Club History: The Christmas Island Football Club, known as the Smugglers, was established in late 2001 by Norwegian stowaways who had developed affection for the game after listening to ADF members discuss the exploits (footballing and otherwise) of Jason Akermanis. The club was admitted into the West Javan Australian Football League in 2002, playing its first competitive match against the Yogyakarta Yogis on 15 March 2002. Despite encouraging early results the effects of a transient playing group quickly took its toll, with the Smugglers only making one finals appearance in their 12 years in the WJAFL. The football world was therefore shocked when, on the back of this Richmondesque&rdquo; record, the Smugglers were granted a license to compete in the inaugural ORFFU season. Bj&ouml;rn Bj&ouml;rnberg, club CEO and President, is credited with obtaining the license through savvy networking and criminal intimidation. Dramatis Personae: Bj&ouml;rn Bj&ouml;rnberg - President and Chief Executive Officer of CIFC - Foundation captain/coach - Current CIFC games (243) and goals (52) record holder - Sole shareholder and director of CIFC's major sponsor, Bj&ouml;rnberg Guano and Phosphates Pty Limited DamoH - Head coach James Hird - Assistant coach (temporary) That guy in the LivaTone ads dressed as a liver - Supplements manager Traditional rivals: &middot; Yogyakarta Yogis &middot; Manus Island Cannibals FC &middot; Richmond FC Sponsors: &middot; Major sponsor: Bj&ouml;rnberg Guano and Phosphates Pty Limited, t/a Guano &middot; Gold sponsor: Department of Immigration and Citizenship Uniform: The Smuggler's uniform is based on the colours of Christmas Island's flag: an iridescent green, a bile-inducing yellow and a quite lovely blue. The traditional guernsey: <img alt='' width='589' height='390' style='width: 386px; height: 396px;' src='/Portals/0/User%20Images/Xmas%20Island%20-%20Home.jpg[/img] In the highly unlikely event that an alternate strip is needed: <img alt='' width='590' height='598' style='width: 374px; height: 398px;' src='/Portals/0/User%20Images/Xmas%20Island%20-%20Away.jpg[/img] Both uniforms are adorned with the club's major and gold sponsor's logos. As has become custom in AFL circles, a token nod is made to the club's history through the addition of Oslo&rdquo; (Bj&ouml;rnberg's place of birth) to the back of the guernsey. Home ground: The Smugglers play their home games at Flying Fish Cove Park, a purpose built AFL stadium located to the west of Christmas Island's capital. Capacity is licensed to 250, however as the Smuggler's fanbase is accustomed to ignoring recommended capacities crowds of up to 1,500 often attend home games. Flying Fish Cove Park, home ground of the Smugglers /Portals/0/User%20Images/FFCP.jpg Photo taken from the Detention Centre end towards the Cathedral end (Cathedral not pictured). The Phillip Ruddock stand can be seen in the left foreground. Team motto: Stop the goals&rdquo; (the Smugglers traditionally play a low-scoring, defensive game, although this is not often reciprocated by the opposition) Team song: TBC
Regarding the treatment of Mr. Ref. U. G: 'Unfortunately the ORFFU Commissioner has had to knockback several applications from a certain member of the Smugglers community who attempted to become an ORFFU umpire.' a spokesperson said when asked about Mr. Ref. U. G. at a recent press conference.
Awesome origin story! Depending on the election result, the Smugglers could get a whole new playing group from the talent manager in the budgie smugglers.
Hmmmm! That bar may be a tad too high for any of the Bullies members, but we all like a fight, especially if you're smaller than us.....
Christmas Island FC is proud to announce the initial 20 recruits to its playing roster for the inaugural ORRFU season: Def: S. Gilbert (age 27, games 140), B. Goodes (29, 13), J. Harbrow (25, 126), J. Patfull (29, 161), M. Suckling (25, 54) Mid: A. Gaff (21, 63), H. Hartlett (23, 68), D. Heppell (21, 62), W. Hoskin-Elliott (20, 10), C. Judd (30, 259), A. Morabito (22, 23), J. Redden (23, 98), D.Tyson (20, 13) Ruc: H. McIntosh (29, 107), J. Witts (21, 7) Fwd: C. Dixon (Ruck, 23, 35), D. Martin (Mid, 22, 86), J. Stringer (19, 10), K. Tippett (26, 116), M. Wright (Mid 24, 58) At the team announcement today Club CEO Bjorn Bjornbergnamed Chris Juddthe foundation captain, with another 18 players (all except Dustin Martin) being part of the leadership group. The squad so farhas an average age of 24 and 76games played.
The Smugglers had their season launch at Flying Fish Cove Park yesterday, where the final six members of the 2014 squad were announced. Club CEO, Bjorn Bjornberg, welcomed the newcomers saying Although you're really only injury cover and most will be delisted at the end of the year, Christmas Island welcomes you, and is especially pleased to be paying you reduced salaries given your non-senior list positions.&rdquo; The additional squad members are: J. Ashby (Def), G. Burbury (Fwd), G. Horlin-Smith (Mid), L. Keeffe (Def), E. MacKenzie (Def), J. White (Fwd). Number One ticket holder Scott Morrison gave a typically rousing (but brief) speech in which he encouraged the Smugglers to play with the accuracy of a RAN vessel's navigation systems and the force of a PNG security guard. (Too soon?) /Portals/0/Users/185/29/6329/SM.jpg [span style='font-family: Garamond; font-size: 13px;]Scott Morrison limited his speech to 30 seconds, citing football operational matters At the conclusion of the event the Smugglers' newly minted club best and fairest award, the Abbott's Booby Medal was unveiled. The name was chosen by the players, many of who have developed a keen interest in ornithology since moving to Christmas Island, with several stating there's bugger all to do here but chase boobies&rdquo;. The Abbott's Booby is the largest of all the Boobies native to Christmas Island and is currently listed as endangered, hence WWF's sponsorship of the medal. The beauty of the island's native fauna has obviously had an effect on first round draft pick Dusty Martin who suggested several other names for the medal including Red Crabs&rdquo; and Christmas Island Thrush&rdquo;. Unsurprisingly the rest of the squad decided that playing for Boobies&rdquo; was more appealing. /Portals/0/Users/185/29/6329/AB.jpg [span style='font-family: Garamond; font-size: 13px;]Despite looking like a stamp, it is actually a medal The Smugglers open their season against Africa's finest, the Serengeti Buffaloes at Flying Fish Cove Park this weekend.
Round 1: Christmas Island 1140 defeated by Serengeti 1303 A disappointing start to the season for the Smugglers as they were easily beaten in the opening round of the 'FU at Flying Fish Cove Park. CIFC had no answer for the Buffaloes superstar midfield, with Goddard (139), Deledio (136) and Murphy (122) controlling the game from the outset. Chapman and Dangermouse provided the polish up front for Serengeti, ensuring they came away with the 4 points. While outpointed by their more experienced opposition, there were encouraging signs in theSmuggler's young midfield, with Heppell, Gaff and Tyson all hitting the ton. However the Smuggler's worst outdid this good work, with Dixon and Patfull posting their lowest scores in 4 years, while Goodes recorded his lowest ever score.Both Goodes and Patfull are under pressure to hold their positions this week, with MacKenzie scoring 100 in the reserves and Keeffe also a chance to come back into the senior squad. The Smugglers take on another of the 'FU's island teams, and fellow first-start losers, the King Island Monarchs, in round 2 this weekend. A. Booby Medal: D. Heppell - 3 D. Tyson - 2 A. Gaff - 1
Round 2: Christmas Island 1191 defeated by King Island 1313 Another poor performance from the Smugglers, going down to the cheese-making Monarchs in Round 2.After being competitive for the first 3 quarters, the Monarchs ran away with the game in the final quarter, led by their acronyms NDS and JJK. Although the Smugglers improved their round 1 score by 50 points, coach Damo was furious with the boys in the sheds after the game as only 5 players hit their average. The forward line was again the main culprit returning a sub 70 average for the second week in a row. Unfortunately forward line replacements are thin on the ground, with Tippett still on the injury list and Burbury slowly returning to the seniors. Adding to the injury concerns, Captain Judd has been told by the medicos that round 5 will be the earliest he can make his FU debut. The young midfield for a second week was the shining light for the Smugglers, with Hartlett and Redden both posting tons, to go with the good performances of Heppell and Gaff last week. However, the Smugglers need all four mids to put it together regularly to be competitive with the top teams in the FU. Dom Tyson continued his stellar start to the season with another 100+ score, and is looking like a draft bargain, being taken in round 13. He along with first round pick, Dusty Martin, are the only two Smugglers to post scores over 100 in both of this season's games. The Smugglers return to Flying Fish Cove Park this weekend to take on another of the 'FU's winless teams and one of the pre-season favourites, the Korumburra Blowflies. Both teams will be desperately chasing their maiden win to get them off the bottom of the ladder. A. Booby Medal: [span style='color: #434343; text-decoration: underline;] [span style='color: #434343; text-decoration: underline;]Round 2 3: H. Hartlett 2: J. Redden 1: D. Martin [span style='color: #434343; text-decoration: underline;] [span style='color: #434343; text-decoration: underline;]Overall 3: D. Heppell, H. Hartlett 2: D. Tyson, J. Redden 1: A. Gaff, D. Martin
Round 3: Christmas Island Smugglers 1332 defeated Korumburra Blowflys 1032 The streets and detention centres were jumping as the Smugglers recorded their first win in the FU on Sunday. With both teams losing their opening 2 games coaches Mick and Damo were desperate for the points, but Christmas Island lead from start to finish in their clash with the Blowflies at Flying Fish Cove Park. The Smugglers' young midfield all tonned up with Redden leading the way with 121. This was the difference as the Blowflys veterans failed to fire, with Stevie J only scoring 79 and Cornes 61. Sloane however, played a lone hand to be best-on-ground with 122 from only 18 disposals. Wright, Suckling and McIntosh all finally stepped up for the Smugglers, after last weeks' hairdryer&rdquo; treatment by coach Damo, posting their best score in yellow, blue and green to date. Newcomers Jesse White and George Horlin-Smith also contributed in a solid team performance. However, the Smugglers will be without veteran defender Sam Gilbert for up to 6 weeks as he re-injured a troublesome foot very early in the game. The selection committee will earn their salaries in naming a replacement with Patfull, Keeffe and debutant Ashby all pressing for first XV selection. Previously omitted defender Brett Goodes might also be a chance of a surprise recall. In other injury news captain Judd and Tippett should make their Smuggler debuts next week. Forward Charlie Dixon is expected to return to the starting team for the clash with Cow Bay this weekend. With the Crocs yet to post a win the Smugglers are expecting a hard-fought game before enjoying the delights of tropical north Queensland. A Booby medal: Round 3 3: Redden 2: Heppell 1: Suckling Overall 5: Redden, Heppell 3: Hartlett 2: Tyson 1: Gaff, Martin, Suckling
Round 4: Christmas Island 1314 defeated Cow Bay 998 The Smugglers recorded their first away win of the season, defeating the Cow Bay Crocs by 316 points. The win leaves the Smugglers in the 'Richmond' (9th spot on the ladder). Unfortunately for the Crocs Michael Talia and John Butcher were caught in cyclone Ita and couldn't make it to the ground, leaving the Smugglers with a two man advantage which they unashamedly exploited. Matt Suckling (122) put in his best performance of the year, controlling the game from half-back, while up-front Jesse White (119) unexpectedly had the better of Harry Taylor (62). Dyson Heppell (133) continued his stellar early season form, and youngster George Horlin-Smith (113) won plenty of contested ball when he came on from the interchange bench. Concerns remain about Christmas Island's defence, with the Croc's best Jack Gunston (134) running roughshod over Joel Patfull (59) and Eric MacKenzie (54). Patfull is likely to be relegated to the bench this week and Lachlan Keeffe given his first senior start. With Sam Gilbert injured and Brett Goodes out of favour the lack of depth down back will be a focus for CIFC in the mid-season draft. Round 5 sees international FU action at Flying Fish Cove Park with the return of the Banchang Barcrawlers. After hosting the &lsquo;Crawlers during the pre-season the two teams are well acquainted with each other. However coach Damo warned the Smugglers to be on the lookout after allegations emerged that the Thai squad poisoned ruckman Shane Mumford last week. We're confident nothing will slip past the Department of Immigration staff, but just to be sure injured forward Charlie Dixon will be tasting all our food&rdquo; the coach said. To further protect the players Club President Bjorn Bjornberg has pulled some strings within the Island's administration and arranged for Chang beer to be outlawed for the duration of the Barcrawlers' stay. As is traditional at Smuggler's home games refreshments will be limited to the Norwegian delights of cured reindeer and whale, washed down with an warm Haandbryggeriet. A record crowd is expected to see captain Chris Judd make his CIFC debut, however a spot needs to be found in the XV for him. Andrew Gaff and Dom Tyson are the two midfielders in the firing line after recent poor performances. A. Booby Medal: Round 4 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3: D. Heppell <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: M. Suckling <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: J. White Overall 8: D. Heppell 5: J. Redden 3: H. Hartlett, M. Suckling 2: D. Tyson 1: A. Gaff, D. Martin, J. White
Be very careful of that dodgy Thai beer mate - it destroyed a major part of the Prospectors side, and nearly cost us the win. For after-game celebrations on the other hand, its top shelf!
Round 5: Christmas Island 1085 defeated by Banchang 1280 An abject performance was put in on the weekend by the Smugglers, recording their worst loss of the season to date. Having posted 2 straight 1300+ scores expectations were high at Flying Fish Cove Park for another home win but the Barcrawlers put in a solid all-round team performance to emerge deserved victors. The game started well with Redden posting a game high 121 early in the match-up, however things quickly fell away from there, with only one other Smuggler, Matty Wright (104), cracking the ton. McIntosh put in one of his better games for the year, but the fact he received B&F votes with a 96 shows how poor Christmas Island were across the ground. Particularly ordinary performances were put in by the midfielders Judd, Heppell and Hartlett (total 140) who were matched by Montagna (individually 140), leaving the remainder of the Barcrawlers' midfield to run amok. Things don't get any easier for the Smugglers this weekend when they travel to Blanchetown to take on the 4th placed Bunyips. Pre-season the club was planning on a 4-3 start to the season leading into the byes, however this is looking increasingly unlikely with wins required against a Pendles led BBFC, and the quickly improving Gisborne. Kurt Tippett, after putting in a solid performance in the magoos this weekend, appears to be out for another couple of weeks, joining Dixon, Judd and Gilbert as first XV players unavailable through injury. The improving Horlin-Smith is likely to take the place in the midfield of injured captain Judd. A.Booby Medal: Round 5 <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]3: J. Redden <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]2: M. Wright <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;]1: H. McIntosh <p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;] Overall 8: D. Heppell, J. Redden 3: H. Hartlett, M. Suckling 2: D. Tyson, M. Wright 1: A. Gaff, D. Martin, J. White, H. McIntosh
Round 6: Christmas Island 1270 defeated Blanchetown 1194 The Smugglers claimed their biggest scalp of the season so far knocking over the 4th placed Bunyips in Blanchetown. The win leaves Christmas Island in 11th spot on the ladder, part of the logjam of teams outside the eight on three wins. The match started well for the home side, with skipper Scott Pendlebury racking up a game high 124 in a typically polished performance through the middle. However, the performance of the Freo boys (Duffman 77, Pearce 85 and Mayne 73) in the first quarter paled compared to the Smugglers young midfielders Heppell (120) and Redden (119). The real damage was done by the Tribunal earlier in the week though, suspending the Bunyips' Ballantyne, resulting in an early forward line donut. This gave the Smugglers a significant advantage in the average points per player throughout the first half. However, the Smugglers did their best to throw away this advantage late, with a poor third term from Martin (61), Suckling (58) and Burbury (43). This meant scores were close heading into the final quarter but Hartlett (123) and Horlin-Smith (93) had the wood on Schulz and Gray resulting in a 76 point win to the visitors. The Smugglers can count themselves lucky they had a one-man advantage, as several players didn't pull their weight, while points were also left on the pine. Although he's only picked up 2 Booby votes the coach is particularly pleased with the recent performances of 12th round (known as the LAN lounge cheap Malbec&rdquo; pick in CIFC circles) draft pick Matty Wright who has posted tons in the last four games and is now the leading forward at the club. The Smugglers host the Commish's grenades at Flying Fish Cove Park this weekend. Both sides are still missing several walk-up starters through injury so a close, poor-quality game is expected. Given the MSD is only a week away the Smugglers would be happy to assist Gisborne's tanking efforts and encourage coach Tomster to name his non-AFL-playing rookies so they can experience the thrill of seeing their names on an FU team-sheet. A.Booby Medal: Round 6 3: H. Hartlett (123) 2: D. Heppell (120) 1: J. Redden (119) Overall 10: D. Heppell 9: J. Redden 6: H. Hartlett 3: M. Suckling 2: D. Tyson, M. Wright 1: A. Gaff, D. Martin, H. McIntosh, J. White
Team selection is still unknown at this stage, although Gisborne is always looking to blood new players. The Smugglers won't stand a chance this week, since we have THE in-form ruckmen of the competition
Tomster wrote: Team selection is still unknown at this stage, although Gisborne is always looking to blood new players. The Smugglers won't stand a chance this week, since we have THE in-form ruckmen of the competition My POOYA vote went to Aish on this basis. We don't need big Trent getting his confidence up before this weekend.