U11 Development Camp, Weipa
The 2011 U11 Development Camp was held on the weekend prior to the U13 Crusader Championships in Weipa from Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th September. A total of 32 players from all regions of Cape York came together for an intensive training camp with AFL Cape York staff and coaches from the schools.
The Camp consisted of a two day training schedule with a mixed game on Sunday. The young players were taken through a solid training session on Saturday where the focus was on skill development and games. On Sunday morning the players were split into two teams and played in a full game on the Weipa AFL oval. Here the players could show their talent and skills and impress selectors for a spot in the 2012 U12 Crusader Team.
At the conclusion of the game a squad was selected to travel to Brisbane in 2012 to compete in the State Titles.
The Squad of 20 is as follows:
1. Denzel Yunkaporta, Aurukun
2. Tawu Marrott, Aurukun
3. Shique Creek, Coen
4. Donovan Yam, Kowanyama
5. Craig Goggleye, Kowanyama
6. Fitzroy Greenwool, Kowanyama
7. Mark Doolan, Coen
8. Jayden Charger, Napranum
9. Zarlee Woolla, Aurukun
10. Alan Kaitup, Kubin Island
11. John-Will Gizu, Mabuiag Island
12. Philemon Baira, Badu Island
13. Ezekil Mathew, Thursday Island
14. Joseph Tapin, Mer Island
15. Kubby Takai, Thursday Island
16. Zane Stallan, Cooktown
17. Russell Clark, Cooktown
18. Toby Gillen, Cooktown
19. Judhil Cuendo, Yarrabah
20. Phillip Solomon, Djarragun
Emergency
1. Michael Yunkaporta, Aurukun
2. Bob Pablo, NPA
3. Joe Wolmby, Aurukun
2011 Coaches Course - Weipa
AFL Cape York recently held a Coaches course in Weipa for school staff and other organisations to participate in and gain a Level One Coach qualification. In total, 17 participants from the Cape were involved in the course which ran in conjunction with the U11 Development Camp and U13 Crusader Championships held from September 3rd to 7th in Weipa. The coaches course participants were involved in practical coaching sessions where they were able to see firsthand the planning and training principles and assist in training. This was valuable experience as the participants were able to learn the skill technique and instruction along with the structures of training sessions including the ‘why’ and ‘how’ to, of skill development and game sense. The new coaches also had the opportunity to then coach their representative team in games and gain feedback from AFL Cape York staff. This enabled the participants to put what they had learnt throughout the course into practice and also to see the transition from messages at training and linking this into the game.
CookCluster Crusader Cup
On Wednesday 3rd August, AFL Cape York held the first of the Crusader Cups in Cooktown. The Cookcluster Cup is coordinated to bring together teams from the South East Cape region, with U13 students coming from regions of Cairns and areas in and around the Cooktown region. In 2011, students made up four teams to contest the Cookcluster Cup, with teams from Yarrabah State School, Djarragun College and two teams of Cooktown students from Wugul and Bloomfield also mixing into the four teams.
The 12-a-side games were played on the Wednesday afternoon in a round robin format. All four teams played with great passion and enthusiasm and represented their school and communities with fantastic spirit. Yarrabah and Djarragun teams prevailed to play off in the final of the Cookcluster Cup. The grand final match was close up until three quarter time when Yarrabah kicked away to win the game and take home the cup. Yarrabah small forward Harold Cedric and roaming ruckman Steven Schrieber impressed in the final, while Zac Cedric and Justin Hill were the standouts from Djarragun.
The Cookcluster Cup is also a selection process to select the Cookcluster Cats team who will travel to Weipa to play in the U13 Crusader Championships.
The Cookcluster Squad to contest the Crusader Championships was selected, and is shown below.
U13 Squad
Yarrabah
Steven Schrieber
Harold Cedric
Brent Pearson
Roy Yeatman
Curtis Connerly
Marcelus Martin
Zac Cedric
Djarragun
George Dorante
Justin Hill
Paul Ware
Fred David
Terrance Jacko
Lexton Denham
Cooktown
Jaczen Henderson
Shaun Law
Naimen Eustace
Joeseph Pope
U11 Selections
Judhil Cunendo (Yarrabah)
Zane Stallan (Cooktown)
Russell Clark (Cooktown)
Toby Gillen (Cooktown)
U12 Primary Schools Championship Brisbane
June 8th-16th
Wednesday June 8th saw Cape York and Torres Strait Islander students arrive in Cairns to begin their U/12 Primary Schools State Champs journey. Twenty-one 11 & 12 year olds extending from over fifteen different communities travelled to Cairns to kick off training before making their way to Brisbane. The Crusader U/12 team is in its tenth year of participation.
On Thursday June 9th the team had their first training run. The day was all about getting to know names and figure out how we were to play against teams that have been training for weeks. The mighty Crusaders team is always a competitive unit with natural skills and lightning speed. Floyd Sailor, a second year Crusader, was quick to show he aint no quiet boy. It was a good day of training, and the team was raring to play.
Friday June 10th began with an early start to the day with a 6:30am awakening on a fresh winter’s morning. It was now time to depart Cairns and head for Brisbane. Three quarters of the Crusader team had never been to Brisbane and one player in particular, Gibson Charlie, had never been on a plane until he flew out of his Darnley Island community en route to Cairns. With the students decked out in their Crusader tracksuits, the team looked very professional.
Saturday June 11th and the carnival starts with Crusaders vs. Capricornia. The cool morning was a challenge in itself for our players. Crusaders ran onto the field and played four quarters with speed and athleticism, beating Capricornia with a score of 5.5.35 to 3.7.25 . It was a great start to the carnival and the players had smiles from ear to ear.
Overall the Crusaders battled hard and played a total of five games with rivals Peninsula being the last game of the carnival. It was said that the Crusader vs. Peninsula game was a game to remember and one of the best highlights of the carnival, with a nose to nose battle. Peninsula player Daniel Gibson kicked a lucky punt off the ground which amazingly rolled through several players and through the uprights right on the last buzzer making Peninsula the one goal winners. Bad luck Crusaders, it was a great battle.
Three Crusader players were successful in being selected to play in the Country vs. Metropolitan North representative game which is a great honor to play in. Well done to Ali Dotoi, Wilson Kris and Naamen Eustace!
Team List: Brent Pearson, Zaccairy Mossman, Russell Miller, Phillip Soloman, Floyd Sailor, Justin Hill, Wilson Kris, Kejanu Doyle, Paul Tomsana, Paul Ware, Rebecca Peters, Sharnelle Tayley, Laru Jackonia, Gibson Charlie, Lester Shipton, Naamen Eustace, Garo Henry, Lacklan Kirk, Pylarnie Piva, Khail Walsh, Ali Dotoi
Score results-
2011 QPSAF State Championship Results
DAY 1 – Saturday 11 June
ME 10.7.67 def MN 4.4.28
CRUS 5.5.35 def CAP 3.7.25
MW 17.9.111 def PR 4.0.24
PEN 5.4.34 def WB 3.7.25
DD 6.11.47 def NOR 4.4.28
SCR 5.2.32 def SC 3.2.20
DAY 4 – Tuesday 14 June
DD 7.6.48 def 2.1.13
WB 8.4.52 def NOR 2.3.15
PEN 7.18.60 def CAP 4.2.26
SCR 9.7.61 def PR 3.1.19
SC 13.11.89 def MN 2.2.14
ME 5.1.31 draw MW 5.1.31
DAY 2 – Sunday 12 June
DD 11.10.76 def CAP 1.0.6
MW 6.9.39 def MN 4.2.26
SCR 6.3.39 def 5.5.35
SC 13.4.82 def PR 0.0.0
WB 7.4.46 def CRUS 4.6.30
PEN 9.8.62 def NOR 3.4.22
DAY 5 – Wednesday 15 June
MN 9.4.58 def PR 4.3.27
NOR 8.9.57 def CAP 2.2.14
DD 4.8.32 def WB 2.2.14
SC 8.2.50 def ME 2.1.13
PEN 5.2.32 def CRUS 3.8.26
MW 5.6.36 def SCR 3.3.21
QLD Country 6.5.41 def MN 2.3.15
DAY 3 – Monday 13 June
ME 7.5.47 def PR 0.0.0
WB 12.9.81 def CAP 1.1.7
MW 9.7.61 def SC 7.7.49
PEN 4.7.31 def DD 4.5.29
NOR 12.6.78 def CRUS 2.6.18
SCR 9.7.61 def MN 2.0.12
Best Player results Crusaders verse-
Capricornia: Russell Miller
Wide Bay: Wilson Kris
Northern: Brent Pearson
Darling Downs: Khail Walsh
Peninsula: Ali Dotoi
Most Valuable Player Award-
Wilson Kris & Brent Pearson
Country selection –
Ali Dotoi, Wilson Kris, Naamen Eustace
Malita Sagaukaz experience with U12 Crusaders to Brisbane
My experiences on the U12 Championships 2011 to Brisbane was an enjoyable one. The children were well mannered throughout the camp and each day they matured and socialised more openly.
Out of the 21 Crusaders the two young girls seemed to fit in quiet well and were accepted in a friendly manner by the 19 boys.
The camp started at Kuiyam Hostel with all the children arriving on Wednesday 9/6/11 night. After dinner all headed down to the night markets for a browse.
Next day was an early start followed by training sessions at Cazayls oval with Marc and Dwayne at the end of the day children were presented with their uniforms. There was a feeling of excitement amongst the group as they tried on their new uniforms.
The group was very excited to be catching the flight to Brisbane where we would meet up with former AFL Cape York staff member Otis Gowa and on arriving in Brisbane we picked up our 3 Taragos and headed to camp at Petrie YMCA.
After moving into our rooms and sorting out team leaders the players then headed to the dining room. We grouped them into rooms with a leader.
The Crusaders played 5 games during the week ,they won their first game against Capricornia. We were very impressed with their excellent skills and speed. The players were full of smiles and excitement.
Each night we did an evaluation with the group with all Crusaders participating. The evaluation sessions are designed to target personal development in each person.
I enjoyed working with development staff and the young Crusaders. The opportunity was a great one.
Kids Living Safer Lives U12 Crusaders
The Kids Living Safer Lives U12 Crusader team has been named to participate in the Qld State Primary School Championships. Team members till travel to Cairns on Wednesday 8th June for a training camp on Thursday 9th before the team departs for Brisbane on Friday 10th June. The carnival will be played at Sandgate AFC from Saturday 11th to Wednesday 16th June 2011. The team officials are:- Marc Harbrow, Dwayne Bosen, Malita Sagaukaz, Otis Gowa (AFL Cape York staff), Matt Potter (Tagai College Thursday Island)
Team Members:- Khail Walsh (Gordonvale), Naimen Eustace (Cooktown ) Lester Shipton, Sharnelle Tayley (Bloomfield), Russell Miller (Aurukun), Rebecca Peters (Coen), Phillip Soloman, Justin Hill, Ali Dotoi, Zac Gibuma (Djarragun College), Pylarnie Piva (Lockhart River), Gibson Charlie (Darnley Island), Garo henry, Paul Tomsana (Horn Island), Konoma Matthew, Floyd Sailor, Keanu Doyle, Wilson kris, Lacklan Kirk (Thursday Island), Josiah Patterson, Zaccairy Mossman (Yarrabah).
ISLAND 2 ISLAND KICKABOUT
 AFL Cape York Development Officers Kane Richter, Dwayne Bosen and Marc Harbrow flew to Horn Island in late November ready for a week of AFL clinics in the Torres Strait visiting 12 Tagai State schools – Boigu, Saibai, Badu, Darnley, Coconut, York, Warriber, Yam, Murry, Mabuiag, St Paul and Kubin.
For many students, Aussie Rules Football is a brand new sport so it is exciting for all. The week proved to be a huge success, and even though the sun was beating down at 35+ degrees, it didn’t keep the students away from having a kick. “Smiles and all round laughs made the  trip a week to remember,” Dwayne Bosen says..
It was Dwayne Bosen’s first time visiting the outer islands and he couldn’t help but wait in anticipation to land. “The kids were all well- mannered and respectful”.,” he said after returning to Cairns.
The trip was a fantastic opportunity to touch base with all the students who have taken part in AFL Cape York programs that have been conducted in 2010. Students from each islands schools participated in, sessions based on fun, games and enjoying the AFL experience. It was great to see the kids laughing, and smiling and  enjoying themselves. AFL Cape York is aiming to get to the outer islands in early 2011 and to promote AFL and the Kickstart messages focused on education, leadership and wellbeing. I don’t know who enjoyed themselves more, the students or the AFL Cape York Development officers. “The Torres Strait Islands are truly an amazing part of the world!”
-
Kane Richter
U13 Mornington Island AFL and Cultural Carnival
 Normanton, Burketown & Doomadgee state primary schools attended the Gulf AFL carnival hosted by Mornington Island state school. Visiting schools chartered flights over to the Island to participate in the U13 event. Mornington Island teacher Tom Watson and Jamie Skinner coordinated the carnival with assistance from AFL Cape York staff members Marc Harbrow and Dwayne Bosen, the coordination by the Tom and Jamie was outstanding.
On Tuesday morning students were put through their passes down at the PCYC fields with a training session conducted by Marc and Dwayne, considering the very hot  conditions students were very impressive. After training PCYC provided recreational activities for the remainder of the day which students really enjoyed.
Wednesday morning breakfast was at 7am which provided a good start to the children for the day. With a good breakfast under their belts students were ready to tackle the sporting day ahead.
AFL staff was delighted to see the amount of girls participating in each of the teams.
Kick off for the first game was 9am followed by five more games over the course of the day. Healthy lunches and lots of water were consumed over the course of the carnival which again helped students in the hot conditions.
The AFL component of the day finished around the 3pm, children then gravitated to the PCYC building to participate in other planned activities. After dinner children engaged in a disco organised by PCYC staff which was a great success.
Thursday was the final day of the program where trophies and medals were awarded to individual players and teams. The carnival proved to be very successful and we all hope it can continue into the future.
AFL Cape York would like to acknowledge the Mornington Island community and thank them for inviting AFL Cape York to be a part of a very successful event. We would also like to acknowledge the commitment and behaviour of all the teams participating and the great work done behind the scenes from teachers, families and PCYC staff.
WCCCA U11 Development Camp
September 3rd-5th 2010
 The 2010 U11 Development camp proved to be another success. The camp was held in Weipa over the weekend of September 4th & 5th. 33 students from schools across the Torres Strait Islands and Cape York including Djarragun College and Yarrabah participated in the event. Leadership Workshops and other educational sessions were conducted at the Weipa Camp Grounds where students camped for two nights. The players underwent specific skilling and training drills to enhance their skill development and AFL knowledge of the game. The skills in this 2010 group were very pleasing to see.
The camp is used to select 23 players to represent the Crusader team to contest titles next year at the U12 State Primary Schools Championships in June. It was hard to select 23 players out of 33 as all players were very skillful and athletic. A drill was conducted where the players had to use their opposite side of the body to handpass and kick and, quite surprisingly given the experience levels of the participants, the majority of the group did very well. Young Russell Miller from Aurukun made handpassing and kicking on both sides of his body a breeze. Thursday Island product Wilson Kris showed off his talents by hitting his target consistently.
Players selected into the 2011 U12 Crusader Team-
Khail Walsh (Gordonvale),  Naimen Eustace (Cooktown), Lester Shipton (Bloomfield), Russell Miller (Aurukun), Rebecca Peters (Coen), Phillip Soloman (Djarragun), Justin Hill (Djarragun), Ali Dotoi (Djarragun), Laru Jackonia (Djarragun), Pylarnie Piva (Lockhart), Croyston Piva (Lockhart), Garo Henry (Horn), Paul Tomsana (Horn), Konoma Matthew (TI), Floyd Sailor (TI), Keanu Doyle (TI), Wilson Kris (TI), Lacklan Kirk (TI)
Well done to all students participating in the 2010 U11 Development Camp.
WCCCA WESTERN CENTRAL CAPE CRUSADER CUP
August 10th-11th 2010
The 2010 Western Central Cape Crusader Cup carnival was held for the first time outside of Weipa and it was held in Aurukun. Participating teams consisted of Kowanyama School, Lockhart River School, Coen State School and two teams from hosts Aurukun.
All participating teams arrived in Aurukun on Friday morning and geared up for the first game after school that afternoon. Coen students were picked up by Dwayne and Kane from AFL Cape York and Coach Dave Finkel on the way through to Aurukun. Lets just say the AFL Cape York Troopy was a Singing Extravaganza which could be heard from all points of the cape. Dwayne is still having troubles listening to my instructions.
After a meal of AFL Cape York Special Spaghetti Bolognaise the students got ready for a guest speaker and leadership session based on Boarding School. A special thank you must go out to Danielle Toon and her team of volunteers from Cape York Partnerships for her assistance in making the Carnival such a success.
Carnival Match results:
Game 1 - Lockhart 5.3.33 V Coen 1.3.9
Goals – Lockhart: Pylarnie Piva 2, Richard Convent, Brendan Hobson, Simon Butcher
Coen: Walter Peters
Best – Lockhart: Richard Convent, Domonic Macumboy, Pylarnie Piva, Brendan Hobson, Fabian Macumboy, Jayden Hobson.
Coen: Walter Peters, Sam Zaro, Aima Pai
Game 2 – Aurukun A 9.3.54 V Aurukun B 1.3.9
Goals – Aurukun A: Andrew Miller 2, Edmund Woolla 2, Tristan Woolla, Jordan Toikalkin, Daniel Poonkenelia, Liam Kerindun, Wayne Wolmby
Aurukun B: Elton Poonkamelya
Best – Andrew Miller, Elton Poonkamelya, Ian Walbeng, Edmund Woolla
Game 3 – Coen 9.2.56 V Kowanyama 3.1.19
Goals – Coen: Walter Peter 4, Aima Paii 2, Selwyn Nampanum 2, Samuel Zaro,
Kowanyama: Fitzroy Greenwool, Katrina Gilbo, Craig Goggleye
Best – Walter Peter, Aima Paii, Katrina Gilbo
Game 4 – Aurukun A 6.5.41 V Lockhart 1.0.6
Goals – Aurukun A: Daniel Poonkamelya 2, Andrew Miller 2, Tristan Woolla, Rex Woolla
Lockhart: Pylarnie Piva
Best – Andrew Miller, Daniel Poonkamelya, Jordan Tiokalkin, Richard Convent, Domonic Macumboy
Game 5 – Aurukun B 5.5.35 V Kowanyama 0.0.0
Goals – Aurukun B: Robert Pootchemunka 2, Elton Poonkamelya, Ian Walbeng, Alwyn Pootchemunka
Best – Ian Walbeng, Robert Pootchemunka, Craig Goggleye, Katrina Gilbo
Game 6 – Aurukun A 7.2.44 V Coen 2.1.13
Goals – Aurukun A: Tristan Woolla 3, Jordan Toikalkin, Rex Woolla, Wayne Wolmby, Andrew Miller
Coen: Walter Peter 2
Best – Walter Peter, Jordan Toikailkin, Tristan Woolla
Game 7 – Aurukun B 8.1.49 V Lockhart 1.2.8
Goals - Aurukun B: Elton Poonkamelya 4, Shenoa Yarrak 2, Ian Walbeng, Robert Pootchemunka
Lockhart: Dominic Macumboy
Best - Elton Poonkamelya, Ian Walbeng, Dominic Macumboy
Game 8 – Aurukun A 11.3.69 V Kowanyama 1.0.6
Goals – Aurukun A: Tristan Woolla 3, Jordan Toikalkin 2, Russell Miller 2, Andrew Miller, Rex Woolla, Wayne Wolmby, Daniel Poonkamelya
Kowanyama: Josh Malachy
Best – Daniel Poonkamleya, Edmund Woolla, Jordan Toikalkin, Josh Malachy
Game 9 – Aurukun B: 7.3.45 V Coen 2.5.17
Goals - Aurukun B: Ian Walbeng 3, Elton Poonkamelya 3, Benjamin Pootchemunka
Coen: Walter Peter 2
Best - Ian Walbeng, Elton Poonkamelya, Walter Peter, Aima Paii
Game 10 – Lockhart 4.3.27 V Kowanyama 2.1.13
Goals - Lockhart: Richard Convent 2, Domonic Macumboy, Brendan Hobson
Kowanyama: Eldrick Zingle 2
Best – Domonic Macumboy, Richard Convent, Craig Goggleye
Well done to all teams in representing their school at the Western Central Cape Crusader Cup. The Carnival is used to select an U11 Development Squad and a U13 regional Cookcluster Cats team where 16 students will travel to Weipa in September to contest Crusader Cup Championships. Students selected are:
U11 Development Squad
Rex Woolla, Zallee Woolla, Tristan Woolla, Russell Miller, Pylarnie Piva, Paddy Hobson, Croyston Omeenyo, Jenny Hobson, Hewy Claudie, Rebecca Peters.
U13 Western Central Cape Lions
Edmund Woolla, Wayne Wolmby, Jordan Toikalkin, Elton Poonkamelya, Ian Walbeng, Robert Pootchemunka, Katrina Gilbo, Taylor Edwards, Chris Wilson, Josh Malachy, Domonic Macumboy, Richard Convent, Jayden Hobson, Walter Peters, Aima Paii, Sam Zaro
"Proudly supported by WCCCA & Rio Tinto Alcan"
WCCCA COOKCLUSTER CRUSADER CUP
August 10th-11th 2010
The 2010 Cookcluster Crusader Cup carnival held at Cooktown State School proved to be successful once again. Participating teams consisted of Djarragun College, Yarrabah, Bloomfield SPS and Cooktown SHS. Yarrabah and Djarragun teams travelled up the day before the carnival to make sure they were ready for battle.
Djarragun College coach Dave Maddock Jones decided he would take a scenic tour up the Daintree before realizing he was on the wrong track, who says men can read maps. Tracking back to Rex Range then finally on their way to Cooktown taking 6 hours instead of the normal 4 made quite a trip for the legendary coach and his team.
Yarrabah coach Ian Prest took a more direct route and arrived in Cooktown with his charges on the big 22 seater community bus. Student’s eager to impress raced of the bus and straight into some kicking in the car park, early practice is important.
Kadiesha Atkinson who represented the U/12 Crusader in 2010 got off the bus and he first words to Development Officer Marc Harbrow was “sir, when we playing”. Marc informed her that games didn’t commence until the next day Kadiesha went into a 30 minute silence in disappointment and protest.
Children woke on Wednesday to a typical bright Cooktown day, an early start for all teams as the first game kicked off at 9:00am.
Djarragun versus Yarrabah was the first match and it was obvious from the first bounce that Djarragun was going to be tough to beat.
Carnival Match results:
Game 1 - Djarragun 9.2.56 V Yarrabah 1.2.8
Goals – Djarragun: Malachi Songoro (3), Josh Kyle (3), Emmy Charlie (2), Andrew Oui
Yarrabah: Zac Cedric
Best – Josh Kyle, Kadiesha Atkinson, Malachi Songoro
Game 2 – Bloomfield 4.2.26 V Cooktown 3.2.20
Goals – Yarrabah: Joel Johnson (4), Cooktown: James Riordan, Jai Ross, Toby Gillen
Best – Joel Johnson, Aiden Kelly, Naimen Eustace
Game 3 – Djarragun 12.9.81 V Bloomfield 0.4.4
Goals – Djarragun: Malachi Songoro (3), Thuraka Sammons (2), Emmy Charlie, Josh Kyle, Larru Jackonia, George Dorante
Best – Malachi Songoro, Josh Kyle, Tamina Bassini
Game 4 – Yarrabah 11.8.74 V Cooktown 2.0.12
Goals – Yarrabah: Roy Yeatman, Bruce Myngha, Cadmas Sands, Kadiesha Atkinson, Joel Johnson (2), Jimmito Harris (2), Stephen Schrieber, Jason Connely-Fourmile
Best – Kadiesha Atkinson, Cadmas Sands, Roy Yeatman, Harold Cedric
Game 5 – Djarragun 10.5.65 V Cooktown 0.0.0
Goals – Djarragun: Josh Kyle (3), Malachi Songoro (3), Andrew Oui (2), Emmy Charlie (2)
Best – Thuraka Sammons, Andrew Oui, Steven Auda, Malachi Songoro, Josh Kyle, Cooktown: Shaun Law, Jackson Ross
Game 6 – Yarrabah 9.0.54 V Bloomfield 4.8.32
Goals – Yarrabah: Cadmas Sands, Zac Cedric (2), Roy Yeatman (2), Joel Johnson (2), Steven Schrieber, Bruce Myngha
Well done to all teams in representing their school at the Cookcluster Crusader Cup. The Carnival is used to select an U11 Development Squad and a U13 regional Cookcluster Cats where 16 students will travel to Weipa in September to contest Crusader Cup Championships.
Torres Strait / NPA WCCT Crusader Cup - 4th & 5th Sept 2010
Thursday Island was the picturesque scene for the 2010 Torres Strait WCCT Crusader Cup. Six teams from Thursday Island, Saibai/Dauan Island, Horn Island and Badu Island participated in what was a very competitive regional Kickstart carnival.
Teams have been going through their training passes during this term in readiness for the event which was evident. AFL cape York staff were very pleased with the style of game played and in particular the high skill level showed by all teams. Saibai Island/Dauan team were very impressive and showed you don’t have to be the biggest and strongest team to be competitive and how well you can play by using the ball effectively with good skills and decisions. Eleven year olds Giovanni Wosomo, Freddy Wosomo and Jordan Warasum were outstanding in winning the football and then distributing it cleanly through hand or foot, they were given plenty of support from tall ruckman Allan Wosomo who improved each game.
Badu Island was the early bench mark with good early wins in the competition but was going to be pushed by the Thursday Island Ochre team. As the competition went on the better the Thursday Island teams became in particular, Ochre. Lead extremely well by big lad Amey Odo and forward Solomona Nona they were able to get control in the ruck which gave forwards greater scoring opportunities. The Badu Island team was very well lead by Rashid Nona, Jame Ahmat, Nathan Tamwoy and Ibegun Mene. Rashid, Nathan and Ibegun have all been Crusader Representative Players in the past and will push hard for U/14 selection at the Crusader Cup championships in September. Their overall experience was going to be a telling factor at the carnival as they brought other team mates in the games.
Horn Island lead superbly by fullback Josh Wasaga showed plenty of spirit; considering they were the youngest team overall they should feel proud of their performance. Other players to perform well were Wayne heritage, Paul Tomsana, Richard McKeown, Joseph Daniel and Garo Henry.
Thursday Island teams Green and also Lime was more than competitive and played some outstanding football. When Thursday Island AFL co-coordinator Sam Zangara made up his three teams he tried to select three very even teams for which he was very successful.
For T.I Lime Bradley Kris Ujabi Matthew and Daniel Bosen were excellent. They lead by example in all facets of their games which was rewarded by selection in the T.I Rep team. The T.I Green team was well served by Emmerson Charlie, Ezra Charlie and Chris Sambo.
The following players have been selected in the Thursday Island and the Outer Island teams to contest the u/13 Crusader Cup in Weipa, September 6th-8th, 2010. It will be the first time two teams from the Torres Strait have been selected to attend the championships. "See below"
The following players have been selected to attend the U/11 development camp held in Weipa 3rd-5th September;
Torres Strait / NPA;Richard McKeown (Horn Is), Joseph Daniel (Horn Is), Garo Henry (Horn Is), Paul Townsano (Horn Is), Giovanni Wosomo (Saibai Is), Fred Dau, Jordan Warusam, Freddy Wosomo, Lacklan Kirk, Konoma Matthew, Wilson Kris, Floyd Sailor, Ezakiel Matthew, Keanu Doyle. Cookcluster; Phillip Solomon (Djarragun), Justin Hill (Djarragun), Laru Jackonia (Djarragun), Andre Akiba (Djarragun), Jai Ross (Cooktown), James Riordan (Cooktown), Toby Gillen (Cooktown), Namen Eustace (Cooktown), Lester Shipton (Bloomfield), Khail Walsh (Gordonvale). |
