You can listen to the podcast or open it in iTunes here. If you’ve previously downloaded the podcast to iTunes, make sure to click into it and download the latest episodes (click ‘Podcasts’ > double-click the Get Roo’d Weekly podcast series > click ‘Get’ next to the episode you want to listen to or ‘Get All’ to download all episodes). Or, if you don’t use iTunes, you can go direct to the .mp3 file here.

Episode two brings some new faces to the table, some interesting topics and all-round laughs.

Topics include:

• Rounds 2 and 3 reviews and highlights
• US Freedom weekend
• Skill of the Week – the “Boomerang Kick”
• Round 4 “Under Lights”
• Applebees
• The Big Noamy Bus Ride

The podcast is recorded live in front of a studio audience at The Republic (corners of Scott and Lombard, San Francisco). Feel free and come along and join us! I’s generally after training (Wednesdays), every two weeks after a GGAFL round.

Hosts on episode two:

Cooper Lees – San Francisco Seals
Jess Estrada – San Francisco Iron Maidens (Women’s Team)
Kyle Manly Johnson – Oakland Pirates
Christian Chynoweth - San Francisco Knights
Adam Linke – San Francisco Seals
Ari Mitchell – San Francisco Seals (Drop-in)

Please comment below or email Cooper with suggestions, ideas, or to request an appearance on Get Roo’d Weekly. You can also read match reviews of round two or round three here.

The post Get Roo’d Bi-Weekly: Podcast, Episode 2 appeared first on GGAFL.

The first ever Derby Derby took place this weekend when the 1-0 Oakland Pirates took on the 1-1 San Francisco Seals. The Derby Derby, named after the infamous disagreement about what truly represents a Derby, started off with some very generous acts on the part of the Seals. The Pirates were only able to suit up 11 players, so the Seals loaned the Pirates a couple players in order to get more guys on the field and fewer people watching from the interchange. It was a great showing of what the GGAFL is all about and why the Seals are consistently looked at as a top club with integrity and honor.

But as soon as the game started, it was just a great showing of the Pirates. Led by Chris “Buckets” Johnson and Daniel “Dahli” “Bones” Dahlquist, the Pirates kicked the first few goals of the game and never looked back. Kevin Waden and Mark Webber combined to dominate in the ruck, while taggers Dave “Ammo” Aymerich and David Star shut down the Seals followers and allowed the Pirates to win most of the center clearances.

The Seals benefited from some great play by Cooper Lees and Ricky “Bobby” Leumann, but in the end, it was not enough. Johnson had kicked six goals, Dahlquist had kicked three, Waden, Aymerich and Webber each had a couple and the Pirates won the day with a score of 19.2.116 to 4.4.28.

A big thank you to Matt Lege for entering the open player draft before the game, as well as Jeff of the Seals for volunteering to jump to the Pirates for the game. Also, to the Seals leadership for their willingness to loan a player, and the ladies, especially Milli Bruce, for all their hard work in umpiring the game.

Final score

Pirates: 19.2.116
def
Seals: 6.1.37

Goals:
Pirates: Chris Johnson (6), Daniel Dahlquist (3), Leigh Barnes (3), Luke Quirk (2), David Aymerich, Geoff Pascoe, Kevin Waden, Kyle Johnson
Seals: David Rossi (2), Mickey Powell (2), Heber Saurey, Unknown

Looking for a win: San Jose Hornets Vs Marin Mavericks

San Jose went looking for their first win of 2013 against the Mavericks. Bobby Sears connected with Rob Boyle in the forward line to give the Hornets an early lead. That lead was short-lived however, as the Mavericks began to run roughshod over the Hornets from then on out. After 90 seconds, San Jose was leading 7-0 but at quarter time, the Mavericks had jumped out to a commanding 28-9 lead and never looked back. Bryan Dragus and Bobby Lancaster never let off the throttle and led the Mavericks to a dominant 97-28 win.

For San Jose, the season started with hope and anticipation due to their offseason pickup of Bobby Sears, but the Hornets have been unable to turn it around. Four weeks in and they are still looking for their first win. The May 18 bye week appears to have come at a time where the San Jose Hornets can look inwardly and make some team adjustments. They pick up their 2013 campaign again on June 15 when they take on the defending champions, the San Francisco Knights.

Final score

Mavericks: 14.14.98
def
Hornets:3.7.25

Goals:
Mavericks: Bryan Dragus (4), David Franco (2), Eli Beyder (2), Chris Johnson (2), David Americh (2), Colm Tully, Riccardon Leumann
Hornets: Robert Sears (2), Rob Boyle

Get involved!

If you would like to get involved, like the GGAFL (men’s, women’s and co-ed leagues) SF Footy (San Francisco co-ed) or EB Footy (East Bay co-ed) on Facebook and come out and have a kick!

See the full 2013 fixture or inquire about becoming a player.

Article contributors: Adam Linke, Kyle Johnson

The post Match review: Round 3, GGAFL 2013 appeared first on GGAFL.

Grand Final Rematch: Marin Mavericks Vs San Francisco Knights

It started with the Grand Final rematch pitting the Marin Mavericks against the San Francisco Knights.  The Knights were suffering with a few key players out with injury. With no Aaron Aikman or Andrew Upton, the Knights were looking to superstars like Mel Chen and Johnny Bekiaris to fill the void.

The game started with the Mavs taking an early lead after a quick goal. The Knights equalized shortly thereafter, but had trouble winning the ball out of the middle for most of the game. Several 50-meter penalties were given to the Mavs after some umpire back-chat, giving them some easy goals. The Knights had their chances and showed some talent on the day, but the efforts and extra height of the Mavericks proved enough for a win.

Final score

Mavericks: 13.5.93
def
Knights: 8.7.55

Goals:
Mavericks: Rob Boyle (5), Mike Lancaster (3), Bobby Lancaster (2), David Franco, Joe Brugaletta, Kevin Brugaletta
Knights: Andrew Stamatis (2), Chris Morrison (2), Justin Yee (2), John Bekiaris, David Rossi

San Derby: San Francisco Seals Vs San Jose Hornets

Continuing “Derby Season”, the second game was the inaugural San Derby between the San Jose Hornets and the San Francisco Seals. A pregame draft took place for extra players, with the Seals taking an additional 3 to boost their total to 19, and San Jose taking 9 extras for a total of 16. Playing 15 per side, the Seals chose to start their native players on the ground and use their new recruits off the bench.

The new Seals, many of them first year players got off to a rocky start. Riccardo Leumann played out of position in the ruck and gave up a few free kicks to the opposing ruckman. The Hornets put on the pressure early with half forward “Hoop” slotting the first two goals. The Seals answered back with a goal off the boot of David “Plugga” Rossi, but the momentum was clearly with San Jose on the day as they went up by nearly goals at half time.

The second half showed a much different Seals team on the field. They were fighting an uphill battle but managed to shut down the Hornets in the third quarter and hold them to a single point versus the Seals’ four goals. The smiles were short lived as first year player Kez left the game with a concussion after a clash with Jim Blocho.

The Seals took their 4 point lead into the fourth quarter where, kicking with the wind, they were able to build on their lead. Replacement players Daniel Dahlquist, Saleh Tybjee and Mel Chen provided sparks out of the middle and the backline to drive the ball into the forward line. Seals fullback Matt Rayson shut down goal kickers Rob Boyle, Chris Johnson and Davidson Haworth as the Seals forwards built on their lead. A late push by last season’s Brownlow winner Chris O’Meara, who was likely playing his last game in the GGAFL, proved too little as the Seals went on to record their first win of 2013 (and in history!).

The GGAFL Tuckshop then ran out of beer.

Final score

Seals 9.7.61
def
Hornets 5.9.39

Goals:
Seals: Mickey Powell (3), John Carpenter (2), Daniel Dalquist, David Rossi, Matt Prescott, Mel Chen
Hornets: Chris O’Meara (3), Patrick Hooper, Rob Boyle

Get involved!

If you would like to get involved, like the GGAFL (men’s, women’s and co-ed leagues) SF Footy (San Francisco co-ed) or EB Footy (East Bay co-ed) on Facebook and come out and have a kick!

See the full 2013 fixture or inquire about becoming a player.

Article contributors: Adam Linke

The post Match review: Round 2, GGAFL 2013 appeared first on GGAFL.

Episode one welcomes the San Francisco Seals to the competition, thanks our fantastic organizing committee of legends, and reviews round one. You can listen to the podcast or open it in iTunes here.

Hosts on episode one:
Cooper Lees – San Francisco Seals
Kyle Manly Johnson – Oakland Pirates
Rob Boyle – San Jose Hornets
Hector Rosekrans – San Francisco Seals
Heber Saurey – San Francisco Seals

Let us know what you think in the comments below! You can also read match reviews from round one here.

The post Introducing Get Roo’d Weekly: Podcast, Episode 1 appeared first on GGAFL.

Derby Day: San Jose Hornets Vs Oakland Pirates

The first match-up of Derby Day saw the San Jose Hornets take on the Oakland Pirates in the battle of the 880 Derby. The Hornets were knocked out of the finals by the Pirates in the last round of the 2012 season, so many expected them to come out with passion and a desire for revenge. The Pirates wanted to repeat their dominant effort and looked to capitalize on their youth and speed.

The first quarter was a tight battle, with followers David DeVellis and Brad O’Donnell getting a ton of possessions and newcomer Bobby Sears enforcing his physical dominance all over the ground for the Hornets. The Pirates countered with some slick work from new ruckman Kevin Waden and powerful leads by veteran forward Chris “Buckets” Johnson. At the end of 15 minutes, the scoreboard read Oakland by a goal and the fans were ready for a tight battle.

Unfortunately for the Hornets, that was the closest the score would be for the rest of the day. The Pirates taggers David Star, Dave Aymerich, and Malcolm Langford started shutting down the Hornets on-ballers. The Hornets forward line rarely saw the ball, and when they did, it was typically cleared quickly by the youthful combo of Mark “Yogi” Beare and USA Revolution players Saleh Tyebjee and Daniel Dahlquist.

Sears, a USA Revolution player as well and likely winner of Best On Ground, fought hard and won a ton of the ball for the entire game, but he was unable to match the Pirates group effort. Six different players kicked a goal or more for Oakland, highlighted by the three starting forwards of “Buckets”, Luke Quirk, and Kai Barnes all kicking at least two each. Waden added in four goals of his own and Langford came away with what likely was Mark of the Match after snagging a Willie Mays-esque over-the-shoulder mark in the fourth quarter.

When the final siren sounded, Oakland was victorious by a score of 92-17.

Oakland skipper Kyle “Manly” Johnson was very happy with the effort from his boys, “Our team player really well as a cohesive unit and our passion was unmatched by the opponent. It was a great round for the mighty Pirates.”

Rob Boyle, captain of the Hornets, was disappointed, but still able to pull some positives from the result: “We played really well in the first quarter going uphill and against the wind, and I believe that’s how we are capable of playing in every quarter. We will come back here in round two with more endurance and we will leave with a win.”

Final score

Pirates: 13.14.92
def
Hornets: 2.5.17

Goals:
Pirates: Kevin Waden (4), Chris Johnson (3), Kai Barnes (2), Luke Quirk (2), Kyle Johnson, Malcolm Langford
Hornets: Luke Golson, Bobby Sears

Rainbow Cup: San Francisco Knights Vs San Francisco Seals

After a busy and at times controversial off-season, it was only fitting that the reigning GGAFL Premiership champion San Francisco Knights take on the newest addition to the GGAFL family, the SF Seals in the first Derby match for the pride of San Francisco. The Seals and Knights would be playing for the right to take home the Rainbow Cup and to keep up with the swashbuckling Pirates from the first game. While the new team was feeling confident and looking for their first win, the Knights spent their week preparing to take care of business in their title-defense campaign. The Seals have built the club around a solid nucleus of former Knights and recruited some raw, young, and skilled talent through the draft and most of them showed up to bring the largest group of the day out for competition.

As the second match of the day, emotions were running higher than the mid-afternoon temperature at the Concord Cricket Ground. The Seals won the toss and elected to kick with the wind. Off the first center bounce, a favorable tap from Aaron “Spider” Aikman into the streaking hands of everyone’s sixth favorite Asian player Mel Chen, led to a crisp kick to Daniel Dahlquist on a strong lead in less than eight seconds. After taking the mark and steadying himself towards goal, Dahli slotted the first goal in 2013 for the defending Champs. The Seals came right back when the first of many controversial 50 meter penalties was paid against the Knights and newest Seals member Matt Rayson kicked straight through to level the scores. The Knights and Seals traded a few behinds and the Knights put up another goal prior to the quarter time siren. After one quarter, the Seals showed that they were not going to back down.

In the second quarter, the intensity and physicality picked up dramatically. The Knights exploded for several quick goals as Mel Chen ran rampant through the middle and set up Mike Cancilla for some very easy goals. Noam Scott came out of the backline though the middle of the field, to the surprise of many, and slotted his first goal since kicking a torpedo over Sheikey “lightning “ Al-Samarrie in 2008. Brian Dragus seemed to be everywhere for the Seals as he mopped up some sloppy kicks from both teams and charged some smooth transitions up the field. The efforts of the Seals were not enough as the Knights took advantage of the favorable wind to put themselves up comfortably.

The second half showcased more pressure from the Knights and while the Seals showed some promising skills and technical expertise, the game started to slip away from them.
At the start of the 3rd quarter, crafty midfielders Craig McGree and Jack Tse started on the sideline to get a better sense of needs on the field. Former Knights Adam Linke, Heber Saurey and Riccardo “Bobby” Leumann were leading by example and chasing the footy all over the field and shouting constant slogans of encouragement to their teammates.
Unfortunately the center clearances of the Knights midfield, big hits from Bebe Etzler and Brett Bergmark, as well as easy marking of the forward line were too overpowering for a young and inexperienced Seals team. The Seals refused to give in and played until the final siren, scoring a late goal to boost club morale just before the final horn. The Knights years of experience, chemistry, and senior citizens discounts was ultimately too much for the Seals as the Knights came away with a solid victory and the ceremonial beer out of the Rainbow Cup.

Much is to be said for both teams, as the reigning premiers made a statement in their opening draw that they are here to compete with the greatly improved and favored teams from Oakland and Marin. The Seals on the other hand showed great determination and effort and can hold their heads high based on their opening performance. Knights coach Christian Chynoweth has expressed his support for the Knights’ new cross-town rival “Great effort all round…Fantastic showing, numbers and heart. A debut game to build on without a doubt.”

When asked about the rest of the season, Seals team representative Heber Saurey replied, “We’re here to win! No Seal clubbing will take place this season… at least not on my watch.”. Heber then checked the time and drove down to fisherman’s wharf to peruse the petulant pinnipeds posing for photographs from persistent patrons of the popular pier.

Final score

Knights: 10.15.75
def
Seals: 3.3.21

Goals:
Knights: Mick Cancilla (4), Mel Chen (2), Noam Scott (2), Daniel Dahlquist (2)
Seals: David Rossi, Justin Yee, Matt Rayson

Women’s participation in San Francisco footy at an all time high

Women’s football continues to grow in the bay area with 20 women turning up for the Women’s All Comers Game on Saturday. The group was divided up into two teams, the “Snowies” (wearing the white side of the Iron Maidens jumpers) vs. the “Irons” (wearing the Iron Maidens jumpers). On paper, both teams would look evenly matched.

Brette Brower predictably lined up in the ruck for the Snowies, opposed by a determined Taylor Davidson. Brette managed to win the first few taps, her experience showing. Paula Tse crumbed well and collected a dozen possessions in the first half. However with Jess Estrada cleaning up and some strong marks at Full Forward by Mary Cuthbert, the Irons were able to score 4 goals. Inexperience showed in the Snowies backline with their defenders trying, but failing to bring the ball to ground in marking contests. The Irons led the Snowies 32 to 7 at half time.

A well timed switch into the backline for Milli Bruce helped improve the Whites defending structure and counter attack. She lined up on Devon Fuller in what turned out to be quite a grudge match. First points went to Milli, flattening Devon with a well timed hip-and-shoulder while protecting the ball carrier. Not to be outdone, Devon crunched Milli a few minutes later in a strong marking contest. Taylor Davidson started to win her share of ruck contests, and when she didn’t she just punched Brette in the face anyway. The Snowies started to make inroads into the score deficit and it started to look like they might get within striking distance of the lead. JK put an end to that idea when she emerged from under a pack in the Irons forward line, turned everyone inside out and slotted a brilliant goal. The Irons ran out victors by 5 goals.

Next women’s game on April 27th will be the season’s first league game for the women, featuring two women’s teams (names will be announced!) that will be set for the whole GGAFL season.

Get involved!

If you would like to get involved, like the GGAFL (men’s, women’s and co-ed leagues) SF Footy (San Francisco co-ed) or EB Footy (East Bay co-ed) on Facebook and come out and have a kick!

See the full 2013 fixture or inquire about becoming a player.
Article contributors: Kyle Johnson, Noam Scott, Adam Linke, Luke Quirk

The post Match review: Round 1, GGAFL 2013 appeared first on GGAFL.

The teams showed up early and the San Francisco cloudy skies parted to allow 60 degree sunshine on the field as the SF Footy Grand Final teams started to warm up. After a quick warm-up lap and drills, Sexy Red (wearing red, of course) and Dumass (in blue) took the field for the Spring 2013 Premiership ultimate match. The two teams had their pick of many extras that showed up for the Grand Final and players were divided evenly to allow for a fair match. The Sexies won the toss, took the wind and got off to a flying start as Rossi slotted two quick goals for team red. The middle was dominated by the Sexies, where David Ace Franco and Mike Lancaster roamed freely and created chances for their teams while Greg Skaug and David Rossi were dominating the front line. In the first half, the Sexies outscored the Dumass four goals one behind (25) to one goal two (8). The second half gave the Blues the wind, but even while outscoring Sexy Red in the final half, the Blues still came up short, losing to the Spring 2013 SF Footy Champion Sexy Reds.

Final score

Sexy Red     Vs   Dumass (Blue)
H1 4.1.25          1.2.8
H2 7.3.45          5.3.33

Goals:
Sexy Red: Rossi (5), Ace, Skaugy
Dumass: Justin (2), Alex (2), Paul

The SF Footy Grand Final celebrations ended with the announcement of the season award winners:

• Grand Final MVP – David Rossi
• Most Improved – Steph Lottridge and Will Wright
• Rookie of the Year – Erin Hayes
• Best & Fairest – Brette Brower and Mickey Powell

The penultimate match of the day was the GGAFL “Yanks Vs Aussies” open match, pitting the Australian/New Zealand nationals against the Americans and the rest of the world. The Americans showed up with many extra players and three of the starters for the USA Revolution International team, but the Australians had a consistency of skill on their side. After the national anthems, the Americans and Aussies took the field. It would be difficult to tip a winner, as both sides looked strong and the game started out exemplifying that level of parity. Jack Tse for the Australian side was very active in the middle, getting the ball out and delivering sharp kicks into the forward line to set up Mike Lancaster and Flash for the first two goals for his team. The Americans started faster, with Kyle Johnson, Bryan Dragus and Greg Skaug getting on the board. The first half left the Aussies with an eight point deficit, but they had the wind on their side.

The experience of the Aussies and the wind showed their worth in the second half, as the Australian team started to mount a comeback. Mike Lancaster kicked a goal from 50 yards out to bring the Aussies back into striking distance. Egregious errors and 50 meter penalties from the Americans basically handed the Aussies three more goals. Even the outstanding middle play from SF Seal Cyrus Jalali and Kyle Johnson was not enough to overcome these mistakes, as the Aussies went on to win by 15 points.

Final score

Yanks     Vs    Aussies
H1 4.1.25      2.5.17
H2 5.2.32     7.5.47

Goals:
Yanks: Kyle (2), Skaugy (2), Dragus
Aussies: Mike (3), Flash (2), Justin, Ari

The final game of the day was a scratch match between the two women’s teams. The Iron Maidens split up into Team Yellow vs. Team Red for two twenty minute halves. Inaccurate scorekeeping and big hits prevailed, as Brette and Jess Estrada continued their strong form, leading their teams to a close game. The match came down to the end where two snap goals by Brette put team Yellow on top, narrowly.

Final score

Red      Vs       Yellow
H1 2.1.13     4.2.26
H2 4.1.25     4.4.28

Goals:
Red: Jess L, Jess E, Paula, Unnamed Player (obstructed from view due to the big heads of the commentators)
Yelow: Brette (2), Erin, Steph

The GGAFL and SF Footy seasons have shown that the enthusiasm is here in the Bay Area and that we have a lot to build on. Round one of the GGAFL Men’s season starts this Saturday, 4/13/2013 at 1pm with the San Francisco Seals taking on the San Francisco Knights in the SF Derby match. The Oakland Pirates and the San Jose Hornets will play in the second game of the day, both taking place at the CCG in Concord. If you would like to get involved, like the GGAFL (men’s, women’s and co-ed leagues) SF Footy (San Francisco co-ed) or EB Footy (East Bay co-ed) on Facebook and come out and have a kick!

See the full 2013 fixture or inquire about becoming a player.

The post Match review: GGAFL Open Day and SF Footy Grand Final appeared first on GGAFL.

Even before the first quarter started, the Knights showed up missing a few of their key players from last year’s championship run. Team captain and last year’s Best on Ground Andrew Upton, as well as star mid-fielder and Vice Captain Andrew Stamatis were absent, but they were filled in for by Revo star Bobby Sears and a group of new players. Despite the word “exhibition” in the title, the game was full of high intensity from the beginning. Suns ruckman Brian Hightower started against second-year ruckman Spider for the Knights with the ruck setting the tone for the competitive battle throughout the course of the match, The Knights midfield was filled out by Mel Chen, John Bekiaris and Las Vegas transfer, Matt Prescott. The Knights started characteristically slow, and they allowed Sacramento to get off to an early two-goals to two-points lead. Substitutes came on and another GGAFL Revo star Bryan Dragus helped the Suns further increase the lead. John Bekiaris and Mel Chen linked up with Bobby Sears to create a few scoring opportunities before the halftime whistle and it looked like a comeback was on for the Knights.

In the second half, both the experienced and new umpires seemed to be willing to let the teams play a more physical game and that seemed to prove beneficial for the Suns. All-GGAFL defender Noam Scott took charge and put on several key stops on the backline, setting up a few spoils that turned into points for the Knights at the other end. After the Knights drew even going into the fourth quarter, their lineup of mostly new players let the Suns take a slight advantage. An amazing snap goal from eventual Diversity Award winner Casey H put the Suns ahead by a goal and Sacramento tacked one more on to win by two goals.

Following the men’s competition, the San Francisco Iron Maidens and Sacramento Lady Suns had a mixed team scratch match. Both women’s clubs are demonstrating a great commitment to recruiting and developing new players as new players on both teams competed in the game. New players from both sides combined to put points on the board. San Francisco representatives Brette Brower and Sara Yvette Magallón showed the level of talent that exists in the Bay Area while Helen Mondia and Amy Bishop were consistently good for Sacramento. After 40 minutes, the San Francisco Iron Maidens reigned supreme in this Northern California Women’s match.

The Knights have put this game on the calendar and started a new tradition for the GGAFL by bringing out more people to participate and officiate the game. Nearly 10 players who had never played a GGAFL game before and five new umpires came out and participated in the NorCal Champions Cup game which demonstrated that the event was a success and provides us with a glimpse of what is to come for a great season of Bay Area footy in 2013.

The post Match review: NorCal Champions Game appeared first on GGAFL.

The post Play Australian Rules Football In San Francisco appeared first on GGAFL.