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AFL ME loses some Heat: 2010-11 fixture released

  • Thursday, September 30 2010 @ 04:20 pm ACST
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Middle East

Six teams are set to contest the 2010-11 AFL Middle East season, which will kick off in October. In surprising news the Dubai Heat, who have been Premiers in the league’s only two seasons are apparently not taking part. This season will consist of five Home and Away matches, plus a Grand Final and playoff for Third and Fourth position.

Read on for the complete fixture and club previews.

FIXTURE

Round 1
22 October 2010
Bahrain Blues vs Dubai Dingoes
Dubai Dragons vs Abu Dhabi Falcons
Doha Kangaroos vs Muscat Magpies

Round 2
12 November 2010
Doha Kangaroos vs Bahrain Blues
Muscat Magpies vs Dubai Dragons
Abu Dhabi Falcons vs Dubai Dingoes

Round 3
10 December 2010
Bahrain Blues vs Muscat Magpies
Abu Dhabi Falcons vs Doha Kangaroos
Dubai Dingoes vs Dubai Dragons

Round 4
14 January 2011
Abu Dhabi Falcons vs Bahrain Blues
Dubai Dingoes vs Muscat Magpies
Dubai Dragons vs Doha Kangaroos

Round 5
11 February 2011
Bahrain Blues vs Dubai Dragons
Doha Kangaroos vs Dubai Dingoes
Muscat Magpies vs Abu Dhabi Falcons

Grand Final & Third Place Playoff
25 March 2011
TBD


CLUB PREVIEWS

Dubai Dingoes (Dubai, UAE)
Dubai Dingoes website

The Dubai Dingoes have been training since the Eid break, keen to make up for a less than satisfactory 2009-10 season. There will be a few new faces in the team this season to join several seasoned Dingoes. Rumour has it that their President and Operations Manager might even get a run. Currently the Dingoes training regime is extra intense as the club also prepares for the Emirates Airlines 7s.


Bahrain Blues (Manama, Bahrain)
Bahrain Blues Facebook

Bahrain was the surprise packet of the 2009-10 AFL ME season; qualifying for the minor play off in their inaugural season. The Blues enter the season with a larger squad and a brand new IRB (International Rugby Board) approved pitch as their home venue.


Dubai Dragons (Dubai, UAE)
Dubai Dragons Facebook

The Dragons are again partnering with major sponsor Michael Page for 2010-11. Recruitment has been strong especially in the big man department with amongst others, international ruckman Nathan Bynre joining the den. This should more than compensate for the losses and retirements over the off season. Good numbers have attended the club's pre-season training program. The Dragons are coached by Brendan Matheson and led by former Western Bulldogs draft prospect Mark Nancarrow.


Abu Dhabi Falcons (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Abu Dhabi Falcons website

With several new players in Adam Trezsinski (South Adelaide, SANFL), Stuart Brohaskas (Werribee, VFA), Jaye Parmansche (Old Scotch, VAFA), Will Hornidge (Old Scotch, VAFA) and Scott Thompson (Hamilton, Vic), last year's Runners Up the Abu Dhabi Falcons are looking to go one better in season 2010-2011. The Falcons went within two points of ending the Dubai Heat’s unbeaten run in the final roster match but were decimated by injuries for the decider. The experience plus an influx of new and talented recruits should ensure the Falcons are major contenders for the flag again this season. Although the Falcons have lost last season’s competition and captain MVP Ben Williams, they have secured the services of the joint winner, Adam Trezsinski, who has moved from Bahrain in his employment. The Abu Dhabi club have a new home in Zayed Sports City with access to a small grandstand, gymnasium, change rooms, and a licensed facility.


Doha Kangaroos (Doha, Qatar)
Doha Kangaroos Facebook

Unavailable for comment


Muscat Magpies (Muscat, Oman)
Muscat Magpies website

Unavailable for comment