Hey it’s Mooney here with the latest Gridiron news from around OZ. This edition we take a look at what’s happening in my state.
In Queensland, pre season training is well underway for all 9 teams in the senior comp. Last year’s undefeated Sunbowl Champions the Gold Coast Stingrays will be looking to continue their winning form and push for their 5th consecutive title in 2010. Will they continue their undefeated streak from the 09 season? All eyes will be on the three 2009 rookie teams Bruins, Wolves and Spartans this year as each performed well in their first season and will be looking to draw on their 1st year experience to cause some upsets in 2010. The usual suspects Cougars, Bears, Rhinos, Wildcats and Ravens have all reported increased rosters and some player movement between the teams should keep things interesting on game day. With news that several clubs have secured the services of imported players from the U.S, Canada and Europe things are really starting to heat up in Gridiron QLD! For more information or to contact your local club go to www.gridironqld.asn.au
The pre season action kicked off June 12th with the QLD Sundevils v Arizona HS Allstars in an exhibition match. This annual clash is usually played by a ‘throw together’ team of GQ players available on the day however this year the QLD Sundevils were invited to play a final game together before returning to their respective clubs for the 2010 season. The Arizona team usually take advantage of their speed and cohesion to run rampant over the throw together Queenslanders however when faced with the state representative side the visitors unbeaten record spanning several years came to a convincing end going down 20-8. The Sundevils were praised by the visiting coaches as the best performance they had seen in QLD so far. The Sundevils defence proving the main difference forcing the visitors to punt on several occasions and allowing only one touchdown late in the 4th quarter (the 2 points came via a fumbled snap into the endzone giving the visitors a safety). QLD Star QB Jarred Stegman was awarded game MVP.
Next on the horizon is the Down Under Bowl. The D.U.B is held every year in July on the Gold Coast at the Runaway Bay Super Sports Centre and is attended by several visiting US high school all star teams. These games are great to watch and provide valuable pre season scrimmages for the local GQ side and a chance for some of our Junior stars to train and play alongside some very talented high school athletes. The Gold Coast Stingrays open side will play 2 games during this years event and look forward to giving their new recruits some valuable game time and also providing the returning players with some quality pre season action leading into the August GQ season kick off!!
The 2010 Gridiron season has kicked off in Victoria with week 4 being completed over the weekend. I will get in touch with the Victorian folks and have a review of the opening week’s action for you in my next post.
It would be great to hear from any of the NFLDownunder readers around Australia that follow the sport locally, feel free to leave a post below.
See you on the field.
Mooney.
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