UQ does Europe
Over the weekend there was a real Queensland connection to the second annual AFL Europe Champions League played in Amsterdam. 13 men’s and five women’s teams played for the title of best domestic team on the continent. Three former UQ Red Lions players, Michael Stewart, Neil Cooke and Tom Crameri all laced up the boots for the tournament, but in the end it was Stewart and his Manchester Mosquitos who went the furthest. Judging by the photo of the three, they had a ball.
Special shout out to AFL Europe intern, and ex-Red Lion Ben Durance for the info.
Pioneers
When the Queensland Women’s Academy headed down to Melbourne over the weekend, they got the chance to hear first hand from a pioneer. Sharelle McMahon has done it all on the netball court, but what resonated most with the Queensland group was her insight into her work life balance, especially when the national netball league was in its infancy. With the AFL National Women’s League set to launch next year, the insight was invaluable.
Stars align
Last week, the NEAFL mini draft was completed, which means every Queensland based NEAFL player in now aligned with a QAFL club. If they aren’t selected in the NEAFL and are fit to play, that’s where they will pull on the boots. What that means is training this week will be jam packed, with those players heading off to their QAFL clubs for a run tonight.
For a full club-by-club summary of the mini draft, please click here
Skippers
It’s that time of year again, the skippers are being announced. In the QAFL, Bryce Retzlaff has stepped straight into the lead role at Labrador, taking over from Ryan Davey, Jesse Derrick has retained the captaincy at Palm Beach, as have Kent Abey and Sam Brown at Morningside, who will once again share the duties.
While we are at it, Palm Beach also named their leadership group for 2016. Alongside Derrick this year will be Stephen Thynne, Jake Goody and new boys Daniel Grant and Jarryd Douglas.
Hard slog
Just days after the Queensland State Academy was announced, the boys packed their bags and headed off to camp. Team building yes, a walk in the park it was not. Arriving on Friday night, the squad had two solid days testing and fitness work ahead of them, and even a 5.45am start on the Sunday. There were definitely a few z’s caught on the way home from Tallebudgera.
By Andrew Wiles
Follow @andrewjwiles
