International Cup

The Pasture is that Way

The 2011 Women's International Cup of Australian Football was a roller coaster of emotions.  What better way to end my playing career with the Freedom than the first women's International Cup? I was expecting the feelings of elation that come with seeing a dream come true.  And I knew that I would also be feeling the sadness of knowing that this was a farewell tour.

How We Got Here

When we established the first women's competition outside of Australia in 2003, Leigh Swansborough and I had a vision of women from across the globe participating in such an event.

Revolution Finish Top Four in Impressive International Cup Run

The Revolution came up short in their bid for third place going down to the New Zealand Hawks 12.4 (76) to 6.5 (41).  it was a short turn around for the Revos after their hard hitting game against Papua New Guinea just 2 days earlier.  Looking to match their best ever finish at the International Cup the boys came out strong and confident in their game plan.  Unfortunately the Hawks had done their homework and were prepared for what the Revos had in store.

Brent Mergen, Jon Loring, Luke Nemeth and Pat Miller stood strong in the backline.  Steve Fashant and Mel Chen put in a tough day's work in the middle, while Bryan Dragus found his form again, kicking another 4 goals.

Freedom Capture Third Place in Successful International Cup Debut

The Freedom have claimed third place in the inaugural women's International Cup after defeating Papua New Guinea Flame 4.3 (27) to 1.2 (8).  In a re-match of second round clash the Freedom experience again proved to be too much for the young Flame side.  The Freedom midfield controlled the game with gutsy performances by Eileen Geoghegan, Becky Kraft, Helen Spink and Jen Cravens.  Leading goal kicker Lindsey Kastanek added 2 more to her team leading total.

3rd Place in Sight for Revolution and Freedom

Both the Revolution and Freedom will be playing for a 3rdplace finish to the International Cup after coming up short in their semi-final matches today.  The Revolution v Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes match generated an energetic buzz at Royal Park.  The Premier of Victoria Mr. Ted Baillieu was on hand for the coin toss,  AFL CEO, Andrew Demetriou was seen around the Revolution quarter time huddle and International Cup Ambassador, Brett Kirk gave the three quarter time speech.

Revolution Roll Over Lions

In a remarkable and memorable day in USAFL and Revolution history the impressive Revos dominated the South African Lions 7.14 (56) to 2.6 (18) and continued their run towards a shot at their first International Cup title.  With a special visit from US Ambassador, Jeffrey Bleich in the locker rooms before the game, the Revolution came out pumped up.

USA Freedom versus Canadian Northern Lights

It was obvious before the game that the Freedom were flat. The spark that was there before the games against Australia and PNG was missing. Later review had some comment that the recovery session in the surf made them more tired than normal, a few players had colds exacerbated by Sydney's wet weather, little injuries were niggling, and we'd been on the road for 10 days. Whatever it was, the Freedom didn't start well. And Canada did. A goal within 30 seconds against the wind was a dream start for them. To follow that up a few minutes later was a nightmare for the Freedom.

Game Day Preview: Freedom v Northwind

The Freedom will be looking for redemption in today's match vs. the Canadian Northwind.  Last year the Freedom lost both games to their rivals at the 49th Parallel Cup in Toronto by scores of 4.12 (26) to 2.4 (16) and 10.6 (64) to 6.7 (43).  This time the familiar foes will be playing for a shot to play for the inaugral women's International Cup title.

There are many of the same players from last year's game on both sides and the Freedom have been looking forward to the re-match since the draw was finalized last month.

Revolution Look to Tame Lions in Curtain Raiser to Swans v Saints Game

 The Revolution vs. South Africa Lions game has been selected by the AFL to be the curtain raiser for Sunday’s Sydney Swans vs. St. Kilda Saints at ANZ Stadium. Coach Matt Bishop summed up the experience, “The game against South Africa is a fantastic opportunity for the squad to play a game with such high stakes at a state of the art venue, one that most Australians will never get.” An additional highlight on the day will be a visit by US Ambassador to Australia, Jeffrey Bleich who will address the team prior to the game and perform the coin toss.

Freedom Smother Flame

The Freedom continued their winning ways with a convincing win over the Papua New Guinea Flame on Thursday night at Blacktown by a score of 6.5 (41) to 1.0 (6).  Under the bright lights the Flame had trouble finding their way against the more experienced Freedom side.  With the win the Freedom are 2-0 and second on the ladder trailing only Ireland by percentage.

Game Day Preview: Freedom Set to Take on Papua New Guinea Flame

The Freedom do not have much time to enjoy their first victory in Women's International Cup history.  Their convincing win yesterday over the Australia side was a great confidence boost, but they will have to focus on the task at hand against a young, skillful Papua New Guinea Flame side.  The average age of the Flame is 18 years old and they will be looking to use their youthful exuberance and speed to their advantage.

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