International Cup August 2005

International Cup August 2005

The New Zealand Falcons have beaten PNG at the MCG in Melbourne to register its first International Cup crown.

The team won all of its scheduled six games in the 14 day tournament by an average of 8 goals. As one AFL spokesman stated " The NZ Falcons have certainly sent the benchmark for future International AFL tournaments in terms of performance, skill level, game awareness, presentation and professionalism - they were outstanding from start to finish".

The team enjoyed the hospitality of the Melbourne FC whilst in Melbourne, having full access to the Junction oval in St Kilda, 500 metres from the team's accommodation on St Kilda road.

The win was an outstanding result for the following reasons:

· The average age of the playing group was just over 24 years old - a reflection of the clearly identifiable talent pathway that exists in NZ from school participants to regular "out of school" players.

The The existence of a strong senior domestic league competition throughout NZ, catering for both experienced and young developing players.

· The skill level and game awareness of all players - was far and away the most advanced seen at either of the two International Cup's held in Melbourne.

CC Coaching accreditation - All NZAFL coaching staff members have gained or are undertaking AFL level 11 coaching accreditation status.

The Falcons had five (5) players selected in the International Cup team - Andrew Congalton (Auckland), Todd Danks (Auckland), James Bowden (Canterbury), Craig Ashton (Auckland) and Richard Bradley (Canterbury).

James Bowden and Craig Ashton were the leading goal kickers for the tournament, sharing the award with 11 goals each. James Bowden also won the trophy for the Best player in the Grand Final.

During the tournament, each player was asked to cast votes on a 3-2-1 basis after each game for the "Players player award". NZ Captain Andrew Congalton won this award voted by his peers. He received the Grand Final match ball in a beautiful crystal mounted piece.

The NZ coaches casted their votes for the Best & Fairest player also using the 3-2-1 method. Canterbury veteran Geoff Thomas was awarded with a trophy as the most consistent player in the NZ team

2005 International Cup Scorecards