The UTS Bats have long been known to have a strong connection to the Irish community in Sydney, but this weekend the Bats will have a Frenchman line up in the Division 5 Grand Final.
While watching the memorable... AFL Grand Final between Hawthorn and Sydney last year, Remi Alagich decided he had to give this game a try.
Alagich is studying at UTS, completing his Masters of Business in Operations and Supply Chain Management and had grown up playing Rugby Union.
He’d never played a game of AFL before this season.
“I met some guys who said AFL has a really good atmosphere and a good social side to the game,” said Alagich.
“After watching that game, I contacted the university to ask if they have an AFL team. They gave me the contact details of the Bats, so I came along to training and it’s gone from there.”
The 25 year old has lived in Australia for two years and will play his 10th match for the season this weekend in the Division 5 Grand Final as the Bats take on Randwick City.
After playing Rugby Union for 11 years, the Frenchman struggled early to adjust to his new sport, but pays tribute to Division 5 Coach George Harder for helping with the transition.
“George has been really important in developing my skills,” said Alagich.
“He gives you the confidence when you’re a new player and you don’t know the rules. It’s pretty hard when you start but George has been very important in that role.
“The guys are really nice as well and have been great too. That’s what I was looking for, being from France I needed to make some new contacts.”
Alagich has found his place in the Division 5 backline and is now a key member of their defence.
He makes no secret of one of his strengths that he’s brought with him from the 15-a-side game.
“I’ve found my way into defence and I love it. I’m a tackler so I love it.
“It’s taken some time to get to know where you are on the field and knowing where you have to go.
“I’m used to playing Rugby Union where it’s really structured and AFL is very different and it took a lot to get used knowing where I have to go and who I have to pass the ball to.
“But with the help of the guys I’ve worked it out and am now loving it.”
The Bats play Randwick City in the Division 5 Grand Final this Sunday, September 8 at Blacktown International Sports Park at 2.30pm.
Last Modified on 06/09/2013 13:27
