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FAFL 360: Pre-Season, 2023
2 years ago
From the Desk of FAFL Commissioner, Bryan Shadowbuck
FAFL 360: Pre-Season, 2023
2023 FAFL Season Intro:
Hello and welcome to the FAFL 360 for 2023 and It has certainly been a long recess for us. Certainly longer than we were expecting when we finished up on Grand Final Day 2022. Well, It’s certainly been an interesting off-season.
After the festivities of the 2022 FAFL Grand Final were over and the Gold Coast Dragons were crowned as Champions, The league went into a lockout as the Players Association and the League failed to come to terms to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. This would lead to months of tense negotiations between the FAFLPA, the league and the teams. All with Free Agency, the draft and later the season on hold.
It seemed like for a while that we might not have even gotten a season underway in 2023 but in Mid-March, We got an agreement with the FAFLPA willing to continue the previous CBA for another season with the teams also getting a $1,000,000 salary increase for 2023. A full permanent CBA is yet to set in place and time will tell if both parties will be able to come together and hash out a full agreement during the season.
The effects that the Lockout has had on the 2023 FAFL Season is that the season has had it’s usual 22 round competition knocked down to a 16 game season spread over 17 weeks with Free Agency happening in April, The Draft happening in May and Pre-Season happening in June with the season starting properly on June 22nd, 2023.
It’s had a massive effect on everything from the schedule to player fitness with certain players coming in overweight like Adelaide’s Jay Samuelson to club revenue going down due to the lack of matchdays to even broadcasters having to find replacement programing with broadcasters such as Wes Kerry hosting Superfurs Championship coverage on the Seagull Network to fulfill his contract with the network.
With a new TV deal to be negotiated as well, It is very much going to be a very busy time at FAFL House this season as they try to set up their future. While things might be a bit shaky behind the scenes right now, Both sides are just glad to finally be back playing Footy.
It’s been a long off-season but we’re finally back to playing footy in the FAFL and before we start off the 2023 FAFL Season, We hope you enjoy the highlights from the 2022 FAFL Grand Final Presentation.
2022 FAFL Grand Final Presentation:
Ladies and Gentlefurs, Before we begin the formal presentation following the 2022 Coyota FAFL Grand Final, We'd like to thank the FAFL's major partner Coyota for all of their support they have given to this wonderful game.
Before we continue, We'd like to thank the field and goal umpires for their contribution in today's game. We would like to invite them up to collect their medals.
Umpires collect medals
Well, It went down to the wire today but in the end, It would be Wellington who fell short but were gallant in defeat. They've had a magnificent season as well. I'd like to invite Wellington Captain, Brett Sanchez up to the podium to say a few words.
Brett: First of all, To the FAFL and it's sponsors. They put on a great event each year and this one was no exception.
To the Vipers fans and our partners, We really appreciate the support you've given us these past 2 years. Sorry we couldn't get it done. I know it hurts a lot now but I know we'll be back and revving to go come next season and hopefully we can go one better in Season 2023.
To the Dragons, Bryan Shadowolf, Matthew Blake and the rest of the team You've been a great opponent today. You've been a well drilled team all these years and very much deserve this premiership so well done.
And to Kelli Jennings and the rest of our playing list, We couldn't get it done in the end after giving it our all. We'll lick our wounds and I know it's gonna hurt for a long while to come but if we look at where we were when we starts to where we are now. We've made huge strides and hopefully we can take something from this that will inspire us to go one step further in the future.
Thank Everyone, Ta.
Thanks Brett, We look forward to seeing you and the Vipers in Season 2023.
Ladies and Gentlefurs, Would you welcome to the stage, 2002 Geoff Rose Medalist with the Gold Coast and 2009 Premiership Player with Adelaide, Tarni Campbell to present the 2022 Geoff Rose Medal.
Tarni: Walks up to the podium, smiling brightly Dragons! Gold Coast! It's been such a long time since i've stepped on this pitch. But that's not to say I don't remember it all...all the trials, the tears and the smiles...
I remember back to a time when a younger, slightly more spry Tarni was here playing her heart out in the Grand Final. It wasn't exactly the outcome we've had today but I still found myself taking the stand to collect my own Geoff Rose medal...
Much as I may be known for winning elsewhere, i'm always a Dragon in the heart. And twenty years later...it seems almost too well written in the stars that i'm here today to present this very award...and thankfully in much happier circumstances!
And it's with great pleasure that I announce and introduce your 2022 Geoff Rose medalist...Jon Van Middlesworth!
JVM comes up to the podium smiling. Happy to have won the medal after winning the game for his team in the 4th Quarter.
Jonathan: What can I say? After what happened last year, I never thought I'd be playing Footy at a high level again. Let alone winning a Premiership and the Geoff Rose Medal.
It's been a brilliant ride this year and to top it off with a performance like this honestly leaves me humbled with the Dragons. They took a shot on me when no-one else would and I can't repay them enough.
Commiserations to the Vipers. I have no hard feelings towards you guys, You're a great team with great players. I'll be the first to admit that I just wasn't the right fit and I have a feeling you guys will be back here to do it one better down the road.
And To our fans, You're the best fanbase in the league, You're always behind us and after so many years in the wilderness, We're finally paying you back. Premiership No. 2! Let's Go!!!!
Congratulations Jonathan.
Because it's every young footballers dream, To be here on this day, The Last Saturday in September. Ladies and Gentlefurs, With much pleasure that we welcome 22 participants from the FAFL Furkick program who will now present the premiership medallions to each player of the Gold Coast Dragons.
All 22 Players one by one come up and collect their medals with big pops going to Jonathan Van Middlesworth, Tobias Rodgers, Mark Jacotine, Austin Warner and Jake Honeycutt as they collect their medals
"Number 11.... Julie Reisman!"
Julie hops up on stage with a big, if somewhat goofy smile as she got her medal "This end of the Premiership sure feels better than last time!" Looking to the camera "Hey Laura! I know you're watching sis!"
"And Finally, The captain, Number 4.... Matthew Blake!"
Matthew Blake comes up to collect his 2nd Premiership Medal while also giving his boots to the Furkicker presenting his medal and to say a few words
Matthew: It feels great to be back up here after Last Year.
Firstly to the FAFL and their major partners, We thank you for putting on a great season.
Secondly to the fans, Thank you guys for coming out. You're the lifeblood of the game, Without you guys. We've got no game. You truly make us what we are.
To the Vipers, You gave us a hell of a fight today and you've been brilliant this year. I'm sure you guys will be back soon and going one better.
To our partners FMW, FURX Gold and FSC. Thank you for your continued support of the club.
To my teammates, Our fans and everyone involved with the Dragons, not just this year but in years past. I hope you guys are sitting back proud. They're a hell of a group. This players are so special! It's coming back to the Gold Coast!!!
Now would you welcome 1994 Premiership Coach, Alen Hurley to present the Catherine Spence Medal to the coach of the 2022 FAFL Premiership Team, Bryan Shadowolf of the Gold Coast Dragons.
Bryan comes up on stage to collect the medal and say a few words
Bryan: Could we just reiterate how much admiration we have for the Vipers.
To see what they've done in the past 2 seasons has been incredible. This is a team that will go far in my opinion.
I'd like to thank the Dragons fans who have stuck by this club since Day 1. It took us a very long time but now, We are starting to repay the devotion you've given us.
To my players, You're the best bunch of players a coach could ever want. You guys give your heart and soul to this team. Without you guys, I'd just be a Big Wolf with no team. You're the true heroes of this game.
Finally, I'd like to thank the FAFL for putting the competition on year after year. This is the best comp in the world in my opinion. Nothing beats this feeling, I can tell ya.
It feels great to be back up here again.
Thank You.
And now, Ladies and Gentlefurs, I have great pleasure in welcoming Former Gold Coast and Melbourne Coach and 1996 Premiership Coach, Kevin Schneider with presenting the Premiership Cup to Captain Matthew Blake and Coach Bryan Shadowolf of the Gold Coast Dragons!
Kevin presents Matthew and Bryan with the 2022 Premiership Cup.
Matthew and Bryan lift up the cup as the rest of the Panthers come running on to the stage to celebrate as Confetti starts firing everywhere
Thank you Kevin and that's concludes our presentations. Congratulations to the Gold Coast Dragons winning their 2nd premiership and now our 2022 FAFL Premiers go on a lap of honour around the MCG!
Thank you for supporting the FAFL in Season 2022. We hope to see you again in Season 2023.
2022 Jimmy Newman Medal and FAFLPA Awards Results:
2022 Jimmy Newman Medal (for Best Rookie):
Sammi Hodgson (CAI) - 20 Votes
Aelita Sallander (GEEL) - 15 Votes
Aron Wheeler (PER) - 11 Votes
Jake Honeycutt (GCD) - 10 Votes
Rudolph Kelly (ESR) - 10 Votes
2022 Most Improved Player:
Jonathan Van Middlesworth (GCD) - 22 Votes
Brock Forrester (MCM) - 15 Votes
Mile Nguyen (BRIS) - 15 Votes
Dak Cooper (ESR) - 10 Votes
Nina Hivers (WEL) - 4 Votes
2022 Best Coach Award:
Timmerie Bryant (CAI) - 19 Votes
Theresa Mahoney (ESR) - 18 Votes
Kelli Jennings (WEL) - 14 Votes
Bryan Shadowolf (GCD) - 13 Votes
Travis Stephens (DAR) - 2 Votes
2022 Best Captain Award:
Brett Sanchez (WEL) - 23 Votes
Matthew Blake (GCD) - 16 Votes
Jacob Hawkins Jr (CAI) - 12 Votes
Dane Kemp (DAR) - 10 Votes
Liam Deeland (ESR) - 5 Votes
2022 Best Veteran Award:
Gregory Perkins (GEEL) - 21 Votes
Damien Knightley (MELB) - 18 Votes
Douglas Guillen (ADEL) - 10 Votes
Eric Blakeston (CAI) - 10 Votes
Tracy Remington (MELB) - 7 Votes
2022 Best Interchange Player Award:
Frasier McGurik (FRE) - 21 Votes
James Reid (ADEL) - 15 Votes
Lee Christensen (ESR) - 13 Votes
Maximillian Sabre (GCD) - 11 Votes
Ryan Palmer (ORA) - 6 Votes
2022 Best International Player Award:
Frazier Appleby (ESR) - 18 Votes
Gunārs Krūmiņš (ADEL) - 18 Votes
Jay Samuelson (ADEL) - 16 Votes
Zach Everett (WEL) - 13 Votes
Zoe Rossington (MELB) - 1 Vote
Current Injuries and Suspensions:
Adelaide Butcherbirds:
Annita Huskey (FWD) – Groin (21 Days) – Returns: Round 2
Cairns Corals:
Martine Desharnais (FWD) – Concussion (14 Days) – Returns: Round 2
Darwin Storm:
Zack Backus (FWD) – Carry-Over Suspension: Rough Play on Sarah-Jane Nelson (GCD) (2 rounds) - Return: Round 3
East Sydney Roosters:
Nick Moon (DEF) – Hamstring (21 Days) – Returns: Round 2
Geelong Rush:
Jason MacDonald (FWD) – Groin (21 Days) – Returns: Round 3
Gold Coast Dragons:
Jake Honeycutt (MID) – Shoulder (40 Days) – Returns: Round 5
Melbourne City Mariners:
Alan Henderson (RUCK) – Concussion (14 Days) – Returns: Round 2
Wellington Vipers:
Dayna Brunskill (FWD) - Carry-Over Suspension: Striking Jimmy James (FRE) - Return: Round 2
This Week’s Games:
Round 1 | June 22-25
Thursday, June 22nd
East Sydney Roosters vs. Melbourne Hammerheads @ Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney NSW [night]
Friday, June 23rd
Gold Coast Dragons vs. Wellington Vipers @ Carrara Stadium, Gold Coast QLD [night]
Saturday, June 24th
Fremantle Panthers vs. Darwin Storm @ Perth Stadium, Perth WA
Melbourne City Mariners vs. Perth Ospreys @ Docklands Stadium, Melbourne VIC [twilight]
Brisbane Brumbies vs. Cairns Corals @ The Gabba, Brisbane QLD [night]
Sunday, June 25th
Geelong Rush vs. Adelaide Butcherbirds @ Kardinia Park, Geelong VIC
Orange Miners vs. Hobart Wolves @ Bloomfield Oval, Orange NSW [twilight]
We hope your team wins this week but for now, See you next week.
Wes Kerry, Voice of FAFL Grandstand.
2023 FAFL Season Intro:
Hello and welcome to the FAFL 360 for 2023 and It has certainly been a long recess for us. Certainly longer than we were expecting when we finished up on Grand Final Day 2022. Well, It’s certainly been an interesting off-season.
After the festivities of the 2022 FAFL Grand Final were over and the Gold Coast Dragons were crowned as Champions, The league went into a lockout as the Players Association and the League failed to come to terms to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. This would lead to months of tense negotiations between the FAFLPA, the league and the teams. All with Free Agency, the draft and later the season on hold.
It seemed like for a while that we might not have even gotten a season underway in 2023 but in Mid-March, We got an agreement with the FAFLPA willing to continue the previous CBA for another season with the teams also getting a $1,000,000 salary increase for 2023. A full permanent CBA is yet to set in place and time will tell if both parties will be able to come together and hash out a full agreement during the season.
The effects that the Lockout has had on the 2023 FAFL Season is that the season has had it’s usual 22 round competition knocked down to a 16 game season spread over 17 weeks with Free Agency happening in April, The Draft happening in May and Pre-Season happening in June with the season starting properly on June 22nd, 2023.
It’s had a massive effect on everything from the schedule to player fitness with certain players coming in overweight like Adelaide’s Jay Samuelson to club revenue going down due to the lack of matchdays to even broadcasters having to find replacement programing with broadcasters such as Wes Kerry hosting Superfurs Championship coverage on the Seagull Network to fulfill his contract with the network.
With a new TV deal to be negotiated as well, It is very much going to be a very busy time at FAFL House this season as they try to set up their future. While things might be a bit shaky behind the scenes right now, Both sides are just glad to finally be back playing Footy.
It’s been a long off-season but we’re finally back to playing footy in the FAFL and before we start off the 2023 FAFL Season, We hope you enjoy the highlights from the 2022 FAFL Grand Final Presentation.
2022 FAFL Grand Final Presentation:
Ladies and Gentlefurs, Before we begin the formal presentation following the 2022 Coyota FAFL Grand Final, We'd like to thank the FAFL's major partner Coyota for all of their support they have given to this wonderful game.
Before we continue, We'd like to thank the field and goal umpires for their contribution in today's game. We would like to invite them up to collect their medals.
Umpires collect medals
Well, It went down to the wire today but in the end, It would be Wellington who fell short but were gallant in defeat. They've had a magnificent season as well. I'd like to invite Wellington Captain, Brett Sanchez up to the podium to say a few words.
Brett: First of all, To the FAFL and it's sponsors. They put on a great event each year and this one was no exception.
To the Vipers fans and our partners, We really appreciate the support you've given us these past 2 years. Sorry we couldn't get it done. I know it hurts a lot now but I know we'll be back and revving to go come next season and hopefully we can go one better in Season 2023.
To the Dragons, Bryan Shadowolf, Matthew Blake and the rest of the team You've been a great opponent today. You've been a well drilled team all these years and very much deserve this premiership so well done.
And to Kelli Jennings and the rest of our playing list, We couldn't get it done in the end after giving it our all. We'll lick our wounds and I know it's gonna hurt for a long while to come but if we look at where we were when we starts to where we are now. We've made huge strides and hopefully we can take something from this that will inspire us to go one step further in the future.
Thank Everyone, Ta.
Thanks Brett, We look forward to seeing you and the Vipers in Season 2023.
Ladies and Gentlefurs, Would you welcome to the stage, 2002 Geoff Rose Medalist with the Gold Coast and 2009 Premiership Player with Adelaide, Tarni Campbell to present the 2022 Geoff Rose Medal.
Tarni: Walks up to the podium, smiling brightly Dragons! Gold Coast! It's been such a long time since i've stepped on this pitch. But that's not to say I don't remember it all...all the trials, the tears and the smiles...
I remember back to a time when a younger, slightly more spry Tarni was here playing her heart out in the Grand Final. It wasn't exactly the outcome we've had today but I still found myself taking the stand to collect my own Geoff Rose medal...
Much as I may be known for winning elsewhere, i'm always a Dragon in the heart. And twenty years later...it seems almost too well written in the stars that i'm here today to present this very award...and thankfully in much happier circumstances!
And it's with great pleasure that I announce and introduce your 2022 Geoff Rose medalist...Jon Van Middlesworth!
JVM comes up to the podium smiling. Happy to have won the medal after winning the game for his team in the 4th Quarter.
Jonathan: What can I say? After what happened last year, I never thought I'd be playing Footy at a high level again. Let alone winning a Premiership and the Geoff Rose Medal.
It's been a brilliant ride this year and to top it off with a performance like this honestly leaves me humbled with the Dragons. They took a shot on me when no-one else would and I can't repay them enough.
Commiserations to the Vipers. I have no hard feelings towards you guys, You're a great team with great players. I'll be the first to admit that I just wasn't the right fit and I have a feeling you guys will be back here to do it one better down the road.
And To our fans, You're the best fanbase in the league, You're always behind us and after so many years in the wilderness, We're finally paying you back. Premiership No. 2! Let's Go!!!!
Congratulations Jonathan.
Because it's every young footballers dream, To be here on this day, The Last Saturday in September. Ladies and Gentlefurs, With much pleasure that we welcome 22 participants from the FAFL Furkick program who will now present the premiership medallions to each player of the Gold Coast Dragons.
All 22 Players one by one come up and collect their medals with big pops going to Jonathan Van Middlesworth, Tobias Rodgers, Mark Jacotine, Austin Warner and Jake Honeycutt as they collect their medals
"Number 11.... Julie Reisman!"
Julie hops up on stage with a big, if somewhat goofy smile as she got her medal "This end of the Premiership sure feels better than last time!" Looking to the camera "Hey Laura! I know you're watching sis!"
"And Finally, The captain, Number 4.... Matthew Blake!"
Matthew Blake comes up to collect his 2nd Premiership Medal while also giving his boots to the Furkicker presenting his medal and to say a few words
Matthew: It feels great to be back up here after Last Year.
Firstly to the FAFL and their major partners, We thank you for putting on a great season.
Secondly to the fans, Thank you guys for coming out. You're the lifeblood of the game, Without you guys. We've got no game. You truly make us what we are.
To the Vipers, You gave us a hell of a fight today and you've been brilliant this year. I'm sure you guys will be back soon and going one better.
To our partners FMW, FURX Gold and FSC. Thank you for your continued support of the club.
To my teammates, Our fans and everyone involved with the Dragons, not just this year but in years past. I hope you guys are sitting back proud. They're a hell of a group. This players are so special! It's coming back to the Gold Coast!!!
Now would you welcome 1994 Premiership Coach, Alen Hurley to present the Catherine Spence Medal to the coach of the 2022 FAFL Premiership Team, Bryan Shadowolf of the Gold Coast Dragons.
Bryan comes up on stage to collect the medal and say a few words
Bryan: Could we just reiterate how much admiration we have for the Vipers.
To see what they've done in the past 2 seasons has been incredible. This is a team that will go far in my opinion.
I'd like to thank the Dragons fans who have stuck by this club since Day 1. It took us a very long time but now, We are starting to repay the devotion you've given us.
To my players, You're the best bunch of players a coach could ever want. You guys give your heart and soul to this team. Without you guys, I'd just be a Big Wolf with no team. You're the true heroes of this game.
Finally, I'd like to thank the FAFL for putting the competition on year after year. This is the best comp in the world in my opinion. Nothing beats this feeling, I can tell ya.
It feels great to be back up here again.
Thank You.
And now, Ladies and Gentlefurs, I have great pleasure in welcoming Former Gold Coast and Melbourne Coach and 1996 Premiership Coach, Kevin Schneider with presenting the Premiership Cup to Captain Matthew Blake and Coach Bryan Shadowolf of the Gold Coast Dragons!
Kevin presents Matthew and Bryan with the 2022 Premiership Cup.
Matthew and Bryan lift up the cup as the rest of the Panthers come running on to the stage to celebrate as Confetti starts firing everywhere
Thank you Kevin and that's concludes our presentations. Congratulations to the Gold Coast Dragons winning their 2nd premiership and now our 2022 FAFL Premiers go on a lap of honour around the MCG!
Thank you for supporting the FAFL in Season 2022. We hope to see you again in Season 2023.
2022 Jimmy Newman Medal and FAFLPA Awards Results:
2022 Jimmy Newman Medal (for Best Rookie):
Sammi Hodgson (CAI) - 20 Votes
Aelita Sallander (GEEL) - 15 Votes
Aron Wheeler (PER) - 11 Votes
Jake Honeycutt (GCD) - 10 Votes
Rudolph Kelly (ESR) - 10 Votes
2022 Most Improved Player:
Jonathan Van Middlesworth (GCD) - 22 Votes
Brock Forrester (MCM) - 15 Votes
Mile Nguyen (BRIS) - 15 Votes
Dak Cooper (ESR) - 10 Votes
Nina Hivers (WEL) - 4 Votes
2022 Best Coach Award:
Timmerie Bryant (CAI) - 19 Votes
Theresa Mahoney (ESR) - 18 Votes
Kelli Jennings (WEL) - 14 Votes
Bryan Shadowolf (GCD) - 13 Votes
Travis Stephens (DAR) - 2 Votes
2022 Best Captain Award:
Brett Sanchez (WEL) - 23 Votes
Matthew Blake (GCD) - 16 Votes
Jacob Hawkins Jr (CAI) - 12 Votes
Dane Kemp (DAR) - 10 Votes
Liam Deeland (ESR) - 5 Votes
2022 Best Veteran Award:
Gregory Perkins (GEEL) - 21 Votes
Damien Knightley (MELB) - 18 Votes
Douglas Guillen (ADEL) - 10 Votes
Eric Blakeston (CAI) - 10 Votes
Tracy Remington (MELB) - 7 Votes
2022 Best Interchange Player Award:
Frasier McGurik (FRE) - 21 Votes
James Reid (ADEL) - 15 Votes
Lee Christensen (ESR) - 13 Votes
Maximillian Sabre (GCD) - 11 Votes
Ryan Palmer (ORA) - 6 Votes
2022 Best International Player Award:
Frazier Appleby (ESR) - 18 Votes
Gunārs Krūmiņš (ADEL) - 18 Votes
Jay Samuelson (ADEL) - 16 Votes
Zach Everett (WEL) - 13 Votes
Zoe Rossington (MELB) - 1 Vote
Current Injuries and Suspensions:
Adelaide Butcherbirds:
Annita Huskey (FWD) – Groin (21 Days) – Returns: Round 2
Cairns Corals:
Martine Desharnais (FWD) – Concussion (14 Days) – Returns: Round 2
Darwin Storm:
Zack Backus (FWD) – Carry-Over Suspension: Rough Play on Sarah-Jane Nelson (GCD) (2 rounds) - Return: Round 3
East Sydney Roosters:
Nick Moon (DEF) – Hamstring (21 Days) – Returns: Round 2
Geelong Rush:
Jason MacDonald (FWD) – Groin (21 Days) – Returns: Round 3
Gold Coast Dragons:
Jake Honeycutt (MID) – Shoulder (40 Days) – Returns: Round 5
Melbourne City Mariners:
Alan Henderson (RUCK) – Concussion (14 Days) – Returns: Round 2
Wellington Vipers:
Dayna Brunskill (FWD) - Carry-Over Suspension: Striking Jimmy James (FRE) - Return: Round 2
This Week’s Games:
Round 1 | June 22-25
Thursday, June 22nd
East Sydney Roosters vs. Melbourne Hammerheads @ Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney NSW [night]
Friday, June 23rd
Gold Coast Dragons vs. Wellington Vipers @ Carrara Stadium, Gold Coast QLD [night]
Saturday, June 24th
Fremantle Panthers vs. Darwin Storm @ Perth Stadium, Perth WA
Melbourne City Mariners vs. Perth Ospreys @ Docklands Stadium, Melbourne VIC [twilight]
Brisbane Brumbies vs. Cairns Corals @ The Gabba, Brisbane QLD [night]
Sunday, June 25th
Geelong Rush vs. Adelaide Butcherbirds @ Kardinia Park, Geelong VIC
Orange Miners vs. Hobart Wolves @ Bloomfield Oval, Orange NSW [twilight]
We hope your team wins this week but for now, See you next week.
Wes Kerry, Voice of FAFL Grandstand.
