Second edition of AFL 9's a rousing success

The day featured ten teams split into two divisions, which was an idea born from the inequity between local sides and established AFL teams in the 2017 competition. 

This resulted in a local competition and AFL competition, the former for Murrumbateman sides made up by the tennis club, fire brigade, and so on, and the latter made up from established teams such as Cootamundra and Ainslie.

Hosts MFC also fielded a team in both competitions, and performed strongly, winning the local competition and making the semi-finals of the AFL comp. 

This move was thought by all involved to be a good one, and MFC president Andy Ingold believes that the club has found a good template to stick to for future editions. 

“The only thing I think we can change is to get it back a couple of weeks to a cooler spot,” Ingold said. 

“Other than that I don’t think we can change too much. 

“The locals had a great old time, and I think the competitiveness of the AFL sides to come out and play the good brand of footy [was good to watch].” 

The winner of the AFL competition was Cootamundra, in a replay of last year’s grand final against Ainslie with a different result. 

Where last year, Ainslie played well for much of the tournament and deservedly won, this year was more competitive, and saw Cootamundra rebound from a significant half time deficit to dominate the second half and walk away with a hard-won victory. 

The key to the final, it seemed, was Cootamundra’s midfield. Their smaller, quicker players in the centre of the ground outworked Ainslie and were able to consistently deliver the ball to Cootamundra’s tall forwards. 

The result was especially pleasing for Cootamundra captain Joel Pearson. 

“It was good, we got beat by two points last year so it was nice to get the win this year,” Pearson said. 

“Hopefully we can see them [Ainslie] again next year and settle it.” 

Pearson also commended the MFC for its decision to split the competitions, and said that it had only improved what was an already enjoyable tournament. 

“It’s a great day, we love coming over. Once Andy told us he was doing it last year, we were really keen to get involved,” he said. 

“It was probably a little bit one-sided last year … it’s good to reward the local sides too and let them have a grand final.” 

The timing of the competition also gave the teams involved a good opportunity to have a run before pre-season training begins, and Ingold said that it was good to get a look at a rough draft of the Murrumbateman Eagles’ team for next season. 

“I think we will be more than competitive with some of those guys running through there,” he said. 

“It was good to watch today, their first hit-out. They’ll get fitter and better and hopefully we hit 2019 really running.”