European Union Cup

John “Pops“ Meier, until recently our VP - West sent this article which was published in HRVATSKI VJESNIK (The Croation Herald) - the biggest Croatian paper in Australia. He tells us 'The fella mentioned  in the article, Kolja (AKA: KC, AKA: Crusher) got his start with the Phoenix Scorpions. He also designed the AZAFL logo for Arizona and the E v. W logo and both nationals logos for the KC events'

By Josip LONCARIC

LAST WEEK the United Kingdom played host to the European Union Cup, which is an annual Australian Rules football tournament. Ten nations contested this year's event, with Belgium taking out the honours.

The founder of the Zagreb Giants (Croatia's first and currently only Aussie Rules club) Kolja Koracak was an avid spectator (and player) at this year's tournament, which began with an exhibition match between AFL powerhouse teams West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers.

A healthy crowd of approximately 19,000 saw the Dockers beat last season's losing finalists in an exciting match.

The second day of the three day event was reserved for the actual tournament. With Croatia not participating in the tournament, Koracak surprisingly made an on-field appearance for a Catalan side (from the Spanish region of Catalunya).

Koracak thoroughly enjoyed both the organisation and general spirit of the occasion, which he believes was marred only by the fact that Croatia wasn't involved.

Spurred on by his love of the native Australian game, Koracak is now more than ever urging any Australian Croatian footballers to come together to represent Croatia at next year's tournament.

"It would be great to play next year in France under the Croatian name and flag," an enthusiastic Koracak said.

"Zagreb Giants are the first Australian Rules football team in Central Europe. We are looking for prospective players and supporters. We are pioneers of this game in Croatia and we need all the help to promote our team, our game and the Australian culture in general," says Koracak.

Koracak has set up a web page at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/zgfooty/ for anyone that may be interested in representing Croatia at next year's tournament.

- Josip Loncaric
(590)