With just over five weeks until the boys leave for Melbourne, the Revos are training hard and performing well for their clubs all over the country. Centerman Luke Nemeth has consistently been best on ground (B.O.G.) for Nashville throughout the MAAFL season, as have the Dan's (Sarbacker and Sergot) from St. Louis. On-ballers Jay Levesque and RJ Wheelock has been producing in Baltimore leading the Eagles to the best record in the USAFL this season and a recent win over the highly ranked New York Magpies. Ruckman/utility Andrew Lamont from Golden Gate has been key in a successful campaign for the Roos, including a recent win over San Diego. In one of the bigger upsets this year, the OC Bombers defeated the San Diego Lions in San Diego last weekend. The Bombers got big contributions from Andy Lindsey ("Big Country") and the Nelson brothers (Kelly and KB), with Kelly being an "easy" best on ground for the day according to sources.
This is merely a sampling of your Revo boys excelling in big games. We know all the Revo boys have been working hard and will be ready to represent the league and their country.
Opponents
More excitement this week as the Revos found out that they will be playing Denmark, China and South Africa in the first three rounds of the tournament. A brief comment about each of the initial round opponents:
Denmark - The Danes played in the 2002 International Cup and placed 4th. They were a very tall side. They did not come to the 2005 Cup, so they are a bit of a mystery. Denmark played the Revo's in a "friendly" prior to the 2002 cup at Windy Hill, home of the Essendon Bombers. It was a fairly even match and it is also likely both clubs have advanced significantly since 2002.
China - The Chinese will be playing in their first International Cup. Not sure what to expect from the Chinese except for a disciplined, fit side. They will very much be a wild card. Luckily the coaching staff will have one game to scout the Chinese prior to playing them, as they are our second game.
South Africa - The Revo's have played the South African's in both the 2002 and 2005 International Cups. The South African's were significantly better in 2002 than in 2005. Combine three additional years of footy development with substantial development support from the AFL, and the South African's are likely to be a very tough opponent. The Revo's will have to be on top of their game for this one.
Coaches
The coaching staff has been working diligently on strategy and planning, which has now been accelerated with the release of the fixture. We have some old and some new opponents to prepare for.
Thanks - the Revos would like to thank all those clubs and players who have been training with the Revo's. Your contribution to their skill and fitness development is invaluable. We'd also like to thank all those clubs and individuals who have contributed financially in any way to the Revos, whether through fundraising or direct contribution. Your support of the national team is greatly appreciated.
Check out all the countries jumpers HERE
- Matt Jagger
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