I have been called many things in my life. Prompt is not one of them. With the recent conclusion of the 2012 USAFL National Championships, I decided that it was about time to put up some pictures I took of the nationals 2011 in Austin, Texas. 32 teams representing 25-ish different cities competed in the men’s division. There was also a women’s division as well. Thus this was as big an AFL tournament as you will find in the world.
Quick background information about Australian Rules Football in the United States:
Australian Rules Football: AFL is a fast paced game involving a ball shaped somewhere between an NFL ball and a rugby ball. The ball is advanced by running, kicking, and punching (the ball), but not throwing, with the target of kicking it through posts at the end of a massive field. It is a very physical game, but also very beautiful.
United States: The United States is is a new country though it has connections to ancient history as it was visited by Jesus and claimed as his. It is made up of “States,” which are like little countries who can make up a lot of crazy laws all by themselves. They cannot decide to leave the US though or they get their ass kicked. The United States invented many of the conveniences we enjoy today such as the internet, television, radio, fire, pizza, Chinese food, and Australian Rules Football.
Here are some pictures from USAFL Nationals with minimal comments as I don’t remember much. All I remember is that the Philly Hawks dominated their games. It was a long time ago. Thanks to the Philadelphia Hawks footy club for letting me join them in Austin. They’re a great bunch of guys who I wish the best for in the future. Hawks pictures are at the bottom of the post…
Random USAFL Championships Pictures
USAFL nationals was my first chance to see women’s AFL. They hit pretty hard.
USAFL Nationals falls during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So there was a lot of pink to be found on the women’s field.
In America, it’s believed that if children get too close to alcohol they become gay and/or a terrorist. Therefore alcohol is severely controlled. THe USAFL had to get a special permit to make it possible to drink at all at the event. And drinking was only allowed inside a tightly-monitored fenced-off area. But the bartenders made some strong-ass Jack-and-whatevers.
And now that our youth programs are in full swing the US is ready to dominate the sport. This new recruit is not afraid to get his head over the footy.
And he’s got a boot too.
Philadelphia Hawks ACTION!
The team throws on the strips that they all know will eventually be very valuable collectors’ items.
Hawks dominated the ruck.
Opponents were not fast enough to bother Hawks’ kicks.
On the rare occasions Hawks’ opponents did get the ball, their possession did not last long.
When the Hawks had the ball, there was always support…
… which made for uncontested kicks and dominating scorelines.
With Hawks’ supremacy established,their leadership is ready for the paparazzi.
Could the Hawks’ domination be just a dream?
“No!” says the celebratory energy in the beer cage.
The Hawks take a moment off from spraying each other with beer to contemplate off-season free-agency possibilities.
Thanks again to the Philly Hawks…
For more information about Aussie Rules Football in the US, go to www.usafl.com.
And about the Philly Hawks: www.phillyhawks.com.
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