The Baltimore Dockers have been very busy this summer. Training, playing, socialising and saying goodbye to a couple of midfield legends we have been playing alongside with over this year and for some many years. It is sad to see Brent Bates and Neale Williams head back to Australia but we wish them the best and thank them for being such good clubmates.
These departures have created a good opportunity for some new blood in the middle of the field, or “the guts” as it is known. These positional changes have occurred not only in the middle, but right across the field as we are trying to find the best suited positions for both our new and veteran players. This is one of the many challenges we face as a new club.
To paraphrase Jay Z, we got 99 problems, but lack of numbers on gameday ain’t one.
We have been very fortunate to have great numbers at our games this year, typically above 25 people. This is due to the incredible work being done behind the scenes by the Docker’s board and the commitment being shown by the players.
On the field of late we have had mixed results. We went 1-2 in Div 2 at the Eastern Regional Tournament hosted by Philadelphia, with a great win against DC following losses to Columbus and Boston. We have been playing with a lot of heart and endeavor, and I firmly believe that once we get more experience playing together and iron out the problem areas we have identified then we will turn the corner.
USAFL Eastern Regionals
Men’s team results
Baltimore Dockers
2.2.14
Columbus Cats
4.8.32
Boston Demons
6.7.43
Baltimore Dockers
3.7.25
DC Eagles
0.3.3
Baltimore Dockers
4.6.30
Women’s team results
DC Eagles Women
2.4.16
Columbus Cats Women
0.2.2
New York Magpies Women
0.1.1
DC Eagles Women
2.1.13
We had the opportunity to host NY and Columbus this past weekend in Baltimore and over all we had a very successful day in Baltimore. We played NY first and showed great promise in the first half, however in the second they showed why they’re considered the best of the East, coming away with a 6 goal win.
We were trailing against Columbus when in the second half we showed how good we could be. Great field movement followed by strong marking and conversions from Ian Payne pulled Baltimore right back into the game. The clock got the best of us with all the momentum and the siren went with us just one goal behind Columbus.
This 10 minute spell highlighted how well we can play and shows the potential this Dockers team has. Exciting times are definitely ahead of us.
July Home Games
Men’s team results
Baltimore Dockers
4.8.32
Columbus Cats
5.8.38
Baltimore Dockers
0.6.6
New York Magpies
7.7.49
Women’s team results
DC Eagles Women
2.0.12
New York Magpies Women
2.2.14
Stand outs players for us of late have been Josh Richardson, Nick Sisca, and Rocket. A special note to all the new recruits who have been learning the ins and outs of footy and training as often as they can.
Thanks to all those that helped on the sidelines over the weekend.
– Bryn
Baltimore Dockers 