It might not have been called Canberra 175 years ago when Thomas Wills - one of the inventors of Australian Rules football - was born nearby, but it's fitting that next week the area will once again focus on the sport when the nation's capital plays host to the Landmark Australian Country Football Carnival.
From Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th July, two hundred of the best country football players from across the country will compete in what's expected to be the toughest competition in carnival history.
For the first time the seven teams from ACT, NSW, SA, WA, QLD and Victoria (Major and District) will compete in one division. Over the first two days (Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd July) each team will play six games consisting of two, 17 and a half minute halves. As of the Friday night's rankings the top two teams will be playing off for the Landmark Cup on Sunday the 25th with the third and fourth ranked teams playing for third place at the Carnival. Both these games will be full length games. The other three teams will also compete on Sunday playing games to decide the minor places (for fifth, sixth and seventh rankings for the Carnival).
According to Steven Mahar, coach of the defending champions - the ACT - the carnival's new format will heat up the competition.
"I think it'll even out the competition given we're only allowed a squad of 25," said Mr Mahar.
"It's a big format, especially for players towards the end of a season and it will be quite taxing on them," said Mr Mahar.
The ACT coach should know what he's talking after representing his state in three previous carnivals as well as working as assistant coach in 2008 and says despite the increased workload for his players he's confident in his team's ability to perform well.
"It's just so competitive and given that a lot of the other states have high participation rates in terms of Aussie Rules we're under no illusion that they'll put up very competitive teams. We don't think we're a shoe in to win but we're very confident," said Mr Mahar.
One team who'll give the ACT a run for their money is the Victorian Major side who've won seven of the ten carnivals since 1990. Former AFL player and coach, Peter Knights who is coaching the team agrees that the new format will see some excellent competition.
"I just think it's a fabulous format," said Mr Knights.
"It's going to be challenging and the management of our playing group is going to be paramount. We're certainly all looking forward to the carnival," said Mr Knights
For Knights it'll be his first Landmark Australian Country Football Carnival and it's an experience he's very much looking forward to.
"I feel very proud and privileged to be coaching an elite group of Victorian country players," said Mr Knights.
"For most of these boys this is the pinnacle - the highest level for country footy. It's a chance to play with the best against the best.
"Because I haven't experienced a carnival before I‘m not going in with preconceived thoughts on opposition. All I can do is prepare our side and look at winning every game," said Mr Knights.
The Victorian District State Team has been traditionally drawn from smaller communities across regional and rural Victoria, and this, according to coach Ron Thomas, provides the great strength and character of his playing group.
"One thing I know is that the boys are going to have a great time. They are from small country towns - some of them don't even have a hotel or a post office - playing against teams from WA and SA and the rest. I love the opportunity of bringing them together and giving them a state Victorian jumper and seeing them develop."
For the first time ever, the two Victorian teams will be pitted against each other as opponents in the preliminary rounds of the Landmark Australian Country Football Carnival. It is probably the most anticipated match of the Carnival for all the Victorian players.
"It's fantastic to play in one pool. Our selectors have tried to pick major league players playing in district football. The reason a lot of these guys are playing in lesser leagues is not their ability but because they have a farm or a business and can't commit to training or travel needed to play in the major leagues." , Thomas said.
"They know what they'll be up against and they've put their hand up as part of it and they'll enjoy it. If everyone does their best they'll go back home to their farms and small towns and be proud of their achievement."
The Landmark Australian Country Football Carnival takes place in Canberra from Thursday 22nd July to Sunday 25th July.
By Glenn Scott
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|