World Footy News

Abu Dhabi have won their first-ever AFL Middle East Premiership; finishing the regular season undefeated and then defeating Doha in the final in front of approximately 400 fans.

The following report is courtesy of Rod Gillet

The Kangaroos made a blistering start in the first quarter, kicking the first three goals of the game. Their attack on the ball was ferocious and they placed enormous pressure on the Abu Dhabi ball carriers. The Falcons kicked a couple of late goals in the quarter to be within seven points at Quarter Time. The second term was goal-for-goal as each team moved the ball swiftly forward. Abu Dhabi’s highly rated mid-fielders, Adam Trezsinski and Stuart Brohoaska got into the game to drive the Falcons into attack where they posted five goals to Doha’s four majors to be a point in front at Half Time.

It was much tighter in the third term as first one team and then the other took control. In a stunning individual effort, Doha’s Ben Simpson booted a morale-lifting goal that put the Kangaroos in front in extra time by three points. Doha kicked the first two goals of the final quarter and looked to have established a match-winning lead with Ben Simpson dominating and his teammate Joe Barnes taking marks all around the ground.

But the Kangaroos began to tire and injuries began to take a toll. The Falcons’ skipper Dan Brooke was shifted to Full Forward and it proved a match-winning move. Brooke proved to be a major target up forward, contributing three goals and an assist as the Falcons stormed home to eclipse a gallant and brave opponent in an exciting finale.

Australian Ambassador, His Excellency Doug Trappett, was on hand to present the Premiership Cup to Abu Dhabi Captain-Coach Dan Brooke. In a new innovation the medals for each of the premiership players was presented by an Auskick participant. Field umpire Steve Prien also received a medal to acknowledge his umpiring of the Grand Final. 1980 Brownlow medalist Kelvin Templeton presented the medal for Best on Ground to fleet-footed Abu Dhabi midfielder Stuart Brohoaski, who was also voted competition Best and Fairest. The competition’s MVP award (based on the votes of the opposition clubs) went to Muscat stalwart Chris Holmes. The league’s Leading Goalkicker award went to Jess McGuirk from the Dubai Dingoes.

“It (the Grand Final) marked the end of another successful season of AFL in the Middle East,” said Middle East AFL Operations Manager, Phil Temple,“ the match was fitting of a Grand Final and congratulations to both teams on the manner in which they played the game,” he added. “We also greatly appreciate the tremendous support of our sponsors. Many thanks to Aussie Property.com, VB and Rider Levett Bucknall for their continuing support of AFL in the region,” said Temple.

Goal scorers
Abu Dhabi: M. Wood 3, D. Brooke 3, S.Brohoaska 3, A. Trezsinski 3, A. Dustings, M. Molnar, M.Day
Doha: B. Simpson 5, B. Humphrey 2, J. Goldsack 2, A. Jay 2, R. Mitchell , D. Tilley

Best players
Abu Dhabi: A. Trezsinski, J. Parmansche, S.Brohoaska
Doha: B. Simpson, J. Barnes, J. Goldsack

Played at Zayed Sports City (Abu Dhabi) on Friday 25 March 2011

The clash for third place in this year’s competition was won by the Muscat Magpies who beat the Dubai Dingoes by 26 points in an entertaining curtain-raiser. Prior to the senior Grand Final, Abu Dhabi Auskick held a "Kids versus Parents" match which was thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.

Falcons hold up the Premiership Cup