FREE
ONE GAME AT A TIME
ISSN: 1839-3756 I CFL PUBLISHING PTY LTD For great give aways:
Like us PLAY Canberra
Follow us @PLAYcanberra
WWW.PLAYCANBERRA.COM.AU ISSUE #13 JULY 2012
WILD Brumbies
PLAY heads to Brumbies HQ to see How Jake White tamed the brumbies PLUS: Carrie Graf coaching i Chloe Esposito message for the kids NEAFL embrace multiculturalism i Tour De France guide i Chris Cairns on int cricket in the capital
DO YOU SPONSOR A CANBERRA SPORTING TEAM OR COMPETITION? GET MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK AND BOOK YOUR SPOT IN PLAY, CANBERRA’S ONLY SPORTS MAGAZINE. Email the team at advertise@playcanberra.com.au or call 0407 078 893 to discuss the options.
Use your smart phone to scan this code to see our website. iPhone Download ‘QR Reader for iPhone’ free from the Apps Store. Instructions: Tap the ‘Apps Store’ icon. Once loaded, tap on the ‘search’ button, tap the search field and type in ‘QR code reader’ then tap search. Tap on ‘QR Reader for iPhone Free’. Once loaded tap on the ‘free’ button and then the ‘install’ button. The aap will download. Once downloaded tap the ‘QR Reader for iPhone’ app hold the scanner over the code and the PLAY Canberra website will load.
Get involved in Canberra’s only sports magazine. www.playcanberra.com.au Facebook: PLAY Canberra Twitter: @PLAYcanberra II
playcanberra.com.au
Android Download ‘QR Droid’ free from the Market. Instructions: Tap ‘Market’ icon. Once loaded, tap on magnifying glass to search, tap the search field and type in ‘QR code reader’ then tap search. Tap on ‘QR Droid Free’. Once loaded tap on the ‘download’ button and then the ‘accept download’ button. The app will download. Once downloaded tap the ‘QR Droid’ app then tap ‘scan from camera’, hold the scanner over the code and the PLAY Canberra website will load.
ONE GAME AT A TIME
Issue #13 JULY 2012
CONTENTS Feature Canberra Brumbies
The Jake White Effect
14
02 Chloe Esposito
18 Socials
03 Chris Cairns
20 Super Rugby
04 Tennis
21 Rugby
05 Focus on Coaching
21 Football
06 Dragon Boat
23 Squash
Encourages kids to create own Olympic Journey International Cricket in the Capital
The Run Home
Medibank Junior Development Series
International Wrap
Carrie Graf
Majura FC head to Malaysia
Ice Dragons take on the world
08 Bobsled U SPONSOR A CANBERRA 09 At the End of the Day NG TEAM OR COMPETITION?
The Australian Open hits Canberra
24 Cycling
Canberra’s Cool Runner
PLAYS Tour De France Guide
Shaun Ebert takes a look at the light side of sport
10 NEAFL
ORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK 11 AFL Email the BOOK YOUR SPOT IN PLAY, team at 14 Feature advertise@playcanberra.com.au RA’S ONLY SPORTS MAGAZINE.
Embracing Multicultralism Is sledging dead
Brumbies - the Jake White Effect
17 ActewAGL
or call Calendar of Events e team at advertise@playcanberra.com.au 0407 078 893 ll 0407 078 893 to discuss the options. or scan
WE’RE ALL ABOUT SPORT
Quality sports shops, cafes and your local shopping centres. Find us onLINE www.playcanberra.com.au Facebook: PLAY Canberra Twitter: @PLAYcanberra
Issue #13 JULY 2012
25 Cycling
Mitchell Lovelock-Fay
26 Combat Sports
Bangning Ben Edwards Title Shot
26 Combat Sports
Brane Zec going out on a High
28 Fitness With Steve
29 Crossword + Top 5 Weird Injuries
Details
WHERE TO PICK US UP
PUBLISHER CFL Publishing Pty Ltd
Pink footy Day
EDITORIAL INQUIRIES 0452 220 100 editor@playcanberra.com.au ADVERTISING Team 0407 078 893 advertise@playcanberra.com.au ART DIRECTION and DESIGN Art Department editor@playcanberra.com.au
CONTRIBUTORS Writers: Chris Cairns, Antony Perry, Lucy Hinchey, Brett McKay, Shaun Ebert, Adam Phelan and Todd Davey. Photographs: Joseph Purdam - JP Photographic Andrew Finch - Edge Light Photography Ben Southall - Ben Southall Photography
playcanberra.com.au
1
Esposito encourages kids to create their own Olympic journey Chloe Esposito will target history at the London 2012 Olympic Games as she chases Australia’s first Olympic medal in Modern Pentathlon. The talented 20 year old will compete on the final day of Olympic competition (August 12). Following a strong season which has included a bronze medal at the World Cup in Brazil and an eighth place finish at the World Championships in Rome, Esposito has her sights set high. Modern Pentathlon is one of the more complex sports at the Olympic Games, with athletes competing in four separate events – swimming, fencing, show jumping and a combined running and shooting event. Olympic pedigree in the sport runs through her family with father and current coach Daniel Esposito having competed in Modern Pentathlon at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. As an ambassador for the Prime Minister’s Olympic Challenge, an Australian Government initiative aimed at encouraging and inspiring Australian primary school-aged children to get active, have fun and earn 2
playcanberra.com.au
rewards in the lead up to and during the London 2012 Olympic Games, Esposito talks about the importance of sport and the benefits it can have for children. “I have always been involved in sport since I was young. It has been such a big part of my life and I have made so many friends and learnt so many valuable things from it,” Esposito said. “I couldn’t imagine my life without sport. Ever since I was young, Dad encouraged us to remain active whether it be heading down to the oval or jumping in the pool.” Last Friday Esposito relayed her story at a Prime Minister’s Olympic Challenge event at Palmerston Primary School. “The Challenge is a great way for children to be part of the Australian team and to create their own Olympic sporting journey,” Esposito said.
“It’s a great way for them to try out different sports and learn new things along the way. “Hopefully by competing in this Challenge they discover some things they never knew about sport and continue participating in a sport they enjoy. “The campaign is a great initiative and I encourage all children to participate. It’s not too late to register for the Challenge so log onto the website and join today.” Esposito is currently finalising her Olympic training preparations in the Altitude House at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra before she departs for London on July 24. For further information on either of the Challenges please visit: www.olympicchallenge.gov.au www.paralympicchallenge.gov.au Issue #13 JULY 2012
chris cairns
OUTLOOK
Recent confirmation that the Australian cricket team will play in Canberra is exciting news but with this news comes responsibility for the cricket administrators but more importantly, the cricketing public.
Cricket Australia has awarded the 50 over match in February 2013 stating publicly that it was keen to contribute to the 100 year celebration of the Nation’s Capital. With this admission I sort of feel that if the 100 year celebration was not prevalent, would the match in Canberra still be on Cricket Australia’s radar? Initially the Centenary match was scooped as a T20 fixture against NZ to be played in early April. Common sense prevailed by rearranging this early concept because of the clash of dates with the IPL which is due to begin at the same time and if it had of gone ahead, would have seen a severely depleted line up on both teams. To its credit Cricket Australia rescheduled and I am unsure if West Indies or Sri Lanka has been identified as the opponent. The opponent in this
Issue #13 JULY 2012
case is irrelevant. This match is all about the home team. A chance for Canberrans to align themselves with their National team, a unique chance for sports fans to come along and cheer, not their club or domestic team, but their Green and Gold heroes - their representatives that wear the Nations colours.
This match will be tough for the cricket administrators at ACT cricket. There is an unbelievably short time frame to have this match delivered. Unlike a festival match which the PM XI or Chairmans XI matches are, this is a fully fledged International match with significant expectation. The festival matches tend to have a forgiving attitude but there will be nowhere to hide with the focus and scope that will come with the delivery of this match. ACT cricket will be under the spotlight from media, administrators and players alike. More importantly however will be the way the fans turn out for this fixture. I believe that having a National team playing in Canberra is a rare occurrence and this should be a great backdrop for
locals to get to the ground to make Manuka shine in its new glory as a day night venue. The local precinct in Manuka means that there will be a great atmosphere in the local cafes and bars before and after the match. Unlike traipsing out to Canberra stadium to watch a match, Manuka allows the supporter a more rounded experience and I know the local retailers will definitely benefit. It is imperative that this match is a full house and the people of Canberra show Australia that they too see cricket as the Nations sport.
This match is going to come around very quickly. Minister Andrew Barr and Shane O’Leary at ACT tourism must be congratulated for driving this initiative forward and Mark Vergano at ACT cricket has no doubt been working tirelessly to get this fixture for Canberra. We need everything to work in unison to deliver an experience that will be memorable and put Manuka Oval on Cricket Australia’s playing roster for future seasons. Not just in a one off, celebratory acknowledgment.
playcanberra.com.au
3
BANKING ON DEVELOPMENT
The new Medibank Junior Development Series gives young Canberra tennis players a taste of tournament life, Lyndall Parker writes. She’s only nine, but Annerly Poulos was the standout performer at the Medibank Junior Development Series event at the National Sports Club last month. The hard-hitting Poulos, a student at St Gregory’s Primary School, was runner-up in the open girl’s singles at the rain-marred event at Lyneham. Seasoned competitor Imogen Clews (pictured right), 14 and ranked in the top 10 in Australia in her age group, won the division dropping only three games in five matches. Christian Parker took out the boy’s open singles event beating Amery Clews 6-4 in the final. In A-Grade, Heydon Okines dropped one match on the way to the final before beating Luke Bradley 6-4. Corinna Toime took out the A-Grade girls’ event on a countback to Isobel Bender, while Vineet Yarlagadda won the boy’s B-grade event, beating Michael Searle 7-5 in the final. Ninety-six junior players took part in the Tennis ACT event, run by Champion Teams Tennis head coach Damien Ward. The Medibank Junior Development Series is designed to give players their first experience in playing a series of tournaments throughout the year.
Ward said the event went very well, despite rain forcing him to cancel the doubles competition. “The tournament gave a lot of young players valuable experience in tournament play,” he said. “The large majority of players who ended up winning the events were players who have travelled interstate to compete in tournaments, however the real success was seeing how excited the children were who were playing their first tournament. “It is crucial that these tournaments continue to be held as it gives children some extra motivation during their training sessions. Can you imagine going to soccer training every week without ever playing a game against another team?” Tennis ACT’s General Manager Tennis Operations, Lenka Marecek, said the Medibank series is an important part of the junior development pathway. “For many players it provides their first tournament experience and we are pleased to see strong support from players and coaches in the first event of the year,” she said.
there are two tournaments (in Forrest and Melba), and another at Weston Creek in October. “It’s also very exciting to have Medibank come on board this year as an official partner of the Junior Development Series and we look forward to their continued support.”
There were still a number of opportunities for players to participate in the MJDS this year, she said. In August
For more information on the upcoming tournaments, visit www.tennis.com.au/act.
compete for the centenary year title.
join and celebrate with us for the historic event”.
ACTTAB Chief Executive Tony Curtis said “ACTTAB are pleased to be a part of the Centenary celebrations with a race that has been a Canberra tradition for 87 years and we hope that everyone will
The ACTTAB Canberra Centenary Cup & Kamberra Wine Company Black Opal Stakes will run on Sunday 10 March 2013, the same weekend as the Canberra Day public holiday.
ACTTAB supports Centenary Cup Local betting agency ACTTAB have increased their support of the Canberra Racing Club by securing the naming rights of the $200,000 Canberra Centenary Cup to be run as part of the Kamberra Wine Company Black Opal Stakes Day in 2013. In a move that will boost the already stellar premier race day, the ACTTAB Canberra Centenary Cup will be one of the premier features on the race card and promoted Australia wide as a gift to the Canberra community. “It’s a great way to celebrate Canberra’s 100th birthday, and it is only fitting that ACTTAB have the naming rights to the race having supported the local community since 1964” Chief Executive of the Canberra Racing Club Peter Stubbs said. The 2012 Kamberra Wine Company Black Opal Stakes broke crowd attendance records and the benchmark has been raised to present an exciting race day in 2013 as a major event on the centenary calendar. The ACTTAB Centenary Cup will attract quality horses and trainers from interstate to 4
playcanberra.com.au
Issue #13 JULY 2012
focus on coaching
A strong comunicator with genuine passion: Carrie Graf Coming off a convincing clean sweep in the lead up to an Olympics is a good place to be. But Carrie Graf is no stranger to being in a good place. The current Australian Opals coach and the most successful coach in WNBL history (including winning a championship in her debut coaching season at the age of 25) Graf knows how the get the best out of her players and coaching staff and her triumphs are well documented. But perhaps a more important guide to a coach is how they react when things aren’t going so well and that’s what we saw in Carrie Graf during the 2011-12 WNBL season. In a difficult season by the Canberra Capitals own lofty standards, Graf’s genuine passion for the club and the playing group shone through. It’s hard to forget the speech Graf gave at the Capitals presentation night, the belief in the playing group and the organization was still strong and there for all to see and Graf remarked to me later in the night that the tough times were a true measure of an organization. These are
Issue #13 JULY 2012
Image: Ben Southall
the attributes that make players want to play for a coach and its Graf’s ability to communicate these feelings and messages to her players that set her apart. Being a head coach at the age of 25 is not an easy thing, earning the respect of players 10 years your senior is a tricky business. Graf knows that the game and the players are constantly evolving and as a coach you must evolve too or face losing touch with the playing group. Things that worked 10 years ago won’t work today and Graf has always managed to stay abreast of the times in a coaching sense. In an earlier interview with PLAY we asked Graf what are the important attributes for a coach to have and Graf told us it was important to instil
a “positive winning culture within a club” and as a coach it is her role to build that culture. She also believes it’s important for the players to grow as people as well as athletes and that she felt she had done her job if an athlete becomes a better person as well as a better player and leaves the program with more life skills than she entered. As one of the favourites at the London Olympics don’t be surprised to see the Opal continue to move forward with that winning culture and then see that culture transferred back to the Capitals for the 2012-13 season which we here at PLAY predict will see the Caps back on top of the competition.
playcanberra.com.au
5
more than 4500 competitors in over 300 crews from 25 countries battle it out for a chance to become ‘World Champions’. The Ice Dragons are sending 68 competitors and six crews to Hong Kong. Head Coach Brendan Byrne is thrilled with the Club’s success this season. “Each time they get into the boats they continue to impress me. They are an amazing team who can all pull together in the right way, at the right time. They have worked hard this year both on and off the water and they can be so proud of what they have accomplished,” he said. The Ice Dragons will compete in the six categories at the World Club Crew Championships next month: Premier Women, Premier Opens, Premier Mixed, Masters Women, Masters Open, and Masters Mixed. Club president Andrew Churches said the Ice Dragon’s success in 2012 was remarkable given the high the club was coming off in 2011 when Canberra hosted the Australian Championships and the Ice Dragons dominated the tournament. “We expected 2012 to be extremely difficult to beat in terms of our success on and off the water. Last year we won Australian and international gold medals and were crowned the Team of the Year at the ACT Sports Star of the Year Awards, but 2012 is already bigger and better,” Andrew said.
Canberra Ice Dragons to take on world’s best The ACT’s Sports Team of the Year – the Ice Dragons – will compete against the world’s best dragon boat crews in Hong Kong from 4-8 July 2012. The World Club Crew Championships is a biennial event where crews from around the world compete over 200m, 500m and 2000m. The 2012 World Championships will see
6
playcanberra.com.au
“Not having the home ground advantage of Lake Burley Griffin we went to Melbourne knowing ‘away’ competition is tougher, and we had the burden of expectation and retaining our titles thrust upon us. “To our credit though, every one of the 100 club members who went to Melbourne stepped up and we left with a bigger haul of medals. We now hold the distinction of being the sport’s most dominant club nationally for the last five years, as well as winning seven consecutive ACT Championships,” Andrew said. With the squad determined to grab World Championship glory the Ice Dragons have been training religiously on Lake Burley Griffin over recent months, despite the freezing temperatures and blue green algae.
Issue #13 JULY 2012
Artists Impression // Minimum EER 5
Boardwalk, Waterfront Living // 1 bedroom from $410,000 // 2 bedroom from $485,000 // 3 bedroom from $795,000
Issue #13 JULY 2012
playcanberra.com.au
7
Aussie cool runnings
“Sometimes I wonder what the hell I have gotten myself in to,” reflects Canberra’s Ben Lisson on his place in Australia’s bobsled team. ◊ Lucy Hinchey
There are currently no facilities in the southern hemisphere for bobsleighing, so you’d be forgiven for wondering what a country like Australia is doing competing in a sport which most people are only familiar with because of the movie ‘Cool Runnings.’
and quite good ones. That was as much a learning experience as the sport itself.
However the Australian bobsled team have already eclipsed the previous record times of the 1988 team and are on a fast track to this years World Cup Circuit, the first time Australia have ever qualified.
The 23-year-old describes the winter sport as “playing an entire rugby game within the space of a minute,” saying every run leaves you with bumps and bruises and is physically exhausting, yet exhilarating.
“We have set some results that are Australia’s best ever already, so we’re looking pretty good,” Lisson said.
The team have experienced only a few crashes so far, and although they are scary, Lisson says they are just part and parcel of the sport.
The bobsled team is made up of four members, pilot Heath Spence, pushers Gareth Nichols and Lucas Mata and Lisson. Australia will also field a two man team with a pilot and a breakman. Lisson, an ABC sports reporter, is used to being behind the camera and admits when he first joined the team, the idea of competition was new to him. “I came from a completely different side to it, I hadn’t really competed in elite sport properly in my entire life, where at least some of the other boys have been sprinters
“It is certainly a very valuable experience because I spend all my time covering sport, it is a fantastic thing to be a part of it as well,” Lisson said.
“Even a good bobsleigh run hurts… they are frightening when they happen but at the same time you can’t really expect them, you don’t know what’s coming because your heads down… It’s just part of it,” he said. The side first competed together late last year, before heading to the World Championships in Lake Placid (USA). It was there that they showed what Australia can do and for the first time gained enough points to secure a spot on the 2012/13 World Cup circuit.
From there the team will likely head to the World Championships in Switzerland where they are expected to be given a start due to the location of the team. This season is imperative for the squad, as they look to gain enough points to qualify for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. “That’s my goal - the games,”Lisson concluded.
Warrior’s midget program ◊ Lucy Hinchey
The boys and girls will learn catching and passing techniques, how to play the ball with their feet, how to pass the ball in a line and, most importantly- how to score a try.
The clubs midget program currently has over 30 kids in the team, aged between three-years and six-years old. The team trains once a week without playing games competitively.
Braddon says he also includes games and obstacles to keep the sessions interesting and the kids really enjoy the time they spend playing footy.
The children are too young to play in their own grade of rugby league, but in the midgets team they have a place to learn the basic skills of football in a team environment. Braddon has four or five parents to help keep the group of youngsters focused while they wait their turn and says keeping it simple is the best tactic to holding the groups attention.
“It’s always good to see the kids getting involved in a team sport at that age. Starting them in midgets makes it a bit easier for them because they don’t actually play, they just train. “All the parents get involved and they love seeing their son or daughter run around. The kids get to watch the football on TV and they play the same game. They get to make new friends and learn a bit of confidence,” Braddon said.
“That’s probably the most difficult thing, is when it’s not their turn is to keep them interested and involved … You make the simple things fun... If you complicate it too much they’re not going to enjoy it.
Braddon himself played in the midgets program at West Belconnen in 1982 and went on to play rugby league for another 23 years. He believes the program is essential in producing the next batch of first grade football players.
“You’ve got to be aware they are doing big kids things and playing footy is not as easy as it looks sometimes and the little things are really important,” Braddon said.
“If they get good at the little things, with a bit of natural talent, ability and confidence gained along the way, that will help them become good footy players in the future,” Braddon concluded.
8
playcanberra.com.au
1105 SERPENT NON-WOVEN TOTE
Ideal for: • Clubs/Schools • Conferences • Government Agencies • Cultural & Sporting Groups
1114 SERPENT SATCHEL
1126 SERPENT EVENT BACKPACK
3965 RAINBOW
4354 SERPENT
3960 DREAMTIME
LE3962
Call us today to place your order!
LE3964
LE3961 LE3963
ecm-0900_3-11
“All of the first grade superstars had to start somewhere, and some of the kids I coach might turn out to be superstars,” says Michael Braddon, the West Belconnen Leagues Club midgets coach.
sales@promoconcepts.com.au and www.promoconcepts.com.au
Issue #13 JULY 2012
At the end of the Day
◊ @Shaun_Ebert
I know everything… Do you? In my last article I talked about the confusion I face when I see fans supporting QLD, when they were born in NSW, during state of origin. It may seem like a bit of a recurring topic but this month I am also talking about fan behaviour. This time however it is not about whom fans support or follow it is more about the way many people discuss sport. The people I am talking about are, for the lack of a better name, “Armchair Commentators”. What are “Armchair commentators” you ask??? Well let me give you a brief background to when I was first introduced to these people. The year was 2000, when Sydney hosted what have been the best games on record, as a youngster I was sitting down in front of the television watching Lauren Burns compete in the Taekwondo. This is one of my first clear memories of the Olympics, after the opening ceremony and swimming of course, and what I remember more vividly than anything else was certain unnamed people around me, who to my knowledge
I could probably think of a thousand examples ... and I am as guilty as the next person of commentating on a sport when I have the littlest knowledge about it. have never competed in any martial arts, talking about the fight and debating whether that hit should have been counted as a point or not. At the time I had no idea what was really happening. Fast forward 8 years to Beijing, Matthew Mitcham stands 10 metre’s above the water, prepares for his dive, launches and finally slides into the water with a minimal splash. As an all knowing teenage I instantly start commenting on the dive as if I know what the difference between a 3 1/2 and a 4 pike is! I could probably think of a thousand examples like
the two above and I am as guilty as the next person of commentating on a sport when I have the littlest knowledge about it. What is the message I am trying to get across here? Well it’s simple, unless you know everything about the sport you are talking about don’t act like a professional commentator, we pay people to do this! The best example I can give of people knowing their stuff came a few months ago at a local football game. I was sitting in the grandstand and in front of me sat a lovely young lady dressed in her football colours with two of her friends, who obviously had no idea about the game. I know I was eavesdropping and I shouldn’t have been, but throughout the entire game she had questions fired at her from both sides and without hesitation she responded in a manner that would have befitted a league employee. Needless to say I was super impressed. At the end of the day, when watching the Olympics this year, leave the commentating to the professionals. By all means discuss the result, but I implore you, listen to what they have to say first.
Have you thought about your annual report? We have. Annual report design, typesetting, engaging diagrams & graphs, print management, interactive & accessible PDFs, online HTML conversion, indexing, version control & more.
We’d love to talk
ph. 02 6282 0888 info@voodoocreative.com.au | www.voodoocreative.com.au
Issue #13 July 2012
playcanberra.com.au
9
NEAFL
Image: Ben Southall
NEAFL embracing the AFL’s Multiculturalism message ◊ TODD DAVEY
The AFL this week launched Multicultural Round highlighting the positive impact that the many different and diverse cultures have had on the wider AFL community, and the NEAFL is following suit. The round celebrates the contributions made to not only the sport of Australian football, but also the wider community, encouraging equality and embracement of all walks of life. One of the NEAFL’s leaders in the Multicultural week is Sydney University’s co-captain Alex Lee, who had a unique pathway to football. Lee said the AFL’s newest initiative stretches far further than just on the field. “It’s great for the different cultures to get out there and have a positive influence on more than just football ... that’s what we take away from this round,” Lee said “Culturally this is a bigger issue than just football ... it 10
playcanberra.com.au
NEAFL, he had the honour of being named the first captain in the club’s new journey. With the overall message of the round promoting the inclusive nature of AFL, Lee said clubs are a great environment for young people. “It’s fantastic ... you play sport and you automatically have friends and people you can rely on.” Along with Lee, Belconnen’s Jye Bohm has an extraordinary family past that eventually lead him to Australia and AFL.
Originally from Singapore, Lee said he did not kick an AFL ball before the age of 14, until an injury to a friend allowed him the opportunity to take his place.
A grandfather that originally fought for both the Polish and British army, Zbyszko Joseph Jersey Bohm travelled the world for 26 years with the British army before he settled in Libya and had Jye’s father Nick in 1965, then eventually moving the family to Australia just two years later.
“A friend broke his arm so they had a spare spot and I just jumped in and started playing football and I’ve been addicted ever since ... No looking back.”
Nick grew up a lover of all sports but his main passion was AFL, something that rubbed off on Jye as he is now a key member of Belconnen’s NEAFL side.
Lee’s natural aptitude for the sport shown through as he progressed on his footballing journey, earning himself Western Australian under-18 representative honours as well as the Snow Medal in 2006 while playing with Manly-Warringah AFC (awarded to Best and Fairest in Division 1) and the Phelan Medal in 2010 with Sydney University (awarded to best and fairest player of the premier division competition).
AFL General Manager National and International Development Andrew Dillion said at the launch of the Round that the round gives a chance to welcome new cultures to the game as well as pay respect to the already established communities.
sends a message to the fans and the young kids that follow the game and the parents as well.”
Lee also represented the NSW state team in 2008 and 2010, and in Sydney University’s inaugural year in the
“AFL Multicultural Round gives us a terrific opportunity to celebrate the role multicultural communities have played in the game historically and importantly to encourage new communities to enjoy our game as supporters, players or administrators in the future.” Issue #13 JULY 2012
Sledging – useful tool or dying art? ◊ Todd Davey Sledging has been a part of football since the game’s inception. Used as a tool to ‘get under someone’s skin’ the ‘art’ of sledging has taken a battering over the past two years, with the question being now asked: is there a place for sledging on an AFL field?
A club imposed ban for one week for what is alleged to have been an insult directed at Pearce regarding his Mother has divided opinion, with an equal amount of people claiming that Pearce is over-sensitive, and another portion saying that Minson overstepped the mark.
It used to be an unwritten law of ‘what happens on the field stays on the field’ and that things said in the heat of the moment should be disregarded. However, a recent paradigm shift in the world of sledging has seen the line between what is acceptable and what is not blurred to an incomprehensible, almost mythical boundary.
Let’s not forget that this isn’t Will’s first indiscretion when it comes to sledging. In 2008 Minson made derogatory comments to Port Adelaide’s Kane Cornes about his sick child. The general consensus around the football community in the wake of Minson’s most recent comments is that sledging is still part of the game, but family, race and creed are off-limits, but can the line be drawn just there?
It is the distinction between tolerable and inappropriate has been a source of contention since the mid-90s, when indigenous Essendon footballer Michael Long took a stand after he was racially vilified by then Collingwood ruckman Damien Monkhurst during the 1995 ANZAC day match.
Was it ‘fair’game’ when Bent Montgomery made disparaging remarks to Essendon’s Adam Ramanauskas in regards to his battle with cancer? Was it ‘fair-game’ when Mick Malthouse allegedly taunted St.Kilda’s Steven Milne about something he was never actually formally charged for?
Just as influential in the way racial vilification is handled in the AFL is the poignant image of St.Kilda’s Nicky Winmar lifting his jumper to reveal his skin to the crowd. Long and Winmar’s pioneering work in breaking down racial barriers is one of the cornerstones of Australian sports culturally iconic moments, proving that it was no longer fair game to taunt someone due to their background or the colour of their skin.
Issue #13 JULY 2012
Yet it is recent comments made by Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson to Port Adelaide’s Danyle Pearce that have caused the most furore from the AFL media to AFL fan alike.
What the individual finds offensive is largely at their discretion, but with the heavy scrutiny put on every aspect of the game, is it maybe time that players gave the pledge to end the sledge.
playcanberra.com.au
11
NEW RELEASE AT Crace Set in one of Gungahlin’s most unique and innovative precincts, Home at Crace is a place where you can truly make a house your home. We believe that making a house a home is an important task but one that should be as stress free and enjoyable as possible.
The choice is all yours... A house is one of the biggest purchases you will make in your life so why not make sure it is exactly what you want. When it comes to your growing family, if you need four bedrooms but think you can only afford three, think again. We have created each home with flexibility in mind because we understand that no two families are the same.
And what about the extras? If you have always dreamt of a home theatre, there is no reason why it can’t be a reality at Home at Crace.
Everyone’s in the same boat... Want a new home but hate the thought of waiting for everyone else’s house to be completed? When buying a Home at Crace you will be buying a home in a new development but won’t have the stress of being surrounded by unfinished homes for years to come. Each Home at Crace will be finished at the same time so you and your neighbours will start your new lives together.
A growing community... The suburb of Crace is fast becoming a thriving community with a growing retail precinct. And above and beyond what Crace has to offer, when selecting your new Home at Crace, you will be buying into the growing area of Gungahlin which will expand considerably in population and amenities over the coming years. The Gungahlin Town Centre is just down the road, providing you with more than enough choice when it comes to cafes, bars, retail and entertainment. And if you plan to raise a family, schools, libraries, public transport and sporting facilities are just a stone’s throw away.
www.homeatcrace.com.au 13 000 RWACT (79228)
3&4 BEDROOM HOMES
From $387,000*
Find out more...
new home DOWNLOAD PLANS FOR INDIVIDUAL HOMES AT WWW.HOMEATCRACE.COM.AU AND HAVE TIME TO MAKE YOUR DECISION.
RAY WHITE DISPLAY CENTRE SUITE 5, 64 NORTHBOURNE AVENUE, CANBERRA CITY 11AM - 4PM SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM MONDAY - FRIDAY 13 000 RWACT (79228)
sales.
FIND YOUR
build.
* Price includes rebate of $15,525 GEOCON CONSTRUCTORS PTY LTD BUILDER’S LICENSE 200313385 l ACN 126 126 850
Image: Ben Southall
The Jake white effect “I’m not even sure the players can tell you,” Brumbies lock Peter Kimlin explains as I give him the background for our interview. I tell him that PLAY Canberra is embarking on an assignment that has largely eluded the rugby media Australia wide so far. Everyone knows it’s there; you can see it every time the Brumbies run out and continue their progress toward a first finals appearance in eight seasons. The Jake White Effect. Text: Brett McKay. Images: Cover Joseph Purdam. Action Ben Southall Plenty of rugby writers, pundits, and commentators have referred to this mysterious ‘Jake White Effect’ on the Brumbies in 2012, and certainly, the results and improvements are there for all to see.
different about White’s mode of operation that such a turnaround could be achieved in such a short period of time, and with such a high turnover of playing, coaching, and backroom staff?
The Australian Conference lead and a finals campaign likely to include an Elimination Final hosted at Canberra Stadium, being the obvious measure of the turnaround White has orchestrated in his first season with the ACT-based Super Rugby side.
PLAY went to Brumbies HQ to ask an obvious – but so far unanswered – question.
His credentials were and are well known. After leading the South African Under-21s to a Junior World Cup in 2002 - a team that included future Springboks John Smit, Schalk Berger, and Bryan Habana - White was appointed Head Coach of a Springboks side who had had a less than stellar time at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
A school teacher in a former life, Jake White, 49, came to the Brumbies in July last year tasked with turning around a once-proud club who had just come off its worst season in their 16-year history.
At the time, the Springboks were a team in decline. Ranked sixth in the world, and with some of the very best players in world rugby at their disposal but nothing to show for it, White was able to enact his unique
But what exactly is the Jake White Effect? What is so 14
playcanberra.com.au
Issue #13 JULY 2012
powers of change at senior international level for the first time. As it has with the Brumbies this season, success came for White almost immediately; his side claimed the TriNations in 2004, at that stage South Africa’s first title success over Australian and New Zealand since 1998. Berger was named IRB Player of the Year, and the ‘Boks were well and truly on their way back. In 2007, with former Brumbies and Wallabies coach Eddie Jones in tow as a consultant, White’s Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in France, beating England 15-6. One of the endearing images of the tournament was of White and Smit - who White installed as Springbok Captain in his first year in charge - holding the William Webb Ellis trophy.
The Brumbies After the coaching upheaval that gripped the club in the early weeks of the 2011 season, the Brumbies quickly found themselves in a worldwide coaching search. White’s interest in the role saw CEO Andrew Fagan making a fact-finding trip to Cape Town to meet with the now-former Springboks mentor. White saw glaring similarities between the Brumbies of 2011 and the ‘Boks of 2003, and after an exhaustive recruitment process, was ultimately announced as Brumbies Head Coach for four years starting in 2012. White arrived in Canberra toward the end of the 2011 Super Rugby season, and his impact was almost immediate. “I knew things were going to be different from the first couple of days sitting down with him [discussing the changes required] in South Africa,” Fagan explains, on the question of when it became apparent that the Jake White-led Brumbies were going to be a different proposition to campaigns of previous years. “He then said to me [only days after arriving on the job], ‘I need to run a full-time program, it needs to be 52 weeks of the year, and that means they’re all playing down here in the Canberra competition.’ And when he put that to me, I said ‘You’ve got 100% support from me, but when we’ve tried to implement this in the past, there’s been push back from the players, and the coaches haven’t been able to deliver on that.’” White wasn’t concerned. “He just said, ‘That won’t occur this time,’” Fagan tells. White also wanted to start initial pre-season testing in July, too, rather than October. “Yeah, it was [a bit of a shock to start so early as a squad],” Kimlin says. “The guys were used to starting early, but usually in limited numbers. Some guys would be in Canberra, some would be in Sydney, some would be up in Brisbane. We had a good opportunity to have some camps [as a squad] in Narrabeen, and we got to spend a lot of time together early on. And there was only three guys involved with the Wallabies, so it was the remaining 27 guys all together.” That ‘togetherness’ was clearly a desire of White’s, too, Issue #13 JULY 2012
Image: AAP
and was one of the main motivators behind the host of changes he implemented at Brumbies HQ. With the inclusion of a full-time chef and with the squad having two meals a day together every day, every week, the players couldn’t help but become close. “Definitely,” Kimlin says. “That’s what Jake wanted and that was his plan from the [early] start of the preseason with all the camps, and the fact that we have lunch together and breakfast together, it was the whole plan of getting all these young guys together, getting combinations, interacting with each other, it certainly helps.” Stephen Larkham, who as a player and now assistant coach has experienced every Head Coach in Brumbies history, sings from the same song sheet: “It made a massive difference. The program that was put in place - and [Athletic Performance Director] Dean Benton played a big part in that, Laurie Fisher played a big part in that - having breakfast together, having lunch together, having our pre-season camps in Sydney ... we spent a lot of time together as a major group, and not just half the squad here and half the squad there. “And it’s very reminiscent of when we first started in ’96, in terms of everyone spending a lot of time together and getting really friendly with one another,
and it [becomes] a pretty happy group.” With Kimlin, Fagan, and Larkham providing that perfect perspective of life at the Brumbies before and after Jake White’s appointment, I was very interested to hear how White differs from his predecessors in terms of his mode of operation. A common theme emerged in the responses. Kimlin: “As a team, he’s brought us all together, but not let us to get too ahead of ourselves. We’re a young group, and that’s probably the worst thing you could do is let that happen. He’s been really honest with his communication, and about how we approach playing and training ourselves.” Larkham: “The way he delivered messages to the players. He motivates guys really well, he speaks in front of a group well, handles the media well, he’s very sure of himself, and he’s had a lot of success. “He’s got that understanding of how to win games, which is sometimes all you need. He’s got a positive attitude to the way we play, and he’s always optimistic about results, and that’s a big flow-on to the players. Whether he’s confident or not, whether he thinks we’re going to win or not is beside the point; he always projects this air of optimism.” playcanberra.com.au
15
Fagan: “He’s just a very strong character. He’s got very strong beliefs in what makes for a winning team, and what elements are required to produce a winning team, and he sticks to those beliefs without wavering. He’s got strong beliefs on what has delivered success for him in the past, and what can deliver success for him in the future.”
couldn’t believe how well everyone was getting on, and they still all get on so well now. And that’s a big thing about what we’re trying to do here.” White’s point of difference? “Just the simple things. He just helps me do the simple things that he needs and that’s really helped me become a consistent performer.” So consistent in fact, that many an expert - both actual and armchair variety - questioned Fardy’s omission from Robbie Deans’ initial 39-man Wallaby training squad.
“When he was with the Springboks, and even in the short period of time he’s been with the Brumbies, it doesn’t matter what criticism he might cop from the outside, he’s got strong beliefs in what delivers success, and he’s been a winner.
And so, in hindsight, it’s probably not that surprising to find that the secret to the success of this school teacher-turned international rugby coach is simply communication.
“That’s the underlying thing with him, that he‘s got an inner confidence in his own ability and the core elements that produce success.”
Clarity of role, clarity of message, clarity of direction.
Our man-on-the-cover, Scott Fardy, is one of many perfect examples of the evident success of White’s methods. Like so many of the new faces to join the Brumbies and excel, Fardy has climbed from the Extended Playing Squad to the fulltime group, played every game in 2012, and has now secured a new deal for 2013. Flanker-cum-lock Fardy was finishing up commitments in Japan when White commenced with the Brumbies, but couldn’t help but be impressed with the set-up and the group that was well and truly up and running by the time he arrived. And when you speak to the man behind the impressive - and some say lucky - beard, that same common theme once again shines through.
Image: Ben Southall
“I think he’s just a great communicator. He talks well to his players, he talks well in meetings, and you lets you know the simple things and what he wants done simply. So it’s easy to impress him and do what’s right,” Fardy highlights. “When I got here it was already a really tight unit, you know. Everyone was best of mates down here and I
When combined, and when surrounded by a group of players who believe in the message, support staff who understand their role and execute it with precision, and an enveloping organisation heading in the same direction, there should be no surprise that White and the Brumbies have been able to turn around their fortunes so quickly. A finals appearance this season will be a remarkable achievement, considering the 2011 disruptions and results. Yet it would also be the summit of a 12-month period, where the club plummeted to the depths and re-emerged in a healthier state. The Brumbies’ success in 2012 is a direct result of the courage to make some tough decisions in 2011. That, and a liberal sprinkling of the Jake White Effect.
Brumbies Super Rugby Finals Series, July 20 or 21. Be there. For years, Canberra’s business leaders have enjoyed Brumbies hospitality. To exchange names. And exchange ideas. As a place to meet, to entertain clients and reward staff. Prices start from as little as $149 per game. Welcome to where Canberra does business.
Z00 47840
10% deposit minimum. Refunded if game does not go ahead. Contact Simon Chester on 0406 436 202 or s.chester@brumbies.com.au
16
playcanberra.com.au
Issue #13 JULY 2012
Week 1: 2-8 JULY Saturday 7/7
NEAFL Match of the Round Eastlakes V Belconnen 2.00pm Manuka Oval Canberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round Belco United V Woden Valley Rams 3pm Northbound oval John I Dent Match of the Round Gungahlin V Royals 3.05pm Nicholls Oval Can Gunners V Hobart 7.30pm Belconnen Stadium
Sunday 8/7
Loop Mens Premier League Match of the Round Canb Olympic V Canb City 3pm O’Connor Broomball Demonstration Skate in the city Garema Place 12.30pm
Week 2: 9-15 JULY Saturday 14/7
BRUMBIES V BLUES 3.30pm Canberra Stadium
ACTEWAGL JULY EVENTS CALENDAR Week 4: 23-29 JULY cont.. Saturday 28/7
NEAFL Match of the Round Tugg Hawks V Queanbeyan 2pm Greenway Oval Canberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round QBN Blues V Goulburn Workers 3pm Seiffert
Canberra Knights V Gold Coast 5.30pm Phillip Ice Can Gunners V Ballarat 7.30pm Belconnen Stadium Sunday 29/7
Loop Mens Premier League Match of the Round Tugg United V Canb City 3pm Kambah 2-1 Can Gunners V Bendigo 7.30pm Belconnen Stadium Sunday 15/7
RAIDERS V TITANS 2pm CANBERRA STADIUM Loop Mens Premier League Match of the Round Monaro V Canb FC Valley 3pm Riverside Oval Tradies Womens Premier League Match of the Round Gungahlin United V Canb Olympic 2pm McKellar Park
ActewAGL Athlete on the rise Christine Nunn After representing Australia as a junior in 2009, 21 year old Canberra Squash player Christine is showing a new commitment to become a professional squash player in 2011. she is currently ranked 83 but being blessed with natural talent and speed around the court we should see her move rapidly up the WSA rankings and possibly to an Australian Open final in a few years time.
NEAFL Match of the Round UWS Giants V Ainslie 12.00pm Wagga Canberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round Gungahlin Bulls V WB Warriors 3pm WBLC John I Dent Match of the Round Uni Norths V Vikings 3.05pm ANU North Oval Canberra Knights V Adelaide 5.30pm Phillip Ice Rink Can Gunners V Nunawading 7.30pm Belconnen Stadium
Sunday 22/7
Loop Mens Premier League Match of the Round Canb Olympic V TUFC FC 3pm O’Connor Enclosed Tradies Womens Premier League Match of the Round Canb FC V Woden Valley 2pm Woden Park
Week 4: 23-29 JULY Saturday 28/7
NEAFL Match of the Round Eastlakes V Sydney Uni 2.00pm Manuka Oval
THE ActewAGL Athlete on the Rise recognises and rewards the achievements of our rising sporting talent. The award caters for athletes at all levels of competition. It is not only results that count, but good sportsmanship as well. Do you know someone that qualifies as an ActewAGL Athlete on the Rise? Send all nominations to athlete@playcanberra.com.au
SEC0612/09
Canberra Raiders Cup Match of the Round Belco United V Gungahlin Bulls 3pm Northbound oval
RAIDERS V Knights 2pm CANBERRA STADIUM Tradies Womens Premier League Match of the Round Weston Creek V Canb FC Creek 2pm ANU Willows 2 Loop Mens Premier League Match of the Round Woden Valley V Belco United 3pm Woden enclosed Oval
*All details corrected at time of printing.
Week 3: 16-22 JULY Saturday 21/7
John I Dent Match of the Round Wests V East 3.15pm Jamison Oval
skate your way to the
Swap your used Skate in the City ticket for an entry form at the Civic ActewAGL Assist store for a chance to
WIN a family daytrip to Thredbo!
For full terms and conditions visit actewagl.com.au/skateinthecity Authorised under ACT Permit TP 12/02443 and NSW permit number LTPS/12/05274. ActewAGL Retail ABN 46 221 314 841.
Caps academy and Canberra Gunners Belconnen Basketball Stadium www.canberragunners.asn.au Images: Andrew Finch
Tuggeranong Hawks sportsman dinner www.tuggeranongfc.com.au Images: Andrew Finch
18
playcanberra.com.au
Issue #13 JULY 2012
The Power of Visualisation
that will be feeling the image or just getting a sense of what it might look like. Wherever your current level is, nurture it and allow it to grow.
Visualisation is one of the foundations of Peak Performance Sports. I’m a big believer in the phrase “What happens out there is a result of what happens in here”. In simple terms, this means your performance is often the result of what’s happening inside your head, or more specifically the particular movies and soundtracks playing inside your head.
Tip 2 – Visualise what you want
◊ Matt Neason
One of the most powerful effects of good visualisation is that it programs the subconscious brain. You want to think of the subconscious brain as a self-guiding missile. When a self-guiding missile is fired, it starts moving towards its programmed target. As it moves it assesses its coordinates in relation to the target, and makes mini adjustments to correct its path. Our subconscious brain works in the same way. It identifies our coordinates and naturally moves us towards our target.
In this article I’ll reveal two key tips that will help get you started on producing potent results through the power of visualisation.
Tip 1 – Practice makes perfect If you struggle with visualisation, then I have some comforting news for you. You’re normal. Sure there are some people who have the ability to close their eyes and instantly bring up crystal clear images, but for many of my clients this is a skill that needs to be developed over time. With practice however, everyone has the ability to visualise. There are two keys principles to keep in mind when practicing visualisation. The first is practice needs to be consistent. 10 minutes a day every day, will always beat out an intense hour long session once a week. To help with this make a commitment to practice your visualisation at the same time every day. First thing in the morning is ideal. This is because the mind is still slightly lucid at this time, which makes it easier to
Image: AAP
conjure up images. The second key principle is you need to stay positive. Even if you can’t summon crystal clear images just yet, you will still gain huge benefits from your visualisation practice. It still works. Just connect to the image in whatever way you can. For some people
The problem with most people is that they program their subconscious mind with negative coordinates. They visualise images of failure, they replay mistakes, they think about negative scenarios that might happen, and picture the negative consequences that may arise. The theatre of your mind is the one place where you can ensure success. You can execute skills flawlessly, you can dominate your competition, and you can ensure victory. By visualising success, you program your subconscious to move towards success. To read the full article, and get the remaining 3 tips for more powerful visualisation go to www.peakperformancesports.org and take a look at some of our free resources.
AT 6:50PM ON WEDNESDAY 18 JULY 2012 THE TOUCH FOOTBALL ACT PREMIER LEAGUE WILL SEE TIGER ELECTRICS AND ZAMBREROS AND THE SPOON BATTLE FOR THE HAYDON HUGHES CUP TO SAY THANKS TO THE SPECIAL WOMEN AND ALL OF THE TIME AND EFFORT THEY GIVE OUR CLUBS.
VS
CANBERRA’S NEWEST RIVALRY WILL BE BORN.
Issue #13 JULY 2012
playcanberra.com.au
19
The Super Rugby run home ◊ Brett McKAY @BMcSport
The first expanded Super Rugby season to run in its intended format, with a recess in June for the various International series played in the three SANZAR countries, is set for a thrilling three week run into the Finals series. Predictions abound at this point, as experts of the armchair and actual variety madly scramble through the permutations to come up with likely finalists. The cynics and conspiracy theorists have a crack, too, identifying which game this team or that team needs to “throw” so that they get an allegedly easier shot at the title. Ultimately, it’s all guesswork. And why should PLAY be any different? So here’s the run home for the teams still in contention, along with some bold predictions/vague guesses at where they may finish. REDS (Aus): 9th, 44 points (as at June International recess). Run home: Rebels (away), Highlanders, Waratahs. Quite simply, they must win all three games to jag one of the wildcard spots, and probably with bonus points to be safe. Another 15 points over the last three rounds will have them finish on 59 points, and in 2011, the Waratahs and Sharks claimed the last two wildcards equal on 57 points. The Reds will also be sweating on the fortunes of the Brumbies. Should the Brumbies drop too many games, the Reds could realistically claim top spot in the Australian Conference, which would earn them a likely elimination final at home in Brisbane. HIGHLANDERS (NZ): 8th, 44pts. Run home: Chiefs, Reds (a), bye. The men from the deep south of New Zealand are the most likely to be the first of those teams on the edge to drop out of contention. Taking on the Chiefs on the resumption of Super Rugby will at least happen on their turf, but should prove to be one hurdle too far. Should they manage to upset the competition leaders first up, they will then also need to jag a bonus point win in Brisbane too, after which their final round 20
playcanberra.com.au
Image: Ben Southall
bye will determine their final placing. Can’t see either happening, myself.
CRUSADERS (NZ): 4th, 51pts. Run home: Hurricanes, Chiefs (a), Force.
SHARKS (SA): 7th, 45pts. Run home: bye, Bulls, Cheetahs.
They showed in 2011 that they can still strike from fourth place, and no team will be silly enough to write the Crusaders off come finals time. As with the Bulls and Sharks, their clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton in the second-last week is the crucial game: win it, and they become a chance to top the NZ conference; lose and they could finish 6th and find themselves playing the Brumbies in Canberra. Officially the tournament’s dark horse.
Like the any of the teams on 44 or 45 points, and with a bye to come, the Sharks cannot afford to lose any of their remaining games. Their showdown against the Bulls at home in Durban in the tournament’s penultimate week will make or break their season. HURRICANES (NZ): 6th, 45pts. Run Home: Crusaders (a), bye, Chiefs. In a very similar boat to the Sharks. Must beat the Crusaders in Christchurch on the resumption to be any chance. I know I said this in last month’s issue, but this time they really could be done by the time you’re reading this over your coffee. BULLS (SA): 5th, 49pts. Run home: Cheetahs, Sharks (a), Lions. Should still scrape into a wildcard place even if they happen to drop one of those last three games; two bonus point wins would take them to 59pts, and a bonus point loss would be very handy too. Of course, if they’re to be taken seriously in the finals series, they’ll need to win all three and finish somewhere around 63pts (which secured 2nd in 2011).
BRUMBIES: Australian Conference Leaders, 49pts. Run home: Force (a), Waratahs (a), Blues. While a first Canberra Stadium home final since 2005 looks quite likely at this point, Brumbies fans shouldn’t start queuing for tickets just yet. Cross your fingers, and say your prayers, sure, but the tent’s not quite needed for the moment. Theoretically, the Brumbies could afford to drop one game and could still top the Australian conference, but like the Bulls, they too will need to will all three games – and probably with bonus points – to be considered a chance for a third Super Rugby title.
STORMERS: South African Conference Leaders, 54pts. Run home: Lions, Cheetahs (a), Rebels. Another conference leader not quite locked in, but a win over the lowly Lions on the resumption should do the trick. Pencil them in for a Semi-final in Cape Town now. Though, as the Stormers showed in 2011, a home semi doesn’t guarantee success, particularly if they happen to ironically draw the Crusaders in the second week again. A genuine title contender though, regardless. The best defensive side in the competition. CHIEFS: New Zealand Conference Leaders, 58pts. Run home: Highlanders (a), Crusaders, Hurricanes (a). Wherever the Chiefs finish up this season, they will play in their first finals series since 2009. If they maintain their standing at the top of the Super Rugby tree, they will be very tough to beat at home. And even though they went unbeaten on their South African tour, the only question to their credentials comes if they face a final in the Republic. How they emerge from their final home game of the year against the Crusaders will tell us a lot about this Chiefs side. Will be a deserving Champion on this season’s performances. Issue #13 July 2012
June International rugby wrap
scores level and barely minutes left on the clock, a wonky Daniel Carter drop goal pushed the All Blacks to a 22-19 win, and the series had seemingly come alive.
◊ Brett McKAY @BMcSport
Concerns over injuries to key players, others playing out of position and even more debutants amounted to nothing, though, with the All Blacks producing an oldfashioned shellacking in the third Test, thumping the Irish 60-0 in Hamilton. It was truly brutal. South Africa got out to a decent lead in the first two Tests of the English tour to the Republic, before ultimately allowing England back late in both games. The close-ish scores - 22-17 in Durban, and 36-27 in Johannesburg - completely flattered England, and the Springboks were never really in danger of losing either match.
Image: Ben Southall
The traditional June international rugby window has seen action all over the world, with the European superpowers heading to the four corners. After opening their three-Test series against Ireland in style, winning 42-10 in Auckland, New Zealand got an awful scare in the second Test in Christchurch. With
The third Test, played in wet conditions in Port Elizabeth, was another story. England got out to the early lead, which South Africa took more than an hour to regain. An uncharacteristically off night with the boot from the usually reliable Morne Steyn meant chances went begging, with the game ending an underwhelming 14-all draw. After the shock defeat to Scotland in Newcastle earlier in the month, Australia recovered well to take the threeTest series with Wales in a clean sweep. Will Genia led the way for the Wallabies in the 27-19 first Test win in
Brisbane, including yet another brilliant solo try that he seems to reserve for the big moments on his home ground. Kiwi-born ‘Aussie’ Mike Harris was the hero in the second Test in Melbourne, his penalty goal after the final siren sneaking the Wallabies home 25-23. Flyhalf Berrick Barnes flew back to Sydney for the birth of his first child the day before the Test, only rejoining the team around 90 minutes before kickoff, but was inspired to a Man-of-the-Match display. Barnes repeated the MotM effort in Sydney (minus the childbirth bit) a week later, steering the Wallabies to a 20-19 win in brilliant afternoon sunshine before 42,889 people, a new rugby record for the Sydney Football Stadium. In other series played in June, Scotland remained unbeaten on their tour of the South Pacific, accounting for Australia 9-6, for Fiji 37-25 in Lautoka, and for Samoa, 17-16 in a thriller in Apia. Argentina beat Italy 37-22 in a one-off Test in San Juan, before squaring their two match series with France 1-1. The Pumas stunned Les Bleus 23-20 in the first Test in Cordoba, before France bounced back to claim the second Test 49-10 in Tucuman. Italy beat Canada 25-16 in Toronto, and accounted for the United States too, 30-10 in Houston, in which the Eagles had two players handed red cards. Samoa took out the IRB Pacific Nations Cup, finishing ahead of the series with Japan, Tonga, and Fiji.
GIVE YOUR
CAREER A WORKOUT
“Being a personal trainer isn’t just a financial rewarding career. Everyday you’re helping people get fit and stay healthy. If you want a career in fitness, the best place to get qualified is the Australian Institute of Fitness®. Only the Institute can get you qualified and certified as an Institute Master Trainer. And if you’re already a qualified PT – give your career an extra workout with the Institute’s Fitness Business Program. Master Trainer – The industry’s most sort after and respected Personal Trainer Program. Fitness Business Manager - The most comprehensive and relevant Fitness Management course specifically designed for the Australian Fitness Industry. Do what I did, call the Institute, they’re FIRST in Fitness Courses & Careers.” Michelle Bridges – Institute Master Trainer.
PRESENT THIS AD TO THE INSTITUTE AND RECEIVE YOUR
$500 SCHOLARSHIP*
Call the Institute’s ACT Campus @ Phillip today on 02 6282 5459
*Terms & Conditions apply. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, valid till 31/3/12, not redeemable for cash.
Issue #13 JULY 2012
playcanberra.com.au
21
Majura FC head to Malaysia Majura U13 Girls are in for a trip of a lifetime. They’ll head to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, on Friday to play football against three local teams.
even when you don’t it’s good to try to improve as much as you can and work on the little tricks and skills that make the game a whole lot different. My friends and I are always talking about the trip, and how excited we are to travel so far away from home.”
Coach Heather Fitt said, “The girls have played football for many years, and after winning the Kanga Cup a couple times what better way to extend their football experience. We’ll train and play futsal, before playing three games against Borneo (Malaysia) local teams. We’ll then have a few days to experience the local sites.”
Telopea Park High Student Mika Leslie has been playing soccer since she was 6. She played most of her football in Colorado, USA and joined Majura two years ago when she moved to Canberra.
“The local teams had a competition recently to see which three teams would earn the right to play Majura.” The squad is a mixture of Majura U13 division 1 and 2 with a number of ACT Representatives and former Majura players also travelling. “We’ll come together for a couple of games prior to leaving but I think it will be a big shock for the team as we’ll go from Canberra weather to 33 degrees. The girls can all play football, but we’re not sure how they’ll manage the heat. We’ve asked Socceroo Technical Advisor Ron Smith, who used to Coach in Kinabalu, for a few tips” added Fitt. Majura midfield dynamo Grace Fieg, 13, is heading on her first overseas trip. “Playing football in Borneo will be a great opportunity to play some international teams. It’s a chance to experience some things outside of what I am used to in Australian soccer. My whole team will be there and we
can all share in the experience together. In Borneo we are going to spend some time doing more than just football. We’re going for a kind of holiday but even better because we will be playing my favourite sport and I’ll have all of my team with me. “I’m looking forward to lots of cool activities as well, including going to an island for a whole day to chillax and do cool stuff like snorkelling, paraflying and banana boating. We also get to check out some Borneo culture and wildlife so I can learn about Borneo too.” ACT Representative Aleka Serras, 12, said “I have been playing soccer since I was 7. Soccer is a big part of my life and means a lot to me, because it’s a great game to play, and almost anyone can play it. “It always so exciting when you get a great result, and
“I love soccer, and this tournament will give our team a chance to play some international teams. Soccer is hard to be really good at, but it’s my favourite game, and the feeling of scoring a goal is amazing! Everyone on the team is friends, and we can’t wait to go see Malaysia and Borneo and swim in the ocean and the pool, while our fellow classmates are freezing in the Australian winter! We’re all really excited to have the opportunity to play in Borneo!! Former Socceroo Scott Ollerenshaw is based in Borneo and organises tours for Australian teams, boys and girls.” “The Borneo Cup for boys is well established and runs every year in October. Our first Borneo Cup for girls will start in April 2013 but we’re delighted to host the Majura girls, our first Australian girls’ squad. The local teams are really looking forward to playing and meeting the girls from Majura. Sabah is a beautiful place and the girls are in for a treat.
Jason Lancsar COERVER® Coaching Asia Pacific Director We hope you enjoy our Coerver Coaching Play Magazine homework designed to improve your game but above all have fun while practicing. This month we look at one of Coerver Coaching’s juggling techniques. Purpose is to improve ball control and coordination.
COERVER Coaching Master Class Series. Topic: Air Juggling. Coerver Coaching Homework
Tips for players: Don’t kick the ball too hard. Try and relax. Go step by step until you feel more confident.
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Start with the ball in your hands.
Drop the ball onto your foot and kick it up.
Try to catch the ball with your hands.
Continue repeating the technique with both feet.
See next issue for more tips from Coerver Coaching or for further information please visit our website www.coerver.com.au
22
playcanberra.com.au
Issue #13 JULY 2012
See the world’s best squash players at the National Convention Centre
Australian Squash OPEN Canberra will again host the world’s best in Squash this year, when the Australian Open kicks off at the National Convention Centre from 13th-19th August. Women’s world number one and Australian Open reigning champion, Nicol David, will be back to defend her title on the all glass courts. The Malaysian competitor won her first Australian Open last year when she beat England’s Jenny Duncalf. Tournament director Gary Hampson was delighted that David had decided to return to Canberra’s Royal Theatre again this year. “Nicol is an absolute star of the game and we are so pleased she has decided to defend her crown. The women’s field is incredibly strong this year, with eight of the top ten in the world competing. “Anyone who comes to Canberra to watch can be assured they are seeing the best players in the world,” Hampson said. Australia’s Rachael Grinham and Kasey Brown, ranked ninth and tenth in the world, will be looking to make an impression on home soil. 35-year-old Grinham, from the Queensland city of Toowoomba, won the Australian Open when it was held in Melbourne in 2005 and has been a semi-finalist in Canberra for the previous two years. Issue #13 JULY 2012
The former number one is considered one of the greatest players the country has ever produced, winning the World Open in 2007, a Commonwealth Games gold medal and has been British Open champion on four occasions.
Nicol David
Hampson said that over time, the Australian Open has grown in stature and international recognition. “The tournament has gone from strength to strength over the past five years and Canberra should be proud to be a part of Australian sporting history,” Hampson said. The men’s top seed and defending champion Egyptian Ramy Ashour is back to defend his Australian Open title, with the entertaining competitor known to be a crowd favourite on the squash circuit for his unique dynamic attacking style. Ashour will come up against second seed England’s Peter Barker and Australia’s Cameron Pilley, fifth seed. In 2012, the Australian Open series will include three major tour championships in July in the lead up to the Australian Open - forming the Australian Open Series across the Eastern States of Australia. The Victorian Open in the first week of July will be followed by the Tasmanian Open and the New South Wales Open. playcanberra.com.au
23
s Tour Preview: The Contender
Main Contenders: Although many view this year’s Tour as ‘a two horse race’ between Wiggins and Evans, the Tour de France is never that simple. In a sporting event that spans over 3 weeks, the battle for the Yellow Jersey is wide open. Italian Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas Cannondale) can gain time in the mountains and still hold his own in the time trials. He is also one of the best descenders in the peloton and could gain time with an unexpected attack. This year’s Giro d’Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal has shown he has what it takes to win a Grand Tour, and the course could work in his favour. With a motivated Garmin-Sharp team behind him, Hesjedal could achieve the Giro and the Tour double in the same year. Other contenders: Denis Menchov, Thomas Voeckler, and Samuel Sanchez.
The Dark Horses: His brother will miss this year’s edition however, Frank Schleck could surprise and repeat last year’s effort with another podium. With 100km of time trials, his poor ability in that event will make that a difficult task to achieve. Frenchman, Pierre Rolland won the young rider’s White Jersey in last year’s edition and did an incredible job helping to defend teammate Thomas Voeckler’s yellow jersey. As a very powerful climber, he is one to watch and could upset the favourites come the end of July. Image: AFP
2012 Tour de france Stages: 20 (1 prologue, 2 ITT’s and 17 road stages) Kilometres to be raced: 3 479. By: Adam Phelan Cadel Evans became the first Australian to claim victory in the Tour de France last year, making Aussie sporting history. One year on and the month of July has arrived again, and the pinnacle event of professional cycling is ready for its 99th edition. With a new course, new challenges and new opportunities, Aussie fans are left to ponder: Can he do it again?
The Favourites: After the Tour de France route presentation back in October 2011, cycling commentators, pundits and journalists around the world, immediately pointed out Cadel Evans and Bradley Wiggins as specific pre-tour favourites. The inclusion of two crucial Time Trial stages (stage 9 and 19 – with a combined distance of 100km) and having only two mountain-top finishes greatly favour the strengths of both Wiggins and Evans. The pure-climbers of the peloton will now have fewer opportunities to put time into the powerful General Classification contenders that can time trial. 24
playcanberra.com.au
This year Evans comes with a stronger looking BMC team, with more firepower and support in the mountains with the addition of promising American TJ Van Garderen to the team. Classics specialist Philippe Gilbert, has also bolstered the rooster and is likely to be a critical supporter throughout the whole three weeks. George Hincapie’s experience will also help the BMC team, as he returns for his record 17th Tour de France. Wiggins, however, will have arguably the strongest team in the tour to support him. With the likes of Aussies Michael Rogers and Richie Porte, Norwegian Edvald Boasson-Hagen, 2011 Vuelta a Espana runner-up Chris Froome and strongman Bernard Eisel, Team Sky will be a serious force to contend with. Wiggins has also showed tremendous form this year taking out Paris-Nice, the Tour de Romandie and Criterium du Dauphine, with Wiggins putting over a minute into Evans in the last stage time trial of the Dauphine. With both riders brimming with confidence heading into the race, it could shape up to be an epic battle between the Aussie and the Pom.
Other dark horses: Jurgen Van Den Broeck and TJ Van Garderen
Race for the Green: The 2012 Tour de France will also be a battleground for the world’s best sprinters, with Australia’s own Matt Goss a big contender for this year’s Green Jersey. The ‘Manx Missile’ Mark Cavendish will be out for stage wins and is a big challenger for Green, however with the London Olympic Games in August, he could pull out of the tour early in preparation for the Road Race. Peter Sagan has won nearly everywhere he has pedaled this year and is set to win a few more sprints while in France. With an all-round strength to get over the climbs, Sagan has his eyes firmly set on Green. Other contenders for Sprint Jersey: Andre Greipel, Marcel Kittel, Mark Renshaw and Tyler Farrar.
Aussies in the tour: A record 12 Australians are racing in the Tour de France this year, which is no doubt bolstered by the inclusion of Orica-GreenEDGE as the first Australian team to participate in the tour. Orica-GreenEdge has had an incredible debut season and hopes to continue that run with five Australians making the Tour de France team. The Aussies: Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team), Matt Goss (Orica-GreenEDGE), Baden Cooke (OricaGreenEDGE), Brett Lancaster (Orica-GreenEDGE), Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEDGE), Stuart O’Grady (OricaGreenEDGE), Michael Rogers (Team Sky), Richie Porte (Team Sky), Jonathan Cantwell (Team Saxo Bank- Tinkoff Bank), Matthew Lloyd (Lampre-ISD), Adam Hansen (Lotto-Belisol) and Mark Renshaw (Rabobank). Issue #13 JULY 2012
Canberra’s newest promotional products supplier
Local rider continues good form ◊ lucy hinchey
Canberra has a strong cycling culture and continues to produce successful road, track, bmx and mountain bikers. Last month PLAY spoke with Caroline Buchanan who is now on her way to her first Olympics and Michael Rogers is currently riding his 8th Tour de France. This month we take a look at the up-and-coming talent of Mitchell Lovelock-Fay. The 20-year-old has competed in road tours in the top domestic competition in Australia, represented Australia in Europe and Asia, whilst aiming for another Australian birth on the track, following the 2011 world cups in Beijing and Manchester and the Junior track world championships in 2010. After a disappointing road season in Europe last year, this year Lovelock-Fay is looking to regain some form and impress Australian selectors in both the track and road. The Canberra local has had some good results so far this year, including taking out the Tour of Thailand (above) in April. Last month Lovelock-Fay placed 11th overall in the tour of Singkarak (Indonesia) for the Australian National Team before flying to back to Australia to compete in the National Road Series event, the Tour of Toowoomba with Jayco/Honey Shotz. The Australian National Team is based in Australia but does a lot of racing in Asia to enable a smooth transition phase for young riders making their way to Europe. Lovelock-Fay says this is a great opportunity to gain experience in the longer stages, and considers himself a leader within the team.
Unleash your brand
“It’s really difficult to come from Australia in domestic racing … to go to Italy and race the long hard races against all the Italians over there. “I look after a lot of the boys that go and race in Asia because I’ve been to Europe and I’ve raced over there, so I know what to do when it comes to the busy end of racing,” he said. Lovelock-Fay has his sights set on conquering the track once more, but will need to impress on a road bike first. Lovelock-Fay heads to France this month to compete in the La Reunion Tour as a guest rider with Suzuki Cycling, a Canberra based cycling team, and feels confident his strong form will continue. “I am feeling strong, I am confident I will be able to do well. I’ve had a few good results and I think people are starting to realise I might be able to go back to Europe next year,” he said. Issue #13 JULY 2012
.COM.AU
Showroom (by appointment only) 1-301 Canberra Avenue Fyshwick ACT 2609 (P) 02 6162 0670 sales@promoconcepts.com.au www.promoconcepts.com.au playcanberra.com.au
25
Combat SPORTS
Banging Ben’s title shot
Canberra’s “Banging” Ben Edwards hopes to become the only heavy weight to hold a current World kickboxing championship and an Australian boxing championship simultaneously when he headlines a massive card of fights at Capital Punishment 6 on Saturday 25 August at the National Convention Centre in Canberra. Standing in his way is the hard-hitting Queensland brawler Shane “Terminator” Tilyard. But Edwards, who’s past opponents include current UFC Heavyweight #3 Alistair Overeeem, is confident he holds the advantage. In what promises to be an exciting fight Edwards carries the technical advantage over Tilyard but as all fight fans know victory or defeat is only one punch away. With two fighters looking for the knockout, one thing the crowd can be assured of is a dynamic fight that, despite the unquestionable toughness of both fighters, seems unlikely to go to a decision. For his part, Edwards will be trying to avoid a repeat of his last title shot and will be intent on finishing the fight before the final bell.
vacating the National belt. Edwards faced Michael Kirby earlier this year for the belt and came agonizingly close only to see the fight called a split decision draw. That memory will provide plenty of inspiration during the lead up to Capital Punishment 6 as Edwards endures the tough training sessions and weekly commutes to Sydney for spar sessions. But this three time ISKA kickboxing world champion, who holds the record for the fastest kickboxing tournament in K-1 history at 3 minutes and 28 seconds via 3 first round knockouts, is no stranger to hard work. Nothing comes easy in the fight game and both Edwards and Tilyard will be desperate to ensure all their hard work doesn’t go unrewarded. Edward’s has a great record in front of his local crowd including a knockout and 2 Technical Knockout victories in his 3 boxing fights in the capital. Capital Punishment 6 promises to be a great chance for Canberrans to get along and see a local champion become a National champion.
Edwards first title bid came when the now former Australian heavyweight champion, Lucas Browne, signed an exclusive contract with England’s Ricky Hatton consequently
The bout will headline a massive card of Pro boxing, Kickboxing and MMA on August 25th at the National Convention Centre. Tickets are available through www.ticketek.com.
going out on top Capital Punishment 6 will be a particularly special night for one fighter. Brane Zec has announce this will be his retirement fight and will hang up the gloves on a career that began as a 10 year old wanting to emulate his idol the late great Bruce Lee. It was then his admiration for Legendary Australian kickboxer John Wayne Parr that cemented his focus on kickboxing and lead him to winning an ISKA State and an ISKA East Coast Title. So it’s fitting that Zec will fight his retirement fight the same year as John Wanye Parr and like JWP did last month, he is hoping for a knockout victory and is determined to do all he can to fulfil his plans of going out in a blaze of glory securing a final ISKA Title. Known as a fighter that throws everything he can into a fight, the fast punching Zec credits his ISKA Titles as the highlights of his career so far and the ISKA Australian Title, on the line at Capital Punishment 6, would be the perfect exclamation mark on his career. When asked about memories of his debut fight Zec said he “remembers the nerves before stepping in the ring against Herny Peters and then once in the ring the two just went flat out at each other.” In a common theme among fighters it seems those pre fight nerves are the only constant throughout a fighters career. You often hear fighters say “if someone says they aren’t nervous before a fight – they’re lying.” And coming into his final fight Zec said he will be nervous, but also pumped and positive. 26
playcanberra.com.au
He knows this will be the last time to feel the adrenaline rush that fighting brings and he knows it will be his last time to put on a show for the crowd. In a great sign for fight fans and an ominous sign for his opponent Zec plans on putting it all on the line for this final show for the crowd. Everything points to this be a high energy and
explosive encounter that Zec is confident will conclude in his hand being raised at the end and he can fulfil his wish of retirinhg on a high. This bout is part of a massive card of Pro boxing, Kickboxing and MMA on August 25th at the National Convention Centre. Tickets are available through www.ticketek.com Issue #13 JULY 2012
Issue #13 JULY 2012
playcanberra.com.au
27
28
playcanberra.com.au
Issue #13 JULY 2012
SPORTS Crossword 1
2
3
4
6
5
7 8
9
Down
6 Alberto ___, American marathon runner of the 1980s (7)
1 and 15 Down Spanish tennis player (5,6)
7 Home-grown code, Aussie ___ (5)
2 See 3 Down
9 Holes (a putt) (5)
3 and 2 Down Australian bowler who was known as ‘Tangles’ (3,6)
10 Golf shot level with the flag (3,4)
10
12 South African cricket captain (6,5) 14 Rugby League coach who took over from Des Hasler (5,6)
11
18 Jim ___, American tennis player turned commentator (7)
12
19 See 11 Down
13 14
Across
15
16 17
18
8 Type of harness buggy (7) 11 and 19 Across Famed Australian squash player (7,5) 13 Boxer’s attendants (7)
22 Auckland Rugby League player, perhaps (7)
16 Card game (7)
P O N T I N G
20 22
W O O D S
E T E R I E X P E E I G E L E A T E V B R O X R R E I G S E I A T F O R D R D L V O I D A I R E N E R V E
B L O W E R S
U T C H E E G A R A R R E S T
15 See 1 Down 17 Rugby side that beat Australia 32-23 in a 2011 friendly (5) 20 Our Ms Stosur (3)
H A N E N G R A N D O L Z R O D E O A E N N U R S E
Last issue’s solutions
teams you wish you went for
5
5 Lifter’s equipment (7)
21 Nicked (5)
19
21
4 English country cricket team which plays at Chester-le-Street (6)
We here at PLAY would never choose a club based on performance (as tempting as it may be at times). But give us a club with a catchy name and we’re sold!! I mean, how could anyone go past the Warilla Gorillas when shopping for a group 7 team to follow? It rolls off the tongue perfectly. Hey, what’s scarier than thunder or a wolf? A Thunderwolf of course, and if you’re a fan of combining 2 scary things, ice hockey and Canadians eh, you’re in luck, the Lakehead Thunderwolves have
got you covered. So you think naming your sports team should be easy right? Just pick a dangerous animal and go. Unfortunately, there are way more sports teams in the world than there are cool animals. Some teams had to draw the short straw, none more so then the mighty Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the Japanese Baseball League. While on baseball, how about them Bowling Green Hot Rods? Having a
great season or what? (umm actually not too bad since you ask, sitting second on the ladder with 42 wins and 36 loses for the season). But our favorite team name of all time is a little closer to home - the Bungendore Mudchooks. Currently 4th on the ladder in the ACT Monaro Rugby 2nd Division, the Mudchooks will be hoping for a threepeat premiership in 2012 and see the good times continue to roll at the Coop of Pain.
Warilla Gorillas
Lakehead Thunderwolves
Hiroshima Toyo Carp
Bowling Green Hot Rods
www.sportingpulse.com
thunderwolveshockey.com
www.carp.co.jp
www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t2498 www.mudchooks.com.au
Issue #13 JULY 2012
Bungendore Mudchooks
playcanberra.com.au
29
IT PAYS TO LIVE smart
AIRCON
POWER
WATER
> InnEr CItY ApArtmEnts From $369,500 IQ energy monItorIng system (EMS) EACH IQ ApArtmEnt ComEs wItH An Ems pAnEL DIspLAYInG EnErGY ConsumptIon LEvELs As It HAppEns on ALL Your kEY ComponEnts InCLuDInG AIr-ConDItIonInG, LIGHtInG AnD Gpos.
DiSplay SuitE OpEning tiMES Sat & Sun > 11am-3pm MOn tO Fri > 1-5pm pArkInG AnD EntrAnCE on mort strEEt, BrADDon
> stamp duty tax deductIble on Investment propertIes In the act > completIon expected Q3 2014 > mIn eer 5
ARTIST IMPRESSION
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Call 1800 041 472 EMail canberra.resIdentIal@collIers.com WWW.COlliErS.COM.au/iQ 30
playcanberra.com.au
Issue #13 JULY 2012