THE CULTURE
The Outback is a place internationally recognized for its ‘rough and tumble’ environment and people. Though “the outback” is just a small dot geographically on a huge island, the citizens of Australia aren’t pushovers either. People of Australia have always had a reputation of being tough and able of handling themselves.
They have their own styles of sports which are usually much more dangerous than those more traditionally known here in the western hemisphere. Rugby, Australian Football and other activities cause broken noses, fingers and small joints.
Lacrosse fits right into this category of sporting games.
THE GAME
It is a different style in that it continuously is moving, just like rugby and Australian football. Formations are used more often than scripted plays, and there is room for communication to be accomplished in different languages and dialects. (I.e. I couldn’t imagine a NFL quarterback yelling in Australian accents; “Meat patties! 1, 2, Mate! Go!”)
THE TEAM
The Australian Sharks have a lot going for them. The teams and players have been playing lacrosse for quite some time now, and my research shows they’ve been equivalently exposed to the game as North Americans for the past three decades.
Australia’s Sharks competed in the past three World Championships and have placed third in at least the last two, right behind USA and Canada each time.
The team has the funding and networks it needs to be successful because of their involvement over the years.
This year will be a true, authentic test of the Sharks’ abilities. The participating teams are more numerous and better rostered; the competitions are halfway around the world in the Mile High City, much less oxygen than most athletes are accustomed to.
THE ROSTER
Alex Brown—W. Australia
Warren Brown—W. Australia
Sam Bullock—VIC
Anson Carter—S. Australia
Matt Diver—W. Australia
Tom Freeman—S. Australia
Thomas Graham—W. Australia
Andrew Ham—VIC
Ross Hamilton—S. Australia
Marty Hyde—VIC
Luke Keesing—S. Australia
James Lawerson—VIC
Callum Mortimer—S. Australia
Stephen Mortimer—S. Australia
Nigel Morton—S. Australia
Benjamin Newman—VIC
Keith Nyberg—VIC
William Pickett—S. Australia
Callum Robinson—W. Australia
Brad Sheldon—S. Australia
Nathan Stiglich—VIC
John Tokarua—VIC
Tom Vickery—S. Australia
ALTERNATES
Matthew Fuss—S. Australia
David Gal—VIC
Chris Plumb— VIC
COACHING
Australia’s entire team staff have been involved in their particular areas for great amounts of time. Head coach Glenn Meredith has been involved as a player and coach. Assistant coaches have been involved for years, and the training and dietitians are well versed in their jobs.
PREDICTION
At least third, maybe an upset for second.
