So the countdown has begun. 10 days until the Gridiron Australia Nationals Kick off in Melbourne. As I mentioned in my previous post all six member states are attending and looking to take home the title of National Champions. But what is the format for the tournament, how does it work?
There will be two divisions of 3 teams. The groups were formed based on the final results of the 2008 Nationals that were held on the Gold Coast. Div A consists of current title holders NSW then Western Australia and South Australia. Div B is made up by 08 runners up Victoria with Queensland and ACT. Each team play the other teams in their division once with the win loss record from these games deciding the final placing going into the championship round. The #1 team from each Div face off in the Grand Final. The championship round will start with 5th v 6th, followed by 3rd v 4th before the Grand Final showdown between 1st and 2nd to decide the 2010 GA National Champions!
With each team having to play a total of 3 games over 6 days this competition is as much about which state has the stronger program and athletes as it is about strategy and good fortune. We have seen teams come out all guns blazing in the opening games but have not been able to sustain the effort over the week, likewise we have seen others come out and suffer one or two injuries which force a reshuffle of positions and therefore forcing a change to a teams game plan.
The Queensland Sundevils are scheduled to start their campaign against the ACT Monarchs on Monday the 12th April. Prior to that QLD will have the chance to scout the Victoria v ACT game which is being played on day 1 of the tournament. ACT were unable to field a side in the 2008 Nationals so there is not much recent form to go on with this match up however at this representative level you can be sure the Monarchs will be working just as hard in preparation for these titles as any other state and the Sundevils will certainly be taking them seriously for the entire 4 quarters of play. Following a recovery day QLD will then take the field against 2008 Runners up the Victorian Eagles. The Eagles have been consistent performers at the National Championships just falling short of the title to consecutive winners the NSW Wolfpack. Victoria will be pushing hard to put themselves back into the final game to try and snatch the elusive title off the Wolfpack. Last match up between the Sundevils and Eagles saw the game go to the Eagles 20-13. The new look Sundevils offense will need to move the chains consistently against the experienced Eagles outfit while on Defense the Sundevils will look to their punishing style of play to disrupt the Eagles and force turnovers. This game is shaping up to be one of the more exciting match ups of the tournament.
Recently I put a call out to each of the state teams to share some news on their preparation leading into the Nationals with the NFL Downunder readers however there was not a great response. So could it be that everyone is to busy training and preparing their team for victory or opting to play their cards close to their chest?
Either way, we are getting closer to what will be one of the most exciting and hotly contested Gridiron National Championships ever played in Australia. If you’re in Melbourne April 10th- 16th make sure you make your way to the SNHC Fields 10 Brens Dr Parkville VIC to catch all the action.
Next update I will review the NSW, WA & SA division and post up the times and dates for each game.
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