Australian rules football may look like rugby at first glance, but this high flying rumble speaks for itself on the field.
AFL Ontario expands the league into London. (The Forest City)
“I had always been a rugby enthusiast, but I like this sport even more,” Raymond McElmon, GM of The Forest City Phantoms
Grand River Gargoyles player Jeremy Schwartzentruber, left, competes in a ruck contest, similar to a basketball tipoff, against his Central Blues opponent.
AFL Canada is the Australian Football League (AFL) endorsed national governing body of Australian football in Canada. AFL Ontario has announced its newest expansion to the 35 men’s and women’s teams who have won the hearts and adrenaline of Canadian players and spectators alike. (Established in 1989)
For a sport not widely publicized in Canada, Australian rules football has quite the following as the fourth most spectated domestic sport in the world.
Guess what… the kids love it! Right now over 15, 000 kids ages 8-17 participate in junior groups across the country.
Founder of London’s new team–The Forest City Phantoms–Raymond McElmon says:
“No matter what your sporting background, your fitness level or your body type, you’ll love it.”,
adding to “Come out and try it. But I warn you, it’s the most addictive drug out there.”
Nate Miller chases down and tackles his Central Blues opponent.
After London’s 13 year hiatus of Australian rules football, as general manager of the team, Raymond McElmon hopes to spark passion in London’s student core saying that the Phantoms will be open to tryouts.
Raymond said he had discovered the sport watching the professional league on TSN. “It’s just such a great spectacle to watch.” says McElmon.
Please give it up for the newest Aussie Rules Football team in Ontario… The Forest City Phantoms! Owner: Raymond T McElmon.
— Raymond McElmon (@illRayzor) August 21, 2018
How did the Phantoms get their name?
McElmon says he wanted to choose a unique name for London’s team so it would be independent from all other AFL teams. Some may remember London’s “footie” team from 2003-2005 though the Phantoms have said they have no link to its predecessor.
“London is also known as The Forest City, but I’m a big music fan so when I thinking of names I was trying to tie it into music,” he said.
“My fiancée randomly said ‘geez, most sports names are taken, you’ll have to be like The Phantom of The Opera and steal a name’, and bam musical, it just stuck.”
You can catch the Forest City Phantoms play during the next AFL season, or just come out and catch some balls trying out for the team.
To learn more about AFL Canada… click here
(photo credit: Rob Colburn)
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