All met some of us for the first time it was clear that this group had some synergies and were going to get along very well. After an initial connection to Sydney which delayed us by 90 minutes over a mishap with an old lady and a passport, we were off on our flight to L.A. The plane was a relic of the 1970’s but didn’t stop our enthusiasuim for a beer and a chat. There was a massive Nintendo Ds multi player challenge and that helped pass the time. We got into Toronto after a long flight. Those of us that were awake went to Mickey Finns, an Irish pub across the road from our hotel. We fielded questions on who we were and exactly what game we played. I am sure this wont be the last explanation on this. We then proceeded to our hotel for some more drinks and a Borat mankini run from Jakieee.
Day 2 Toronto
Very jet lagged and hung over but determined to have a good time; some of the Convicts had breakfast and a quick shop. It was the job of Ant and Dhillo to open the Toronto stock exchange for Friday’s trading day. The members of AFL Canada and the players of the Northwind team invited us. It was a great morning and a very unique thing to do. Meeting Kevin Sheedy for the first time was great and he was thrilled with the Convicts concept. The rest of the day was spent sightseeing and getting ready for our big game the next day. Early night for all.
Day 3 Toronto game Day
We had an early call on Saturday getting the bus at 9am to meet the Northwind at Humber north College for a 10am start. The Canadian grand final day was very well organised and they had us on the ground and lining up for the national anthem at 10.15am. Both teams sang their country’s anthem with the Convicts really bellowing our anthem for all to hear, it was truly memorable moment to stand in Canada singing your country’s anthem, this was the moment we had all waited for and it didn’t disappoint.
The game went along well with the Convicts jumping to an early lead. We had clearly come to play despite never having a training run together. We were in front all day despite a late charge from the north wind. The Convicts home by 23 points. Best players were Damien Bowles, Anthony Dhillon and Justin Doutch. We then stayed for the Canadian grand final between the Toronto Eagles and The Etobicoke Kangaroos. It was a torrid affair and the Eagles came away with the chocolates. A special presentation was made to the Convicts from the North wind players. That night we partied with the guys and found our own way home in what was a very big night on the town in Toronto! A big thanks you to AFL Canada for your hospitality, your encouragement and your support of the Convicts tour. May many follow your lead and act as professionally as you do.
Day 4 Washington
If we thought it was an early call yesterday we were to be on the bus to the airport by 7.30 and no one missed out, luckily they were awoken in time! The next destination was Washington D.C, the nations capital and home of many national monuments. We sought out the local nightlife on out first night out and weren’t disappointed at all. Washington can rock that’s for sure. On our second day we hopped on our trolley bus tour for a hop on hop off experience around the great city of Washington. The rest of the day was spent seeing all the sights, which have made the city famous. Night-time festivities ranged from nightclubs to pubs as we again tore up Washington’s finest nightspots.
Day 5 Washington to New York
After waiting for our bus we finally boarded for our transfer to New York. It was a chance to sleep and watch the game that had been recorded for our benefit. Was nice to watch our prowess back on the big screen. Then we had the movie and we were finally in New York. Great to see the city skyline as we came in quite a unique experience. Ok now we were finally at the hotel that was centrally located about 6 blocks from Times Square on 34th Ave. We had Madison Square gardens as a backdrop to all the thrills the city had to offer! It was fair to say that we got lost in the city and we didn’t really meet as a team the whole time round. The night was spent in a bar in Lower Manhattan with Tiffany Cherry of Fox footy and ESPN.
Day 6 New York
More sightseeing saw most of the guys walk most of the most popular touring attractions on the island. Starting at Times Square, Broadway & 5th avenue stores, we found ourselves at a suit store that had a cheap deal for good quality suits, we were now decked out for Vegas! In the afternoon we ended up securing tickets to the David Letterman show. Dave was pretty unfunny as usual but it was a unique experience we found ourselves having a great time. At 6pm we loaded out of the Ed Sullivan theatre to visit the biggest Apple electronics store in the world. I was told there are almost 400 employees working there. Most of the guys finished at bars and clubs right round Manhattan, some never came home.
Day 7 New York
The city that never sleeps doesn’t let up on the attractions to see either. Today it was the memorial to the World trade centre attacks during 9/11. It was very sobering and moving and something not to forget. We then made our way to Wall Street the heart of world financial commerce. We then scattered to do our own things in bars and clubs. Some of us went to a Nick’s game at 7pm. It was a highlight to see the Nicks play and just to be in Madison Square garden watching a live sporting event was truly memorable. They won just to top off the night for us!
Day 8 Louisville
Unfortunately it was the day when our leg of New York had to end! We very reluctantly boarded the bus for our transfer to La Guardia Airport. We boarded our flight knowing we had given our all to this mighty city but alas had to move on to Louisville Kentucky, the home of the USAFL championships. Tonight we attended the opening night of the champs in the company of Kevin Sheedy and Steven Silvagni.
Day 9 Louisville
The first day of the USAFL championships. With 28 teams competing including 4 women’s teams it was a feast of football. The Convicts helped with the umpire duties on the first day. It was real fun and our hats go off to the US guys for organising such a huge schedule with basically no hitches at all. Tonight we went to fourth street, an entertainment district where all the nightclubs are. It was a typically big night as we let our hair hang out and got to know the locals at Howl at the Moon bar. Two piano players made the night complete into the wee small hours!!
Day 10 Louisville game day
Today was the final day of the champs and also the Convicts day to shine in front of a crowd of around 800 people! It was USAFL semi and grand final day and there was a carnival atmosphere. Our game wasn’t until 3 o clock and we go to the ground and prepared nervously to play the USA Revolution. We were not sure how we would go and if the late nights were going to catch up with us finally. We needn’t have worried because when The Convicts hit the field it was for keeps and we seamlessly swept the opposition aside in another 22-point win. The Revolution was good but didn’t capitalise in front of goals. As all good Aussie outfits, the Convicts really rose to the occasion when it counted. The victory song was sung with gusto and passion. Our last night in Louisville was spent saying goodbye to the bars and clubs that had become our home over the last 2 nights!
Day 11 Las Vegas
Very excitedly we boarded our transfer to the airport bound for Las Vegas. It was to be a marathon through Chicago first then on to Vegas. It seemed we traveled most of the day; thankfully the time difference got us in at 12pm. After a transfer to our hotel hot spot Circus Circus, we threw our bags in the room and went exploring. Shopping food and large footballs full of Margaritas were the order of the day! At $6.95 for almost a litre of drink it was a no brainier. Tired and very happy we ended the evening on the strip to sample the first taste of Vegas nightlife. Even for a Monday night it delivered. There is something for everyone here and we are loving it!
Day 12 Las Vegas
The day was spent sightseeing the Las Vegas strip and Downtown or the old part of Vegas. The sheer volume of hotels and shopping malls is just mind blowing. After a couple of margaritas and a day spent shopping we got into our New York suits and went to see Elton John live at Caesars Palace colosseum. It was a magnificent concert and very Vegas with nudity and lots of adult themes. Afterwards we headed to the pure nightclub where we partied with AFL players in Vegas for their end of season trips who certainly made the night memorable.
Day 13 Las Vegas
It was our last day and we had to make it count so after a lazy morning we decided to hire this funny looking car sort of a cross between a dune buggy and a golf cart! We cruised around the strip at a top speed of 15mph! This newfound freedom enabled us to go round to Hooters casino and the other far away casinos that were just too far to walk to. We also got downtown where we had a look at the old part of Vegas. The have made a mall of the old strip, Freemont street and a light show is a regular occurrence each evening. It was a chance to reminisce about a great time in Vegas.
Day 14 Los Angeles
Today we made our way to Las Vegas Airport to connect to our flight to Los Angeles. When we arrived we were promptly collected for our bus tour of L.A. Beer and the sights were flowing as we were taken to Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood. We were dropped at our hotel at around 5pm where we had our final presentation night. Certificates for participation were awarded. The Sean Millane medal for best player on the tour went to Justin Doutch who led us from Full forward kicking 7 goals and being a real focal point. Damien Bowles came in second and Jake Lalich came 3rd. The night was spent bar hopping at a couple of places around Hollywood.
Day 15 Los Angeles
We excitedly got on the Subway to spend the day at Universal Studios. It was another beautiful day and the theme park didn’t disappoint. We had purchased a front of the line pass, which got us the VIP treatment! We went on numerous roller coasters and scary rides and all had a great time. Being our last night in L.A we made a decision to all go out to celebrate what was a great tour. Howl at the moon was the venue and lots of fun was had as we partied the night away.
Day 16 Los Angeles to Australia
Our home coming day. It was very hard saying goodbye and reflecting on an historic first Convicts tour of USA & Canada. There were so many highlights as you may have well read but the thing for me was seeing everyone meeting as strangers at Melbourne but coming away good friends in L.A just 15 days later. It makes the hundreds of phone calls, the sleepless nights and finally the meticulous planning that must be made to get a tour like this off the ground all just so worthwhile! Many doors opened for us on this tour and we plan to be back in 2011. To the touring party, you are a great bunch and I am a better person now after meeting you.
Thanks to all for the grand memories and your contributions to the tour!
Ant.
Convicts Tour of South Africa
Africa! The very name conjures up images of lions, elephants, jungle, drums, Tarzan and many others. The opportunity to travel to this part of the world to not only experience these first hand but also play Aussie Rules was too good to miss.
The Convicts tour was a great chance to be a unique part of history as it marked the first time an Australian team would play a match of Australian football against an African team in Africa.
After arriving in Johannesburg we boarded our air-conditioned coach, complete with tour guide and driver, we had hired for the trip. It made life much easier in terms of getting around, and we quickly discovered that our tour guide was a fountain of knowledge regarding the Boer War.
Our first night was spent in the safe district of Sandton before transferring to Potchefstroom, where we stayed in the same hotel as the Australian cricket team during the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
Our first match was against Gauteng Province at Mohadin Cricket Stadium, just outside Potch. It was great to see that, unlike rugby and soccer, the team was made up of both black and Afrikaans players. The rugby boys are still learning the game, but their enthusiasm and willingness to learn could not be faulted.
The University of Potchefstroom had just started its academic year and so we headed out on the town to celebrate our win and make some new friends. It was a great night and one that none of us will ever forget.
Our second game against the North West Province was played at the University of North West in Mafikeng. Most of their players had represented South Africa at the International Cup in Melbourne and it was a hard fought win. The pleasant 35 degree heat was equally appreciated by all players and officials, and there was no doubt that football and our hotel bar was the winner.
Whilst in Mafikeng we were fortunate to experience the twin delights of the Cultural Village and the fascinating Museum, with its detailed information on the Boer War.
Next stop on the itinerary was the incredible Sun City. The Valley of the Waves and the game drive and BBQ in Pilanesburg Game Reserve were the undoubted highlights.
We could easily have spent a lot more time in Sun City but there was another match to play. We headed back to Johannesburg via Pretoria, stopping off at the Voortrekker Monument to receive another lecture on the Boer War. We all slept well that night.
Our third and final match was against South Africa's national team, the Buffaloes, at Eldorado Park Athletic Stadium in the famous township of Soweto. Earlier in the day we had visited Nelson Mandela’s house and other memorials to the struggle against apartheid, which were both interesting and moving. Inspired by this and fuelled by a pre-match meal of Chicken Licken, the Convicts scored another hard fought win.
The matches over, it was time to relax a bit and we spent the next three nights at Hippo Hollow in Kruger National Park. We were fortunate enough to see lions, elephants, giraffes, rhino, buffalo, hippo, crocodiles, zebras, monkeys, plus one or two impala as well.
One of the highlights of the tour was the opportunity to conduct coaching clinics in Potchefstroom, Itsoseng and Ramatlabama. The enthusiasm on the faces of the South African kids was great to see and there is no doubt that our great game has an enormous future there.
A big thank you to Steve Harrison from AFL South Africa for all his assistance in making the trip such a huge success. The Convicts look forward to returning to this amazing country in the future.
Convicts Tour of Europe
The Australian Convicts, made up of amateur players from around the country, departed Melbourne to play matches in England, Spain and Germany.
It was a sensational tour. A lot of the players had never been overseas before and this no doubt added to the excitement they felt when we touched down in London, one of the world's greatest cities. After getting our bearings on one of London's excellent sightseeing tours (great views from our open-top double-decker bus) we visited Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, just to name a few.
Our first match was against the Sussex Swans. They were no pushover but in the end we had a good win. After being presented with the Convicts Cup we enjoyed the hospitality of the Shaftesbury Avenue Walkabout, one of the many popular Australian pubs in London.
The London nightlife took its toll but we all managed to make it safely to our next destination, Madrid. The capital of Spain may lack the monuments of London or Paris, but nonetheless is a beautiful city. There is an incredible vibe to the place that just has to be experienced. Highlights included Retiro Park, Museo del Prado, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and seeing a bullfight.
Our second match was against Spain and they took us by surprise. Although we enjoyed a good victory they did not stop running and tackling all day and kicked some great goals. Apart from the game itself, the highlight for me was singing the national anthem, followed by a minute's silence for the Bali victims. It's something you don't get to experience playing footy in Australia and it was an awesome experience.
After claiming our second Convicts Cup. we enjoyed our train trip, which had its own bar, to Paris. We only had two days in this beautiful city, but we sure made the most of them. After our sightseeing tour we went straight to the top of the Eiffel Tower to experience some great views. Other must-sees included the Louvre, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triumph and Notre Dame Cathedral. Our second day was spent at Disneyland Paris. Being part of a large group was a great excuse to relive our childhood for a day.
After Paris we jumped on a bus to our final destination, Frankfurt. Our last match was against Germany and resulted in a resounding win to the Convicts. Like us the Germans hate a drink, and we spent many hours after the match discussing footy and why it is the best game in the world. Be warned, however, of the evils of Apple Wine.
