Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Greg Brétière debuts for TEAM FRANCE


 The Québec Saints trusted backline general, Gregory Brétière, has capped off a brilliant eighteen months of footy by debuting for TEAM FRANCE in the countries first ever 18-a-side International Match against Germany last week.  Brétière becomes the fifth Saints player to represent their country, and the first to do so for France.


The match was held in Paris as a warm-up for the French team’s first assault on the International Cup (to be held in Australia in August), and while there were positives signs for the French team, Germany were ultimately too strong and won Germany 13.5 (83) to France 2.7 (19).  


Germany v France, June 2011.
Brétière commented that the French team are still learning how to work as a group but the talent in the team is undeniable. It was a good first hit out from a team that will only improve with each game it plays together.
Another Saint William Teissier and former Saint James-Robert Theis will also be added to France’s line-up for IC2011. Kyle Graham will be pulling on the jersey for Canada while Margo and Aimee Legault along with Lindsay Belzie are all part of the Canadian women’s team. 

Friday, June 10, 2011

ECAFL Schedule Now Posted

Sorry to those who frequently check out our ECAFL match schedule, it has now been officially posted on the website. See the link on the menu on the left for the updated schedule.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

AROUND THE GROUNDS - A.LEGAULT

(Around the Grounds is an update on former Saints and Angels playing footy all over the world)


A.Legault, from Angel to Devil
Aussie Rules football was born in the southern Australian state of Victoria, and it’s no surprise that some of the countries strongest leagues reside around the paddock in Melbourne in which the game was first played.

The Victorian Women’s Football League (VWFL) is considered by many to be one of, if not the premier, elite women’s Aussie Rules competition in the world. And for season 2011 that is where Canadian and former Montréal Angel Aimee Legault decided to play, setting herself the ultimate challenge – to play with the best.

In North American women’s Aussie Rules, Aimee Legault’s achievements in such a short space of time (she made her Aussie Rules debut in late 2009) are nothing short of outstanding. She was awarded the Montréal Angels MVP two years running (2009-10), was awarded ‘Most Consistent Player’ of the 2009 U.S Nationals tournament before backing it up with ‘Player of the tournament’ in 2010. Aimee also starred in her club’s 2010 Canadian Nationals victory, booting seven goals and claiming Best on Ground honours alongside her sister Margo Legault who captained the team. Clearly the girl’s father Ron Legault’s interest and passion for Aussie Rules has rubbed off on his two daughters.

The question was always going to be asked, how will a young inexperienced Canadian girl go playing against some of Australia’s best? Aimee’s goals were simple to start with – just make the team. As worry and anxiety crossed her mind about whether or not she could make the cut, or even just gain a place in the reserves squad, all she wanted was the chance to let her newly adopted club – The East Burwood Devils – see her play. They did, and the results are nothing short of superb.
The Devils are currently sitting in the top four (4-3) with a healthy percentage and one eye on playing in the post-season. Their Canadian import not only made the senior squad (first division) but has played every match booting 11 goals in seven games sitting second on her club goalkicking and 13th overall in the league. While those around Aimee had faith in her talent and determination, nobody expected the impact the West-Islander would have amongst the game’s elite.

The International Cup is now only 3 months away, and Canada will be one of the favourites in the women’s division to claim the cup. The Legault sisters have been pivotal in Team CANADA’s success to date, it’s scary to think what almost a year of football in Australia will do to the already sublime game of the famous number 10.