Author: David Marsh
Round 13 of the Sydney AFL competition was commemorated as Call to Arms Round and the Mac Uni Warriors were amongst a number of Sydney AFL teams to jump on board and support the Cancer Council's major fundraiser. All senior teams wore yellow arm bands in this weekend's fixtures to support to men who have survived cancer, those currently facing the cancer fight, and to remember men who have lost their lives.
For Macquarie University, this was particularly relevant after the passing of life member Will "Buckets" Ley, earlier this season. During his seven years with the MUAFC from 1997 to 2004, Will played 132 club-games - 93 of those in first grade. Off the field Will’s commitment to the club was equally as strong. During his years of service Will filled a number of club and administrative roles including; Coach, Committee Member, Club Secretary and was also as a member of the Macquarie University Sports Association.
The weekend started well for the Warriors with the Division 5 side coordinating a huge second half comeback to steam roll the Saints out at Pioneer Park. Down five goals at half time, the Warriors piled on seven third-quarter goals, thanks to a breakout performance from rugby league convert Mark Strong who was thrown into the midfield. Strong’s attack on the ball helped the Warriors overrun the second-placed Saints 12.21.93 to 10.6.66. Coach Tim Wolnizer praised his team’s performance, describing the win as “a display of courage and belief in each other to fight ‘till the end”.
Unfortunately, the results in other grades didn't quite go to plan on the weekend with Divisions 1 & 3 both being outclassed on the day by UNSW/ES and the Women's team going down to a well-drilled Western Wolves outfit.
In Division One, the Warriors lead by a point at half time but were overrun in the second half as the Bulldogs kicked away to a five-goal win. Ashwin Govender kicked three goals, while captain Brett Harland and young backman, James Brackin, were amongst the best for Macquarie in the 15.5.95 to 10.7.67 loss.
The Macquarie Uni Reserves fought hard in their clash with UNSW in Division Three. Lindsay Bassani kicked five goals for the Warriors, but it was not enough to stop the Bulldogs as they ran out comfortable 53-point victors.
This week, Division 1 take on rivals Pennant Hills in a twilight fixture at University Oval on Saturday 9th July at 4.30pm. Division 3 is at home to Saints a.f.c, Division 4 host Nor-West and Division 5 are also at home to Camden.
Macquarie University has seven teams in the Sydney AFL competition, including four senior men’s teams, two U18’s sides and a Women’s team. Training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at University Oval, North Ryde and new players are always welcomed.
For more information, visit www.muafc.com.au or find us on Facebook.
Last Modified on 12/09/2011 11:45