About Us
The bulk of the credit for the new Abu Dhabi club belongs to Jay Mears. Mears organised their first meeting a month ago, and things have progressed nicely since, the club now having 29 names on their books of which 17 are already training. Most of the new club's players competed at a local level back in Australia. The concept of an Abu Dhabi club became more realistic following the success of the Dingoes and Heat in Dubai (an hour drive away). The Dingoes and the Heat provided a framework to follow and support for the new club. At the same time, several of those involved had already implemented an Auskick program in Abu Dhabi, which was the half-time feature of the Collingwood vs. Adelaide match earlier this year, and were at least partially aware of the commitment and resources required.
Dubbed the Falcons after Abu Dhabi’s favourite pastime Falconry, they contemplated a name-change to the Dockers following a successful attempt to form a sister-club relationship with Fremantle, but have ultimately stuck with their initial and more unique moniker. The Falcons are sponsored by Champion Technologies, the second largest global oilfield production chemical company, aluminum smelter Emirates Aluminum (EMAL) and SNC - Lavalin/WorleyParsons (SLWP), a team company who are currently building the largest aluminum smelter in the world, for EMAIL.
While the club's first chapter closed last weekend, with their debut at the Dubai 9s, sustainability will be one of the Falcons' biggest challenges. The club welcomes anyone (player or volunteer) who is interested in becoming involved. Apart from Australian ex-pats, a few rugby and Gaelic footballers have signed-on, but no locals. Mears predicts this will change "once people begin to understand the game and see how it's played". Mears' backed up this invite by saying, "we are making it our main focus to welcome all (UAE) nationals to play for us or even just to support (us)".
Players List:
Scott Cornish - Scotty showed great courage and skill being able to move from the back line to the centre, showing on occasions that if not for him we would still be scrambling for the ball, On many occasions he was seen hand balling or kicking the ball out of defense when he was in a contested situation.
Cameron Granger - In our very first game Cameron showed the heat that he wasn’t going to stand back and wait for the ball, Cam dished out 2 awesome hip and shoulders that even the guys on the Heats Bench Felt, Would have been a great photo from where I was standing, Cam’s hands on hips waiting for the return of the ball whilst the Heat Guy lay on the ground collecting his thoughts that were knocked out of him. Cam also showed great ground coverage and guts.
Matthew "Woody" Wood - Woody was probably one of our most consistent players showing that he is a versatile player up forward and back lines, Woody's work load stayed at a high standard all day and never failed to commend other players efforts where required.
Mark "Plugger" Whitehead - Mark was one of our key forwards when the bench permitted it and sometimes wondering down the back line, Mark as predicted showed full strength. One occasion in particular showing that if you have the ball with in 30 meter radius of where he is standing then start running because he will catch you. His tackles look like they hurt from where I stood.
Jason "Flippa"Phillips - Hates to hear it but he is a key factor in the back line being our final line of defense and coming into great use. On occasions the ball would bomb out of defense coming off his boot then the next thing he is kicking our first goal. Jason also stepped up to the plate and showed that he does have great coaching ability even though if you ask him he says he knows nothing about it. If it wasn't for Jas we wouldn't have formed some kind of a game plan through the day and been as competitive so yes! you do know how to coach Jas and the Team appreciates your efforts yesterday. Thanks Mate!!
Russell Yule -Russell played one of the hardest positions for most of the day also when the bench permitted, Ruck. This in my books would be one of the hardest positions to play, Russell played it well and showed that he has played before, many occasions you would see the tap out to one of our players giving us first dibb's at the ball, what we did with it then was up to us. He was also a great Tall to depend on in the Forward and Back lines depending on the bench situation.
Stephen Eitel - Stephen was amongst the action from the start, He is one of the smaller players but on many occasions come out with the ball from a Heavy Handed contest, He showed for a smaller guy he has Great Hands and can take an awesome grab.
Jay Mears - You guys be the judge of this bloke. I do think he needs to bulk up a bit.
James "Kiwi" - James, Well!! I met this guy 2 days before at training, I learnt that he was a Kiwi and never played AFL before. You would never have known on the day except for a couple of weird looking Ball rolls from a pack Ha! Ha!. James worked hard at it all day and showed that he is now an AFL player that when he hits you , you will stay hit. Big Effort Mate. Well Done
Mick El Uberti - Work Horse through and through, Mick never stop's off the field and showed that his ethic's are the same on the field, Where ever the contest was Mick was right there often he would immerge with the ball and dish it out to keep the flow of the game going. Not many people would be aware but Mick played with a sprained Ankle for the last 2 games and appeared to still be in the action. True Spirit. Worry about it tomorrow.
Marc Peterson - Marc worked well in defense but showed he is a true forward and possibly securing this position showing that he can kick goals under pressure or set shots. In particular when we needed Goals he provided the goods in our last game. He did however show great strength in supporting the opposition on his shoulder whilst trying to take a specky. Sorry Mate I had to mention that!! Ha!!
Patrick - Patrick we met on the day, He is on vacation from Australia at the moment and typical for an Aussie wanted to play a game or2, Patrick gave us support for the full day in all 4 games, He showed that he was ready for any hard hitting player that wanted to test him and in particular took a couple of great contested Grabs up forward. He has a spot on the Falcons Team upon request whenever he returns. Thanks Mate.
Ian - Ian I believe plays for the Dingo's but was the first to put his hand up when we needed extra men, Ian also spent time up forward and in the Back line but stood above the rest when the ball was in contest from Kick Outs to the centre , He had the Strength and Height which he used well. Thanks Mate!!!
Ben Edwards - Ben I first met yesterday and was introduced as an ex player of the Dingoes who had retired from the game, Bull Shit how about you come and play for us. Ben when he was on the field had the ball whilst trying to set plays, He showed his experience on the field coming across from previous teams but at the same time when he had the falcon uniform on it was clear that he was a falcon. Thanks Ben. Looked like a Mid Fielder to me.
The Dubai 9's is now over for a Year and Abu Dhabi has successfully established the start of a great Club called the Abu Dhabi Falcons. In future weeks to come we will have Training Grounds and Times secured, Training Equipment and Clothing, A Coach and a great group of new found friends so thanks to all the people involved to date for helping establish the A.D.F.F.C.
