VAFC Favourite Son now a father!

The Vancouver Australian Football Club is thrilled to congratulate one of the clubs favourite sons – Dr James Donkin (Donks) and wife Beck on the arrival of a beautiful baby girl – Alexis, born March 22nd 2009.
While Donks is suffering from some sleep deprivation wife Beck and baby are doing great!

Canadian Ready for AFL – Paul Roos Remarks

Canadian pushes for call-up
Richard Hinds | March 16, 2009

THE impressive form of Canadian rookie Mike Pyke is way ahead of schedule and gives Sydney an unusual ruck quandary going into round one.

Pyke, who turns 25 on March 24, has performed well as a tap ruckman in the Swans’ final two practice matches, raising a prospect unthinkable even a month ago, that a man who earned a spot on the club’s list as an international rookie on the strength of a videotape of his rugby union exploits might become an instant AFL player.

With the retirement of Peter Everitt, none of the possible partners for ruckman Darren Jolly, including youngsters Jake Orreal and Daniel Currie, have made a strong claim for a permanent spot in the trial games.

“You look at it and you might not pick him just because he’s from Canada and he’s only been (training and playing) for four months,” Sydney coach Paul Roos said.

“But if you just look at it in pure football terms, on merit, then he has very strong claims.”