Cooma Cats defeat ADFA in great season opener

The Snowy Mountains’ own AFL team, the Cooma Cats, have added to the region’s Golden Weekend with an emphatic season opening win over the Australian Defence Force Academy Rams in Canberra on Saturday (10 April).
Leading from the opening bounce on a perfect day for football, the Cats held on to defeat a persistent Rams’ side for the first time in four seasons - 11-9-75 to 9-12-66.
“This is a great start to the season and is the result of a lot of hard work by the boys in the pre-season,” Club President Dave Paterson said after the win.
“To see the players, officials and supporters all join in to the sing the club song after the final siren was a real indication of the sense of purpose and spirit around the club this year,” Dave said.
Spear-headed by leading goal scorer Shaun Allen at full-forward with four goals, the Cats withstood two attacking charges by the Rams in both the third and final quarters which could have changed the outcome of the game.
“It was a real credit to all the blokes on the field to stand up to a younger, fitter and faster Rams’ side, and not only hold on, but respond with goals of their own,” Dave said.
The real turning point of the game was mid-way through the third quarter when the Rams, full of run, momentarily hit the front with two quick goals.
But the Cats stood firm, regrouped and kicked what would be a match winning four straight goals in response to provide a buffer the persistent Rams could not close.
While all the Cats players made significant contributions around the ground, a number of players stood out.
“Darren Turner at fullback was a rock-solid in defence all day, and his efforts particularly in the last quarter after suffering a nasty knock was a real inspiration,” Dave said.
“Also making a major contribution across the wing and centre was Mal Paterson who threw his body in repeatedly to win the hard ball from the packs,” he said.
Another key player who worked the centre corridor tirelessly throughout the game was Tony Flemming, who was well supported by Brad Schmabl.
The significance of the win could not go unnoticed for the Cats who have in recent years struggled, both on and off the field.
“The club has worked hard off-field for the past 18 months and we’re now making significant progress in bringing AFL footy to the Snowy Mountains,” Dave said.
“And now to not only win our opening game of the season, but to beat a younger, fitter team which has had the mettle on us for many years - and to win well - it’s a real sign that the Cats are a team the community can and should be proud of,” he said.
As part of their campaign to bring AFL footy to the Snowy Mountains, the Cats will play their first home game of the season next Saturday at Jindabyne’s Station Resort. The first bounce will be at mid-day, with the game be preceded by an AUSKICK clinic for juniors.
“The Cats are keen to represent the broader Snowy Mountain region and sharing our home games between the Snowy Oval in Cooma and the Station Resort at Jindabyne is one way for us to do this,” Dave said.
The Cats train at Snowy Oval in Cooma on Tuesday and Friday evenings and supporters are welcome to come along and get involved and be part of Snowy Mountains AFL community.
“We’re always looking for new players and supporters and welcome anyone wanting to make a contribution in anyway,” Dave said.
Goals scorers for the Cats on Saturday were: Shaun Allen (4), Mick Johnstone (3), Tony Flemming (2) and singles to Stu Wood and Rob Brown.
Match awards for the Cats on Saturday were: Darren Turner (Cooma’s Original Hotbake Award), Mal Paterson (Capital Pizza Award) and Tony Flemming, Brad Schmabl and Shaun Allen shared the Club Six-Pack Award.
A video report on the Cats’ win can also be seen on You Tube.