The Australian Spirit players, put up by locals organised by the ABA for three nights in the lead-up to the match against the French national AFL team, were chosen based on their connection to the area and came with varying degrees of ability.
But with a particularly strong group this year, after the anthems were played and a minute’s silence observed, the Spirit dominated the match – 39.14 (248) to 2.7 (19) – the tie up the series at 3-3.
Aussie Jack Lawson kicked a whopping 11 goals, seven in the first and four in the second period before being moved to defence, while best on ground for the visitors Sam Higgs put through seven majors of his own.
The French weren’t helped by losing their skipper Alban Schieber to injury in the opening minute, but battled hard throughout.
While no malice was present, there were battle scars in friendly fire when Australians Matt Hook and Ben Rogers clashed heads – though Hook’s companion for the trip was well chosen and able to stitch them up after the match.
AFL Europe CEO Ben MacCormack said this year’s group – chosen on ANZAC spirit rather than ability – also happened to be exceptional on the park.
“More pleasing was the respect, understanding and enthusiasm the whole group showed towards the event, commemoration and the people of Villers Bretonneux,” MacCormack said.
“This is a very special event on the AFL Europe calendar and should be an event that every Australian attends at some stage in their life.”
The French side will use the occasion as a learning curve going into August’s International Cup in Melbourne.
“The national team will learn a lot from today and can take those lessons into the remainder of our preparations for IC14 in Australia this August,” France coach Thomas Urban said.
For more on the tour visit afleurope.org
Images via Jacob McFadden & David Higgs/AFL Europe
