World Footy News

This Sunday the Southern California Australian Football League (SCAFL) will play the third place and Grand Final games for their metro competition, capping a nine round season that started in March. Our thanks to SCAFL President Corey Irwin for this preview

In the third place game the Riverside Football Club will take on the Los Angeles Swans. Riverside has been the talk of the competition this year, with a massive influx of new players thanks to a stepped-up recruiting effort. Look for players like Matt Morgan, Bobby Burgess, Pat Garthwaite and Deron Lien to lead the attack for RFC.

On the other side, the LA Swans have seen a lot of player turnover this season. With many new Americans on their side, the Swans have dealt with lots of growing pains. Down the stretch, however, LA started showing signs of life. If their new players can build on their momentum heading into the third place game, the Swans will have a good chance to steal it from RFC. Key players include Colter Allison, Adam Hale, and Nate Smith.

The Grand Final will once again pit the Beachside Sharks against the OC Jets. This marks the fourth year in a row that the Sharks and Jets have squared off in the Grand Final, creating a rivalry eerily similar to that of Westside Story (Sharks and Jets, get it?).

The OC Jets, winners of the last two SCAFL crowns, have put together a very strong all around team. They have depth, with strong player numbers. They have height, with Andy Treanor at full-forward and Tyler Mounce in the ruck. They have experience, with Brad Wetherall, Chris McNeil and KB Nelson leading the way. And they have young American talent, with Zach Caspary, Brandon Atienza, and Paul Lima all quickly becoming forces on the field. With such a well balanced side, OC is likes its chances at a three-peat.

Standing in their way are the Beachside Sharks, premiers in 2007, and runners-up the past two years. The Sharks strength really starts in their midfield, where Rob Luto, Simon Sweeney, Freddy Schulin, and Ryan Weller seemingly dominate any opponents that line up against them. In the forward line, Paul Lindley and Cody Tewney kicked more goals than any other duo in the SCAFL this year. The Sharks don’t have the size of OC, but they’re fast, play smart, and are supremely skilled. No one would be surprised to see them walk away with the championship.

With two highly competitive games set for Sunday, it’s really shaping up to be a great day of footy. Anyone in the area is invited to attend – Founders Park, corner of Avendale Blvd and Sellas Rd South, San Juan Capistrano. First game is at 11am, with the Grand Final immediately following.