Cincinnati Australian Football Team Goes 1-1 in Louisville
By Brian Reiss
LOUISVILLE, KY - The Cincinnati Dockers Australian Rules Football Club began their 2009 USAFL season this past Saturday, going 1 and 1 in the Shield Division in the John Harrell Memorial Cup tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, defeating the Nashville Kangaroos 55-39 and falling to the eventual champions, the Columbus Jackaroos, 59-50.
In the first match against the Nashville Kangaroos, the Dockers had an immediate disadvantage in that they would not have the services of their coach Kyle Strenski. To make matters worse, they started going uphill and against the gusty Louisville wind. Despite this, they managed to stay within striking distance, finishing the first half down by only 2 goals. Cincinnati turned the tables on the Kangaroos and then some in the second half. A swap of several key players around the field paid immediate dividends, as the Dockers scored a goal within seconds of the opening siren. In the end, the Kangaroos were not able to stop the Dockers experience, defeating the Kangaroos 8 goals, 7 behinds, 55 points to 5 goals, 9 behinds, 39 points.
This win did not come without a price, as the Dockers lost two experienced players to injury in ruckman Wes Freeland and forward Brian Reiss. They did however enjoy the return of their coach and six-time national team member Kyle Strenski. They would need this for their second match against the Columbus Jackaroos.
The final match of the day for both clubs turned out to be the toughest and hardest fought match for both clubs. Cincinnati showed the experience advantage, while Columbus had the edge in speed and youth. At halftime, the Jackaroos used this to take a nine point lead at halftime, leading 31-22 at the break. In the second half, the Dockers showed signs of a comeback, but the combination of gusty winds blowing shots at goal off course and the speed of the Columbus forward line kept the Dockers at bay. Cincinnati could not make up the halftime difference, losing 9 goals, 5 behinds, 59 points to 7 goals, 8 behinds, for 50 points. After the tournament, Cincinnati midfielder Mike Hanavan was named the MVP of their pool.
Cincinnati's next match on Saturday May 16th will be their only true home game of the 2009 season. They will reunite with the Louisville Kings to form the Ohio Valley River Rats, the defending USAFL Division 4 national champions. On that weekend, they will challenge the defending Mid American Australian Football League champions, Chicago United. The match will take place at Point Pleasant Park on Resor Road in Fairfield, OH, with a scheduled start time of 2 PM.
The Cincinnati Dockers are an Australian Rules Football club based out of Fairfield, Ohio. Established in 1996, they are the oldest club of its kind in the United States. Last year, the Dockers were co-winners of the USAFL division 4 national championship. For more information about the Dockers please visit their website at www.cincinnatidockers.com. To contact the Dockers, please send an e-mail to dockers@cincinnatidockers.com.
Scoring note: In Australian Rules Football, a goal is worth 6 points, and a behind is worth 1 point.
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