World Footy News

Canada’s Northwind likes its chances as it enters into its final preparation for the 2008 International Cup. Speaking from Toronto, Northwind’s General Manager Martin Walter commented that the team’s management is very comfortable with where the team has been drawn. In a recent interview he commented "We have Finland up first on August 27th and we are now totally focused on that game, but at the end of the day, you have to beat them all and we believe we are capable of doing just that."

This is Northwind’s 3rd International Cup tournament and, while they have not been that successful in the past, this year’s team has a new look to it. "We have a new Coach plus we have managed to get a number of strong corporate sponsorships for this year’s cup, especially from the mining industry such as companies like Foraco Drilling, Quantec Geoscience and Laramide Resources Inc, all of which have business on both sides of the Pacific" Walter said. "This has put the team into a strong financial position, and that allows us to bring the best football talent that the Ontario Australian Rules Football League and other Canadian leagues have to offer."

Canada is bringing a squad of 31 players along with ten support staff that have a combination of experience and youth and are the best that AFL Canada has ever brought to Australia. Last year the newly revamped Northwind silenced a lot of critics by beating USA’s Revolution in a game in Vancouver.

The Country and Australian football

Canada much like Australia is a geographically vast and ethnically diverse country, with a population of around 33 million people. Canada is a grand mosaic of peoples and traditions, ranging from its indigenous First Nations bands, French and British pioneers, and more recent immigrants from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Bounded by the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans, Canada is a land of extraordinary natural beauty, with dramatic land and seascapes, and vibrant cosmopolitan cities.

AFL Canada originated in 1989 in Ontario and spread to the west coast of Canada. Australian football has expanded in Canada to include 17 clubs (including a 10-team league in Ontario), a junior development program comprising 14 teams (as well as a junior national side) and a senior national side, the Canadian Northwind.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The Canadians' strength is definitely their size and their athletic ability. Due to their sports upbringing most Canadian players find it quite easy to adapt well to the physicality and athleticism involved in Australian Rules football.

Another area of strength is Canada’s extremely disciplined backline, many of whom are seasoned footballers not only domestically but internationally as well.

The major weakness for the Canadians, which may be apparent for many other teams competing in the tournament, is their lack of regular international games. The Canadian side have tried to combat this though, by competing regularly against talented All-star sides filled with Australian competing here in Canada. Not having many players that grew up playing the sport is also a drawback shared with many other nations.

Players to watch

With many players having experience playing in domestic leagues in Australia and a good dose of international experience, there are many players to watch for the Canadian side.

Some names to look out for include Scott Flemming (who is currently playing in Australia), Aaron Falcione (who recently returned to Canada after playing in Australia this year), Tasos and George Dimacakos (the latter was invited to train with the Sydney Swans a few years back) and team captain Stefan Leyhane.

Form Guide

The two previous International Cups weren’t too kind to the Canadian team were they really didn’t live up to their potential. In 2002, the Northwind finished ninth with only one win out of five matches whilst in 2005 they improved their ranking finishing seventh.

In their last official International game, the Canadians competed against the United States in Vancouver and defeated the Americans for the first time.

Bottom Line

This is a vastly improved and experienced Canadian side which is capable of beating most teams on their day. How Canada will fair in this year’s competition may all depend on their last group game against the Irish, win that and they're definitely in contention.