Five teams begin new seasonAFTER an extensive build-up, the Groote Eylandt Football League with five new teams and a pre-season cup is now underway, with Round 1 being played on Sunday (July 5).
Building on the success of the project launch in April, five teams from the communities on Groote Eylandt have been formed -- Umbakumba Lions, Umbakumba Roos, Angurugu Tigers, Angurugu Crocs and Alyangula Swans, with all teams having coaching staff.
"AFLNT game development staff from Darwin will visit Groote Eylandt to run accredited coaching and umpiring courses," regional development manager for Groote Eylandt, Robert Clements, said.
The teams have already participated in an AFL 'NAB Cup-style' pre-season competition, with the Angurugu Tigers defeating the Alyangula Swans 10.11 (71) to 9.11 (65).
The re-introduction of Aussie rules has brought a wave of excitement back into the three main communities on Groote Eylandt. The raw talent which has been laying dormant for the past eight years has re-emerged with such vigour and excitement.
"The teams have been training together for sometime now and after the pre-season cup, and you can see the progression of their skills and development," Clements said.
Members of the communities who would not participate in much sport are now taking to the football field.
"Key community members along with respected elders are commenting on the positive effects which are happening through the regular participation in football on Groote Eylandt," Clements said.
Round 1 of the 10-round season began on Sunday at Angurugu, which saw the Lions and Crocs play the first game and the Tigers and Roos the second. The Swans had the bye for round one.
Lions take points in season-openerROUND one of the newly formed Groote Eylandt Football League saw Angurugu hosting the opening round of the 2009 season in front of an excited crowd of close to 300 spectators. Games kicked off at 2pm with the Umbakumba Lions going head-to-head with the Angurugu Crocs in what turned out to be a nail-biting game of football.
The first quarter saw the Crocs convert four goals to the Lions' two with Robbie Murrungun, who returned last week from the mainland, valuable for Angurugu, kicking three of his side's four goals for the term.
Coming into the second quarter, Umbakumba lifted a gear after a stern talk from local coach, Basil Mamarika. More support for team-mates was evident while their use of the football being much better. The Lions took full advantage of the prevailing south-easterly breeze to kick long into the forward line. Coming into half-time, Umbakumba converted four straight goals to put them in front by five points.
The Lions continued to outscore the Crocs in the third quarter, kicking four goals to Angurugu’s two. Coming into the final quarter, the Crocs made a late comeback with Frankie Mirniyowan kicking two goals to put his team within 10 points at the 10-minute mark of the term. But his solid efforts was not enough with Umbakumba holding on to win by 11 points, 12.12 (84) to 12. 3 (75).
Roos defeat TigersUMBAKUMBA Roos and reigning pre-season cup premiers, Angurugu Tigers, battled it out in the second match of Round 1.
Coming in as favourites, the Tigers were caught sleeping at the opening bounce while the Roos kicked the first two goals of the game, showing the young Tigers that they had the depth of players to mean business. When the Tigers finally woke up, they managed to kick six goals through the silky skills of Nevil Nunggumajbarr, who was converting them from all angles.
But the Roos came out in the second quarter showing real determination, kicking three goals to two and making the statement that they will be a tough side to beat. Trailing at half-time, the determination looked as if it may pay off with only nine points between them at three-quarter time. The last quarter, however, saw the Tigers come out exceptionally strong. They didn't allow the Roos any room to score and converted every time they had the ball inside their forward 50. The Tigers ran away with it, kicking 7.1 in the last quarter to win by 52 points, 17.3 (105) to 8.5 (53).
Round 2 will be played in Alyangula on Saturday, July 11: Umbakumba Roos v Angurugu Crocs at 5pm, and Alyangula Swans v Angurugu Tigers at 7pm.
AFL NORTHERN TERRITORY
AFLNT.com.au
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Last Modified on 07/07/2009 22:21