Kookaburras Continue 2004 Stunning Run
Submitted by Anonymous on June 7, 2004 - 8:59pm

Three games - three victories by more than 90 points! The Atlanta Kookaburras continued their outstanding 2004 form with a stunning victory over Florida at Cumming this weekend.

After losing to Florida in the opening game of the year over the Australia Day weekend in January this year, Atlanta made amends with a 96 point victory.

The win comes after the Kookaburras accounted for Tri Cities by 97 and Chicago by 93 points in recent weeks.

Atlanta began strongly by kicking five goals in the opening quarter with veteran Wayne Kraska opening the account with the first of his four goals.

Captain-coach Brent Bacon was again dangerous in front of goals as Atlanta's mid-field stars shone bright including Damien Lee, newcomer Rick Challen and Andy Beh who returned from injury this week.

Despite missing Ronnie Miller and Barry Collins this week, the Kookaburra defense was again exceptional with Travis Quigley and Anthony Ellis leading the charge.

Atlanta only added two goals in the second quarter with Bacon and Rene Daniel adding to the Kookaburras tally.

At half time, the Kookaburras held a 34 point lead but the reigning SEAFL premiers moved up a gear in the third quarter to put the game beyond doubt.

Atlanta slammed on seven goals with Neil Tresize and Dan Heffernan coming off the interchange bench to dominate the game. Tresize proved to be a major goal-sneak, earning three goals and adding a fourth in the final quarter.

In the final term Atlanta continued to strive ahead, adding another four goals while holding Florida to only a single point.

The victory by the Kookaburras was even more impressive considering they lost play maker Bjorn Farrugia with a nasty head clash in the first quarter. Farrugia left the ground with a nasty cut under his eye and mild concussion.

"This was another game we were very keen to win because we let ourselves down badly in Florida at the start of the year," Coach Bacon said.

"To win another game by such a large margin is very pleasing but we now have a tough away game looming against Cincinnati.

"Our defense was brilliant again guys like Neil Tresize and Dan Heffernan really stepped up today after coming off the bench.

"Wayne Kraska continues to inspire us for 42-year-old. He was extremely impressive today and again proved age is certainly not holding him back.

"We were missing a few guys today with injury but the guys who stepped in really made the most of their opportunities."

Launched in 1998, the Atlanta Kookaburras is one of 42 Australian Rules football clubs based in the United States.

The club trains regularly in Peidmont Park on Tuesday and Thursday nights and competes in both the SEAFL and MAAFL competitions. The club also stages regular Metro-League games to help promote the sport and introduce new plays to the sport.

Atlanta will also play host to the annual East vs West all-star game in June as well as the US Nationals in September during 2004.


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