World Footy News

On the 19th of November 2007 the West Perth Falcons of the Western Australian Football League entered the second year of their international experiment with two brothers, Americans James and Jared Brunmeier. While a number of AFL clubs have looked to Ireland, the Falcons looked across the Pacific and found two Wisconsin boys. The Brunmeier brothers went to the Falcons November 2006 as part of an exchange program with the Milwaukee Bombers. They completed a full pre-season with the team and then a full season with the club. Both boys played reserves games throughout the year and made a major impression on the coaching staff and the club. Now they've been invited back for more.

James finished the season playing every game (15) in the Reserves, kicking 5 goals while Jared played 9 games in the Reserves kicking 1 goal and the remainder of the games with the senior A-grade team for Scarborough Amateurs. The boys won the prestigious Carbone/Devita award, named after two of the club's longest serving volunteers, Vic Carbone and Bart Devita. Vic and Bart chose the Brunmeiers because of their contribution to the club over the first 12 months and for being great examples of what playing for the Falcons is all about. According to Falcon CEO, Ken Torrence, "The two boys have been outstanding ambassadors for the Milwaukee Bombers and the USAFL. The way that they have embraced our club and conducted themselves is first class. To have them both play reserves football in their first season is a wonderful achievement, and when you add to this James finishing 6th in our Reserves fairest and best is beyond all expectations".

According to Falcons Senior Coach, Todd Curley, "Both James and Jared were very impressive with their attitudes, and the way they prepared themselves to play was second to none. James played consistently throughout the year in the reserves and proved he could play as both a key defender and later in the season also as a key forward. Jared found things a little tougher as there are many players here his size and there is more competition for spots as a running player, he did prove to be a very good runner in his games at reserves level".

At the USFooty Nationals, James and Jared were also named into the USFooty All-American Team of the Decade and the USAFL Team of the Decade (50-50 Australian/American). James playing at Center Half Forward for the All-American team and Half-Forward Flank for the USAFL, while Jared was named on the wing for both teams.

So what should we expect in 2008? According to Jared, James will be looking to break into the senior team in 2008 while "I'm hoping to solidify my spot in the Reserves". Coach Curley is also looking for improvement. "Due to their experiences this season it would be assumed they will continue to improve, last year they came with no expectations from the coaching staff. Now they will be expected to improve as players the same as all our other players and how they rate in this area will ultimately have an impact on whether they make the final squad in February to contest season 2008".

What about the International Cup in August? It is likely that both boys would be selected for the Revos, so there may be some issues as to which team they want to play for. According to Jared, this is likely to be a bigger issue for James. Coach Curley has talked briefly with the boys about the carnival. "The boys will have the final say".