Where can playing Ausball take you? Well, for NY's Dan Lehane, it took him all the way to Australia.
In the summer of 2011, Dan Lehane was the sole US representative in a World Team playing in the under 16 National Australian Football Championships. World team players were allowed to be up to 18 years of age and either came directly from their own countries, or were members of families that had recently immigrated to Australia. Either way, in just two weeks, the game they were coming together to play, which was foreign to their cultures, would feel very much like a game the world was well on its way to mastering.
Dan with Collingwood's US Rookie (& former Marist basketballer), Shae McNamara
Just three years ago, at the ripe old age of 14, Dan felt his sporting career was at the crossroads. He knew he was a good athlete, but despite playing regular American sports like basketball, baseball and soccer, he didn’t feel he’d found the right “fit”. If a psychic had told him that by age 17 he would be playing Australian Football in a World Team in Australia, he’d have laughed, then gone home & googled the game!
But that psychic would have earned his $5. Not long after, one of Dan’s friends told him he should give Aussie Football a go. He watched some youtube videos and liked what he saw. So he contacted the local team, the New York Magpies,and started going to practice sessions. Soon he was playing games and on his way to an adventure of a lifetime. An adventure that would “fit”.
Lehane in action for the NY Magpies
It would take him to the other side of the world, where he’d develop a network of friends from right across it. He’d get first class coaching, not only about the game, but about how to treat his body, what foods to feed it and how important the mind is in sport. He’d get to meet many legends of the game, both past and present, and be blown away by how easy it was to walk up and watch the professionals train. Then they’d floor him with how accommodating they could be, casually chatting and taking pictures with him.
He’d get to play and train with different clubs in the lead up to the tournament, including a cold and foggy night in the depths of the Melbourne winter. He’d also get to watch the game. A lot of it. From kids, to adult amateurs, to the guys they pay to do something they love. It would seem that all you had to have to play was the desire, as no matter your ability, there was a level that would “fit”.
Finally, he’d get to play against the future stars of Australia’s favorite game, as many of the kids on the opposing teams will go on to make up the bulk of the UnderArmour 2014 AFL draft. In only their second year in the competition, the World team would surpass all expectations and win two of their three games. Despite some initial nerves, Dan would settle into the backline of the World XVIII and hold his own, being a solid contributor in all games. Indeed, he would find that he “fit”.
Dan clears the ball out of defense for the World Team
Now back in the US, Dan is attending his first year of College. His four week trip has only made him hungry for more and he plans to try out for the US National team, the Revolution, and hopes to be back in Australia in 2014 for the International Cup. He’s also looking into an exchange program where he can study in Australia and play for a season. He feels it would make for a smooth “fit”.
Posted by Denis Ryan at 1/17/2012 8:03 PM 
Categories: Sport, Australian Football, Sports and Recreation
Categories: Sport, Australian Football, Sports and Recreation
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