ST KILDA MEDIA RELEASE

THE rapid improvement of St Kilda’s international rookie Jason Holmes has resulted in a one-year contract extension for the 2016 season.

Until recently, the American-born Holmes had never heard of Australian football let alone played it but after completing his career as a college basketballer, tried his hand at an AFL combine.

The Saints selected him with pick 36 at the 2014 Rookie Draft and immediately set upon fast-tracking his development through the club’s VFL affiliate Sandringham.

As expected American Matt Korchek, one of the standout talents at this year's Draft Combine in Florida has made the trip to Melbourne late last week. But he has not come alone. Jalen Carethers, James Johnson and Kye Kurkowski are here too.

The foursome have been at Carlton's home base Ikon Park and have been making the most of the club's facilities as well as working out with the Sherrin while getting tips from the likes of Brenton Sanderson. On Sunday the four prospects appeared on Channel 9's TAC Cup Future Stars program in Melbourne. All four will show off their physical attributes and their newly acquired skills when they train in front of AFL club recruiters this Wednesday.

Like the 2014 International Cup, the Northern Lights and the Midnight Suns will compete against the USA Freedom and USA Liberty respectively in the 49th Parallel Cup.

The following is written by Sam Rothwell.

It will be a new look AFL Canada National women’s team that will take the field on August 1st in Fort Lauderdale for the 49th Parallel Cup. From the starting 18 that won a historic 2014 International Cup over Ireland, 13 are due to miss the upcoming game against the USA Freedom. There are four players missing due to playing commitments in Australia, while another nine others will also miss due to a combination of being injured, pregnant or unavailable.  The depth of talent in Canada is sure to be tested.

The fierce competition between Canada and the U.S.A. in Australian Football ventures continues away from it’s namesake for the first time (with the arguable exception of Edmonton) at the end of  July.
 

The Canadian population clings to it’s Southern boundary like the Australian population  clings to it’s ocean border. It has been easy for the Canadians to find convenient venues for the 49th Parallel Cup without venturing too far.

Two of the three Americans from the American Footy Star program playing at Temora recently featured on AFL Riverina TV.

[youtube:wC3awXbC-oc]

 

As we get set for the back half of the 2015 USAFL season the Nationals at Austin are now just 3 months away.
 

Last Weekend’s Games

Last weekend was the final of the regional tournaments as 14 teams headed for Racine, WI for the Central Regional Tournament. Beyond that, there were also two full games that happened during the weekend.

@ West Potomac Park in Washington, DC: Baltimore/Washington Eagles vs. North Carolina Tigers
From the outset, the Tigers were putting the hammer down on the Eagles as they lead from the opening bounce and didn’t let up at all.
 

Article courtesy Toronto Dingos

Founders, Life Members, players, best and fairest winners, coaches, premiership players and clubmen were all treated to a night in the spotlight at the Toronto Dingos Football Club 20th Anniversary Gala at the Atlantis Pavillion on Saturday night.

More than 80 guests, comprised of current day members, alumni and former Dingos now living in other cities and countries made up the numbers in what can only be described as one of the greatest events in the club’s 20 year history where the hard working volunteers were acknowledged.

The night was centered around five guest speakers including president Mick McFarlane, founder and Life Member Terrance Wallis, former president and Life Member Craig Stewart who received a standing ovation, Life Member Chris Buczkowski and founding player and Life Member Paul Tinkler who also organized the 20th Gala.

Carlton may be the next AFL club to be lured by the prospect of signing a highly athletic ruckman from the pool of players coming from the United States. Following a procession of recent players, Matt Korchek – a former Arizona Wildcats basketballer – has caught the Blues’ attention and will come to Australia to try his luck.

There is a growing list of tall, athletic players entering AFL/VFL ranks from both basketball and American football backgrounds. Mason Cox is at Collingwood, Eric Wallace at North Melbourne, Jason Holmes is at St Kilda, whilst Alex Aurrichio, originally from the New York Magpies, is on the Northern Blues list – Carlton’s VFL affiliate.

At an impressive 206 cm and weighing in at an imposing 105kg, Korchek already has the frame to compete. His athleticism is also of the highest order, showing both great power and leaping ability but also clocking a 12 minute 3km Time Trial, underlining his athletic endurance.

Alex’s USAFL Weekly report this week is a long recap of all 14 games from the last 3 weeks and a preview of this weekend's colossal 18 games this weekend with the Western Regional, Texas Cup and EAFL Women's matches.