Irish eyes are smiling
This article first appeared on afl.com.au
WITH the Sydney Swans preparing for yet another finals campaign and Greater Western Sydney establishing itself as the AFL’s newest club, Australian Football in Sydney is buzzing.
Grassroots footy in the Harbour city is also flourishing, with the AFL Sydney competition growing to 25 clubs across five divisions.
One club that typifies the league’s growth is the University of Technology Bats.
Playing at the picturesque Trumper Park in Sydney’s inner-east, the Bats have been one of league’s major success stories.
“The club was formed in 2000 and we’ve grown from one senior side to running five, as well as a master’s squad and a women’s team. And over the past 12 years we’ve managed to win 10 premierships,” president Scott Baker told AFL.com.au.
A big part of that success stems from a large contingent of expat Irishmen who call the Bat Cave a home away from home.
“The club is great. It opens doors, teaches the game and has a massive social culture, which the Irish boys always like,” said half-back flanker Ferghal Purcell, a personal trainer from Dublin.
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