July 10th 2010
Today we all got ready to play our game against New South Wales. It was a good morning and we left early and watched a bit of the South Pacific vs Northern Territory game. They were going strong and were keeping up. They pushed hard and we were supporting them.
Then at half time in their game we went and started to get ready for the game. We were getting pumped up slowly and then had a very inspiring talk from our coach. Then we all went out on the field. Well played game, but we lost again similarly to the score against Tasmania. Another well fought game, physically of course. Our last game ever together, so we gave it our all, just leaving ourselves with no petrol in the tank. Then after the game we headed back to our residence and had dinner, then we had presentations.
One of the awards being given was the Coach’s award, was given to Jono. We are all proud of his hard work and of the whole teams effort in playing together. An amazing two weeks together.
Met some amazing people and thank all the working staff and volunteers that helped this come together. A great opportunity for the whole lot of us and we are thankful. These two weeks were just amazing and everyone enjoyed it. Thanks a lot AFL.
July 11th,
Most players have started to depart to their various cities or outbound home to their own counteries. We packed up our gear and waited for the taxi to arrive to take us to our hotel near the airport so we could fly out on Monday. Team runner Greg Everett had arranged for us to get tickets to the Sydney vs North Melbourne game, so after checking in and dumping our bags we caught a taxi to the SCG. Once we had our tickets we headed off with Greg to sit in a Sydney Swans corperate box. In the box was Jono, Riyad, Greg and some other Sydney fans. Clayton and Andrew were sitting with thier junior coach Mike Mcfarlane who had flown out from Vancouver to watch them play for the week.
We took particular notice of the game that Canadian Mike Pyke of the Sydney Swans played as he has made the transition from international rugby for Canada to Australian Football at the highest level in both sports. His form has been good the last 2 months and is tipped to win his clubs most improved award.
After the game we headed back to the hotel were Sydney Swans "Team of the Century" player Tony Morwood stopped by to catch up with Greg and Mike. So far on this trip we have meet so my current and former stars of the game. We enjoyed great meal and headed out to enjoy our last night in Sydney.
For me (Riyad) on Monday its off to Melbourne to catch up with the Harbour family for a week then home to Toronto. Jono Elliott heads to New Zealand for a week before heading back to Canada and stopping in Vancouver for a few weeks. Clayton and Andrew spend a few more days in Sydney before heading home to Vancouver. I will see Clayton again on July 31st when he and i hope to play for the Canadian under 23's team against the USA during the 49th Parallel Cup.
It has been an amazing trip and for those players that are now 17 years of age or younger train hard and get selected for next years World XVIII, you will enjoy it.
Last Modified on 05/01/2011 08:10