Touching down: Geelong Buccaneers players Layke Rossiello, Daniel Tinitali, Chris Beynon and Scott Augustynowicz.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
It began as many clubs do: a bunch of blokes getting together with a common interest.
In this case it was throwing an American football around on an oval.
Gradually it grew in sophistication as more gridiron fans turned up, running some of the complicated offensive routes for which the sport is renowned.
Bay City Buccaneers founder and coach Marty Jackson said the group got its act together in 2003 to approach Gridiron Victoria about playing in the state competition.
“We had quite a few talented US players who played with us as well as some Aussie fans of the game.
“We were fortunate to pick up some coaches who’d been playing here for a good 18 years, so we were able to form a senior team and an under-18 team.” After years of playing on converted ovals, the club now boasts a gridiron-only ground at Corio Community Reserve in Hendy Street.
“It was a soccer ground but was underused, so we’ve been doing some working bees to get it up to speed for our club,” Marty said.
The club has 50 registered players but Marty believed it would be a big year for the sport in Victoria.
“Gridiron Victoria received 14,000 enquiries after running some TV advertising during the recent National Football League play-offs and the Superbowl,” he said.
“Teams in Melbourne have more than 100 turning up to training sessions. Once people know there’s a place for them to play they’re interested.”
Marty said the Geelong club concentrated on its under-18s so players would graduate to senior ranks.
“That work is coming to fruition now, with 90 per cent of our playing stocks coming through our juniors.”
The Buccaneers tasted success last season with a record of 11 wins and one loss, good enough to reach the “Vic Bowl”.
“We had 200 supporters cheering us on,” Marty said.
“Unfortunately, we lost by only one score but we hope to go one better this season.”
A number of Buccaneers players have been selected for national and state representative squads and two punters joined division one college teams in the US.
The Geelong squad benefited from the coaching expertise of visiting Kutztown University, Pennsylvania, coach Tim Tobin as it prepared for the season opener on May 7.
Marty said the club had all the gear for new players wanting to try out.
“We have a strong gym culture and work with Geelong Weightlifting Centre at Newcomb.
“If your playing days are past, we always have spots for medics, trainers and officials.”
Marty said anyone keen to join the club should phone president Gary Wilson on 5226 4446 or 0431 476 680, email him at garrywilson@swiftdsl
.com.au or visit www.baycitybuccaneers.com.au.
