Etobicoke Kangaroos A.F.C History
2002
August:
While in Australia as coach of the Canadian national team OAFL President Greg Everett suggests to Emile Studham that they should consider starting a new team to play in the OAFL upon Emiles arrival in Canada. The western Toronto suburb of Etobicoke is the area the team will be located. With a population of 500,000 and being close to the OAFL grounds this area is ready for it's own club.
2003
January:
Emile Studham arrives and with Greg Everett and Sherelle Kelly they set about constructing the team to be known as the Etobicoke Kangaroos A.F.C.
April:
The club numbers have grown to 15 players with the addition of friends from Emile's days at the University of Western Ontario. The new club gets approval from the OAFL to be admitted into the competiton. Training gets underway with Emile Studham as head coach and 15 players who know nothing about Australian Football. The Squire and Firkin pub comes on board as the clubs first sponsor.
May:
The pre-season cup takes place and the 'Roo's win 2 out of 3. The addition of Danial Lunn and Ben Eden from Australia help Emile teach the boys about this great game.
August:
The 'Roos win 10 out of 15 during the season and play in the finals in their first year.
September:
The boys win the 1st Semi and Preliminary Final to go into the Grand final in their first season. The Preliminary Final was a classic, down by 4 goals at 3/4 time the new guys in the OAFL find a little extra and come home hard to beat the Lawrence Park Rebels by 1 point.
October:
1st year and their first Grand Final, can the fairy tale continue for this club that has worked on the idea of "Blue Steel" all year. The Saturday is the worst weather of the year, the wind from the North blowing snow, rain, hail and sleet. The club up against the undefeated Toronto Dingos looking to make up for losing the GF the year before. A tough Dingo's outfit not looking to become an OAFL triva question hold off the 'Roos for 3 quarters before kicking 4 goals in the last term to win by 40 points. No doubt this day will be remembered for the worst football weather in OAFL history. Phil Muller wins the club's 1st Best & Fairest. Ben Eden wins the OAFL Best & Fairest. Emile Studham, Ben Eden and Matt Self are selected to the OAFL All Star team.
2004
April:
Paul Morgan takes over as coach and the club starts training for it's 2nd year in the OAFL. After making the Grand Final in it's 1st year the club hopes to go 1 better in 2004. Training numbers are not good so recruiting is a must.
May:
The season is not off to a good start with 0 wins in 5 games and so coach Paul Morgan steps down and heads home to Australia. Mike Howard and Rob Lennox step up to take over the coaching.
September:
The team finishing the season with 3 wins and 8 losses to finish 8th on the ladder. Things must change for 2005. After missing the first 4 games of the season Clayton Holmes storms home to win the club best & fairest for 2004. Morgan Kress is selected to the OAFL All Star Team.
October:
The club recruits Dean Noblett as Head Coach and Darrel Perry as assistant coach and the executive are elected early to move the club forward in prepartion for 2005.
2005
January:
The club hosts it 1st Australia Day party at the Transzac Club with 200 people in attendance.
March:
Training starts at the "Hanger" indoor park with strong numbers and many new recruits.
April:
Advertising for players pays rewards with Rob Guppy, Harley Bateup and Mick Fraser joining the club to strengthen our Australian contingent. We host our 1st Anzac Day party with 180 people atteending and having a great time.
May:
Our 1st pre-season footy trip to Raleigh/Durham to play the North Carolina Tigers is a success with the roos winning by 14 goals.
August:
The club has 5 players Dave Tumber, Clayton Holmes, Adam Paterson, Jason Robinson, Phil Muller and Ben Eden (Team Runner) Greg Everett (Head Coach) of the Canadian National Team in Australia for the 2005 International Cup. All players play a significant part in the event.
September:
The 'Roos finish the regular season in 2nd spot but lose 2 finals to finish the year in 4th. Mick Fraser kicks a club record 66 goals and leads the OAFL goalkicking race. Ben Eden wins the club Best & Fairest. Mick Fraser, Ben Eden, Dave Tumber, Jason Robinson and Coach Dean Noblett are selected to the OAFL All Star team. The Club president Greg Everett goes to Australia to watch his beloved Sydney Swans win the AFL Grand Final and fly's the Etobicokeclub banner from the stands of the hallowed "MCG".
October:
The end of season footy trip is in Momtreal with 14 players in attendance.
