The Hoganstand website has reported that Australian Football powerhouse the Brisbane Lions have signed two young Irish Gaelic football players from county Laois as international rookies. The Lions cite the loss of their retention allowance (a monetary allowance that meant their salary cap was larger than other clubs) has made them look further afield for a competitive edge in recruitment. With an Irish connection in mind, they have also indicated they wish to form closer ties with the Irish community in future, in Australia and Ireland. Both these issues bode well for the continuation of the broader vision that AFL clubs have displayed in the last couple of years as they turn their eyes overseas.

The first-ever Prague Cup was held last Saturday, November 5th, with two new sides in the Finland and Czech Lions taking to the field against the German Lions of Düsseldorf. In a three-game tournament, the Germans came out on top, defeating the Czech Lions 48-15 then combining with the Finns for a social third match against the Czechs.

2005 will go down in history as the year Scotland probably had its first Australian rules Grand Final (unless the famous, though widely thought to be fictitious competition referred to be C.C.Mullen in his 1958 'History of Australian Football' actually existed), as the Edinburgh Bloods convincingly defeated the Glasgow Sharks 83-13 on a typical Scottish autumn day.

This was actually the SARFL's second season, with the Bloods also winning last year's competition though a Grand Final was not held. This report courtesy of Eddie McAvinchey of the SARFL.

The entry of Australian Football to English schools was highlighted in a TV story on the Australian variety news morning program "Today" on Channel 9.

The segment follows on from the short commercial, and is still live at time of posting this story.

The Munich Roos handed out an 82-point drubbing to the Frankfurt Redbacks in the 2005 AFLG grand final played at the Frankurter Ostpark last Saturday, October 29. After having played the preliminary final against Hamburg earlier that day, the Redbacks managed just four behinds for the match, the Kangaroos' lineup with a large contingent of experienced Australians proving almost watertight in defence.

UPDATE - In response to this article, WFN has received some feedback claiming that Hamburg actually won the preliminary final over Frankfurt 13-10, but were disqualified. WFN is investigating the matter and will post an update when confusion has been cleared.

At half-time in the AFL Challenge match between West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers at the Brit Oval in London earlier this month, it was time for the Lions and Crows to take the field. That was the Thamesbridge College Lions and the Kew College Crows. Also featured were juniors from Carshalton College and other schools.

The Czech AFL are hosting the first-ever Prague Cup on November the 5th - with an open invitation for all teams and players from across Europe to come for a great end-of-season trip to one of Europe's top tourist destinations.

For purveyors of timely footy news 'and' commentary, this contribution may come a little late in the day. That 'day' being yesterday, when a story about the EU Cup winners Belgium -- a team I am currently managing -- was posted.

In the first 9-a-side EU Cup held in London last weekend October 9th, Belgium (represented by the Brussels Saints) defeated Sweden 78-37. Ten sides competed in the cup, representing nations from around Europe.

After a long time at the top of the AFL ladder, the Brisbane Lions are rebuilding their aging team. One innovative recruiting strategy involves the Lions hosting trials this week to identify potential Australian footballers within Ireland's Gaelic sports community.