This weekend the No. 7 Nashville Kangaroos (5-1, 3-0) heads to Milwaukee to take on the Bombers (2-1, 2-0) in a clash of the only unbeaten teams in the MAAFL. If you had pointed to this game in January and said it might define the MAAFL championship, you would have had to share with your listener what you were smoking. The Kangaroos have struggled to be just above .500 since their banner year in 2002 in putting together solid but not championship teams, while Milwaukee has been improving by leaps and bounds since winning Division III in 2003, advancing all the way to Division I runner up.

So what has been the difference this year for the Kangaroos, especially after the pounding they took in Atlanta back in April? I was asked that question recently, and thought about it. Three keys come to mind: Coaching, Sophomores, and Aussies.

Late last year, Marty Thompson became the first non-playing head coach of the Roos. Having his 40 years of footy experience is making a huge difference on the training track and game-time coaching moves have vastly improved the team's ability to make game time adjustments.

The lack of a Sophomore Slump is huge. When you look at players like on-ballers Matt Wheatley and rookie sensation Blair Morris and half forward Ross Flemming as well as 2007 Best Newcomer half back Nick Parker who have a combined 40 games between all of them, you shake your head and wonder how these Americans have picked up the game so quickly.

Last year, the Kangaroos sent 21 Americans and 1 Aussie to nationals. This year, we have added two Aussie recruits playing key positions: Chris Moerman is a huge factor at full forward, with 33 goals in 5 games he leads all of USFooty, no doubt about it. And Damian Serong gives the boys a true ruckman and a big target in the middle of the ground.

These differences were added to the solid core of veterans and translates into what in gridiron is known as "playing on a short field" meaning the Roos' ability to control the play usually means they need to move a shorter distance to get scoring shots, while their opponent more often is starting from deep in their back line, facing the full length of the field to get into scoring position.

The Rooboys put their five game win streak on the line this weekend when they make their third trip to Milwaukee. The Bombers opened their season with a match in New York where an undermanned team was handled by the Magpies, who themselves are perrenial Division I contenders. They followed that up with a 1 point hair raiser in Louisville against the newly amalgamated Ohio Valley team and an goal kicking exhibition of accuracy as they thumped St. Louis by five goals despite the hometown Blues having more scoring shots.

That means Milwaukee actually has the edge on the Roos, even though both are undefeated. The Bombers have three home games while the Roos' final two games are on the road. The Bombers also have history on their side: they are 4-1 lifetime against Nashville, 2-0 in Milwaukee with both being lopsided scores. The Roos are hoping that they can continue their winning ways and their assault on the Roo record books (longest win streaks are 10 in 2002, 8 in 1999, 6 in 2002, and 5 in 2005). But first things first. The winner on Saturday clearly has the inside track to being MAAFL Premiers this year: if the Roos lose, they are not out, but will need help from Minnesota and Chiago. If they win, they stay in the driver's seat with one game in Minnesota betwen them and the title.

If I were a betting Roo, I would have to give a slight edge this weekend to the Kangaroos and their #7 ranking by USFootyNews, although they will certainly have to earn it. We all know how tough it is to win on the road in the MAAFL, so nothing is for sure. This certainly has the looks of Match of the Year written all over it. If you can't be there, stay tuned late Satuday and early Sunday to find out what happens!

Article courtesy of the Roving Roo Reporter at NashvilleKangaroos.com.

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved