As people in any sport will tell you, it's a tough life running a sports club or team, no matter what age, gender, location or discipline you choose to take on. There are always more things to consider than that which you originally expect, more worries to face, challenges to overcome and money to find.

These are the voyages of the Starship Bulldog. Our continuing mission - to get 30 players plus coaches to the other side of the planet to take part in the biggest sporting spectacular that most of us will ever dream of, let alone experience. To explore strange new parts of Australia, encounter new life-forms (ex-pat Brits) - to boldly try to find someone willing to share a hotel room with Eoin!

(Cue the dramatic theme music....)

5th September
Today we could redeem ourselves with a gutsy performance, or go down as another might have been year. The Samoans defeated us twice in 2005 and would be a tough, fast, physical side, so we needed to put everything we had left into our last battle, to become the first Brit International Cup team to leave Australia with a winning record.

Right from the start, the lads put their heart and soul into the match, playing some great footy and not giving the Samoans a chance to get into stride. Fast goals put the guys 4 goals up at the break, and they maintained the gap through the remainder of the half, restricting the islanders to some hurried behinds and a single major.

A half time address showed the real optimism and new spirit in the team, with guys obviously enjoying a great game of footy. The hard run and play continued through the rest of the match, with the Samoans never really getting back in touch, and some great leading play up top gave the Bulldogs several opportunities to widen the gap, which were gleefully taken by a rampant forward line.

At the end of the game, the siren went and the guys rejoiced. Regardless of final finishing position, we had achieved something that that no Bulldog's side had done before, bringing back a winning record from the major global comp, and with all four teams from our group winning their respective finals, we had been tested hard, and done British footy and ourselves proud.

4th September
It was goodbye to Warnambool, another few hours on the train and then the official AFL dinner at the Crown Casino in the evening. This magnificent event featured guest speakers from sponsors and the AFL, an "On the Couch" session with Dipper and Kevin Sheedy, music, video and photo highlights of the tournament so far, and some great memories. To be honest, the guys were shattered from a hard 10 days, and with an early kick off tomorrow against another islander nation, it was tough to stay the distance and not ideal preparation, when we probably should have been tucked up in bed early after a big bowl of pasta. Representing your country is tough work at times!

The highlight of the evening was the induction of rookie Aiden Dillane and veteran Luke Matias into the International Cup All-Star team - a fantastic reward for their outstanding play and efforts.

3rd September
The Danes have been regular adversaries since footy started in Europe 20 years ago, both in full interntionals between the two nations, and club clashes. Playing a fast, skillful style of game, the lads would need to be focused and committed after a disappointing couple of matches to get the result.

The first quarter showed a renewed focus though, and hard play put the Dogs up by 3 goals at quarter time. The midfield were battling hard for everything, the defense were repelling attacks and the forwards were everywhere, harrying defenders and giving good targets. With a slight breeze against us in the second, the Danes woke up a bit and came back into the game, closing the scoreline and letting us know we were in a real struggle.

In the third and fourth quarter, the guys battled on, running and supporting well, but facing an equally committed Danish side who definitely did not want to come off second best. Another score gave us a bit of comfort, before a disastrous three minutes gave the Danes a couple of goals and brought the difference back to seven points. A nervy last couple of minutes followed, but the siren came and we had accomplished one of our objectives - with Sweden going down to Samoa, a bigger task was to follow.

2nd September
Some positive chat about the game and looking ahead now to our clash with Denmark tomorrow. Whilst we would definitely be coming in in a lower position than expected and hoped, we would now have to make a statement in our positional qualifiers and try to bring back the first winning record for a Bulldogs team at the International Cup.

1st September
Today would be the biggest test that most of the guys had ever faced on the oval - Papua New Guinea. Runners up in both previous competitions, with many of the squad playing in Australia, and hotly tipped as the pre-tournament favourites, their fast running, pinpoint disposal and extremely experienced squad would provide a massive challenge to get any sort of respectable result out of.

The forecast conditions brightened up considerably, and despite a strong wind across and down the pitch, the expected rain did not materialise. This would have been an equaliser for the two teams, with the Brits much more used to the cold and wet conditions, but we would have to make do with what the elements provided.

Right from the siren, this was a different Bulldog's team on the park than that which disappointed against Nauru. Totally committed into the tackle and contest, running tirelessly and providing support, the boys did everything that was asked of them and more. A few lapses of concentration and some possibly generous umpiring did give the PNG squad some chances on goal, and with a strong wind behind them, at quarter time the islanders led by 4 goals.

With the wind at their backs in the second, the Bulldogs enjoyed much more of the ball and play, keeping their southern hemisphere rivals pinned back in their 50 for the majority of the quarter. The first goal came on the board for the Brits after a text-book move out from the middle. PNG managed a couple of scores later in the quarter, and another reply from GB kept the scores tighter than many would have expected.

The Premiership quarter was one of the proudest times spent in a GB shirt over the last 3 years. With a "6-goal wind" at their backs, many would have expected the islanders to put the game away, but the Bulldog's showed incredible heart and commitment to restrict them to a couple of minor scores. Tenacity into the tackles and using the ball intelligently out from the back, the boys rebounded again and again, closing the gap to just 3 goals going into the final period. The centre of the park - sodden and churned up from the previous game - was now a quagmire, and slogging through it sapped the legs of both teams. But the Bulldog's fought on and gave their opponents no quarter, tackling ferociously and producing some inspiring footy.

The elements went fickle on us in the final quarter though, with the wind moving from almost directly behind the guys to directly across the pitch, removing the advantage that PNG has enjoyed for 2 of the quarters. With more opportunity to move the ball forward, the PNG lads broke time and again, but were unable to set up any decent scoring position, with some magnificent defence from all the Bulldogs. Right from the front, the guys harried their opposite numbers and gave them no time to idle on the ball, swiftly (and painfully) punishing any who took a second too long. More scoring opportunities for the Bulldogs tightened the scoreline again, until a well-worked flood of the forward line gave the islanders their final score and put the game just out of reach for a Bulldog's side who had given their all.

Over the years, PNG have put some huge scores past the Bulldogs, posting 20-goal and 10-goal victories in the previous competitions. To get within 3 goals of the tournament favourites - whilst not the result needed to push the team into the top 4 - was an effort unmatched in previous performances, and one that the guys could be justly proud of. The scale of the achievement was amply demonstrated by the attitude of the players coming off the ground, with the Bulldog's once again able to hold their heads high in pride, and the PNG squad with heads bowed, looking more like a team that had just been on the wrong end of the scoreline.

Sporting achievement is often measured by the amount of silverware on a shelf, titles bestowed and medals around your neck. The match against Papua New Guinea showed that more important than these accolades, more important than whether you play at the MCG or on a muddy park ground, is the knowledge that you have 23 guys around you who will give their all, put their bodies through the grinder and keep trying until they drop. Defeated but unbroken, today the Bulldogs represented Great Britain with pride and commitment, and showed that numbers on a board are not the only way of measuring yourself against your opponent.

31st August
We're off! So long Melbourne, we'll be back in a few days. We're off to Warnambool for the regional leg of the competition - Wangaratta in 2005 welcomed us fantastically, so we're all looking forward to heading out to the country and seeing some more of Oz - as well as building up to our crack at the PNG machine.

We've got a run, training session, then off to the official town reception with the other teams. It's a great chance to mingle, catch up with past opposite numbers (I ran into the Samoan half forward I marked for two games in the 2005 comp) and listen to some teams singing and cultural presentations. The American's rendition of "You've lost that loving feeling" gets the most laughs, the Kiwi Haka is definitely the best rehearsed.  

30th August
Another pool session in the morning to recuperate, then a theory session, going through some of the issues we faced against the Nauru lads. A tactics session on the whiteboard, then over to the park to practice all the drills and positioning, then into Optus Oval to catch a reserves match - St Kilda vs Collingwood. Scrappy game, but every time you see it live, you pick up new ideas to try out.

The evening was our first big match - Hawthorn vs Carlton at the Telstra Dome - the Buddy and Fev show. With both going for their 100th goal in the same game, it's an immense occasion. At half time, we do a walkround on the pitch with the other international teams - it's an awesome sight from ground level, and even the Pommie bashing from the crowd doesn't dampen the spirits. Great reception from the pitchside, with a new record set for high-fives with enthusiastic kids.

Buddy gets the magical 100 in the 3rd - the pitch is swamped with supporters for about 15 minutes. Fev is on fire, obviously fighting injury and fatigue, he battles on through double and triple marking to 99, but just can't get the elusive last one.

29th August
Probably the biggest test for the Bulldogs in recent memory, against a Nauru team who put up a spirited and hard performance against favourites PNG. Right from the start, the stall was set out that this would be a bruising encounter. Lots of heavy challenges are to be expected, but the number of late hits and and punches thrown were having an intimidating effect against the Bulldogs squad.

The lads were unable to get any of the fast flowing footy going against the packs of Nauru players onctesting every ball, and they're explosive runs out of the contact gave them more opportunities to set up their forward line, with some high-flying markers taking some great grabs and putting Nauru 5 goals up at the half.

After the half, the message was clear - get back to our game and heads back on the job in hand - not focused on trying to physically match the opponents. Unfortunately the lads' increased effort was not able to match a rampant Nauru side, running in packs and with great speed and agility. Missed tackles really hurt the lads, and the difference kept creeping out until the end of the game, with Nauru taking the game by 7 goals.

A gutted squad headed back to the hotel for the pool recuperation, all knowing that only a win against tournament favourites PNG would keep the dream of a cup win alive. The guys took the opportunity to head out of the hotel in the afternoon and get their minds off the match - the process of getting the campaign back on track starts tomorrow morning.

28th August
With spirits still high from the opening day victory, the lads headed out for a pool recuperation session. Some free time then until the afternoon, when we went through a review of the match, and a chat about the match against Nauru. We knew they would be extremely fit, fast and physical, and we would need to take advantage of their poor discipline while making sure we stuck to the game plan to grind out a victory against them.

27th August
First match! We have a relaxed morning, but head out at lunchtime for our opening group game against the Peace Team. Lots of press attention probably with the hype around the Peace Team and their journey to the competition.

Some nerves were evident across the squad as we got up for our first match in IC 2008. With only 5 survivors from the 2005 campaign, there was a lot of new blood with only last year's victory against Ireland on which to base their expectations.

Watching a few of the other games gave the Brit's a bit of perspective, with the Kiwi's solid against an exciting Samurai's side, and Ireland giving the Fins a warm welcome to their IC debut. After a brief inspection of the pitch and a good warm-up, with the Bulldogs Juniors cheering from the sidelines, the team took to the field to face the Peres Peace Team.

Made up of Israelis and Palestinians, brought together in an effort to promote racial relationships, the team has only been playing together for a matter of months, and this showed against a Bulldogs side determined to show the world that the Pomms can play footy. With fast, flowing footy, playing on more often than not and producing many good scoring opportunities. Coach Charlie Kielty was reasonably happy with the opening exchanges, but stressed at quarter time the need to stick to the game plan.

The Peace Team battled hard throughout the game and never shirked the physical challenges, but inexperience meant their opportunities to move the ball forward with any consistency were limited. Throughout the middle quarters, the Bulldogs fought hard to keep good possession, and started to use the ball much more intelligently as well. The scoreboard kept ticking over, but accuracy was lacking in places, with a few too many behinds produced when advancing players went for goal when hitting a forward target may have been a better option.

Later in the game, a few players took a well-earned rest as the margin increased. With hard games coming up, any chance to safely take a few minutes and get some puff back would be vital. Late in the 4th, one of the few instances of lax marking gave the Peace Team their first clean scoring opportunity, and their jubilation was evident as they got their first goal in international footy.

At the end of the game, the Bulldogs had definitely showed the potential to step their game up in standard, and now would need to do so against the tougher opponents. The support from the junior Bulldogs was loud and welcome, and there were some great performances, most notably from recent code converts Sharpie and Aiden.

26th August
Serious squad training, but Martin and Ads head into the MCG for the International Forum, discussing the future of the game around the world. Very interesting, and great to be part of something like this development, as well as catching up with the organisers from around the world.

In the evening, the squad heads over to the MCG for the official reception - catching up with all the teams, AFL officials. The Saffa's are in great form again, with their "Hello" song to all the teams, and music from local legend  singer/songwriter () tops of the evening before bed.

25th August
First training session - not very much sleep last night for anyone, but we get through it pretty well. James has his work cut out with various rub downs, strappings etc.

General free wandering around in the afternoon. Jules, Whits and I head into Melbourne to meet up with some old Roos - it's great to see the guys again - Oli, Craig and Pratty are in Melbourne, and Tristan makes it over from Perth - great dedication. Nackers is in typical form and falls asleep at the cinema and misses us, and Russ is AWOL, but we have a good evening catching up with the guys.

24th August
We've just landed at Hong Kong, tired but looking for something to eat, or just a massive coffee. Some decent films on the flight, but not as entertaining as seeing Dom try to eat his way through virtually all the food in economy. Apparently James turned down a free upgrade to business class - team solidarity is all very good, but that must go down as a total schoolboy error.

Landing at Melbourne, we're met by Richie, Luke and the news that our kit has still not arrived. Straight to bed now.

IC Day - 23rd August
Surprisingly, we managed to get everybody to the right terminal, onto the plane and on the way to the right country. Wish I'd remembered to book an exit seat, but Jules, Joe and JB snapped them up. Luckily the Putney lads are right at the back of the plane, so I won't get dragged into the impulse press-up competitions.

August 2008 - IC day less than a month
That's it, kit ships and we've sorted insurance - last major items. Need to find ways to raise more to cover what players have put in, need to make sure tickets have the right names, hotel rooms are confirmed...how do we get to the hotel in Melbourne? Another thing to add to the list - why is it still growing? We crossed off half this stuff already didn't we? We had so much time - where did the last year go? Need a break, but far too much stuff left to do. Finals come and go, flipping burgers on grand final day to raise some more funds - the boys have got through the season - now lets get them to the airport. 

July 2008 - IC Day minus 2 months
It's getting hot - and this being Britain - I don't mean the weather. We've just shelled out more than I put down on my first house and the bank account is bare. There's a huge list of stuff that still needs to be covered and we've lost a couple more to injury. Flights and hotels sorted, but we've had to ask the guys for more. We all knew this was a possibility, but we all hoped that we could find someone to work with to get down what we needed the guys to put in. Sleep and leisure time are luxuries right now - finals coming up after the last couple of games - club commitments taking away too much time. Final squad named, I hate this part, impossible to keep everyone happy, got to work through and talk to guys.  

June 2008 - IC Day minus 3 months
Into the season and every week we get another report of a potential injury problem. The squad is working hard in training, making it around the country for sessions, and developing well. It's a tough ask, but we have to ask the guys to dig deep into their pockets again - hotels and kit don't pay for themselves and another promising contact has backed away. With only limited time left, chances of getting a major corporate partner on board are slim, and the kit design has to be in soon, so any logos need to be in. A couple more serious injuries are worrying - are we going to have a squad to take?  

May 2008 - IC Day minus 4 months
ANZAC Day comes and goes - we could have done better in ANZAC Cup, but it was a good chance to see some of the guys in action. A few worrying injuries already, but they've got some time to work themselves out. Another promising sponsor falls through - after some good signs, they fade away, and we're left looking down other channels. This is getting frustrating, but we keep trying.  

 March 2008 - IC Day minus 6 months
Back into training, looking forward to the season ahead. Still looking for that sponsor - between people not returning calls, letters not arriving and a general lack of experience with the sport, it's tough to get someone interested, but a few look promising. We get the players to cough up the first round of personal contributions - not somethign we wanted, but a necessary step to make sure we get there. Need to stress to the guys again that they need to get going on personal sponsorship and fundraising...sorry...HOW MUCH do the airlines want for the tickets?!

 November 2007 - IC Day minus 10 months
We're on a high - we've won the Manchester Cup, defeated the Irish and combined England/Wales teams. It's a great way to end the year, and the team is looking good. Some fundraising is starting to trickle in from various places - the Grim Challenge provides some sponsorship as well as some great photos, but a major corporate sponsor is proving elusive.