World Footy News

The readers of USFootyNews.com have chosen the 2009 Coopers Goal and Mark of the Year. Congratulations to Seattle and Portland's Martin Coventry on kicking the Goal of the Year and to Calgary's Dane Rolfe for taking the Mark of the Year.

Portland Power and Seattle Grizzly, Martin Coventry, took out the 2009 Coopers Brewery USFootyNews.com Goal of the Year. Thanks to all the USFootyNews.com readers, Portland and Seattle fans for voting! Thanks also to Coopers Brewery for providing the prizes.

Although Coventry's huge kick in the 2009 USFooty National Championship was not enough to win the National Championship, it did win Goal of the Year. The kick beat out a lovely pocket snap by Revo and Baltimore Washington Eagle RJ Wheelock and a nice left footer from OC Bomber Colter Alison.

Coventry's goal came at big moment in the game, but he knew he could kick the distance. According to Coventry, "I kicked a couple of nice set shots during the warm up and I was really switched on in the final, so I didn't hesitate. It was right on the edge of my range, but it felt great when it left my boot. I couldn't tell from everyone's initial reaction if it got over the line. The ump did a great job!"

Kicking a great goal is all and good, but the name of the game is championships. "I was disappointed that we came so close and lost. But also very proud of what we achieved. I think Seattle proved we can compete with the best teams in the country. The crowd support was tremendous. All in all it was an awesome experience."

>It was a big year for Coventry. Goal of the Year, Runner's Up in the National Championship Tourney, and making the 100 game mark. What is unique about Coventry is that he has played for quite a number of teams across USFooty and been a major contributor not only for Seattle and Portland but also to the North Carolina Tigers. "I'm very proud of what I've achieved with footy over here. I have been part of some great clubs and been able to coach and play with so many great people. The 100 game mark really puts it in perspective. I've certainly covered some territory on and off the field! Special thanks go to my Dad, who taught me about footy and to my family for cheering me on" says Coventry.

Check out the video here.

The 2009 Coopers USFootyNews.com Mark of the Year was awarded to Dane Rolfe of the Calgary Kangaroos. Rolfe's screamer was taken in the Divvy II Grand Final against Milwaukee at the 2009 USFooty Nationals. Rolfe's mark has become something of a symbol for the 2009 Nationals and Damien Moore's photo of the mark has been used around the world including on AFL.com.au. Thanks to all the USFootyNews.com readers for voting.

Rolfe was very excited to hear that he had one the Mark of the Year competition. "I honestly had no idea that you guys even ran a MOY competition. I pretty much play aussie rules so that I can go for big marks! Marking would be the most enjoyable part of the game for me, so it is rewarding for me to win this competition."

Rolfe was particularly satisfied to take the mark in the Grand Final and during an important moment in the game. "The Grand Final was obviously a great setting for the mark. I have to thank the person who took the photo also. I remember the commentator yelling out "oooohhhh Sheardy has come down with snow in his hair" he obviously got me confused with my team mate Matt Sheard".

Calgary's Dane Rolfe chillin' in his Coopers gear while doing a bit of ice fishing.

"The mark itself was set up nicely for me. It was a kickout from fullback and the ball stayed in the air for a while. The opposition was sitting right under the ball allowing me to jump early and use him as a step ladder. I remember being on his shoulders and waiting for the ball to get to me. I landed on my feet and was able to pass it to a team mate who scored a goal. This was in the first quarter and it really helped us to get going!"

The Kangaroos went on to win the game and claim the Divvy II USFooty Championship. "The National Championship win was fantastic! It was a real goal of ours all year to win it! So it was very rewarding to all the players, who had all made huge efforts to get down there and play, to win it like we did. We are looking forward to the challenge of winning div 1 this year!"

Damien Moore's photo of Calgary's Dane Rolfe's Mark of the Year.