The engines are warming up at the four Canterbury AFL clubs with first bounce set for August 24th, at 12:30 PM on Ascot Field. As tradition has it in the fixturing of games, we will see the two lowest placed teams in 2023 square off first, the Mid Canterbury Eagles and the University Cougars, followed by a rematch of the 2023 Grand Finalists at 2:30 PM, the Blues taking on the Christchurch Bulldogs.
All eyes will be on new recruits. Will we see the arrival of ex-pat Aussies strutting their familiar talents, or young Cantabrians lured to their club by friends? Veterans are sure to strap on their boots again on their way to milestone games, as did legends James Bowden and Ricky Van Olphen in 2023.
The Blues go into the season having won the last two premierships and will be aiming for a second three-peat to match their dominance from 2006 to 2008. The Bulldogs finished 2023 off strongly, surging into the grand final after a sluggish start to the season. Their performance in the final was meritorious considering their youthful inexperience. The Blues broke that game open with 10-minutes of blistering footy after half-time and held strong in the last quarter when the wind was against them. Will some of the stars start to fade for the aging Blues and will the injection of size and strength compliment the youthful Bulldogs? It’s a mouth watering prospect.
The Cougars have secured a new, yet old coach in Harry Peterson. The old Port Colts veteran is sure to improve the game plan of the team that often looked lost in 2023. Can they find more options up forward and inject some pace into their mid-field?
The Eagles have been competitive in the years since their last flag in 2021, but have lost a few stars on the way and gone down in close finishes. Will they be able to improve their depth and inject pace at both ends of the ground. The legend, Andy Howison, again takes on the roles of Captain and Coach.
Players who have been selected in the NZ Falcons squad will be out to impress national selectors in a drive to make the final cut and head off to the Sunshine Coast, Aust, in November to represent New Zealand in the Pacific Cup.
Plenty of football in 2024, but it’s never enough.
Written by Terry Anderson, legendary ex-CAFL President.