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Home Ground Training: Dukes Meadows Field, Chiswick/Barnes Bridge (click here for map)
Matches: Dukes Meadows Field, Chiswick/Barnes Bridge Teams: West London Wildcats (Premiership ) Shepherds Bush Raiders (Conference ) Ealing Emus (Social League) Wildcats (London U16 League)
Honours Premiership Flag Winners - 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Conference Flag Winners - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Social Flag Winners - 2008 ANZAC Cup - Runners Up - 2008 About Us The Wildcats were one of the founding clubs of the BARFL back in 1990 along with Earls Court, East Midlands, Lea Valley, London, North London, Thames Valley and Wandsworth. And with ten Grand Final appearances in the last sixteen years the Wildcats have always been one of the league's most successful clubs. Club President Matt 'Mattress' Glynn Website www.wildcatsfc.co.uk Club Phone 07930 522 575 Club History1990 The West London Wildcats started following a meeting in a Chiswick pub in November 1989. The meeting was actually organized by representatives from the fledgling North London Club who had been receiving queries/interest from people in the western parts of London. Only four people turned up to that meeting (a North London representative, Greg Sporton, Peter Murphy and Ian Mead). Ian Mead, Greg Sporton, and Peter Murphy, together with my then house mates from 80 Mill Hill Road Acton (Lawrie Winfield and Peter Chevis) set about establishing the Wildcats. The BARFL provided jumpers and socks, and pretty much everything else was up to the Wildcats founders. As the season got closer the resources of TNT Magazine and word of mouth till we eventually had enough individuals to be able to have a training session. Greg Sporton was the inaugural Wildcats President, Dave Steadman as coach, Ian Mead as Club Secretary & Treasurer. An early participant Michael Baddeley had an association with a guy who ran a pub in Acton and before long we had sponsorship from Ross Gregory and the Captain Cook Hotel. While in our first season we only performed ok in this first year the club was able to build a foundation of players, supporters, sponsors that lasted through the years. I think in part of the history we need to draw attention to the efforts of Michael Uwland (Yulo). Yulo was a member of Club Chiswick who broke his leg in the first minutes of our first ever game, against Wandsworth. Due to unplanned early retirement from what was going to be a famous "second life" in Australian rules football for Uwlo, he then took on the role of club "stand in" goal umpire with one leg in plaster on crutches, cheer leader "evaluator" and vocal team supporter. Other prominent members of the club that year were Michael ‘Lopesy’ Lopes, Ian ‘Meady’ Mead, Ian ‘Rako’ Rakich, Lawrie Winfield, Dave ‘Steady’ Steadman, Smithy and Dave ‘Spud’ Meaney. Uwlo also helped in some social events such as the magical mystery tours, parties at Club Chiswick, The Kennel (Ealing) and other sensational venues. The Prelimary final was as far as we got in the initial season with the GF going down to the wire for two teams that should not have been there! The end of season trip was to delightful Amsterdam where few can remember what went on or if they went on it. Only injury was to an unnamed player who forgot that Melbourne trams trundle on the other side of the road. All the boys agreed it was a good attempt at a hip and shoulder on the hapless 8 ton tram! or they think it was! It was all a bit hazy. There were no arrests as you can't get arrested. The inaugural club slogan for 1990 was "Go hard or go home" courtesy of David McGain. Dave McGregor won the inaugural Wildcats Best & Fairest Award. 1991 Everywhere the Wildcats went the Green bus went. Back in 91 the Wildcats had to play half Australians & half non oz passport holders (English, South Africans, Canadian, Spanish and a few Kiwis). From our Sponsors the Walkabout the Routemaster double decker bus plied the way. We played at 'the hankerchief' (southfields) which was an ideal size for beach volley ball. Earls Court beat Wandsworth by six goals in the final with the Wildcats losing the Preliminary final. We also had the walkabout double Decker bus that drove us around. At the time I played I also worked for the walkabout club and the airport transit van that seated 12 also came in very handy for away games. Big Dave was the coach and we had players of Dave Harbour, Mark Bell, Ian Mead, Daven Clarke, and the rest of them to me are just nic names (unfortunately). Mark Reid was around as he was managing the Captain Cook Pub for Rossco our local watering hole. I also recall 14 of us going to play in a round robin 10aside in Leicester (Fosse Cup) and coming home with a grand final victory. Let me tell you it was a very long drive in a 72 seater double Decker bus thatonly went about 90ks flat out. I remember getting the whip out and trying to get back to the Cook before it closed. If my memory serves me right we made it for last drinks. Ian Mead continued in the role of Secretary in 1991, with David Meaney being appointed to the new position of Treasurer. The end of season trip was our first to Corfu and was extremely 'colourful'. Bing found himself a footing as a sports commentator and did a marvellous job. Super job Bing! Richie is shitting himself. The club logo, the cat, was 'designed' here in respect to events on the trip. The rest was not so much as a hazy but more drunken blur. 1992 Grand Final: Wandsworth Demons 12.5 (77) def West London Wildcats 11.9 (75) Everywhere the Wildcats went the Green bus spluttered. It finally died on the way to Thames Valley and Esher/Earls Court (for the seconds) This was the Wildcat Dream team. If the Wildcats had a golden year then 1992 was it. The back line the best in the League. With Davin Clarke, Al Dowdall and all running absolutely riot in the back line there was oodles of possession time for the centers (Jammo,Kyle etc) and forwards who converted truly. We played hard footy under the gaze of Supercoach Reidy, Newcastle Brown bottle close at hand and with the Pepsi Clipboard nowhere to be found. The Grand Final was 'eventful'. Rule number one. Never leave your jumpers in garbage bags! they might be thrown out! Thanks to North and the lovely pink dyed seconds jumpers (thanks to the nurses and a still yet to be identified piece of red lingerie). The day was the exact opposite of the summer. Wet, windy and a leveller between teams. The Wildcats got away well though down at the start of the final quarter. Just two points up to four points down all quarter. With few minutes to go. Wandsworth came out of the centre and went forward. A kick from 25mtrs out, the ball sailed over the head of our full back. You could here the smack as hand came in contact with 10kg wet sherrin - the result - A goal! We did not recover - along with Dave "hoppa" Harbour nor did the bloke who got hit by our Welsh Physc nurse Guido with seconds to go finally losing be two points. Our end of season trip was to Falarki, Rhodes. Court - lots of it - was held at Ziggys and Charlies bar and use to get tourists and locals viewing the "court room". It was great to see the Wildcats take an interest in their environment by saving a foreign species of beached whale. Chooka must be congratulated on remembering every Kevin "Bloody" Wilson song along with the Aussie at the night club who kept pouring 300 Drachma (One pound) JD and JD drinks that ripped your head off! The 1992 club slogan was "Put in or pull out" courtesy of David Scott. 1993 The Green Bus was still out at Thames Valley and so went to most games courtesy of a very large (and legal) drug company in executive comfort. Sometimes the bus did not come with an attached convenience and the Nurses were surprised about the number of creamy soda bottles we bought but never emptied after especially hard games. This year Wimbledon met Guido the Welsh Phsyc Nurse. On the boundary in front of Rosco, the Captain Cook (and soon to be Redback Publican), Reidy and 50 people. A Wimbledon guy hit poor Guido with the best punch he could give behind play. Guido stares straight into his eyes and asked "Is that the best you could do? Is it, is it" Reidy and Rossco, unaccustomed to shouting as they were - bagged this guy and we don't think he played again. This was the last year of Leona's awesome BBQ which use to bring the club £400 a game. If the goal umpire had knackered us in the 1992 GF then Earls Court put it into us in 1993. Needing to score something like 422 to nothing to secure a better spot in the finals they managed to do just that even though the game was a technical forfeit! We ended up playing at the biggest ground (10mtrs longer than the MCG) in the League at North London, against North London, without the services of BARFL B&F Darryn Jammieson and two other key players. 1993 was not the year of the Wildcat. End of Season trip was to Dublin, Ireland where it all foggy all of the time, though vaguely we did spend an enjoyable afternoon in a lock-in - right next to the cop-shop! 1994 Grand Final: London Hawks 15.8 (98) def West London Wildcats 8.11 (59) A bad start to the year for the Wildcats. Big Northern Territorian Marc Gregson passed away on New years day in a truck accident in South Africa. With that fresh in our minds, club stalwart Laurie Winfield succumbed to the big C during the year. The best finals player now receives the Marc Gregson trophy and Laurie is remembered by the B&F trophy. Another go at the big one in which we failed to beat Wimbledon! BARFL Best First-year EC Mark "Scooter" Mcmanimen running riot. Dennis "Baggio" Radetic came third in the League B&F and was a power in the back line. Liverpool was a very interesting trip for most concerned and the last chance to see why Reidy should never put the boots on! Bristol was heart stopping for the people in Digger Dino's car who careered around a huge roundabout the wrong way and survived! The end of season trip was to Corfu and was up to expectations. Congrats must go to the player found performing the Horizontal tango with the club footy socks still on! 1995 Grand Final: Wandsworth Demons def West London Wildcats Another Grand Final appearance for the Wildcats, and another disappointment. 1996 Grand Final: London Hawks def West London Wildcats 1997
1998 Although 1998 will go down in history as the Wildcats worst year in terms of on field results, 1998 will go down as the key turning point in the history of the club! The shock of missing the finals on that fateful day at Downhills Park (North’s home ground) really put fire in the belly of certain key club members (predominately Football Manager Matt ‘Mattress’ Glynn & incoming 1999 president Neil ‘Neilo’ Talbot) to take the club to the next level. After losing to top of the ladder North London in the second last game of the year (a fiercely fought game that included 3 Wildcats getting sent off in the vital last quarter, Darren ‘Plugger’ Isaacs, Neil ‘Lombo’ Lombardini & John ‘Mad Johno’ Bett) that put us out of the finals for the 1st time in our history, it was an extreme low point for the club! 1998 was one of those years where the Cats had a real lack of numbers at certain times, particularly EU players (we played Sussex at Crawley with 2 EU players – thus played 5 short), and that was certainly a massive factor in missing the finals, however towards then end had the cats have snuck into the finals anything could have happened, but it wasn’t to be! The fact that the Cats went onto beat Sussex in the last round of the season by 29 goals to 1 point rubbed salt into the wounds, especially considering Sussex had mysteriously made the finals after the ‘biggest surprise’ of the year after coming from 10 goals down at half time in about the 3rd last game of the year to defeat the previously undefeated Wandsworth, a result that effectively made the task impossible for the Wildcats (you work that one out!!) Big goal kicking machine Russ Warburton took out the Best & Fairest & then went onto coach the club in 1999. Highlights of the year included the famous bus trip to Bristol where club hooligans Garry ‘Gazza’ Smith & Niger ‘SOS’ Dransfield belted crap out of each other (in a friendly manner) on the way home as well as a very messy Sunday stop over in Bath! Probably the only humorous part of the season was the fact that the Wildcats, despite missing the finals, still ended up on top of the ladder at the end of the home and away season by dint of the BARFL lucid and excellent idea of ranking the ladder by percentage. The games we won, we won very well and the games we lost, we lost by less than two goals. Unfortunately the main problems was that the other clubs (archaic, staid and lost in the pages of history) disagreed with this novel system which was bound to revolutionise AFL as we know it Oh well - The first year ever we missed the finals so it was straight onto the summer training camp in Ipsos in Corfu, where Mattress took out the inaugural Wildcats Downlow Medal! Sponsors of the Club in 1999 included the Redback Tavern and Taxback. 1999 The Wildcats made some important steps in 1999 however we once again fell at the final hurdle which was an extremely difficult result to swallow. The Cats went down in the final 40 seconds of the Grand Final to arch enemy Wandsworth at Clapham Common. The fact that the Cats were in front with less than a minute to go before Wandsworths star Irish player, Sean Buckley, broke the hearts of the Wildcats players & supporters with a goal on the run in the dying moments of the game was a terrible injustice after the Cats had worked so hard to turn the results of 1998 around, although it must be said Wandsworth were also deserved winners as we had played each other 4 times through the year with all 4 games being decided by less than a goal including the nail biting semi final which was almost a carbon copy of the Grand Final where Wandsworth had a chance to win the game in the dying seconds only to kick a point! The scenes that fatefull Grand Final Day on the Common after the final siren was certainly one the clubs lowest ever moments, evidenced by the fact that club stalwart & hardman Nigel 'SOS' Dransfield standing in the middle of the Common in tears!!! After Five Grand Final Losses & still not being able to crack the big one, was a very hard & bitter pill to swallow & the feeling at the club that night was that we were never going to win one after that day!! The club partid hard that night at the Kings Head in Acton & then headed to Bodrum in Turkey on the Monday for the annual week long footy trip. Other highlights of the year included the Gentleman's Luncheon at the Kings Head and the 10 year reunion held at the Pint on Punt in Melbourne. Sponsors of the Club in 1999 included the Kings Head in Acton (we were forced out of our traditional home at the Redback after the charming Kiwi Bart took over), Stray Travel and Backbackers. Grand Final: Wandsworth Demons 14.10 (94) def West London Wildcats 14.5 (89) 2000 Grand Final: West London Wildcats 11.12 (78) def Wandsworth Demons 5.2 (32) The Bushraiders were formed and played in the premiership alongside the Cats - and we began playing games at Trailfinders Sports Club in Ealing. The Year 2000 saw the Wildcats finally lift the Premiership Cup aloft after trying for the past 10 years. The Year 2000 saw a number of changes at Wildcat Land and all for the better. A lot of work and effort has gone into getting the Wildcats their first Premiership, below is a list of key events and people that helped to shape the Wildcats Premiership year. West London played a more team orientated and dedicated style of play this year, and it was this team ethic that made the club so strong. After losing a lot of the height that was evident in the 1999 squad the Wildcats had to play a different style of football to be successful. We started the season off well with some resounding wins. The core of the club had remained after the 1999 season and the new talent that was added to the club in the off season made for a very strong squad to take the club through the year. With the recruiting that was taking place throughout the year strongly pushed along by Matthew Glynn and Mike Billing the club managed to have over 120 players come through the doors. The Wildcats this year took a week and a half off training during the Pampolona weekend, which gave the players a much need rest. This however may have been too long, as the following game against Wandsworth saw the Wildcats humiliated in their first loss for the season. This however was not a bad thing as the players who were previously getting too confident, now saw that they would have to work to secure the spoils at the end of the year. From this point the intensity at training and work ethic of the players started to increase. The coaching staff worked the players harder and harder to ensure that the fitness of the players was the best in the League. The Wildcats managed to secure top spot and finish minor Premiers for the season and the ever important double chance. This double chance was not needed in the second semi final against North London. In what can only be described as the perfect preparation which was followed by a near perfect performance the West London side ensured their second successive Grand Final birth with a 20 goal humiliation of North London. Two crucial coaching initiatives were brought in to help the Cats have a successful finals campaign the first was installing Shane Metz as full forward for the North London game, he proved his worth kicking a bag for the Cats. The other coaching initiative that I’m sure will become a part of the competition from now on was the zoning on kick ins. North London were unable to overcome the Cats zone and this enabled many more scoring shots for the Cats who totally dominated this area of the field. West London went into the Grand Final as favourites and played as such, dominating the first quarter to score 4 goals all off the boot of the new full forward Shane Metz. The Cats dominated the mid-field with Wandsworth playing a rebound style of football that would eventually cost them as West London dominated possession and were willing to run and defend, unlike their Wandsworth opponents. The second quarter saw a more even contest with the domination the Cats displayed in the centre not as evident, however still went into the half time break with a lead of just under 3 goals in ever worsening conditions. The half time break saw the Cats with a lead that they would need to build on to be assured of taking the Cup back to West London. The players went out onto the ground in the third quarter with the half forward line targeted by the coaching staff, as an area that needed to lift and provide the team with a spark. They did not let the coaching staff down with Sam Smith and Captain Chris Schleter showing the great form they had shown throughout the year. The Wildcats again dominated the mid field as well and were able to provide good supply to the Cats forwards. The Cats took what looked like an unassailable lead going into the last quarter. Once again the coaching staff pleaded with the players not to ease up in the final quarter and drive Wandsworth out of the contest. The final quarter became more or less an anticlimax with the game all but over after the first 10 minutes saw Wandsworth unable to breach the gap. With the final siren sounding wild celebrations ensued with the Wildcats finally doing what others had tried to do in vain for so long, bring the Cup back to West London. In what was the most successful year ever for the Wildcats the club is now looking towards a bright future. If the hard work of the Year 2000 is continued there is no reason why the Wildcats will not be able to dominate the BARFL over the next few years. The Bushraiders were formed and played in the premiership alongside the Cats Bush Raiders The forming by West London Wildcats of the Bush Raiders was a gamble that paid off for the Wildcats this year and was reflected in the ultimate success, the Premiership Cup, at the end of the year. West London took the gamble to enter a second side into the competition and finished the year an unqualified success. Through the hard work of President Neil Talbot and committee member David McAdam the Raiders were entered into the competition and recruiting started at full swing. The Raiders leading goal kicker Justin Sanson was responsible for the name of the club in an early season meeting at the clubs major sponsor, The Walkabout at Shepherds Bush. After following Wandsworth’s lead in the previous year West London jumped into the fold to start up a second team. The aim the committee set at the start of the season for the Raiders was not to forfeit any games throughout the season, this, I am happy to say, was achieved. It was with great pride that the club were able to watch the Raiders become very competitive throughout the season and finally finish in 6th position. The other major change for the Wildcats this year was the move from Gunnersbury Park to Trailfinders Sports Ground at West Ealing. While the ground was more out of the way and harder to get to, it did provide a club atmosphere that was missing at Gunnersbury Park. While the move to the ground actually cost the club money for the season, it did provide fantastic facilities. With the new season approaching the negotiations for next year will be starting shortly with the Wildcats looking to secure a more attractive offer for the upcoming years. Wildkittens The Wildcats netball team this year really took an active role within the club and became an important part of the club atmosphere. The girls had a similar season to the Wildcats losing only one game before the finals kicked in. Unfortunately for the Wildkittens it was not to be grand final success as they were beaten in the penultimate match by a very good side boasting regional netball players from New Zealand. However the girls did not let this get in the way of their celebrations, which by all accounts were a lot of fun. Thanks must go to Tracey Waller who was roped into coaching and organising the netball team at the start of the year and did an absolutely fantastic job. A drop in actual number of sponsors this year was not reflected in the total bottom dollar. The Walkabout, Shepherds Bush was the club’s main sponsor and saw a large patronage by the boys from West London. In addition to this Trailfinders became our second sponsor and as always Taxback were on board as usual. Once again through the efforts of the committee the sponsorship ball was rolling before the season began. However with two teams in the competition now the club will be looking to expand their sponsorship in the next couple of years. Corfu 2000 The Corfu trip 2000 saw the largest contingent of Wildcats to take part in the annual end of season trip. A total of 42 players made the trip, even if it was for about 8 or 9 hours as was the case of Dick Haines who flew to Greece for one night of fun. This trip was supported by the players throughout the year and the club in total spent £3,500 on this trip for its players. The only club in the competition to support so heavily an end of season trip for its players. At West London this end of season trip plays an integral part of the make up of the year. Fund raising initiatives from the players throughout the year go towards this event and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of the players. Club Functions and Fundraising Year 2000 saw the club put on a number of functions throughout the year and a number of fundraising initiatives. Various fundraising initiatives throughout the year included the ever present raffles and merchandising run by the Treasurer Derek Shaw which continues to amaze with the different pieces of merchandising the club can engineer. This year saw the very popular introduction of the Terry Toweling hat, the brain child of Captain Chris Schleter; Stubby Coolers introduced by Jason Smith and the Raiders jumpers which were pushed through by Ewen Hill. All of these new pieces of merchandise were very well received by players and supporters alike and the merchandising is an integral part to the club with West London leading the way in this area. Other fundraising initiatives as well as club functions included the annual Drinking Triathlon won this year by BARFL General Manager, Matthew Glynn; Gambling Night; Dim Sim training nights; Gentleman’s Evening; Grand Final Evening and finally the club’s biggest event, the annual end of season trip to CORFU, Greece. Grand Final: West London Wildcats 11.12 (78) def Wandsworth Demons 5.2 (32) Undoubtedly a landmark year for the Cats - The Millennium Premiers!! Led by 'Supercoach' Billsy, the Cats soundly thrashed Wandsworth in the big one and finally took out the Premiership. 2001 After a fairly good year the Cats were third on the ladder at the end of the season, but for the first time in years the Cats didn't make it to the Grand Final losing to Wandsworth in a semi final. The Raiders however were playing in the newly formed 'London Conference' and after finishing the season, second on the conference ladder underneath North London's Regents Park, were going into the finals as the underdogs. But the Raiders were strong and they came away with the first ever Conference Premiership beating Regents Park by 8 points! It was Corfu again for another fantastic footy trip, and classics such as the boat trip along the coast, scooters, and beach cricket were again among the activites undertaken - not surprisingly most of the locals remembered us from the year before - the stuff of legends! 2002 Grand Final: North London Lions 18.11 (119) def West London Wildcats 8.5 (53) After a finals dash that left the other clubs spinning, the Wildcats were again in the Grand Final. With earlier 2002 success in the Brit Cup, and after watching the Raiders comeback from the dead to reclaim the Conference Cup, the final score did not reflect the pride and passion that had become such a part of the Wildcat's game through the finals. The club did itself extremely proud under the guidenance of Cameron "Aubs" Aubrey, as the Cats did remarkedly well to reach the GF, only to be beaten by unbackable favourites North London. Sponsors of the Club in 2002 included major sponsors Shepherds Bush Walky & Fosters, as well as PP Travel The Raiders GF will go down as the famous “SOS Speech” 2003 Grand Final: Wandsworth Demons 11.11 (77) def West London Wildcats 9.8 (62) 2003 was another huge step forward for the West London Wildcats. On the field the club recruited strongly in the off season and despite not being able to capture the Pre Season Cup showed enough to indicate that it could be the Year of the Cat. On the coaching side of things, Wildcats stalwart Chris ‘Slates’ Schleter was appointed joint coach, along with newcomer to the club Ross ‘Rosco’ Giardina. Justin ‘Dogga’ Shannon remained President of the club for the second year in a strong show of stability amongst the committee. An important decision was also made to retain Trailfinders Sports Club (at Castlebar Park in Ealing) as the clubs home base. The season started extremely well and at the halfway point of the season both the Wildcats and Raiders remained undefeated. First year players Paul ‘Jenko’ Jenkinson and Adam Baker were really making their mark on the BARFL, as were club legend Slates, not to mention the strong EU component of the club. Testament to the clubs continued strength was the improved and more competitive performances of the Ealing Emus, the clubs third side. In a hot day out at North London, the might of the clubs EU contingent were able to bounce back from an early loss to Wandsworth to capture a second successive Brit Cup title. Led ably by EU stars Tony Bell and Jonny Boyle, the boys demonstrated what a force our non Australian players are, being well supported by a further 15 boys, namely new comers such as Mick Bolger. A fantastic effort by all concerned to capture the first piece of silverware for the year for the club and for new coach Rosco. A fantastic effort. The year continued on as hoped and amazingly both the Wildcats and the Raiders finished the season as minor premiers without a single loss for the whole year. This was a feat that had never been achieved in the leagues history and confidence was sky high leading into the finals. Special mention must go to the Emus, who although managed just the one win were an extremely competitive outfit all year and again justified the decision to field 3 teams. Both the Wildcats and Raiders proceeded through the finals unscathed with strong wins in the 2nd semi finals (albeit with a scare for the Raiders from Clapham). Unfortunately however for the Wildcats they found out the hard way that there is only one game all year that counts. Despite a good preparation, Grand Finals are a different ball game and we fell at the final hurdle to Wandsworth, going down by 15 points. It was a bitter day for the club, one which we hope will not be repeated again. Paul Jenkinson was the next day crowned the Best and Fairest player for season 2003 after a stellar season as the clubs chief goal kicking on-baller. Fortunately the day had a brighter end for the Raiders, taking out their third successive Conference title, a great send off for Life Member Dogga and remaining the only side etched on that trophy. Dan Morrisson was a deserved winner of the Best Player in the Grand Final, with Gus Waddell later taking out the Best and Fairest Award. Jimi Kelly took out the Conference goal kicking title for the second successive season. Off the field the year can only be described as an overwhelming success. The retention and recruitment of sponsors was good, the level of social activity exceptionally high with 2 Wild Day Out’s, a Last Man Standing reverse raffle draw and the annual pub crawl, and the strength of the clubs netball again showing with 6 teams being fielded and a record number of girls participating. Sponsors of the Club in 2003 included major sponsors Shepherds Bush Walky & Fosters, as well as PP Travel 2004 Well if 2003 was a year to remembered, 2004 is certainly the year that no one associated with our great club, nor the BARFL will forget. Although I’m sure most other BARFL clubs will want to forget it! Put simply, 2004 was undoubtedly the ‘Year of the Cat’. Astonishingly we were able to do something that no other club in the leagues 15 year history were able to do; capture the 4 pieces of silverware on offer for the season, namely the Pre Season (Anzac) Cup, the Brit Cup, the Conference title and that elusive Premiership crown! We affectionately and aptly named it the ‘Grand Slam’. A feat no other club had achieved prior to 2004 and a feat most are likely to find difficult in the future. Off the field, planning began late in 2003, in fact just days after the Grand Final loss to Wandsworth. All that committed themselves to the club for the coming season vowed not to let that agony and heartache happen again and we were quickly into stride reappointing co coaches from 2003 Chris ‘Slates’ Schleter and Ross ‘Rosco’ Giardina. Robert ‘Bobby’ Appleton was the newly appointed Raiders coach assisted by his good mate Angus ‘Gus’ Waddell. Greggy ‘the smiling assassin’ Newitt and Simon ‘the king’ Schmidt’ made up the coaching ranks as joint coaches of the Emus. Taking over the reins of the Presidency was Jonathon ‘Grappa’ Grapsas in his first official foray into football administration and a couple of years serving at committee level. Working closely with him was a strong and focused committee including Wildcat legend Matt Glynn. The foundations were laid but the hard work has just begun. The first goal of the season was to capture the Anzac (Pre Season) Cup, something the club hadn’t achieved since 2001. On a glorious day at Gunnersbury Park and with around 3,000 flocking to see the festivities, the day fortunately followed the script drafted by the coaching staff. After going through the preliminary rounds undefeated, the Cats met arch enemy Wandsworth in the semi final. With a few settles to score for some, we managed to win a tough encounter by a couple of kicks and storm into the Grand Final to play North London, another long time foe. Again the plan was executed to perfection and we comfortably won our 2nd ever pre season Cup by six goals. It was a fantastic team effort throughout the day lead by Craig Pope in his first outing for the club winning the days best player, not to mention Peter ‘Bomber’ Van Blomestein who sent a message to rival clubs with a swathe of goals throughout the day. A perfect start to what would be a perfect year, but the message was clear from Slates and Rosco that this was just a start and that the real stuff was still to come. Roll on Round 1 and the Wildcats, Raiders and Emus all kicked off their seasons with wins. In fact at the halfway mark both the Cats and Raiders remained undefeated and again the benchmark of the competition. Not to mention the Emus who has posted a few wins and also staying in finals contention. For the Cats, it was the new brigade leading the way with first year players Bomber and Popey, Simon ‘Ronald’ Dean, Justin ‘Macca’ Macallion and Damian ‘Nutta’ Stewart’ destroying everything in their sight. Competition for spots was strong and the feeling around the club sensational. As 17 EU boys headed to Bristol, 2 important things were at stake; the chance to win a 3rd consecutive Brit Cup and also notch up trophy number 2 for the club in season 04 and keeping that ‘Grand Slam’ dream alive. And what a performance they displayed. Nothing short of brilliant. Not a game was lost on the way to the final as the EU boys showed us how it should be done. We met the local boys in the final, Bristol, and in a physical encounter ran away comfortable winners in the end. The club song was belted out with vigor s history was made. Although all 17 players who participated were sensational, the stand out performers were first year player Doni Mullen who was awarded the player of the tournament , Rob “Chambo” Chamberlain, Tony Bell, Ciaran Merrigan and club favourite (the prodigal son returning) Jonny Boyle in his first outing for the year. What a day; and what a year it was becoming…. Enter August and the scene was set. Unfortunately the Emus missed out on finals action on percentage but enjoyed their best season to date with 5 wins, a credit to the boys and the coaching staff for a marvelous season. For the Raiders, just the one hiccup along the way with a narrow defeat to Regents Park, whilst for the Wildcats it was a case of second time lucky after going 2 seasons without a loss in the home and away action. The key would be bringing home the bacon on the day it matter most, Grand Final day. Fortunately it was smooth sailing for both teams on semi final day as we assured ourselves 2 Grand Final places with convincing wins. The only concern some injuries to key players at the wrong time of the year. Fortunately all come up trumps for the big day, August 21 and we would go into the two clashes at Gunnersbury Park chock full of confidence. The Raiders took on new boys Putney and put simply it was one way traffic. The boys coasted to a 12 goal win led by Matt ‘Pumpkin Head’ Boyd who bounced back after unluckily missing a spot in the Cats side for the day, similarly Mick Condon as well as great performances from other key players such as Will ‘Visa’ Ainsworth and Andrew ‘Jayco’ Jacobs. Jayco was the recipient of the best player on the day award whilst Mark ‘OJ’ Rudd capped a stellar with the BARFL league goalkicking award on top of the BARFL and club Best and Fairest awards. Jubilation roared as coaches Bobby Appleton and Gus Waddell raised the cup aloft for the fourth successive year. 3 trophies down. 1 to go. Right from the bounce it was obvious it was the day that the mighty West London Wildcats would create history. Nothing would stand in our way. The score line was irrelevant at the end of the day, the 11 goal victory sparking wild scenes. Something that all involved will never forget. The Grand Slam belonged to us! Again Craig Pope stamped himself as a big game player taking home the best player on the ground with a fantastic performance at CHF, Bomber kicked a bagful and Paul ‘the cut snake’ Lewis dominated across the half back line. For the EU’s the fairytale comeback of Jonny Boyle continued with a faultless display that earned him the days best EU player and the adulation of every single Wildcat at the ground. There are too many individuals to single out but it can safely be said that all 22 Wildcat players were united for not only that 3 hour period but for the entire season. The scenes at Gunnersbury Park will live in the memories of a lot of the key Wildcats forever, it was simply awesome to see the joy, excitement & relief on the faces of joint Coachs Rosco & Slates, as well as the tireless President Jonathon ‘Grappa’ Grapsas and all the rest of the players & club supporters. Probably the highlight of the day was the jubilation as club legend Derek "Kanga" kicked a goal in his retirement game in the last quarter of the GF & the whole side ran to the huge man to celebrate!! The look on the big fellas face was absolutely priceless & an amazing memory to remember for all who were present! Bomber took home the league goal kicking award, Slates the club best and fairest and Rob Chamberlain the clubs best EU player. The partying that followed for the next few days and later in Corfu will be remembered by all involved for the rest of their lives. The monkey was off the back and after several near misses the Wildcats stamped themselves again as the biggest and best club outside of London. As club President Grapsas said to the throngs of supporters at the Grand Final party, it was a feat that most of us would sink in till long after we left the four walls of the Chippenham hotel. How right that was. It still hasn’t sunk in for some of us. To top off the year the off field antics were as Wild as ever. Highlighted by the annual pub crawl, the return of the Black tie ball, Wild Day Out, Grand final celebrations and of course the infamous footy trip to Corfu! On the girls side of things, the netball scene was bigger than ever before with 8 competing teams and over 70 Wildkittens participating. A special thanks to Carolanne Sinclair and Nikki Mc Farlane for a fantastic season with the girls. Well, that’s it for season 2004. A year difficult to surpass; but certainly some feats that could be repeated (although hopefully only by the might of the West London Wildcats). 2004 – THE YEAR OF THE CAT! Sponsors of the Club in 2004 included major sponsors Shepherds Bush Walky & Fosters, as well as PP Travel, In London magazine, Big Island Produce, and Taste of Home. A massive week in Corfu on the Footy Trip followed, followed by some swollen livers & kidneys! 2005 Last Saturday once again the old rivals met in the Grand Final in a rematch of 2004 and many other battles in the history of the BARFL. The Wildcats side was basically unchanged, with EUs Ronan Walsh missing from the week before with a broken jaw and also very unfortunately Craig 'Mullet' Brown being forced to miss out due to a leg injury. Mullet had hardly missed a game all year. Jay Sinclair came back into the side after returning from his trip to Australia, as did Paul Avery. Selection had been tough, with several players unlucky not to get the chance to play in the GF for this side. The Wildcats felt confident after their commanding win over Clapham in the 2nd Semi and a good 2 weeks on the track including several bonding sessions. Mattress had let no one forget the lessons of 2003..... It was a very even first quarter. Like the Raiders game there was still a slight breeze to one end, with Wimbledon having advantage of it in the first quarter. The Wildcats had plenty of the ball, and looked dangerous up forward with Peely and Mully both giving their opponents plenty to think about. Maca was winning a stack on the ball through the middle, Bing Butler who has enjoyed a great year was hard at the packs as always, while Slates and Heff were working hard up back, Slates playing on Wimbledons best player. At the break scores were pretty much even. The second quarter continued like the 1st, a really tough hard struggle with neither side being able to break things open. Wimbledon were now winning plenty of ball through the mid field, and placing the Wildcats backline under pressure. The big crowd baking in the sun, were loving the action, with thier being several big hits and tough passages of play. The Wildcats did not give an inch, but gave the opposition to much room at times and also hurt themselves though some costly turnovers. Heff now playing in the middle was playing a blinder, Junior at half back was also superb. Paul Lavelle was tough in the clinches and Tony Bell and JB playing their 4th consectutive grand finals were getting plenty of touches. At the half the Wildcats were up slightly. Rosco pleaded with his side at half time to lift further, there was just a half of footy in this season to go. The 3rd quarter did not go to plan. The game nearly slipped away. The Wildcats legs seemed to have stopped running. Lynchy came on and took a hanger, but then on the landing did his ankle. Nothing seemed to be going the Wildcats way. Heff and Junior continued to do all they could to lift the side, Peely was still giving his opponent the run round. Dicko and Dan Lee seemed to have finally got on top in the ruck. This did not stop Wimbledon kicking a number of goals and going into the final break of the 2005 season up by 16 points. The opposition and those in the crowd were heard at ¾ time time to question the Wildcats courage and desire. Was this a team of front runners? We knew they were not, but now it was time to show everyone else. Rosco begged and pleaded with his side give him one last effort. It was emotional stuff. The Wildcats did not let him down. Doni marking everything and pumping the ball forward, Heff and Bing relentless in the tight contests, Dicko in the ruck, Slates in the backline giving absolutely everything. Belly kept running, Paul Avery came on pushed it forward at every opportunity. Two kicks which were thought to be goals were disallowed by the umpires due to being apparently touched off the boot. Then EU Micky Bolger goaled after coming off the bench, then a point to make things even, then Mully eluded his opponent ran round on his left foot and goaled to put the Wildcats 7 points up. One last kick out of the middle was left, for Ryan 'Bing' Butler. Then the siren and the Wildcats had secured back to back premierships for the first time in their history. The final score being the West London Wildcats 9.14 (68) to Wimbledon Hawks 9.7 (61) Best players being Sam Heffernan (extremely unlucky not to be given the BOG medal), Rowan ‘Junior’ Bilkey, Chris Peel with 5 goals, Tim Mulligan 2 goals in a tight game including the winner!, Ryan Butler, Paul Lavelle, Tony Bell and Johny Boyle. Many many thanks to coach Rosco, with all his efforts which were in the end rewarded with the premiership, his second as coach. He can now look forward to next season and maybe doing some timekeeping with the great man Tangles. Also to club legend and my great mate Slates for all his help in what maybe is his last season!? This was Slates 5th Grand Final and third premiership for the Wildcats. The match played at Clapham Common on Saturday saw the two top sides of the competition play off for the ultimate prize. The Raiders had beaten Clapham convincingly in the 2nd Semi Final by 72 points, and the side was strengthened by players coming back from injury and suspension. In fact there were over 12 players in this side who had played Wildcats this year. This also meant that were a number of players who had given great service to the club, who unfortunately missed out on a game. Clapham had also strengthened their side, due to their premiership side being knocked out the previous weekend, so they were able to drop a number of players back. The first ten minutes of the game were scrappy and congested. As to be expected both sides were applying huge pressure to each other on the tight ground. There were simply no easy kicks. Youngy, Tank and Dutchy were working extremely hard in the backline against some tall marking opponents. In the midfield Dan Morrison despite being tagged was getting plenty of it, Nutta in and under as always and also Drakey. At 1/4 time there was nothing in it, the Raiders having being kicking with a slight breeze. In the 2nd Quarter the Raiders started to look like the match was going there way, Rowdy kicked a good goal after a gutless smack in the head by a Clapham player, JD was playing a great game across half back after coming off the bench. However Clapham got right back in the game after being 3 goals down and at the half lead by a goal. You could sort of feel that this game may go down to the wire...... The 3rd quarter simply turned into a titanic tussle, with neither side giving an inch. Big Mark 'OJ' Rudd came on and kicked several vital goals, Drakey continued to work hard as did all the boys in the back line, lead by the hard man Tank revelling in the conditions. Despite a damaged shoulder Dan Morrison continued to provide great drive from his wing. Right on the 3/4 time siren OJ 'snuck' a goal after a strong mark and put the Raiders a few goals up going into the break. It gave the Raiders the momentum they needed with Clapham to now come home with the slight wind advantage. Rowdy took a strong mark and goaled at the start of the last quarter, then Drakey kicked another one from straight in front after a 50 metre penalty from some undisciplined Clapham play. Surely the game was on the Raiders keeping now? Not yet....Clapham immediately responded winning the ball out of the centre and goaling. Two kick outs from full back fell into the arms of Clapham players, which then resulted in goals. Then to put them in front the Clapham forward who had been causing most trouble throughout the day (who ended up winning the BOG medal) marked strongly and kicked truly to put them in front. The Raiders backline under siege. The Raiders seemed to have stopped. It seemed the game maybe lost? Vitrually no time remaining. In fact it was thought that time was maybe up? Then the centre bounce, the ball goes to ground, a Clapham player just lay on top of it. Free kick to the Raiders. A long kick forward by Drakey and a mark taken 30 metres out directly in front by the big centre half forward James Leigh, who had been off for most of the match with a knee injury. Cooly, calmly and with a steely resolve Jimmy went back and kicked truly to win the Raiders 5th premiership in succession off his boot when all had seemed lost. The final score Shepherds Bush 11.12 (78) to Clapham Demons 11.9 (75). The next few minutes are hard to describe. Amazing. Many thanks to the year to coach Toddy Beaton and assistant, big full forward Mark 'OJ' Rudd. Sponsors of the Club in 2005 included major sponsors Shepherds Bush Walky & Fosters, as well as PP Travel, In London magazine, the Irish Butchers and Jumbucks Pies. 2006 Sponsors of the Club in 2006 included major sponsors Shepherds Bush Walky & Fosters, as well as PP Travel, In London magazine, the Irish Butchers, Jumbucks Pies, Anzuc Teachers, Budget Expeditions and Bartercard. 2007 Sponsors of the Club in 2007 included major sponsors Shepherds Bush Walky & Fosters, as well as PP Travel, ITN Teachers, In London magazine, the Irish Butchers, Jumbucks Pies, Anzuc Teachers, Budget Expeditions and Bartercard. |
Founded 1990
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