Young Aussies and Israelis shine in AFL Israel Cup

Another successful AFL Israel footy season – both at home and in European tournaments – culminated with the second annual Israel Cup on September 10.

Played under lights at the Wingate Institute of Sport in Netanya, it had a big Aussie flavour.

The men’s Tel Aviv Cheetahs team, comprised of Israeli players, took on a Jerusalem Lions squad of mainly young and talented Aussies currently in Israel for their gap year.

It was a gripping game in which the Cheetahs led by two points at the main break, and the Lions edged in front by the same margin at the end of the third quarter.

It was only deep into the fourth quarter that the Cheetahs broke away with two quick goals to win by 112-92.

Dynamic Israeli international half forward Ethan Gabriel was Best on Ground, having scored five goals for the victors.

Other notable Israeli performers were ruckman Ofer Be’er, and full forwards Ilan Cohen and Nitzan Elad.

For the Lions, Ari Fell scored three goals and dominated the midfield.

A mini match was held at half-time by the future of AFL Israel – a team of 8 and 9-year-olds from northern Israel, who were among the loudest fans on the day.

Israeli international Alon Fink, who recently spent four months in Melbourne playing for the AJAX men’s reserves, described the game and the occasion as “amazing”.

“The level was very high with physical play, clean hands and high skill,” he said.

“Although we have a long way to go, from the time I spent in Melbourne, I can see how much we’ve improved here in recent years.

“I hope more Israeli players can experience footy in Melbourne like I did.”

Former AJAX junior Ramel Chrapot, who played for the Lions, said the game was a memorable and tough contest, adding, “I’m very excited for where AFL Israel can go.”

The crowd were treated to a very close women’s game.

Israel’s women’s footy program is less than a year old, but already showing great potential, with a developing squad of Aussie ex-pats and Israeli women who are new to the game, but love it.

The women were split into two Israel Cup teams – the Ibex, wearing the national team’s guernsey – and a team sporting the AJAX tri-colours.

Although the latter led for more than three quarters, they were eventually overtaken when the Ibex found an extra gear and scored four consecutive late goals – three by Best on Ground Shachar Pakter – to win by 55-42.

Among the losing team’s best were Sarah Drapkin, who kicked three goals, and Talya Finkelstein.

Pakter said she only discovered Aussie Rules recently, through her Aussie cousins.

“It’s exciting to be part of this growing sport in our community,” she said.