The NY Pies, who field both male and female teams, have filed a report recapping their start to the 2012 season.
New York Magpie Army Gears Up for 2012!
In 2011, after our teams finished third in both Division 1 and Division 3 (men’s), and second in Division 1 (women’s), the New York Magpies have put in a very solid pre-season in a quest for the ultimate prize. Both the men’s and women’s teams have recruited well in the off-season, with the men especially filling some key positions that were vacated by a string of retirements at the end of 2011.
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The men’s team will be able to benchmark their season early as they face the daunting task of six away games in the first six weeks of competition in 2012. These include games against Boston, Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Ontario. However, with a new leadership group and an injection of youth and new recruits, the Magpies are raring to go.
“The team is looking pretty good and if we can get through the first six weeks with a strong showing it should really set up our season,” co-captain Jordan McIntyre said.
For the Lady Pies, this year is essentially about rebuilding and player retention with 15 new women on the roster for 2012. Their season includes four intra-club games, three regular season games, and four tournaments. Quite the schedule for a team that was once only able to scrimmage each other.
Lady Pies’ Coach Lina Staropoli is hopeful about this season.
“Over the last couple of years we've improved our skills, while focusing our efforts on reading the play, and understanding the flow of the game. This, coupled with some new faces, will drive the pure Lady Pie enthusiasm to help us take the next step in October.”
The Lady Pies will be traveling the East Coast with the Magpie men in May for games against Baltimore, Boston, and Montreal.
Both teams kicked off their 2012 campaigns with games on Saturday April 28th. The men’s team travelled to Boston to play traditional rivals, the Boston Demons. The game started fast and furious with plenty of stoppages and both teams’ backlines repelling plenty of attacks. The pressure from the midfielders and contests of the forwards saw New York sneak the first goal for the day, while a couple of big marks in the second quarter allowed the Magpies to maintain their lead by mere points at the half.
After a halftime rev up by coach Ormsby, the Pies hit the pitch with greater intent and lead by three goals at the final break. The last quarter remained tight and despite a late surge from Boston, the Magpies held on to run out victors 8.7 55 to 6.5 41 and retain the ANZAC Plate.
Several of the New York Lady Magpies stand side by side with a koala at the club's ANZAC Day function.
Following the full four-quarter game, the Magpies’ reserves then battled Boston’s reserves in two-20 min halves. The Magpies had a strong midfield and tough backline that allowed the team to burst out of the blocks early, and were never really threatened, to win by 8 goals.
The Lady Pies traveled to Montreal, Canada for the first ever women’s tournament in the city featuring Boston, New York, and Montreal. First up the Lady Pies took on the experienced Boston Lady Demons team, and were unable to overcome a quick start by the Boston team. Next up the Lady Pies took on the Montreal Angels and while the backline held strong in the first half keeping the game close, difficulty scoring took its toll in the end.
Tony Woods, who played 18 games for Collingwood between 1992-1994, made a visit to the New York Magpies in his role as the AFL's International Development Manager.
Despite some terrific individual efforts by rookies and veterans alike, the ladies came back to New York without a win on paper. That said, our enthusiastic rookies are hooked, got some crucial match time, and look forward to challenging Boston to another round in mid-May.
Off the field the Magpies had a busy April with their Anzac Day festivities, and Tony Woods, former player at Fitzroy, Collingwood and Hawthorn and currently the AFL's International Development Manager visiting New York.
Tony generously gave his time to the Magpies in taking a training session, attending the ANZAC Day event, and driving a management team dinner. In return the Magpies showed Tony some of the sites of New York, including a trip to Yankee Stadium to see the New York Yankees take on the Minnesota Twins, and provided insight into some of the challenges promoting the AFL in New York.
On Saturday April 21st the New York Magpies hosted their 12th annual ANZAC Day event at the unique location of a floating barge, called the Frying Pan, on the Hudson River. In beautiful conditions, over 550 guests were treated to an Aussie lunch (including meat pies), beverages, live music performances, and guests tested their footy skills in a handball competition.
As the sun dipped into the horizon a traditional ANZAC Day service was held featuring the Last Post and Rouse (on trumpet), the Ode, and a minute's silence, before renditions of the Australian, New Zealand and United States national anthems. The Magpies were pleased to be joined for the service by Australia’s Consul General in New York, Philip Scanlan and his family.
The New York Magpies and the Boston Demons line up for the Last Post ahead of their ANZAC clash.
In recent weeks, the New York Magpies have registered two wins in succession. They defeated the Boston Demons by 14-points in a win that saw the Magpies retain the ANZAC Plate. Brad Davis showed form in front of goal that would please his Collingwood namesakes Leon, Nick and Craig Davis, kicking two majors.
The Magpies took on the Chicago Swans in their first trip to Chicago for seven years. In windy conditions, the Pies led from start to finish and managed to run out 34-point victors.
Meanwhile, the Lady Magpies faced the Baltimore Washington Eagles in a nine-a-side game and competed well but struggled to put the score on the board, going down by 75-points. Siobhan McHale was named as the Magpies’ best. With a surname like that, it’s little wonder she’s dominating for the black and white.
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