Denver Bulldogs U.S. National Champs

Press Release from Denver Bulldogs.

Mason, Ohio - October 11th, 2009. The Denver Bulldogs are once again the Australian Football National Champions. The US Footy League National Championship tournament was held over the October 11th weekend in Mason, Ohio. Thirty two men’s and eight women’s teams from across the US and Canada competed for the title.
The tournament saw some incredible games, none more impressive than the gutsy three point win by the Denver men’s team in the Grand Final. Many in the large crowd that watched the battle between the Seattle Grizzlies and Denver Bulldogs felt that this was one of the best football games they have seen in the United States. Denver had advanced to the Grand Final as the fourth seed. In pool play, they defeated the Boston Demons, Golden Gate Roos and Vancouver Cougars.

Denver came out strong in their first game against the Boston Demons in the cold and wet conditions Saturday morning. With a soggy field, it was important to keep their feet and take care of the ball. Denver dominated possession through strong midfield play and outstanding catches in the forward line. While scores were close at half-time, the experience and skill of the Denver team prevailed.

The afternoon game against the Golden Gate Roos was another well fought match, with goals kicked by both sides, but the Bulldogs ran the ball well which got them comfortably over the line. Vancouver was the final hurdle for the Bulldog team to advance to the final. However, the Premiers of last year’s tournament were simply outclassed as Denver stormed home to win in a shutout.

In their first ever Grand Final appearance, Seattle came out hard, keeping the seven time National Champion Denver Bulldogs to just 2 points. Only through the persistent midfield attack, great use of the wings and dominance up forward was Denver able to pull away. A see-sawing match had Seattle back on top though with only minutes to spare. When the chips are down the Denver boys seem to thrive. Repelling another attacking play from the backline, the Denver team moved the ball up field into the waiting arms of Tony Herrera. His kick for goal was true, putting Denver ahead. The fight was far from over as Seattle came back at the Denver club with everything they had. Bodies were flying and tackles were fierce as America’s best fought down to the wire. Out of a pile of bodies around the Seattle goal, the ball popped and rolled towards the sideline. In a mad rush for the ball, the siren sounded. It was over! Denver Bulldogs WIN! A year of training, blood, sweat and tears came down to just 3 yards.

There were many accomplishments from the weekend’s games. Will Taylor played in his 100th US Footy game. Only 6 other Bulldog players have reached this milestone. Tom and Charley Ellis officially announced their retirement. With over 100 games a piece, these two have been the heart and soul of the Denver Bulldogs for over 10 years. Their leadership and presence will be missed. The Best & Fairest award was presented to Brendan Feddema for his outstanding play in the backline during the three pool games of the tournament. His experience playing in Australia for the professional league showed as he dominated all weekend. Dominic Kennedy was also awarded for his play in the backline with the Grand Finals MVP.

The Denver Bulldogs were established in 1998 to compete in the USAFL. This is a national competition with 35 teams and more than 2,000 players from all major U.S. cities competing to be the best in the country. The Denver Bulldogs have won that honor seven out of the last ten years, and are focused on number eight.

Denver Bulldogs - http://www.denverbulldogs.com

- Denver Bulldogs