Nashville Kangaroos - 2010 MAAFL Champions
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After a long, hot summer of hard work on the training field and continuous improvement, at last the Nashville Kangaroos had the challenge they were working towards. Chicago United were the reigning champions of the MAAFL with won three consecutive titles while Nashville's last premiership was back in 2002. Both teams were undefeated in the MAAFL, leaving this final MAAFL clash for the championship.
The game started the way the Roos had hoped, with Chicago struggling to bring the ball into their attacking half. While Chicago's defense provided strong resistance, Luke "Ooga Booga" Nemeth, Dave "Mailman" Walker and "Sugar" Kane Harrison continually locked up the center and provided possessions for forwards such as Cliff "Nugget" Cosnahan, Chris "Bagman" Moerman and Bo Link. Goals by Moerman and Link had the Roos up by 14 points before Chicago got the ball to their forward line, but talent like Paul Meyer, Toby Allen and Brian Hoyt could not remain suppressed. Displaying tenacity and wet weather wizardry, these three kicked a goal apiece to end the quarter with Chicago leading 3.0 (18) to 2.3 (15).
A cooling shower had been welcomed by the visiting team, but the aftermath was a sweltering second quarter. Having trained and played in these conditions all summer, the Nashville team surged while energy was extracted from their opponents. Chicago players such as Matt Leibowitz, Frank Bradley, Pedro Jimenez and Eric Zukowski provided creativity and resistance, while Al MacGlashan worked on limiting Nashville goal-kicking machine Damian Serong. However, Chicago struggled to get the ball out of their back line and the Roos seemed indefatigable. The Roos inaccuracy was all that kept Chicago in the game. Seven opportunities yielded only minor scores, but two goals by Serong and one by Moerman in the final second gave Nashville a handy lead at half time, 5.10 (40) to 3.1 (19).
Cooling conditions and rested players made ideal circumstances for an action-packed premiership quarter. Roo coach Marty "Thommo" Thompson made some adjustments, including moving tall Luke "Brawny" Stockdale to full forward and Travis "Quigs" Quigley to ruck. Quigley provided a different style of play in the center, while Stockdale provided a big target and goal-kicking accuracy. This move was fruitful, with Quigley winning taps and center clearances, while Stockdale kicked three goals in the quarter. Dee "Weeman" Vsetecka was re-energized, kicking the first goal of the quarter and delivering to Stockdale for a great grab that resulted in a goal.
Walker was a powerhouse in the center, working hard to clear the ball into the Nashville forward line. Ross "Rosco" Flemming was tearing around like a racehorse in the forward pocket and kicked two goals. However, Chicago stayed in the game, with Nolan McKeegan marking a Roo kickout to score, Meyer snapping a kick over his shoulder for goal, and MacGlashan scoring a goal after a wise coach's move brought him from the back line to the forward line. With seven goals in the quarter by the Roos and three goals by Chicago, United trailed by 8 goals at three quarter time, 12.14 (86) to 6.2 (38).
At the final break, coach Thompson told his players to bring the hammer down and win the title, warning them that they could never count out United. The Chicago huddle was close and intense. Stockdale returned to the ruck were he consistently won the center ball-ups, and Moerman became the key target at full forward. Sure enough, the first tap was won by Stockdale. Despite a strong effort by Chicago defenders, particularly Pedro Jimenez, Moerman was not to be denied and soon had a big grab followed by another goal on the scoreboard. Harrison and Luke Nemeth continued to bring the ball out of the center, providing an opportunity for Moerman to use his body beautifully for another mark, leading to his second goal of the quarter and a Nashville ten goal lead. Chicago were still running, but Mischa Nemeth consistently robbed the ball from them at half back and turned the play back to the Roo offense.
When some physical play caused a distraction, it was none other than Mischa Nemeth who charged through spectacularly to clear the ball to Stockdale, who delivered to Moerman for his sixth goal of the match. Ben Vaatstra, who had gathered possessions consistently, rewarded himself with a well-earned goal, and the lead stretched to 13 goals.
Even at this late stage, Chicago were still attacking the ball. Mike Panek, Bradley, Matt Leibowitz, Pat O'Hale, MacGlashan, Allen, Jason Schmeltzer and Meyer combined for a late burst into the forward line that deserved more than the behind it produced. Although Chicago never gave up, time elapsed with the scoreboard 17.18 (120) to 6.3 (39).
The Kangaroos finished their home season at 4-0, only the third undefeated home season in their 14-year history. The Kangaroos are now an astonishing 61-16 all-time at home. A quick check of the record books reveals that two records have been smashed: 1) highest percentage for home games in a season: 386%, breaking the mark set in 2001; and even more impressive 2) highest percentage for a MAAFL season, 489%, breaking the mark set by the 2002 squad (which went 16-2 and lost its final game at nationals to that year's champions, Denver. One final note for the record books: the Kangaroos passed the 10,000 point mark in the previous match and now stand at 10,159. Wow.
The Nashville Kangaroos footy team are proud and elated by their first MAAFL championship since 2002. The Kangaroos are riding a five-game winning streak and have won their last six home games. They now prepare for the 2010 USAFL National Tournament, October 9th and 10th in Louisville. Coach Thompson and the football committee will be watching carefully when the Rutherford County Redbacks and Wilson County Wallabies compete on Thursday September 9th at 7:00 pm as players attempt to earn selection in Nashville's top team for Nationals.
Scores By Quarter
1st- Nashville 2.3 (15) Chicago 3.0 (18)
2nd- Nashville 5.10 (40) Chicago 3.1 (19)
3rd- Nashville 12.14 (86) Chicago 6.2 (38)
4th- Nashville 17.18 (120) Chicago 6.3 (39)
Best on Ground:
Nashville: Ben Vaatstra, Luke Stockdale, Kane Harrison, Chris Moerman, Luke Nemeth, Damian Serong, Mischa Nemeth; Coach's Award: Dave Walker
Chicago: Not Available
MAAFL/Umpires: 3-Luke Nemeth (NAS), 2- Luke Stockdale (NAS), 1-Damian Serong (NAS)
Goal kickers:
Nashville: Chris Moerman 6, Damian Serong 3, Luke Stockdale 3, Ross Flemming 2, Ben Vaatstra, Bo Link, Dee Vsetecka
Chicago: Paul Meyer 2, Brian Hoyt, Al McGlashan, Toby Allen, Nolan McKeegan
Umpires:
Field: Steve Arnott, Grant White
Goal: Alex Benjamin, Toby Persson
Attendance: 300
Injuries: None
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