Finals footy at Moose’s

Corina is showing games live and various replays as per the schedule below.

Should be a few there and a great chance to catch up with the lads for a few beers.

Friday Night

Geelong vs St Kilda  replay 7pm

Freo vs Hawks Live 10.20pm

Saturday they open at 5pm

Collingwood vs Bulldogs replay 6pm

Swans vs Carlton live 9.10pm

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Vancouver-BC/Mooses-Down-Under/145961628756802?ref=ts

For details..

Support Matt “Belly” Bell – Marathon for Lymphoma

Note from Belly:

Hi guys,

Check out

http://www.everydayhero.com.au/matt_bell_9

Here you can read a bit about my Dads story and mine .  There is also a link to fundraising page for my marathon.

I would love to raise 5 Grand and as you can read about it’s one of those diseases that anyone of us can get.  There is no known cause, just bad luck.

I did a 25 km run yesterday and I was hurting!!  So not sure how I’m going to do the full 42km but I’ll have a crack!

Thanks for your support.

Go the Baygles!
Cheers, Belly.

Bayhawks players play in Under 16 NAB Cup in Australia – UPDATE

Andrew Roosdahl and Clayton Lund, both players of the current Delta Bayhawks team are currently in Australia for a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent the International football team in the NAB under 16 cup, playing against various states from Australia.  The teams they will be playing against are Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, Northern Territory and pacific Islands.  Coaching the team, and taking them through an intensive training course is Michael O’Laughlin and Chris Johnston, both former AFL stars. 

Upon Arrival the Canadian players were given the opportunity to travel to Sydney to see a game there, and meet the coach, Paul Roos, and the only Canadian player in the AFL at present, Mike Pike.  They also had the chance to take in games in Melbourne during their 2 weeks there.

The team was introduced to open the doors to potential players hoping to enter the AFL from outside of Australia. 

Clay and Andrew answered some questions regarding their growth to making the International team:

Describe yourself briefly (age, current work/ schooling, family, place born and live, ambitions etc.)

Clay:  I’m 18 years old, I’ve just finished my first year of engineering at UBC, and I live at home with my younger brother and parents, although I will be living in residence next year. I was born and raised in the lower mainland of beautiful BC and my ambitions right now are to graduate from university as a mechanical engineer and to play on the 2011 Northwind team in the international cup.

Andrew: My name is Andrew Roosdahl. I’m sixteen years old and I’m from North Delta, Vancouver, BC Canada. I am just finishing the eleventh grade and I’m a cashier for Safeway. I started playing footy when I was 11 years old so I’ve been playing for 5 years (3 of those years I’ve played for Team Canada Wolfpack Juniors and I am going to Australia in August 2012 for an international cup). I would like to eventually play for the Team Canada Northwind and maybe play some footy in Australia as well.

Tell us about how you got involved in football? Describe the North Delta Junior program that you started in.

Clay: I got involved in footy thanks to Mike McFarlane, the father of one of my friends and classmates in elementary school. He came in to teach the sport to our PE class and there was enough interest for it to evolve into a league. Initially we had only two teams, but the program has been expanding rapidly ever since.

Andrew: My coach Mike McFarlane is the person who got me into AFL. He had clinics that he did at the local schools in order to get kids interested and I got hooked on the sport and I’ve played ever since. The program that I started in and am still playing in to this day is an intramural league made up of 3 divisions; U13, U16 and U18. We practice on Wednesdays and play our games on Saturdays. I also umpire this league for the U13 and U16 divisions as a volunteer.

What aspect of football has drawn you to continue playing?

Clay:  What I love about football is that it combines all of my favourite elements from other sports. Footy involves precision and accuracy in aspects like kicking, as well as physical contact, jumping, running, strategy and team work. I also appreciate that it is the only sport that offers me amazing opportunities such as the world XVIII team and the possibility of representing my country in international competition.

Andrew: Footy is a very unique sport with its technical skills and rules and its unique way of training. The uniqueness is pretty much what keeps me hooked on the sport. It’s not one of those popular sports where everyone plays, it’s a sport that makes people interested to watch. It’s also a great sport to just kick around a field or beach.

What aspect of football did you find most difficult when you started playing?  How did you overcome these obstacles?

Clay:  When I started playing footy the hardest aspect was the unique skill set needed to play the sport. The kicking style, and in particular hand passing and bouncing were skills unlike any I could really take from other sports, but with practice and repetition it didn’t take too long to pick up.

Andrew: The most difficult skill that I found trouble with was bouncing. I practiced every skill every day but still couldn’t do it right. My skills coach Jason Stratford eventually taught me how to do it properly.

Who are the people that you feel have influenced you the most when playing football?

Clay:  I would have to say that my two biggest football influences would be Mike McFarlane and Jason Stratford because they were the ones who introduced me to the sport and really sparked my interest in the game. Stu Grills and Scotty Sheen were also big influences because they helped me transition out of the junior league and build my game into what it is now.

Andrew: People that have influenced me playing the sport have been my coach Mike McFarlane and Scott Fleming from the West Coast Saints. Scott started in Mike’s intramural league and eventually made it up to the Team Canada Northwind which he currently plays for and also almost made it onto the Sydney Swans draft team. He has been a great influence to me.

Describe the process undertaken to play in the international team?

Clay:  The application process for the international team was very intensive and under fairly short notice we did our best to prepare for it. Our fitness was tested with a timed 3 km run and 20 m sprint, as well as a beep test and an agility test. We also had all of our body measurements taken and were tested for flexibility and our standing and running jump. They also filmed our skills in a few drills and a during kicking accuracy test to add to our application. Once everything was submitted it just came down to waiting nervously for the AFL’s selection.

Andrew:
It was actually quite a random process. At first it was a “Let’s try this out and see if I make it” to a “Oh look I actually made the team!” It was an amazing feeling seeing the email a couple weeks ago saying I had made the team along with Clayton Lund my teammate from the Bayhawks and Wolfpack 2008. The tryout was a combination of agility, cardio and skills tests in order to test us and see who was the most fit for the team. Now me along with the rest of the World XVIII team are in the middle of a training program sent out from the fitness coach for the team in Australia. Clay and I are scheduled to leave for Melbourne, Australia on June 23rd, 2010.

What is it you are most looking forward to about participating in the international team?

Clay:  The aspects that I look forward to most in participating in the international team are being able to play some good competitive footy with people my own age, as well as meeting new people with the same passion for the sport that I have.

Andrew: I’m excited about a lot of things on this experience. For one, I get to meet people my age from around the world! I get to hear many accents and languages and different builds of people. I get to go see Sydney, Australia which I have not seen before (I have been to Melbourne in 2008). I’m also excited for after when I get to stay in Central Sydney with my Mom, my brother and Clay. It’s going to be an amazing experience and I’ll have many great pictures, videos and memories to show/tell my friends and family when I get back.

How do you feel the Delta Bayhawks will finish the season now that we are halfway through the season?

Clay:  I think the Bayhawks are just hitting their stride and after a few more wins in the second half of the season we will be in shape to take on any side and give it a good run in the finals.

Andrew: Well to be honest I don’t exactly know how well we are doing right now in our league but I’m hoping that by the time I come home we’ll have won the cup or going for the win.

Diary
June 27th 2010
First morning at the university, we’ve officially met the whole team and we’ve also had our first training session as a team. Apparently it was a ‘light’ training session, which in other words to Aussies would be a normal Canadian training session. After training we had to do a 3.2km (2mile) time trial which was a bundle of fun. After a dinner of spaghetti and meat sauce we went to the common room of the college and did a team bonding session with a team bonding leader named Alea. It’s officially the beginning of the World XVIII coming together as one team.

June 28th 2010
Today we had a 7:00 o’clock wake-up, breakfast was at 7:30, good old cereal and toasts with some hard boiled eggs. At nine we had a team meeting, coach Michael O’Loughlin took us through our team rules; beat your opponent, use the ball, play for the team, and most importantly, Compete. Training started after the meeting, we played on the artificial hockey fields because the footy field was recovering from the rain. Coach took us through some drills, basic lanework, mad ball, a drill where you are covering a man and trying to prevent him from getting the ball while they are running around to different stations trying to get the ball, it was tiring. Greg Everett, our team runner, took us to the pool for a recovery session, it was more than helpful. We ate lunch and then went to the National Sports Museum, which was in the MCG stadium. There was an interactive part to the museum, and for sure the best part, where there was a place to simulate goal kicking, hand-balling, and other random sports. We then got an inside tour of MCG, we saw the changing rooms, the box seats, the newspaper and radio rooms. After that, was dinner and then a small team meeting and then sleep.

June 29th 2010
Today we had our first practice match against South Pacific. Not many people were very optimistic about how the game would go, but when it was underway we realized we could compete. We were competing and fighting for the ball and it was just a real team effort. Our team wanted to give em a run for their money. We lost only by a couple goals, but if the team just comes together some more we can tune our skills and actually have a good crack at beating the boys.
Afterwards we went and had dinner, and met Shae McNamara of the Collingwood F.C, who is an American who chased his dream and sent the club a video of himself doing skill work. His playing with the VFL side at the moment. He told us his story of how he came about into footy, and now he’s playing some good footy. He had a choice between a basketball career, and a footy one, and he chose the footy. He’s been watching games all the time and just trying to do what the big players are doing and such. Pretty inspiring story alright since he’d never touched a footy till seven months ago.

June 30th 2010
Today, as per usual, we went to breakfast at 7:30am however, it was with an ominous feeling, as fitness testing was right after breakfast. Approximately 45 minutes after breakfast all four Canadian boys left for the fitness center with Yuta who works for the AFL and is one of the assistant team mangers. As both the World and Pacific team were doing fitness testing the bus was full so having Yuta mean’t we didn’t have to catch a taxi. Once there we got dressed in our training gear, supposedly in our World Team training shirts but only half the team had them. The tests consisted of a 20 meter sprint, which Riyad had the best time of 3.04, an agility test, which Riyad won again, with 8.28. There was also a vertical jump, that measured how high one can jump (not the actual top height) and then a running jump, which measured straight height. There was also professional weight and height measurements, the max height was 200cm, and a whole new measurement had to be set up for our ruckman. We also had to do the beep test, Coach Michael O’Loughlin and Greg Everett ran with us they both got an 11 which is pretty good considering the aren’t in prime shape. Our lone Irishman had the best time with 14.13 (peak AFL players get 15).
We had a warm down in the pool and then we returned to the College for lunch. After lunch we went for two hours to a large local mall to do some shopping. Clayton was the only Canadian who bought anything which was a footy. Riyad and Clayton won small prizes from the arcade. At the end of our shopping one of our Argentinean players juggled a soccer ball majestically, to our general enjoyment and awe. On the way back Riyad and Jono sat next to our charming, intelligent, athletic little australian rover, who told us they celebrate Christmas on the beach. We ended the day by watching the movie Invictus.

July 1st 2010
After breakfast this morning we went out to the campus ground for a warm up and short training before our second practice match against the South Pacific side. We went down by a few goals early in the match due to some miscommunication and lacking man to man coverage, but play was more even in the second half and we even managed to score the last goal. Even though the score board was quite one sided, there were many improvements and positives to take from the game and we are all confident that we can compete when it comes to the important matches in Sydney.

We had a cool down walk around princess park with a stop off at Carlton’s training ground to check out the gift shop and grab some food. We then had free time followed by an early dinner before we jumped in the bus headed to Etihad stadium for the Carlton vs.Brisbane game. Representing our colors for Canada day (Andrew was even wearing a flag as a cape) we watched the game from the 2nd tier with a great view of the whole field. In the end it was a solid blow-out for Carlton but everyone enjoyed the footy and the atmosphere of the crowd. When we got back to the university it was time to pack up and get to sleep before our trip to Sydney tomorrow.

July 2nd 2010
So an early wakeup this morning, precisely 5am to be exact where we got downstairs for 5.30am to get on the bus to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. We got a nice little packed breakfast which included a muffin, a power bar, some fruit and a bottle of orange juice. The drive to Sydney took 10 hours for the first bus, but the second bus took about 11 hours due to an unfortunate, but eventful detour route. First of all we stopped around 10am just outside of Melbourne in order to stop for a breather where there fortunately was Free Wi-Fi at McDonalds to check our e-mails and facebooks. Second stop was around 1230pm for lunch where we all got either KFC, Subway or something at the local burger shop (All the Canadians but Jono got KFC). Third stop was at a gas station about 3 hours away from Sydney in order to just get gas for the bus and have another stretch for the last few hours of driving.

While the first bus arrived at St. Ignatius’s College right on schedule at 5.15pm, the second and smaller bus did a slightly longer, unexpected detour route. First of all we were supposed to take an exit called Pacific Hwy, but instead we took an exit about 15km down the road which took us to downtown Sydney instead of the outside of Sydney where we needed to go. So after we figured that out, thanks to Kevin our trusty assistant from the AFL, we got back on track, or so we thought. We eventually started searching through the right neighborhood but missed the entrance by about 3 blocks and ended up down by the river. Our bus had a trailer on the back and the parking lot is about only 3 times the size of the bus. So in other words we had to get the whole team out of the bus, take off the trailer, hold the trailer up and wait until the bus driver to turn the bus around slowly but surely and hook it back on and go to dinner. Eventually at about 7pm we did get there and we went into dinner where we had steak, potatoes, salad and cake for desert. After that we got our rooms and we put all our luggage in the rooms and came back down to the common room to watch the Hawthorn vs. Western AFL game on the big screen. Fortunately Hawthorn won and now we’re going to have our first sleep in St. Ignatius College. Part 2 of 2 of the the journey begins, The Tournament.

July 3rd 2010
So today, everyone woke up as cold as ice. There is no heating at all in this place we are staying at. We all went to sleep in our skins and extra layers with 3 or 4 blankets. So then we all headed up to breakfast where we quickly ate and then got ready for some training.
Training was focusing on main areas needed to improve in. We covered handballing, but when we had numbers to the ball so we could dispose of it. Then we covered shepherding after handballs and just protecting your teammate. As well with when getting tackled getting your arms out so you can handball if the option comes. We also covered what our plan was to do from our kickouts. Just a simple walkthrough to get it covered so everyone understood where they needed to be.
Afterwards we headed down to the Blacktown to watch the Division 1 games of the U16’s. The teams were really strong and our team really enjoys watching the footy.
We headed then to a superstore to get heaters for our rooms! We really needed them and they were only $10! They sure as hell saved us. We headed back and prepared slowly to get ready for our first big game. Hopefully all goes well and our team pulls through.

July 4th 2010
Up and ready to go early this morning for our first big match vs. the South Pacific at the Blacktown Olympic park oval. We got to the field and prepared ourselves before an inspiring pep talk by Mickey O’Laughlin and Johno (Chris Johnson). We came out hard and took the first goal early but after that we had trouble converting leaving us with a score of 1.0.6 for the world team and 1.5.11 for the South Pacific.
In the second quarter we stood our ground with more possessions than the south pacific but unfortunately we still had issues getting the ball through the goals when we had it in their 50. Half time score left the world team trailing by six points, 24 – 18. The third quarter was by far our best even though we fell back by another goal. We dominated possessions and controlled the game taking away the vast majority of the pacific’s opportunities at goal with our stellar defense. Down by two goals going into the last quarter we lost control of the game and let in a few quick goals. It was a disappointing loss in the end, with a final score of 54 to 21, but we were all proud of our effort none the less.
After our cool down we stuck around the pitch to scope out our next opponent, Tasmania as they played Northern Territory and we were all very impressed. Once back at the college and all fed we sat down in the common room to review the tape of the game and discuss our strengths and weaknesses before bed. Watching ourselves on the screen is very helpful for analyzing how we play, very effective for seeing what we can do better next time.

July 5th 2010
Today we were at breakfast by 7.30am, eating a variety of delicious morsels; cornflakes, raisin bran toast and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. After breakfast we went for a walk down to the harbour, as they call it, but it seemed like it was just a river, and we had a stretch to help heal our overworked muscles. After the walk we had showers, a maximum length of three minutes due to the regulations of the school, and then the team hopped onto our personal coach to go to an information session for all the athletes in this Under 16 tournament.
This information session involved the rules surrounding the AFL, such as drug use, alcohol use, sexual crimes, respect towards women and gambling. It specified the length of time a suspension could last for different indecencies and indiscretions, such as a two year suspension for being caught positive on a drug test. We were provided with lunch, consisting of various different sandwiches, chicken with lettuce and tomato wraps with green leaves and egg rolls. After lunch came a version of “The Panel” with former players: Michael O’Laughlin – Sydney Swans, Chris Johnson – Brisbane Lions, Scott Lucas – Essendon Bombers and Gary Lyon – Melbourne Demons. They told us about their careers and how they got started and were asked questions about their careers from players from the state teams. In all there are 10 teams consisting of over 300 players.

After the session we went to a wildlife park, where there were several native Australian animals. We saw dingoes, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, stilts, eagles and a four meter long crocodile. It was enjoyable. After the park we returned to our cold home in Riverview, ate dinner and then enjoyed a jolly good sleep.

Calgary Stampede Weekend! July 9-11

Hey folks the Stampede weekend is locked and loaded and looking to be an absolute cracker.

To secure your place contact Lex at lex.perry@colliers.com or 604 506 5852.

The hotel is booked and we are staying at:

Four Points By Sheraton Calgary Airport

At this point we are looking at $60 per night per person but that could change depending on numbers.

New players wanted – 2010 football season

The Burnaby Eagles are currently seeking players, new or experienced, for the 2010 BC footy season.

In 2009 the Burnaby Eagles went through the regular season undefeated, fielding a side with former AFL, WAFL, SANFL, VFL and VSFL players, as well as players brand new to the game, and members of the Canadian Australian Rules football team.

The Eagles also won the BC Footy Cup, Kelowna Cup and narrowly missed the perfect season, losing in the grand final by a mere 7 points.

Also new to the 2010 season will be the addition of the Bayhawks playing out of Burnaby. This addition will allow for greater opportunities and game time for all involved, and an exciting opportunity to play with the future of football in Canada as these players come through the Junior ranks and make the move to senior football.

So for anyone looking to have some fun, get fit, go on road trips and play some footy, get in touch with Dale Handley, coach of the Burnaby Eagles, via either, e-mail, cell  (778 995 6069), or come down to pre-season training and get to know the team.

Ex AFL player Brent Frewen recommends playing for Eagles

The Burnaby Eagles ‘Wingman’ caught up last week with star player Brent Frewen.

 

Thanks mate for joining me here in North Van, overlooking Vancouver and its beautiful harbour on a sensational spring day:

No worries mate

 

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Melbourne before moving to Mildura when I was 10. Spent a year in Bendigo before moving back to Melbourne when I was 18.
 
Tell us briefly about your journey from junior footy to the AFL and then the SANFL:

Growing up in Mildura I played junior football for South Mildura before being selected to play for the Bendigo Pioneers in the State U’18 competition. From there I was asked to train with Fitzroy for the preseason of the 1996 season and subsequently drafted in the February (preseason) draft as it was then. Fitzroy folded at the completion of the season and I was then drafted to Richmond where I spent one year before being delisted. I was then asked to play with Woodville West Torrens Football Club in the SANFL.
 
What great memories do you have from playing with Fitzroy, Richmond & WWT?

Fitzroy was obviously a turbulent time with the unknown up until the merger went through approximately half way through the season. Then it was all about speculation of who were the 8 players going to be selected as part of the merger agreement.
 
At Richmond I went through a similar scenario, Robert Walls was coach and then 4 or 5 games from the end of the season was sacked. The team didn’t have a very successful year but it was great to train and learn from players like Matthew Knights, Wayne Campbell and Matthew Richardson.
 
I was fortunate enough to spend 9 years at The Eagles (WWTFC) where I made life long friends. The team played in 5 grand finals in that time with one premiership. Unfortunately the numbers weren’t the other way round. I also had the fortune of working as the Marketing Manager for the Club, which created even stronger ties. I will always cherish my time at the Club and look back with many found memories. I still follow their progress with great interest.
 
Who was the greatest influence on your career?

That’s a tough one, my father, Denis O’Brien (a junior coach) and Gordon Casey (another junior coach). They shaped my early learning and created opportunities for me to play football at a young age.
 
Who was your toughest opponent and or the best player you played against?

Although I only spent two years in the AFL system, Matthew Allen from Carlton and I had some great battles. Another one, I didn’t line up directly against him, but I played against was Gary Ablett Snr in his very last game (in the reserves v Richmond). I remember one moment in the game that will stick with me forever: The ball was loose heading towards the boundary line, I could see Ablett coming out of the corner of my eye, (I was a lean young man) hoping the ball would go out of bounds….thankfully it did because I’m sure I would have come off worse for wear if there was a collision.
 
In the SANFL I had many great battles against a guy by the name of Stephen White who played for Sturt.
 
Who was your favourite coach and why?

A toss up between Jeff Gieschen (Richmond) and Mark Mickan (WWTFC). Jeff was a very honest and forthright character who displayed confidence in you and had an abundance of passion. Mark was a very well rounded individual who had a very intelligent football brain. He brought a level of professionalism to the club when he began as coach putting the club on the path to a very successful era.
 
Who was the best player you played with?

I have been fortunate enough to play with many great players some that haven’t been mentioned previously include: Matthew Primus, Chris Johnson, Brad Boyd and Jarrod Molloy all at Fitzroy. Although they were obviously great players in the AFL, the SANFL has and had some highly talented players never to get drafted. One of those being Gavin Colville who captained the club for many years and was an inspirational leader. I have the utmost respect for him both on and off the field.
 
Do you have any regrets about footy and what were they?

No! Of course I would have loved to have played more than 2 AFL matches but I gave it all I had at the time and that’s the way the dice rolled. I would also of loved to have played more than the 100 odd SANFL games that I played. In 9 years that’s not such a great ratio, but unfortunately I battled many injuries throughout my career. I loved every minute of my footballing days and still love to get out on the field now.
 
Do you have any advice to young footballers?

If you have the desire to play at a higher level, whether that be the AFL or your local senior side, work hard at your game, continually challenge yourself to improve any weaknesses you have and develop your strengths to an even greater level.
 
Who makes you laugh at the Burnaby Eagles and why?

Tills makes me laugh, ’coz he sells legal drugs for a living (isn’t that an oxy-moron)!!
 
What are your thoughts about the Burnaby Eagles & would you recommend new comers to Vancouver or to Aussie football to join the club? 

The Burnaby Eagles have a tremendous bunch of guys both Australians and particularly the international guys who are new to the game. Matthew Bell (coach) has brought a great deal of knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism to the team this season. The club has many passionate football lovers who work hard behind the scenes to make sure we as footballers can get out on the field and pull on the boots. I would recommend the Club for any new comers looking for mateship and a fun game to play.
 
What are your plans for the future?

I’m a whitewater raft guide here in BC but I also still have a strong passion and desire to continue to travel. I also recently started a business that I’m building to secure my future.

 

Well thanks mate for your time and good luck in whatever direction life decides to take you.  The Burnaby Eagles have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and passion you have brought with you and we look forward to continue seeing you with that Eagles Guernsey on: 

Been a pleasure.

 

If you think you might like to give Australian Rules Football a go or you are just travelling through and want to have a kick please contact coach Matt Bell on 778-230-4312 or at mattbell22@hotmail.com.

 

The Burnaby Eagles is a club for everyone.  Families, kids, girlfriends, wives or even for those who just want to watch some footy and/or have a few beverages with some great people!

 

Please note: If you would like Brent to guide you through some rapids you contact Reo Rafting here: http://www.reorafting.com/

Burnaby Eagles Polo Shirts – Now on Sale

The fantastic looking polo shirts are now on sale to public for $35.

Note: Each playing member who has paid their membership dues will receive one free of charge.

Burnaby Eagles 2009 Wine

The Burnaby Eagles are selling bottles of 2009 vintage wines of Australian Shiraz & New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.  These high quality wines sell for $15 a bottle and make great gifts.  Contact Dale Wakefield on 778-998-3049 or dale_wakefield@hotmail.com to arrange for him to bring to training.