The recent NYCAFL Draft saw the strongest and deepest turnout in Magpies history. In all, 34 players with a significant amount of talent participated in the 2010 draft.
There was much speculation and hype on who would be taken No.1. with many analysts predicting either Dave Wittmer or Greg Smith to be the first pick. However Dave’s planned holiday in the middle of the season and Greg’s date night for the opening NYCAFL round seemed to spook the recruiting managers of each team. In other pre draft moves Sammy Mitchell tried to increase his currency in the market by including a friend as a package deal and it seemed as if the talls of McMaster and Buckingham, who were rumoured to be top 3 picks, appeared to be overlooked in favor of midfielders, which could prove a costly mistake.
In the end the 1st overall pick in the 2010 NYCAFL Draft was Chris Georgiou, with James McLoughlin (pistol) picked at No. 2 and Greg Smith and Dave Wittmer going at 3rd and 4th respectively. New sensation Sani was the top American drafted, followed by Matt Ardley (Canadian but close enough), Brad Davis and Dan Lehane. In the top draft pick skull offs Greg Smith and Sani took the honors in what could be an omen for the season.
Due to uncertainty surrounding injuries and availabilities, a few big names slipped down the draft order and could prove to be bargain pickups.
The Magpies have started the season well and with a few key outs this past weekend Coach Ormsby asked for a strong effort from the team. With ESPN filming the game the Magpies jumped out of the blocks well and kicked out to a strong early lead. Dawkins and McMaster were proving a handful up forward and Sani was again showing his athleticism. Mason, playing his first game of the year, was at his intimidating best in the ruck and got a hand on everything. The backline was again the foundation for the Magpies in the first half as Lewis and Polulach showed their composure, Davis was at his ferocious best and Norman was welcomed back to full back, where he controlled the last line of defense.
The second quarter was much of the same as New York controlled the play. Brennan was doing as he pleased across half forward. With Wittmer, Desai and Smith on top in the middle, the Magpies’ forward line had plenty of supply. Buckets and Toby again provided a physical presence, while Guarino’s and Lawrence’s injection of pace was crucial and telling. Boylan, in his first game of the year, played strongly and combined well with Oui across half back. The highlights of the first half were Jimmy McLoughlin’s one handed screamer in front of goal and Monica Robbins’ first appearance in the men’s team for the year.
However, the third quarter proved to be a different story. Philly started to win more of the contested ball around the ground and peppered the goals. Flavel and McCormick where thrown back to steady up the defense (a masterstroke by assistant coach Shane Batty). If not for the solid work of those guys, plus Flavel, Builder, Robbins and Gluck, the Hawks would have been much closer at 3rd quarter time.
The Magpies responded in the last quarter with Roberts and Sinclair dominating around the ball, the sure hands of Bulone and crumbing of Walkington and Demaio proving to be a strength. McConnell and big Will, in their first game of AFL football, had immediate impact while fellow debutant Dickins’ attack on the ball was outstanding. This helped New York to kick away to a comfortable win. After the game coach Ormsby praised his players for their efforts in the heat and was encouraged by what he saw in the first gamers.
New York 11. 13. 79
Philly 4. 3. 27
Injuries: McCormick (finger), Roberts (shoulder), Mason (concussion)
Goals: Brennan 4, Toby 2, Dawkins, McLoughlin, Flavel, Sani, Georgiou
Best: Brennan, Mason, McMaster, Wittmer, Roberts
Check out all the photos.
Magpies sponsor, The Australian Bar and Restaurant (20 West 38th Street, New York, NY) is putting on a free keg and finger food after every Magpies game. This has been a tremendous success so far and the Magpies invite everyone to join them after each game to celebrate with the team.
On the eve of the Magpies’ first game, the team gathered at The Australian Bar and Restaurant where Andy Brennan was named captain for the 2010 season. Magpies coach Glenn Ormsby said Andy was the perfect choice for captain as he is a great player with a tremendous work ethic and leads by example both on and off the field. During his acceptance speech, Andy challenged the players to get better both individually and as a team.
Magpie debutants were also presented with their jumpers for the season. These players were Dave Wittmer, Eddy Buckingham, Aaron Puvi, Chris Georgiou, Sani Hadziahmetovic, Myles Walkington, Brad Davis, Greg Smith, James McLoughlin, and Matt Hocking.
