World Footy News

Last weekend saw the long-awaited and much anticipated grand final rematch between last year’s AFL Middle East combatants, the Doha Kangaroos and the Dubai Dragons. A usual with these re-matches the reigning premiers would be keen to restamp their authority on the competition in a bid to set up a shot at back-to back titles. On the other hand, the vanquished from last season’s biggest day would be seeking their own shot at redemption.

 

 

The following is an extract from the Dubai Dragon’s club newsletter which gives an insight into one of the year’s biggest games for the Middle East competition. The big day started as a military style operation as a contingent of 35 Dragons (players and support) packed the plane to carry out their plans for a Doha heist. The club can take over the story…

 

 

“After the shenanigans of the morning, it was now time to focus and get ready for a crucial opening game for the club. Adding to the spice was the unveiling of our new playing kit on arrival at the ground and subsequent Guernsey presentation from the Prez. It was a great honour to receive the new kit, particularly for the guys playing their first game for the club. When the lads ran out onto the pitch, the WAGS were treated to a new, sleek-fitting design, representing all our new and loyal sponsors. The boys looked magnificent and there was no doubt we were raring to go.”

 

“Before the 1st bounce however, a stirring tribute and a minute’s silence was given to honour the tragic passing of Phillip Hughes. Both sides wore black armbands to mark the sombre occasion. The Dragons also wore the black armband in memory of Liz Templeton, the mother of one of the Prez’s best mates, who sadly lost her battle with cancer this week. Our thoughts are with both sets of families. Vale Phillip Hughes. Vale Liz Templeton.”

 

“The 1st half was a great arm wrestle and even though the Kangaroos got the 1st goal, the Dragons slowly took the ascendancy as the game developed. A great duel was taking place in the midfield. In the ruck, Coby (the ‘Heat’) was up against a high quality opponent in Joey, but was giving first use more often than not. Nance and Trigga were having an almighty battle against the class of Ben Simpson from the Kangaroos. Despite the will of these two fantastic opponents, it was the depth of the Dragons quality in the midfield that started to tell with rotations in the form of Hicksy, Billy, Browney & Spaniard (Jezza) all supporting the starting trio.”

 

Half Time: Dragons 9.1. 55 v Kangaroos 5.1.31

“The 2nd half produced more of the same. Superb skills and delivery into our attacking half meant our forward line dominated and finished off with accurate kicking. This was matched by a backline that not only negated their opponents, but also ran off their man and spread the ball - beautifully epitomized by Rowie’s goal in the 3rd quarter. With the wind at our backs in the 3rd term, we extended away from Doha and broke their spirit. The lead was further enhanced in the last quarter, which meant we had won every quarter in a 57-point romping of the defending premiers. This was a complete team performance and a great day for the club. Despite again waiting for YT to belt out ‘You’re the Voice’, it was worth the wait as it was sung with more gusto than the Den can remember. Bigger challenges await us but this was the perfect start to the season. Well done to the entire squad.”

 

Significant in the Dragon’s lair was “Perko” whose 10 goal haul on the day alone outscored the Kangaroos.

 

 

Full Time: Dragons 18.5.113 defeated Kangaroos 9.2.56