On Saturday August 22, the 2009 MAAFL Championship will be decided as the Columbus Jackaroos (2-2, 2-0) head to Chicago to take on the 2008 MAAFL Champions No. 7 Chicago United (3-0, 2-0). Bounce down is 4.30pm (Central) at Waveland Field, Chicago IL. After match function is at the Globe Pub (1934 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL) with $4 Carlsbergs, Well Drinks and Wine.

The 2009 MAAFL season had been heading toward a dog fight between Chicago and Nashville until the brand new Columbus Jackaroos upset the apple cart by beating the Nashville Kangaroos in Columbus on August 8. An extremely impressive effort from a team that really didn't exist this time last year.

According to Chicago Head Coach Paul Drake, "Preparations have gone into overdrive since Columbus beat Nashville! I wouldn't say we were taking them lightly but we were a lot more interested in the metro side of our team but now we've kicked it up a couple of notches and we are expecting a great game of footy. According to what we have heard about them, we are expecting a young, energetic team and on a little ground like ours, that can cause problems. They were terrific when they came a few years back (defeated Milwaukee infact in a mini tourney we held) and I can only assume their new team is shoulders above that one. My greatest worry is possibly their pace which Minnesotta used so well against us here last year.

"Big Roofy Ward has been lit up three times in a row in metro competition and needs to fire for us to win. We are missing several key players including Frank Bradley, Dave Fitzgerald, Mustard De Jong and Crackers Brennan but our depth has improved so much over the years that we feel we can cover these guys ok. We are blooding several new players that have trained well and performed well in metro so it will be good to see how they go."

Jackaroos Head Coach Scott Mattherson is excited by the opportunity for his young team to win the MAAFL. "The whole team was jubilant following the huge win over Nashville two weeks ago. It was an absolute shock to us, as we knew coming in some of the incredible players they have on their side. I think it has given the boys a fair bit of self belief coming in to the big game this weekend. We worked well together as a team and our skill level has improved out of sight throughout the season. Our form on the training track has remained great and the boys are about as keyed up as they're going to get, I reckon. We came out at Nashville at 100 miles per hour and I would expect the same this Saturday. We've learned that if we can set the tempo early in games we give ourselves a big chance.

"With all of the veteran sides floating around the MAAFL, I honestly didn't give us much of a sniff before the season began. We have been lucky that quite a few sides are struggling this year though. Also, our on-field development has been noticable, especially in the last six weeks or so. Plenty of players are beginning to see the benefits of two trainings per week. Our run and commitment to the ball have been crucial in getting us where we are, but more importantly the boys are very close and love to play for one another. It's a massive opportunity to be able have a crack at the title this weekend.

"After playing United last year, we have no doubts about the quality of their side. They are filled with great players and work especially hard on defense. We are well aware of their outstanding foot skills and their ability to play wide and switch the play at the drop of a hat. We will certainly work on bottling up the play and keeping the play tight which, I hope, will advantage our strong runners. They have a very impressive Center Half Forward in Rohan Ward but we feel that we may have an answer to him. Only time will tell I suppose. Travelling on the road we are in a unique situation of our side having many college students. Our numbers may be down a little for the game, as quite a few players are away for the time being. Also the late start time, 5pm Eastern, makes a return trip on the day of the game a big ask for many players. That will certain hand Chicago an advantage.

"For us, the development of former Temple Wide Receiver Rob McFarland has been outstanding. We also regain the services of big, strong Rob Ward this week and we feel they may combine well through the middle of the ground. The mid-field may regain the injured Matt Beeghley adding to what is becoming a deadly mix of runners. Our defenders were heroic against Nashville with Clyde Simpson and Doug Hoblet tagging Luke Nemeth and Rick Matulja blanketing Damien Serong and, later, Chris Moerman. In a big loss to us, Matulja may miss this game. Up forward JP Culgan continues to improve with every game and a real surprise packet has been Santosh Nachu, who has worked harder than anyone on his game this year. His BOG performance against Nashville was a just reward for his hard work. Our so called 'midget' ruckman Brad Dailey is another guy who has worked exceptionally hard this year, and at just 5'10 provides a tough contest every time he goes after it. We also welcome former Nashville player Troy Mounts to the club this weekend adding more experience to our young line-up."

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