Independent News and Views from the International Aussie Rules Community

Welcome to World Footy News Monday, November 18 2024 @ 05:48 pm ACDT

Canada's Northwind - 49th Parallel Cup Preview

North America

This weekend international Australian football in north America will be highlighted as Canada and the United States compete in the 49th Parallel Cup on Canadian soil in Edmonton.

The Canadian national team, the Northwind, has been working hard since January for this game. The coaching staff feel they have one of their best teams, one which has been built around a group of players working hard to become solid unit. There is a belief amongst the squad that they can beat any team they face

Over the past year the Canadian team has been focusing on improving their skill sets and football knowledge, key areas in which Canadian national coach, Benjamin Roberts, believes will make this one of Canada’s most competitive teams.

“The boys have really come together, last year it was a new chapter with new structures.” Stated Roberts. “This year the structures have become more familiar and it’s showing on the track and in club games. Cody Royle (Assistant Coach) has done a great job with the midfield & Aaron Falcioni (Forwards Coach) has been working with the forwards.”
 
“Both have been instrumental in the team’s improvement. We now have a west based assistant helping us out. Adam Kelly who coaches the Burnaby eagles was given the job, Adam has a good standing in BC and we look forward to working with him.”
 
There is a feeling that Canada will have a well balanced team with a strong backline, a potent forward line and a midfield that will compete hard all day. The coaching staff is confident that each player has adapted really well to the new structures and they are very excited for the team’s potential, not only for the Parallel cup but for next year’s International Cup.
 
“We have a few players that have been having a huge impact; Our new captain Adam Millen, lives for the contest and will give the boys a lift with his fierce attack and hardness.” Commented Roberts.
 
“Others to watch include Andrew Boyce from the Etobicoke Kangaroos who has improved out of sight, has excellent foot skills and never say die attitude.”
 
“Another guy we are excited to see again is Nate Strom from the Ottawa Swans. Nate has had a great year for Ottawa. He is very versatile and works hard.”
 
It’s a very special honor for every player to represent their country and it gets no bigger than against their arch rival, the US national team. It is also a chance for the Northwind to get a taste of international competition, which is a rarity, to help prepare them for the 2014 International Cup.
 
“For us it’s another chance to play together before next years IC. We have been working a lot on structures and execution.” Stated Roberts. “It’s also the last chance for guys to impress before the IC squad is announced in October. If our guys all give 100% every time they hit the track we are confident of getting a positive result.”
 
One things fans of world footy can expect is for this Canadian team to take the game on and be better drilled than in past years. There is a strong desire throughout the squad to give their all for their country and even more so in front of their home crowd in Edmonton.
 
 
 

Northwind Men's team

      

Name

      

Club

  

Andrew Boyce

    

Etobicoke Roo's

Clayton Lund

    

Delta Bayhawks

Tom Bell

      

Toronto Dingoes

Cameron Stark

    

Calgary Roo's

Nathan Strom

    

Ottawa Swans

Michael Kozlowski

    

Ottawa Swans

Andrew Marsden

    

Edmonton Wombats

Riley Armstrong

   

Central Blues

Sean Kennedy

   

Toronto Eagles

Pablo Willis (VC)

    

Broadview Hawks

Dave Rutledge

    

Edmonton Wombats

Jacob Martin

    

Guelph Gargoyles

Steve Rutledge (VC)

    

Central Blues

Aiden McQioud

    

Guelph Gargoyles

Adam Millen ©

    

Guelph Gargoyles

Manny Matata

    

Etobicoke Roo's

Alex Filipowicz

    

Guelph Gargoyles

Nate Millar

    

Guelph Gargoyles

Dan zimmerman

    

Central Blues

Dennis Choi

    

Hamilton Wilcats

Ronan Slaughnessy

    

Quebec Dockers

Scott Shallow

    

Central Blues

Rob Spindler

    

Edmonton Emu's

Alex Tivy

     

Delta Bayhawks

Andy Yardy

   

Calgary Roo's