USA & South Africa experience footy Rovers-style

By Rovers Media

Posted on Wed 3 Aug 2005

The Hampton Rovers AFC last night gave the United States and South African Australian Rules Football teams a taste of local footy. The two nations, who compete against each other in the opening game of the 2005 International Cup, visited the Rovers to catch a glimpse of training and see how a non-AFL club operates.

The South African squad was the first to arrive and after watching the seniors train, they went on a tour of Hampton Rovers great facilities. This was briefly interrupted as they watched vision of themselves on the News of earlier in the day when they were training with the Saints at Moorabbin. A BBQ shortly followed with the players socialising, playing pool, and watching last weeks seniors game of the Rovers defeating Therry Penola.

The United States then arrived at Boss James Reserve for the second time – they also attended during the Inaugural 2002 International Cup. A few ?Revolution? players have also pulled on the green and gold and played for the Rovers, with more expected to do so in the near future. The USA also were introduced to the Rovers, had a tour of the facilities, and were then treated to another Aussie BBQ!

Both teams then were presented with certificates from the Hampton Rovers AFC and were wished well for the tournament and their future game development. Brian Dixon who chairs AFL South Africa and Coach Steve Harrison accepted the South African certificate while Team Manager of the USA Greg Narleski accepted the Revolutions.

The Hampton Rovers continue to have strong links with the development of Australian Rules Football internationally, and will continue to do so in the future. The club wishes not only the two nations which attended the Rovers, but all nations competing, the best of luck in the 2005 International Cup. Get down to see some of the game – click here to view the draw.

United States and South Africa kick off their 2005 campaign against each other today (Wednesday 3^rd August) at Murphy Reserve in Port Melbourne from 2:45pm. Games will also be played at various grounds around Melbourne including Optus Oval and Teac Oval with the Grand Final to be played at the MCG as a curtain raiser to the Collingwood v Carlton clash on Saturday 13^th August.