Club: Shanghai Eagles
Position: Forward
What brought you to China?
Work opportunities and the chance to discover a new culture.
Why did you want to become involved with Shanghai Eagles?
Being in a foreign country you tend to miss certain things about home and I happen to read an article about the Shanghai Tigers AFL club and I got in contact and its been over 3 years with the club. The Shanghai Eagles is part of that, with the creation of a local competition this year.
What is your relationship like with your Shanghai Eagles teammates?
My relationship with my team mates is great; they're a good bunch of blokes who play hard and shared the same goal of winning the premiership.
How do you support/follow the AFL while you are overseas?
Watch it a our club's bar 'The Camel'; who also are big supporters of the club. Read up on the internet and talk with my team mates who are really knowledgeable and die hard fans
What do your friends/family abroad think of AFL?
My mates think it's great especially when I get to brag that I've played with and against some AFL legends through our annual charity events. Honestly never have this opportunity in Australia.
Which AFL team do you follow?
Back in Australia I was a season ticket holder for the Brisbane Lions
If you could recruit one AFL star to play with the Shanghai Eagles who would it be and why?
Unfortunately our full forward has gone back to Australia and for the above reason I would like a Brown or a Fev up front for next season
If you could invite one AFL coach to dinner who would it be?
I would real like to have dinner with Leigh Matthews, the guy won 3 premierships for the Lions and is a 4 time premiership coach (even though the other one was with Collingwood). I've also heard he's a great motivational speaker.
How successful have you been in recruiting locals to participate in AFL?
We did some great recruiting this season, we converted some of the Irish Gaelic boys and their itching to come back next season as well as a young Chinese man who each week is getting better.
Do you see interest in AFL and involvement in Shanghai Eagles growing in the future?
With the domestic league we now have several local players with more ready to play next season. The Chinese that I have shown AFL games to (including women) like the speed, skill and physicality of the game. And with an AFL promotional game coming here in October its only going to get bigger.
How is playing in Australia different to playing in China? (weather, rules,etc)
Other than the weather; in which we play in Autumn, Spring and Summer as the winters here are brutual there really isn't that much difference.
What are you expecting for season 2010?
The Eagles are expecting to win the first inagural premiership (which they did). Also wanting to get more people (expats and locals) involved either playing or watching. And as Shanghai is hosting the Asian Championship this year to have China reach the finals.
