THE AUSTRALIAN Under 17 side comfortably accounted for the South African Lions over night in Cape Town.
Played at Sahara Park, Newlands, in the shadow of Table Mountain, it was the first Australian football match to be played at the historic ground since Brisbane Lions and Fremantle played in 1998.
AIS-AFL Academy high performance coach Jason McCartney was delighted with his charges and the setting for the match.
"It was an unbelievable day at Cape Town - it was 26 or 27 degrees - and the backdrop of Newlands was spectacular, although it was a small ground," he said.
"Our boys played really well and although it was quite convincing on the scoreboard … but the pleasing thing for us was getting good ground time and everyone got some good confidence from the game."
"Our of talls - forward or back - were really good in the air …
McCartney was impressed with Sam Gordon, Michael Bussey and Aaron Young, who kicked three goals each.
He said the performance of ruckman Daniel Gorringe was "unbelievable".
He also praised Adam Treloar and Piers Flanagan (tied to Gold Coast).
"Daniel was aggressive at the contest, jumped strongly and took some really good contested marks," he said.
Sam Day was also an imposing figure according to McCartney.
"He was jumping hard and took some strong contested marks and Aaron Young was also good as a small forward and kicked three goals," he said.
Midfielder Tom Mitchell was regarded as the Academy's best player and McCartney said it was easy to see why.
"His ability in the contested situation and around the stoppage was [outstanding]. He's a one-touch player and he continually wins the clearances," he said.
South Africa was coached by Michael O'Loughlin.
Season Launch goes off with a BANG!!
A Grade Coach Shannon Vansoest joined 1,500 other Tea Tree Gully Football friends in celebrating the opening of the newly renovated clubrooms and welcome in the start of the 2010 season.
For everyone who attended it was a night to remember with the Norwood Football Club conducting a clinic for a group of our young footballers, attendance of local CFS & SES, live music from band THERAPY and a spectacular fireworks display.
Many thanks to Norwood Football Club CEO Dominic Shepley, 300+ game legend Keith Thomas, Development Coach Robbie Neill, Jessie Aish and Bryce Campbell for their attendance on the night.
An enormous thankyou must go out to the Senior and Junior Committees for their effort to create such a great night for all.
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Local Real Estate agent and new Tea Tree Gully Under 6 Coach Craig 
