon Tilley.

“Abu Dhabi have a fantastic squad and have been great all season but we give ourselves a very realistic chance to upset them”, Tilley added.

While the Kangaroos are likely to be at full strength the Abu Dhabi Falcons will be without top ruckman Mark Deverall due to a serious illness. However, the Falcons will welcome the return from injury of hard-hitting defender Jason Phillips, the inaugural coach of the club.

“We won’t be trying to blanket their star players” said Abu Dhabi coach Dan Brooke, “we will go out and play our own game just like we have all season”.

Doha will look to dynamic follower Ben Simpson (ex Wangaratta Magpies) and rugged Joe Barnes to control the air-waves and create enough opportunities for forwards Ryan Mitchell and Andre Jay to break clear to kick a winning score.

The Falcons’ bid for victory will be led by skipper Dan Brooke in the ruck, mid-fielder Adam Trzesinski (ex South Adelaide SANFL) and the fleet-footed Stuart Brohoaska.

This will be the first-ever Middle East AFL grand final played in Abu Dhabi. “The clubs that have played at Zayed Sports City this season fully endorsed the venue for this year’s grand final”, said League spokesman Steve Watson.

“The ground and facilities, and in particular the playing surface are outstanding, and will ensure the best possible presentation of Australian football in the Middle East on grand final day”, said Watson.

The Falcons Rain Down on Bahrain

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:53:28 +0100

When it rains it pours……goals apparently

One of the great tactical minds of the 20^th Century, Sir Winston Churchhill, once said “Anyone with half a brain starts their puzzles from the sides and works their way in”. I believe it was in reference to the battles won on the cold outskirts of Europe that eventually led to the Allies victory in World War II.

Like those grim winter days in Europe, grey skies and patchy rain met the players on arrival to the Zayed Sports Centre and the thought of a little wet weather football, as well as getting word that Bahrain would have a small and weakened side for the fourth round clash, saw the Falcons anticipating a fun day at the office.

Not long after the commencement of play, anticipation and reality soon mirrored each other. The Blues started well enough showing vigour and a direct style of play however it soon became evident that the Falcons held a distinct advantage in skill, endurance and numbers. One Touch was leading strongly and converting with Woody and Flash providing the support. Jim was immense early doors and led the rebounding from the backline. The authors one kick for the day led to his early exit with a hamstring, however once he found the Gatorade seemed happy enough.

As has become the hallmark of the Falcons season to date, the second quarter saw shock and awe that would put old Dubya to shame. It also spelt the end to competitiveness for the afternoon. The home team put on many, many goals to none with Falcon highlights including:

- Trig putting together ten minutes of absolute world class football here in our very own Middle East – what a treat;

- Supercoach (Blinkers) giving his recently errant dominant side a rest to guide a wobbling drop punt through off his left boot from a 30 degree angle (modesty prevented him from telling anyone it was in fact his left);

- Mick Molnar showing shades of Daicos circa 1990 to dribble one through from deep in the left pocket;

- Stu finding paddocks of space in the right pocket seven or eight times;

- Sammy running through packs possessed and putting himself in great spots to help his fellow forwards and have a couple of shots himself; and

- Scotty slotting truly in his long anticipated and popular return to the team.

(bullet points especially for all those engineers out there)

I’m assuming that the start of the third quarter started much as the second had finished. However, the author can only hazard a guess as he was changing into clothing more appropriate for the weather. The quarter saw Brunsdon and Dev interchanging at full forward to great effect. Tracey and Lips were providing strong support for Will and Jim in the backline and the centre was dominated by Sully, BC, Stu and Trig. While the Blues were still putting in effort and finding the odd linkage in play they didn’t look close to scoring. Gus put his hand up for play of the day with some handy roving on the far side wing which looked likely to end in a goal however the big man forgot that he is a lumbering ruckman for a second and proceeded to take a bounce that never returned cleanly to his hands.

The third quarter ended with the Falcons clearly on top of the game and Supercoach and Watto went all Under 12s and flipped the team board. If you have ever seen seagulls scramble for a single chip you will have an understanding of the movement within the Falcons forward line from the moment the whistle blew to start the last quarter. Old legs appeared new again, selling dummies become the norm and running 50 metres to receive a handball in the goal square was the new black. The Blues legs were well and truly shot and the Falcons appeared to be able to propel the footy forward at will, and at Will, with the backline gentleman showing us he can do it at both ends with two goals. Lips also chipped in and Dev added to his growing telly. Not only was Dev kicking them himself but he also gave away quite a few showing all and sundry that chivalry has not been lost in football.

The traffic was not, however, all in the Falcons direction with the Blues kicking their first goals of the game. Much like three famous trees on a hill in the woods, Supercoach dreamt too big and realised the hard way that it takes poise, control and great judgement to hold down a spot in the backline with a marking contest ending in Bahrain’s full forward kicking truly for their first of the afternoon. Three more Bahrain goals were to follow for the quarter with the Falcons understandably easing up after such a memorable and strong performance.

The siren saw the Falcons claim a big victory scoring 31.14.200 to 4.2.26. Five goals were each kicked by Dev, Stu and One Touch. Woody and Scotty snagged three apiece and Blinkers and Will each scored a brace. Any Falcon player could have collected votes on the day with best afield adjudged Stu, Trig and Dev.

And so the pieces of the 2010/2011 season are coming together for the Abu Dhabi Falcons much like those of a puzzle. The sides have been completed but there is still the difficult centre to finish.

Thanks again to all those that lent their hands on the day including Troy (what did the chairs ever do to you?), Watto, Peto, Rocket, Rocket jnr and Vinnie.

The VB Middle East AFL 2010/11 Ladder

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 18:16:08 +0100

Pos	Team	Match Played	Matches Won	Matches Lost	Matches Drawn	Points For	Points Against	Percentage	Pts
1	Abu Dhabi Falcons	4	4	0	0	535	228	234.6	16
2	Dubai Dingoes	4	2	1	1	355	348	102.0	10
3	Muscat Magpies	3	2	1	0	200	178	112.4	8
4	Doha Kangaroos	3	1	2	0	226	226	100.0	4
5	Dubai Dragons	3	0	2	1	169	239	41.4	2
6	Bahrain Blues	3	0	3	0	144	410	35.1	0

Abu Dhabi Falcons Fly to the Top of the ladder

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 22:02:43 +0100

On Friday October 22, the Abu Dhabi Falcons travelled to Dubai for their first game of the 2010-2011 Middle East AFL season. The game, at the Dubai 7s Complex was hosted by the Dubai Dragons, who the previous year had come within one goal of defeating the Falcons in what was effectively a Qualifying Final for the season as both teams were playing for the right to face The Heat in the GF. With the demise of The Heat, the Premiership has been opened up somewhat. Dubai Dingoes were off to Bahrain to face The Blues and Muscat went to Doha to play the Kangaroos. All teams in the comp were pretty keen to start off the season with a win.

The Dragons vs Dubai game kicked off in hot dry conditions, (surprise). The Falcons ran with the wind which was angling about 45 degrees across the pitch to the Eastern end. The rucks were evenly matched throughout the game with no-one consistently bringing the ball directly to the rovers. However the Falcons, having picked up Adam ‘Trigger” Trzesinski , (quite handy as he shared the 2009-2010 Player of the Season with Abu Dhabi’s Ben Williams, who has moved back to Australia) working in tandem with the ‘Cattle Dog’ Mick Molnar, managed to get the ball forward more effectively to score the first two goals.

The rest of the quarter was very much evenly matched. Neither side was able to get the ball into the scoring zone with fluency and defenses for both sides dominated. The flukey wind made long shots a tricky proposition, especially from the non-scoring side. And that’s where the ball was most of the time. I can’t recall too many throw-ins from the outer during the whole game. The Dragons managed to goal about midway through and that was the end of scoring majors. Quarter time saw the Falcons holding a hard earned one goal lead.

The second quarter was fairly similar. Falcons scored early then followed periods of parity. The Dragons had opportunities to move the ball forward, although often succumbed to perceived pressure as they fumbled when clean hands would have got the ball away. This was really the crucial part of the game. Falcon players were chasing even when it appeared futile, leading to turnovers and if not, at least a ball-up. With the small field and the relatively few numbers, turnovers are a killer. One good kick from defense can quickly result in a shot at goal at the other end. The quarter saw the Falcons kick 5 goals 3 into the wind, while the Dragons kicked 2 goals 1. The score at the break was 7 goals 5 behinds (47) to 3 goals 3 behinds (21).

Coach Brooke (Broke), playing as there was no back up ruckman, despite a thigh injury which prevented him from actually putting on or tying his own boots, called for a consistent display for the remaining quarters. And that’s what he got.

The Falcons managed another 5 goal quarter with the wind to stretch the lead. Abu Dhabi was most able to find the player with time and space to use the ball most effectively. For mine, the highlight of the third quarter, was Plugger holding his throat and calling for assistance with a voice like Darren Lockyer.

In the final quarter, the heat took its toll on everyone’s fitness, which combined with both teams running out of water, led to crucial mistakes as the chase back became beyond difficult. Abu Dhabi kicked 3 goals one from a great contested mark by Plugger controlling the ball with one hand and diving to take it inches off the ground while under a fair bit of “defensive pressure”. Dubai held their own in the final quarter although were not able to kick accurately enough to make an impact on the scoreboard. In the end a 10 goal win did not reflect the closeness of the contest, as much as the ability to get the ball to the most dangerous option at crucial times.

Pleasing for the Falcons was the debut performances of all new to the club. Plugger picked up a lazy 7 goals with more than a few contested marks, but more importantly chasing more than his illustrious namesake ever did. ‘Trigger’ had a big impact on the game early, setting up many a goal with the silky skills you would expect of a Norwood boy. Jay, Gareth and Will shone in defense minimising easy marks and shots at goal, creating a few goals from, dare I say, stalwart efforts. And the well travelled Jimmy Coyne showed his experience, (Irish bloke who played in a USA AFL Grand Final) to contribute well as a midfielder. Mick Day didn’t get many opportunities, but has a good turn of speed to do what is needed at the time. Stu also had a good run as a mid-fielder and occasional defender, also using his speed to find space and be an effective link man particularly in the second half when his fitness levels allowed him to keep going that little bit longer. Despite the loss of quite a few gun players, if anything, the Falcons new blood has added to the balance of the team.

The seasoned campaigners all put their hand up in what was a solid team effort. Big Jim Hanusek sound at fullback. Johnny O’Neill, our Taigh Kennelly in almost all ways, (he’s Irish, can run, can find the ball, although he’s different because he can’t kick straight for all the sand in the Empty Quarter!), had a few shots in the last two quarters to notch up two points and an out of bounds on the full. Back to kicking school for you! Mick Molnar came into his own in the second half, consistently getting to the ball first, and if not preventing the Dragons from moving it on. Mark Deverall and Dan Brooke broke even in the ruck and formed a formidable wall in the middle of the ground. Matt Wood, the only Foundation player, lead out like a demon from CHF and was rewarded with 3 goals. The laconic Matt “One Touch” Brunsdon lived up to his name, casually moving around the mid-field and defense racking up possessions. (He also managed a win in the ‘hit the crossbar’ challenge at training, although there were some uncharacteristic fumbles mixed in as well). As stated, a consistently solid team effort across the board, with no single player really standing out as everyone had a pretty good crack.

Results for the other games, Bahrain Blues went down by 11 points to the Dubai Dingoes. And Oman Magpies beat the Doha Kangaroos by 40 points. Interesting in that all the away teams picked up the points. The next has the Falcons playing host to the Dubai Dingoes on the 12^th of November.

Season 2010/11 Home and Away Draw

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 06:14:04 +0100

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

Abu Dhabi Falcon's Grand Final Reflection

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:49:18 +0100

by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rocket

It was great to have our boys play in the Grand Final. It was exciting to be involved. Everyone in the club was determined to enjoy it – and enjoy it we did. The elephant in the (locker) room was the absence through injuries and unavailability of some of our very best players – but Coach Free was having no excuses – and the players ran out fiercely determined to acquit themselves well. And they did.

Alas they ran into sand storm in the first quarter and the Heat were on fire - kicking with the aid of a strong wind - they kicked 6 goals 4 to our 1.1 to set up a commanding lead. Even with the breeze in the second term we couldn’t make any head-way and were down by 9 goals at half-time.

A good old-fashioned half-time address from Coach Free that focused on playing for your mates and pride in the guernsey produced a second-half come of sorts that saw the Falcons take the game right up to the Heat in the third quarter to almost outscore them against the breeze and then to “win” the last quarter.

All players in the squad had a run and it was great to see Bogan charging through packs like a bolt of supercharged lightning and Drac attacking the ball like an Apache with a boil on his bum while Troy Patterson was slippery than an eel in the shower in the forward pocket.

Players to stand out stood out like daffodils in a manure pit on the day were:

Nathan Pirouet – who won more kicks than a tap dancing centipede and took more marks than a school desk in Harlem – a most deserved winner of the Etihad Airlines award for the Falcons’ man-of-the match

Dan Brooke - whose agility and elusiveness makes Lionel Messi look like knocked-kneed statue stood out like a beacon in attack

Mick Molnar – is that tough he won’t allow a dog a drink from a mirage turned in a performance that would induce the opposition coach to name his first ulcer after him

Brett Bowman – was almost as impenetrable as a 12^th century chastity belt in defence.

Well done to coach Peter Free, his assistant Steve Watson and all the players on making the grand final and for a fine season. Many thanks to club president Jay Mears and the lovely Clare for all their great work behind the scenes that makes the club work with the unerring precision of a Rolls Royce. Also many thanks to our sponsors – Etihad Airways, Emirates Aluminum, DLA Piper, Go-Gulf, Champion Technologies, Insight Engineering, and SNC Lavalin / Worley Parsons Inc. Your support is much appreciated.

It’s been a wonderful season for the Falcons. But as General Custer said at the battle of Little Big Horn, “I think we’ll see a completely different team out there next season”.

Final scores:

Dubai Heat 6.4.40 11.5.71 15.8.98 16.11.107

Abu Dhabi 1.1.7 2.5.17 6.7.43 7.11.53

Goal kickers:

Abu Dhabi: Daniel Brooke 3, Tom Mitchell, John (Pav) Lennon, Mark Deverall, Matthew Wood

Abu Dhabi: N.Pirouet, D. Brooke, M. Molnar

Played at The Sevens, Dubai on Friday 19 March 2010

Heat defeat a gallant Falcons to win minor Premiership

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:27:30 +0100

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.

The Heat got away to a good start with the aid of a very stiff unfriendly breeze, but it was pretty obvious early on that our boys weren’t going to be brushed aside like rag dolls in Heroes on a Thursday night. The desire was there, the tackling fierce, and we were getting more hardball gets than a brass monkey in Siberia. To be only 2 points in arrears at quarter time was as uplifting as an elephant on an ant bed.

The approach to the ball that had defined play in the first quarter was taken to a new level in the second term with the mid-field working with the unerring precision of Mussolini’s train timetable, the defenders sticking closer to their opponents than barnacles on an Ethiopian battleship, and the forwards looser than Shane Warne in a bar full of love-hungry maidens at closing time. The result was a handy 13 point lead at half-time.

The third quarter effort was herculean – to outscore the Heat against the breeze was an unbelievable effort and put us 14 points up at lemon-time – coming home with the breeze. The loss of Marc Petterson in a courageous act in this term was a telling blow, but the effort of young Ash Dusting to be in the right spot and to score a goal with his first kick in senior football was a huge highlight that puts him in the same illustrious company as Ted Whitten, Tony Lockett, and Sammy Lebbal.

When Cam Granger slotted home a sausage roll two minutes into the last quarter it was put down your glasses, but alas as it turned out, we had well and truly spent our petrol tickets. The Heat’s experienced old hands got away from us to snatch victory by just 2 points. No excuses, no pack drill, the other mob were too good for us – just.

Players to stand out stood out like bottle of bryllcreme on Telly Savala’s shopping list were:

Brett Bowman – who took more marks than a second-dart board and handled the ball surer than a horse gelder. His effort on the former Sydney Swans super-star Andrew Schauble was monumental.

Ben Williams - who could hide in the shadow of a toothpick, darted around like a hyperactive ant with boils to win a truck load of possessions

Nathan Pirouet – who attacked the ball with the recklessness of a death row victim with ulcers and had more forward thrusts than Paris Hilton’s diaphragm

Daniel Brooke - who with more tape than a mummy slotted through 5 sausage rolls, 3 which were absolutely Diacos magic

Match details:

Scores

Falcons 3.1.19 6.6.42 9.9.63 10.9.69

Heat 3.3.21 4.5.29 7.7.49 10.11.71

Falcons Goalkickers:

DanIel Brooke 5, Nathan Pirouet 2, Cameron Granger, Marc Petterson, Ashley Dusting

Falcons Best: Brett Bowman, Ben Williams, Nathan Pirouet, Daniel Brooke

by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rocket

Clash of the Titans, Falcons V Heat

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:44:21 +0100

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.

Falcons Fly over Dragons in a Thriller

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:27:04 +0100

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.

The final score was the Falcons 15.6.96 defeated the Dubai Dragons 14.6.90.

The Dragons took hold of the first quarter breeze and eased away from the Falcons to post a 17 point lead by quarter time through some swift movement through the middle to a leading Fife and an ever present Bester who seemed to have the better of the Falcons nuggetty onballers.

Not to be outclassed the 2nd quarter saw Captain Williams and The Foatmiester get hold of the ball driving foward with absolute precision to a leading Peterson found his radar and slotted through 6 unanswered gaols before a late rally by the Dragons scoring 3 goals going into half time.

With the scores all tied up at half time and adrenalin running high the 3rd quarter was set up to be something special.

Aside from a couple of dubios decisions by the central umpires that had all a tad baffled the Dragons through the silky skills of Bester, Fife and Danielson and some heavy work by Gribble, the boys from Dubai went into 3 quarter time 4 goals up.

The last quarter effort by the Falcons was simply stunning – overcoming a 4 goal deficit by running like rhinos with hemorrhoids to post six goal straights while the defence was that tight it did not allow an emission of wind to pass.

Picking the best players was about as difficult as taking meat from a starving Bengal tiger; obviously space prevents mentioning everyone, but among those who stood-out like roses in a manure pit were:

Spearhead Marc Peterson was inspirational with nine goals – he got more marks than the Pope in a catechism test and kicked like a mule.

Skipper Ben Williams threw his body in with all the desperation of a deserted island shipwrecked victim confronted with the Penthouse Pet of the Year in all her photographic glory.

First gamer Tom Mitchell burst through packs like a bull through cob webs to boot two Daicos-like match-turning goals in the final quarter.

While mid-fielder Brad Float works with all the precision of a Mickey Mouse watch to constantly send the ball into attack (his company’s fine product is thoroughly enjoyed by all in the club!)

Match details:

Falcons	1.3.9	7.5.47	9.6.60	15.6.96
Dragons	4.2.26	7.5.47	13.6.84	14.6.90
Goal Kickers : Falcons
Marc Peterson 9, Tom Mitchell 3, Ben Williams 1, Matt Wood 1, Mark Deverall 1
Dragons
Bester 7, Fife 3, Nancarrow 1, Munro 1, Unknown 2
Best Players Falcons
Ben Williams, Marc Peterson, Brad Foat, Tom Mitchell
Dragons
Bester, Fife, Danielson

– by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rocket and match day commentators

Abu Dhabi Falcons defeat Dubai Dragons

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:27:22 +0100

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

The Middle East AFL Ladder

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:34:16 +0100

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

Pos	Team	Match Played	Matches Won	Matches Lost	Matches Drawn	Points For	Points Against	PA/Percentage	Pts
1	Dubai Heat	5	5	0	0	532	108	492.59	20
2	Abu Dhabi Falcons	5	5	0	0	488	289	168.86	20
3	Dubai Dragons	5	3	2	0	310	279	120.22	12
4	Bahrain Blues	4	1	3	0	234	302	77.48	4
5	Doha Kangaroos	4	1	3	0	151	324	46.60	4
6	Dubai Dingoes	4	1	3	0	166	356	46.63	4
7	Muscat Magpies	5	0	5	0	170	393	43.26	0

Abu Dhabi Falcons defeat the Doha Kangaroos

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:24:15 +0100

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

Round 3 Win to the Falcons

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:17:50 +0100

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

Updated Fixtures for 09/10 Season

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:21:35 +0100

Round 1 - 9th October

Dubai Heat v Doha Kangaroos

Abu Dhabi Falcons v Dubai Dingoes

Dubai Dragons v Bahrain Blues

Muscat Magpies - Bye

Round 2 - 30th October

Dubai Dingoes v Dubai Heat

Doha Kangaroos v Dubai Dragons

Bahrain Blues v Muscat Magpies

Abu Dhabi Falcons - Bye

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

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 – Split Round 5th February 12th February

Abu Dhabi Falcons v Dubai Dragons

Doha Kangaroos v Bahrain Blues

Dubai Heat - Bye

Dubai Dingoes v Muscat Magpies

Round 7 – Split Round 26th February

Muscat Magpies v Doha Kangaroos

Dubai Heat v Abu Dhabi Falcons

Bahrain Blues – Bye

5 March Dubai Dragons v Dubai Dingoes

Please note:

Team stated first is the home team.

Grand Final Day - 19th March

AFL Middle East VB Premiership Season 2009/10

Results Round 2, 09/10 Season

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:32:50 +0100

Team	Opponent	Date	Time	Venue	Result	Match Report
Bahrain Blues	Muscat Magpies	29th October	7.30pm	Bahrain Rugby Club	Bahrain 12.14.86 Defeated Muscat 11.9.75
Dubai Dingoes	Dubai Heat	30th October	5.45pm	The Sevens	Dingoes 6.6.42 Lost to Heat 21.13.139
Doha Kangaroos	Dubai Dragons	30th October	2pm	Doha Rugby Club	Doha 6.11.47 lost to Dragons 16.13.109
Abu Dhabi Falcons	Bye

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

Round 1, whilst the Roos were looking to make amends after a thorough beating at the hands of the

Dubai Heat. The game represented a first for the Middle East League in that it saw the first ever game

played by a girl, in the Doha Roos Lisa Castle.

The Dragons started strongly registering the first couple of goals through some effective rebounding from

their backline and their forwards capitalising on a distinct height advantage up front. Doha eventually

settled and two late goals sent the teams in almost level at quarter time. The trend continued in the 2

nd

quarter as the Dragons again started strongly and were able to finish off their forward entries more

effectively than Doha who were somewhat wasteful in front of goal, meaning the Dragons went into the

long break with a handy 3 goal lead.

The third quarter was a see sawing affair with both teams providing a strong attack on the footy, however

it was the Dragons who were able to benefit on some costly Doha turnovers that saw a couple of quick

late goals take them into 3 quarter time with a 5 goal lead. The last quarter saw a tiring Doha team

eventually succumb to the superior ball movement and finishing in front of goals from the Dragons that

saw them run out winners by 109 points to 42 in an entertaining encounter witnessed by a large crowd at the Doha Rugby Club.

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

Ladder after Round 2

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:07:40 +0100

AFL Ladder Round 2
Position	Club	Matches Played	Matches Won	Matches Lost	Matches Drawn	Points For	Points Against	PA Percentage	Points
1	Dubai Heat	2	2	0	0	276	59	467.8	8
2	Dubai Dragons	2	2	0	0	200	108	185.19	8
3	Abu Dhabi Falcons	1	1	0	0	130	46	282.61	4
4	Bahrain Blues	2	1	1	0	147	166	88.55	4
5	Muscat Magpies	1	0	1	0	75	86	87.21	0
6	Dubai Dingoes	2	0	2	0	88	269	32.71	0
7	Doha Kangaroos	2	0	2	0	64	246	26.02	0

AFL Middle East Ladder 2009/10

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:10:14 +0100

2009/10 LADDER

Pos	Team	Match Played	Matches Won	Matches Lost	Matches Drawn	Points For	Points Against	PA/Percentage	Pts
1	Dubai Heat	1	1	0	0	137	17	805.88	4
2	Abu Dhabi Falcons	1	1	0	0	130	46	282.61	4
3	Dubai Dragons	1	1	0	0	91	61	149.18	4
4	Bahrain Blues	1	0	1	0	61	91	67.03	0
5	Dubai Dingoes	1	0	1	0	46	130	35.38	0
6	Doha Kangaroos	1	0	1	0	17	137	12.41	0
7	Muscat Magpies	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Abu Dhabi Falcons 2009/10 Preview

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:09:20 +0100

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