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Canadians pick experienced side for International Cup

International Cup 2008

The Canadian Northwind has named their squad for the 2008 International Cup, with a strong and experienced group of players heading to Australia.

AFL Canada this time around has appointed local OAFL legend Mark “Flash” Block as Northwind’s new coach and Emile Studham as his assistant skills coach. Mark is Canada’s most successful coach and has taken his local team, the Toronto Eagles to the past two OAFL Premierships. He is also no newcomer to the international arena as he captained the Northwind side in the 2002 International Cup.

When asked what is different this time around, Flash commented, “Since being on board as coach I have made a number of changes to the National Program. For example we are playing more games together now and that is starting to give off results as the team is starting to gel”. He added “due to increasing levels of interest we have been able to set higher standards which have allowed us to name a well balanced team consisting of top line defence-men, a nice blend of big guys and vastly improved centre and forward lines that can move the ball forward quickly.

"For example, I am very happy with the way champion brothers Tasos and George Dimacakos are playing along with the way Danny Zimmerman and Danny McIlravey are shaping up” stated the new Northwind Coach and finished off by saying “We also have a number of players that are improving their skills by playing in Australia this year and I think we have improved significantly since last year’s win over the US Revolution”.

Players

The Team appointed Stefan Leyhane of Toronto's Broadview Hawks as its Captain and has named centre-half forward Aaron Falcione as its Vice-Captain.

Representing Northwind at this year’s International Cup in Melbourne will be:

#PlayerClubAgeHeight (cm)Weight (kg)
1Scott FlemingVancouver Cougars 18 190 86
2Kien LaCentral Blues 28 177 77
3George DimacakosToronto Eagles 22 180 79
4Clayton HolmesWest Coast Saints 27 180 75
5Rhys HarrisBroadview Hawks 27 173 82
6Gareth BowleyWest Coast Saints 27 190 84
7Andrew GarethToronto Eagles 28 175 74
8Murray LovettEtobicoke Kangaroos 29 175 75
9Aaron Falcioni (v/c)Toronto Eagles 28 185 95
10Jacob SoneCentral Blues 27 190 93
11Bruce ParkerCentral Blues 37 183 82
12Stefan Leyhane (c)Broadview Hawks 36 185 84
13Mario ParejaBroadview Hawks 23 177 84
14Oliver HaywardToronto Eagles 25 190 100
15Daniel McllraveyToronto Dingoes 27 175 88
16Chet LongEtobicoke Kangaroos 24 175 86
17Kevin MinakerToronto Eagles 28 185 79
18Jared PostanceCentral Blues 33 177 79
19Lowden MattToronto Eagles 27 190 111
20Tasos DimacakosToronto Eagles 28 183 104
21Dale SimnettHigh Park Demons 28 195 98
22Greg LogelGuelph Gargoyles N/A 185 95
23James MaitlandWest Coast Saints 29 195 95
24Steve CarewToronto Eagles 28 173 82
25Sean KennedyToronto Eagles 27 190 104
27Emmanuel MatataEtobicoke Kangaroos 26 188 109
28Daniel ZimmermanCentral Blues 27 185 107
29Chris BuczkowskiToronto Dingoes 29 190 104
33Frank LuisserToronto Eagles 32 185 88
34Adam JacobsEtobicoke Kangaroos 26 190 102
40Chris CunningGuelph Gargoyles 41 198 107

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Mark Block (Toronto Eagles)
Assistant Coach: Emile Studham (Etobicoke Kangaroos)
Assistant Coach: Scott Sheen (Vancouver Saints)

Administration

General Manager: Martin Walter
Team Manager: Helga Cunning
Media Manager: Bruce Parker

For more information visit the Northwind’s website at aflcanada.com