Melbourne Oztag introduces new Junior competition in the City of Bendigo, set to kick off this summer.
Melbourne Oztag, run by licensee, John Carmody has been on a steady rise since its inception over ten years ago.
Currently running a senior competition in Kensington, Carmody felt it was time to expand to regions outside of Melbourne, starting with Bendigo – Victoria’s fourth largest city, located 1.5hours north-west of Melbourne.
“I am excited to see what will become of Bendigo Oztag in the next few seasons, as it’s such a great sporting city,” Carmody said.
“I have no doubt that once the locals are exposed to the game of Oztag, either seeing it, hearing about it or playing it, then they will continue to come back for more” he said.
Bendigo Oztag launches their inaugural competition mid-October, offering Juniors (Under 6s – Under 16s) the opportunity to stay active and play socially with friends.
Australian Oztag staff, Luke Manahan and Jordan Hollis visited Bendigo last month, and ran clinics at local schools to assist in generating interest ahead of the summer season.
Alongside John and competition convener, Marnie Gudge, they found there to be little knowledge of Oztag among students.
“The perception of ‘footy’ in Victoria is completely different from NSW, as they instantly associate it with AFL,” Manahan said.
“When we asked the students to pass the ball, they would kick it… From an entire school there was probably five kids that knew what Rugby league was,” he said.
However, students quickly adapted and interest in not only the game of Oztag, but the upcoming summer season became apparent among various year groups.
“Marnie continues to receive interest every week, with plenty of Juniors wanting to give the game a go – a number of which are from the recent school clinic,” Carmody said.
John Carmody (left) pictured with Jordan Hollis (right)
Manahan is confident that Oztag has the potential to thrive in the state of Victoria (VIC), being a non-contact, social sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
“Through the right channels and promotion, VIC Oztag definitely has potential – offering communities a different, inclusive sport is something that is appealing,” he said.
Carmody is committed to running successful competitions and introducing as many people to the sport as possible, with hope that local players form an interest in competing at a representative level in the years to come.
“I would like to take this game all over VIC and have local players represent Melbourne as either an invitational team at NSW State Cup or Victoria at Nationals,” he said.
“I feel that Bendigo will be the first step into the regional market down here, so if there are any areas out there that might be interested in getting Oztag started then please feel free to contact me.”
For more information on Bendigo Oztag’s competition and registration, contact Marnie on 0447 946 927 or email bendigooztag@gmail.com
They currently hold weekly Come and Try Nights, focusing on team building and developing Oztag skills in preparation for the upcoming season.
Australian Oztag are pleased to announce the Coaches for the Australian Tagaroos and the Rest of the World Squads, to compete at the 2023 Big 4 International Tag Series.
The Big 4 International Tag Series (ITS), set to be played in March 2023, will provide Under 16’s and 18’s Boys and Girls the opportunity to represent their country on the International stage.
The other 2 teams competing at the Big 4 ITS will be teams representing the Indigenous and Lebanese communities.
Australian Oztag (AO) would like to congratulate the following coaches on their appointments and wish them all the very best with the selection process.
The Australian Tagaroos Coaches:
Boys 16’s
Head Coach Michele Reaney
Asst Coach Amy Spence
Girls 16’s
Head Coach Ben Ellis
Asst Coach Cindy Brookfield
Boys 18’s
Head Coach Peter Roberts
Asst Coach Brendan Martin
Girls 18’s
Head Coach Adam Carlisle
Asst. Coach Tim Bailey
The Rest of the World Coaches:
Rest of the World Team Coordinator
Luke Bickhoff
Boys 16’s
Head Coach Shaun Cox
Asst Coach Adam Barrett
Girls 16’s
Head Coach Nick Cash
Asst Coach TBC
Boys 18’s
Head Coach Jason Havenaar
Asst Coach Greg Michell
Girls 18’s
Head Coach Jen Joshua
Asst. Coach Kaila Afungia
Teams will be selected from the upcoming Junior National Championships which will be held in Coffs Harbour from the 14th – 16th October.
Players competing in the 14’s and 15’s age divisions will be selected for the Under 16’s and those in the 16’s and 17’s divisions will be selected for the Under 18’s.
AO National Director of Coaching and Development, Michael Buettner touched on the significance of coaching at such a level.
“There is no doubt that their jobs won’t be made easy with the quality of players who are eligible for these teams,”
“But it is always an honour to represent your country and for these coaches to be given this opportunity is something they will cherish,” he said.
Dates and a venue for the Big 4 International Tag Series is yet to be finalised.
Australian Oztag have announced the official dates and selection policy for the 2023 ITF Tag World Cup in Limerick, Ireland.
Following the success of the International Tag Series in August, the Oztag community are now shifting their focus to the 2023 Tag World Cup (TWC), to be played in Limerick, Ireland.
The highly anticipated tournament will be the first time since the 2018 World Cup, that players from across the globe have the opportunity to come together and compete at an international level.
As advised by the International Tag Federation (ITF), Australian Oztag (AO) are pleased to announce the official dates, tournament venue and divisions for the 2023 TWC.
2023 ITF Tag World Cup Information
Dates: Wednesday 2nd August – Saturday 5th August, 2023
Location: Limerick, Ireland
Tournament Venue: University of Limerick
Divisions (13):
Mens, Womens and Mixed Under 21’s
Mens, Womens and Mixed Opens
Mens and Womens 30’s and 40’s
Mixed Seniors
Mens 50’s
Mens 60’s
AO have also released their officialSelection Policyrelative to the upcoming Senior Australian Championships in November. It is recommended that all players read the policy if they wish to be considered for selection.
AO National Director of Coaching and Development, Michael Buettner said there is certainly a sense of anticipation and excitement for next year’s TWC in Ireland.
“There is no greater honour than to represent your country and to be apart of the first Tag World Cup in the Northern Hemisphere will definitely be something special for those players who get the opportunity,” he said.
With the 2022 Australian Championships being the basis for World Cup selection, AO have no doubt that it will be one of the strongest and most competitive displays of Oztag in years.
“Players are preparing themselves for an all-out assault at the National Championships in November, where teams for all 13 divisions will be selected,” Buettner said.
The Oztag community can look forward to an exciting 12-months ahead, as we itch closer to departing the shores of Australia and travelling half way around the world to compete in a World Cup.
“Once in Ireland, the aim is to make the whole experience a once in a lifetime opportunity and hopefully one that all players and officials will never forget,” Buettner said.
Australian Oztag are pleased to announce the 2022 Tagaroos Captains and Ambassadors for the upcoming International Tag Series in August.
In two weeks’ time, players from around the country will be getting ready to take the field and represent their heritage at the 2022 International Tag Series (ITS) in Coffs Harbour.
Australian Oztag (AO) have today announced the Tagaroos Captains, Vice Captains and Ambassadors for the upcoming ITS tournament – set to be played from August 5-7, 2022.
This achievement is one of prestige and we sincerely congratulate the following Australian Representatives on their appointment.
AO National Director of Coaching and Development, Michael Buettner emphasised the merit behind this accolade and has no doubt that those selected will lead Australia with pride.
“Anytime you get to represent your country is a huge honour, but to be selected as a captain or ambassador really heightens the entire experience,” Buettner said.
“Having spoken to each and every one of these deserving individuals, they were truly humbled by the chance to lead the Tagaroos squad at the upcoming ITS tournament,” he said.
And the 2022 Captains, Justin Brown and Renee Fleming were exactly that – humbled by the opportunity.
“I’m very honoured and proud to be named captain, to represent your country at any sport is a huge honour – especially Oztag which has been such a massive part of my life both in sporting and social environments,” Brown said.
“It’s an absolute honour to be named captain and honestly came as a huge surprise to me… To be recognised in such an amazing way means a lot in the sport I love,” Fleming said.
The upcoming ITS tournament will mark the return of international competition after a long three years, due to COVID and subsequent travel restrictions.
Hence, in addition to leading their country, the pair are both looking forward to the elite nature of the tournament.
“I’m looking forward to competing and wearing the green and gold again, which I’ve always been proud to do,” Brown said.
“I can’t wait to compete at the highest level again and playing alongside friends I’ve made through the sport,” Fleming said.
Australian Oztag is delighted to announce that the Junior National Championships will see players competing at the tournament, have the opportunity to represent their country in 2023.
Australian Teams commonly referred to as the Tagaroos, will be selected from the Junior National Championships in the following divisions:
Under 16’s Boys and Girls
Under 18’s Boys and Girls
In addition to the Tagaroos teams being selected, there will also be a Rest of the World team selected in the same divisions who will then compete in a Big 4 International Tag Series (ITS) in March 2023.
The other 2 teams competing at the Big 4 ITS will be teams representing the Indigenous and Lebanese communities – making for a very competitive tournament, with some of Oztag’s emerging stars having the chance to shine at an International level.
With next year’s International Tag Federation World Cup being played in Ireland it was felt there needed to be something for our younger players to aspire to in terms of their representative careers, and this Big 4 ITS will see our game’s young stars have this opportunity.
Dates and Venue for the Big 4 International Tag Series are yet to be finalised, however it is proposed that a one-day tournament in Wollongong in mid-March is the likely scenario.
Players competing in the 14’s and 15’s age divisions will be selected for the Under 16’s and those in the 16’s and 17’s divisions will be selected for the Under 18’s.
We look forward to a some strong competition from players at the 2022 Junior National Championships as they strive for representative honours.
The 2022 NSW Senior State Championships came to a successful conclusion in Coffs Harbour following three days of quality Oztag.
The much-anticipated tournament kicked off on Friday 24 June and welcomed 160 teams to Coffs Harbour – well-prepared and determined to take out the Championship.
A packed out C.ex Stadium saw spectators on the edge of their seats come Finals day, as numerous games resulted in a one-point difference or came down to exhilarating extra time drop offs.
Six-time Men’s Opens gold medallists, Homebush, were knocked out in the Quarter Final by Souths, who went on to defeat Penrith in a nail-biting Semi Final drop off.
Advancing to the Final, Souths met Central Coast – who came back from a 3-1 trail, to secure the long-awaited championship title, defeating Souths 4-3.
Penrith Senior Mixed and Central Coast Men’s 40s both won gold for the third year in a row, while ACT Women’s 30s defeated reigning champions, Ryde, in a thrilling Grand Final drop off.
For the ninth consecutive year, finishing on 80 points, Central Coast Oztag have been crowned NSW Senior Club Champions.
Ten of their 13 teams qualified for Semi Finals, and the six who made the Grand Final, won gold.
In second place was Souths on 56 points, and in third was Cronulla on 36.
Below are the 2022 NSW Senior State Cup Grand Final results. Congratulations to all Champions.
Women’s 20s
Central Coast defeated Souths 5-3
Women’s Opens
Central Coast defeated Fairfield 4-1
Women’s 30s
ACT defeated Ryde Eastwood 2-1 in extra time
Women’s 40s
Central Coast defeated Cronulla 2-1
Mixed 20s
Souths defeated Cronulla 7-3
Mixed Opens
Souths defeated Sydney City 9-2
Mixed Seniors
Penrith defeated Picton 5-3
Men’s 20s
Baulkham Hills defeated Parramatta 7-5
Men’s Opens
Central Coast defeated Souths 4-3
Men’s 30s
Penrith 1 defeated Sydney City 3-2
Men’s 40s
Central Coast defeated Parramatta 5-2
Men’s 45s
Penrith
Men’s 50s
Central Coast defeated Souths 5-0
Men’s 55s
Kiama
Men’s 60s
Souths defeated Cronulla 2-1
For all tournament results, visit the Australian Oztag website or Sportfix.
The NSW Senior State Championships kicked off yesterday in Coffs Harbour, with the standard of Oztag taken to a new level.
Teams and spectators were welcomed with pristine conditions on day one of the tournament, determined to lay it all on the line for the championship title.
Players proved well aware of the importance of every game, as the energy and skill on display never wavered.
At the conclusion of day one, Central Coast and Penrith are at the top of the leaderboard for Senior Club Champions; with Central Coast chasing their ninth-consecutive title.
The following teams currently sit undefeated heading into Day two of competition.
Mens 20s
Easts
Parramatta
Womens20s
Central Coast
Souths
Shellharbour
Mixed 20s
St George
Souths
Cronulla
Mens Opens
Homebush
Central Coast
Penrith 1
Inner West 2
Womens Opens
Ryde Eastwood
Penrith 1
Coffs Harbour
Central Coast
Fairfield
Shellharbour
Mixed Opens
Souths
Lake Macquarie
ACT
Port Stephens
Sydney City
Parramatta
Ryde Eastwood
Men’s 30s
Penrith 1
Sydney City
Parramatta
Womens 30s
ACT
Senior Mixed
Penrith
Picton
St George
Mens 40s
Central Coast
Womens 40s
Cronulla
Mens 50s
Central Coast
Penrith 45s
Mens 60s
Cronulla
Keep up to date with all live fixtures and results via our website or Sportfix.
NSW Oztag look forward to today’s remaining round games, ahead of Sunday’s Finals.
For all tournament action shots, visit IB Images. Log in using your Facebook or Google account.
NSW Oztag are set to welcome 160 teams to Coffs Harbour ahead of the highly anticipated Senior State Championships this weekend.
The NSW Senior State Championships kicks off this Friday 24 June in Coffs Harbour, with over 2,500 players determined to take home gold.
Teams will play their round games over Friday and Saturday, across both C.ex Stadium and Geoff King Oval, before Sundays Finals converge at C.ex Stadium.
This tournament will be the first time in five years that there is no division two, but rather one prestigious competition to crown the NSW State Champions.
“We had to get back to making this tournament about the elite. To be the best of the best, to be State Champions in one division,” Tournament Director, Bill Harrigan said.
Homebush Men’s Opens will be gunning for seven championships in a row. While three-time runners up and rival contenders, Central Coast are likely to come out firing after losing by one point in last year’s Final.
Homebush Men’s Opens – 2021 Champions
The Central Coast Men’s 40s and Penrith Senior Mixed will both be striving for three in a row, while Souths Women’s 20s will no doubt have their eyes set on re-claiming the title after losing to the competitive Central Coast girls in 2021.
This year will see Central Coast chase their ninth consecutive Club Championship, with previous hot contenders including Souths, Penrith and Cronulla.
2021 Central Coast Representatives
NSW Oztag look forward to welcoming all teams and spectators to the beautiful Coffs Coast, for the long-awaited Senior State Cup tournament.
“We love coming back to Coffs – it’s the best venue in the State, and having the tournament in Winter will be a whole new experience,” Harrigan said.
Teams are encouraged to book in for their official team photograph with IB Images via their online booking system, which will place them in the priority system for action shots.
The last of the 2022 NSW Junior State Cup Champions were crowned on Sunday, following a successful four days of Oztag in Coffs Harbour.
Over the course of the weekend, NSW Oztag welcomed 124 teams to Coffs, which saw over 2000 players and 6000 spectators crowd the fields of C.ex Stadium.
Welcomed with nothing but sunshine, the Under 9’s through to 12’s arrived on Sunday, eager and determined to take on their remaining round games and Finals.
As teams itched closer to that gold medal, the standard of Oztag undoubtedly heightened. There were numerous qualifiers that resulted in a one-point difference and three grand finals that headed into thrilling extra time drop offs.
At the conclusion of the tournament – on 103 points – it was Central Coast who claimed the 2022 Junior Club Champions title, with 14 teams qualifying for Semi Finals and five taking home gold.
The race for second was tight, with Souths finishing on 81 points, and Baulkham Hills coming in third on 80.
Below are the Grand Final results for each division. Congratulations to all 2021 Junior State Champions.
Boys 9s: Nepean defeated Souths 6 – 5 in extra time
Girls 9s: Souths defeated Baulkham Hills 6 – 4
Boys 10s: Souths defeated Baulkham Hills 3 – 2 in extra time
Girls 10s: Highest qualifiers, Cronulla were crowned champions following a 0 – 0 draw with Camden after extra time
Boys 11s: Central Coast defeated Baulkham Hills 5 – 4
Girls 11s: Souths defeated Nepean 7 – 1
Boys 12s: Cronulla defeated Central Coast 3 – 2
Girls 12s: Souths defeated Cronulla 6 – 3
For all tournament results, visit the Australian Oztag website or Sportfix.
NSW Oztag would like to thank everyone for making the 2022 Junior State Championships an enjoyable tournament for all involved.
Congratulations to all teams on your hard work and preparation.
Be sure to visit IBIMAGES for all tournament action shots. Log in using your Facebook or Google account.
The second half of the Junior State Cup is well underway in Coffs Harbour, with the Under 9s through to 12s eager to claim the championship title
The Under 9s – 12s kicked off on Saturday 4 June – the excitement written all over their faces as they took to the field with energy to burn and some very impressive hair styles.
With this tournament usually played at Bass Hill, it is the first time many of these players have made the journey to Coffs to compete.
As anticipated, players were quick to apply their months of training and produce some spectacular games of Oztag.
Although there are less teams here this weekend, NSW Oztag were thrilled to welcome so many spectators – making for an awesome atmosphere here at C.ex Stadium.
At the conclusion of Saturday, the following teams sit undefeated heading into Sunday’s remaining round games and Finals.
Boys 9s
Nepean
Shellharbour
Baulkham Hills
Girls 9s
Shellharbour
Souths
Boys 10s
Nepean
Parramatta
Tamworth
Souths
Sutherland
Camden
Girls 10s
Souths
Central Coast
Cronulla
Camden
Boys 11s
Parramatta
Central Coast
Baulkham Hills
Girls 11s
Nepean
Souths
Boys 12s
Nepean
Cronulla
Sutherland
Tamworth
Girls 12s
Souths
Cronulla
For all tournament fixtures and results, visit the Sportfix app or website.
NSW Oztag look forward to crowning the remainder of our 2022 Junior State Cup Champions today.
Be sure to visit IBIMAGES for all tournament action shots. Log in using your Facebook or Google account.
Recent Comments