関西オージーフットボールファンコミュのOsaka Dingoes vs Tokyo Goannas Match Report

Osaka Dingoes and Tokyo Goannas competed in an Australian Football match on the 30th of May in Himeji. It was a beautiful day for the boys to chase the ball and show off their skills to the crowd. The Goannas, an All-Australian team is always tough to play against. Their last loss came in 2007 against the Hawks. They brought a 15 game winning streak into this game. The boys were prepared for a tough game and made Ruck work plans. The stress put on the players in preparing a game plan caused the boys to become mentally tired before the game had started.

As the boys made their way onto the field, they were welcomed by the loud cheering supporters. Despite the big size of the ground, we had hoped for more grass. The match we had today was special, not only because it was against Goannas, but also because it was the last match Paul and Imai would play for the Dingoes, as they are leaving Osaka. You know what? This made the boys become real samurai!

Unfortunately the match went Goannas way with the first 2-3 goals. The Dingoes came back with quick handball and accurate goal kicking. Dingoes had plenty of interchanges and they used it effectively. Michael, who trains for Okayama Crows came along today and played full forward. His outstanding performance gave the Dingoes something different, and kicked 5 goals for the team. His brilliant marking helped Dingoes all the way through the match. Thank you and Well Done!

As you know, communication during the match is crucial. The Dingoes didn’t communicate so much, only a few boys did, me included. However the boys seemed to be working hard on their shepherding. Since we don’t have a coach, there wasn’t anyone giving instructions to the boys about the play, which frustrated me. So, I shouted and told boys what they should be doing. I believe that even if you are not playing on the field, you are still a part of the team and need to support boys, communicating with them. If the boys are doing something wrong, tell them! Don’t just watch and complain afterwards, Do it now! And if someone did fine play, go near them, celebrate together, and tell them well done! This is the way to go, Strong teams talk!!!

Dingoes player Sam broke his arm during the 2nd? 3rd Q and he was sent to the hospital as soon as emergency car had arrived. Both teams fought hard until end of the 3rd Q with a 3 point difference. There was no way that the Dingoes were going to lose. The Captain had said, “There is no way we are going to let them win, we trained hard for this day, play 4 quarter footy and win the game for Paul, Imai and Sam, Lets Go”! “ONE TWO THREE DINGOES!!!”

Dingoes kicked the first goal in the 4th Q, then 2 more quick goals later on! The wind also helped us and the boys were able to play comfortably towards the end of the match.

The Final score was
Osaka Dingoes 107 – Tokyo Goannas 75
Mighty Dingoes defeated Goannas, which hadn’t lost a game against the Dingoes for the last 15 matches by 32 points. Thanks to all the supporters, I hope you all enjoyed watching our match. Also, a big Thanks to Paul and Imai for playing for the Dingoes. We hope you guys had fun and have made some great memories! I am sure you guys will succeed in whatever you do. Be sure to say hi and come back to kick the footy again when you return to Osaka! You are always welcome!

Anyway, Yuki kicked 3 goals and 2 behinds, he run hard for the first half of the match without having any interchanges. The heat and hard run killed me and I had to start from the bench in the 3rd Q. I am small, and didn’t tackle many times on this game, instead I sheppered many times. I love tackling and shepperding! I often hear from my mates that you are gona fly when I get tackled/ bumped etc, but I DON’T. I pay back. If you are scared of bumps and tackles you can’t play Football. I had the same feeling as when samurais won against Samoa in the last International cup, after the siren. It was just as awesome!!!

When the boys arrived at Himeji station, we saw Sam, wrapped with his arm in a bandage. We just left him words “we won for you mate!” We had an after match party at Nanba, Blue Billabong, which is an Australian bar/café. Many people attended and they made new friends. It was a fantastic day for the boys! Well done!

I am sure the boys have more confidence after wining against the Goannas, but in saying this, I don’t think the next few matches will be easy. Make sure you recover well and train hard! There are many things to learn still. Another tough match is coming, against Eastern Hawks in 2 weeks, Let’s win again! Come On Dingoes